Solicitation 72039121R10005 OFM Final (1).pdf

SOLICITATION NO: 72039121R00005

ISSUANCE DATE: February 4, 2021

CLOSING DATE: 5:00 PM Islamabad Time on February 21, 2021

OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS

SUBJECT: USAID/ PAKISTAN - SOLICITATION FOR UNITED STATES PERSONAL SERVICES

CONTRACTOR (USPSC), USPSC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (DEPUTY

CONTROLLER), GS-15 EQUIVALENT

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing services as described in the attached solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

The selected offeror must be able to undergo a thorough background check and obtain a United States Government (USG) security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance.

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

Sincerely, /s/

David Strine Contracting Officer, Office of Executive Management USAID/Pakistan

U.S. Agency for International Development Embassy of the United States of America, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad

Tel: [+92] 51 208 0000 Fax: [+92] 51 208 8061 www.usaid.gov/pk http://www.usaid.gov/pk

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72039121R10005

2. ISSUING DATE: February 4, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 21, 2021 (5pm local time)

4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Financial Management Specialist (Deputy Controller)

5. MARKET VALUE: $110,460 – $143,598 (equivalent to GS-15). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC contract will be for an initial one (1) year period, with four (4), one-year option years. Option years may be exercised based upon satisfactory contractor performance, mutual agreement between the Contractor and USG, continued Mission requirements, and the continued availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Islamabad, Pakistan – with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: SECRET

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. Background:

Provides financial management support and guidance to USAID/Pakistan’s Office of Financial Management (OFM), particularly related to accounting operations including budgeting, accounting, payroll, and payment processing and posting. OFM supports a large and politically visible portfolio ($752 million program pipeline and $15 million per year in operating expense resources). The incumbent will provide uniform guidance and procedures for the financial management and accountability of all operating expense (OE) and program funds available to USAID/Pakistan; provide financial management advice and assistance to the OFM staff members; serve as Certifying Officer; support the Mission’s audit management program as necessary; and be assigned special projects. The candidate will possess advanced financial management and accounting knowledge, as well as strong interpersonal and team building skills. The individual will meet regularly with the Office Director/Controller, as well as with program and technical officers. Moreover, the incumbent will be involved in assessing internal operations in the office to develop recommendations for improvements and corrective actions. The position reports to the Office Director/Mission Controller. Must be able to perform well in a high threat security environment – prior CPC experience is desirable.

The position will provide financial management expertise and support in the following areas:

⮚ Serve as Certifying Officer.

⮚ Manage the accounting operations and staff for the Mission;

⮚ Coordinate funding issues with the Embassy, DOD Disbursing Offices, and USAID/Washington;

⮚ Provide leadership to the OFM staff and Mission DO teams, implementing partners, cooperating agencies, and other country officials relative to financial management practices and procedures;

⮚ Participate in OFM’s audit management program as needed; and ⮚ Complete special projects as assigned, including serving as Acting Office Director/Mission Controller.

B. Basic Function of the Position:

The Financial Management Specialist (Deputy Controller) is the principal Certifying Officer and serves as the focal point for all accounting functions including budgeting, accounting, payroll, payments, and support services to mission management and staff on funding issues and benefit and allowances. Additionally, the incumbent will be involved in the full range of Financial Management functions, including Phoenix accounting, financial analysis, and financial reporting. The contractor will provide mentoring and guidance to the Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) in the Office of Financial Management and serve as an expert resource concerning matters relating to financial management. Serves as Acting Office Director/ Mission Controller as needed.

C. Major Duties and Responsibilities:

● Reporting to the Office Director/Mission Controller, the Financial Management Specialist (Deputy Controller) leads the Operations Section of OFM. The Operations Section is responsible for accounting and funds control, budgeting, financial reporting, administering the Mission’s operating expense and program support funds, 1311 reviews and accruals, voucher processing and payments, payroll, analyzing and posting Intra-Governmental Payments and Collections (IPAC), International Cooperative Administrative Support Service (ICASS) charges, and Treasury reconciliations.

● Duties include managing a professional staff of 16, including a Chief Accountant, seven Accountants, a Voucher Examination Supervisor, six Voucher Examiners, and a Document Control Clerk.

The team processed 3,480 obligations ($211,593,755) and 1,596 payments ($247,391,780) in FY 2019.

Staffing and requirements are undergoing a Mission wide right sizing exercise, making this a critical area going into the next fiscal year.

● The incumbent plays a key role in OFM’s efforts to improve service quality and customer satisfaction. As such, the Financial Management Specialist (Deputy Controller) will be responsible for planning, directing, and administering workloads and procedural improvements for the Operations Section of OFM, including modifying processes to streamline workflow and maximize efficiency.

● Manages the planning, implementation, and monitoring of internal controls for transaction processing, payments, and accounting to safeguard USAID/Pakistan funds. Responsible for overseeing Phoenix, the Agency’s accounting system of record, for data integrity.

● Supervises the analysis and reconciliation of all program and administrative accounts with Treasury, State, and USAID/W. Includes performing 1221 the Cash Reconciliation with Treasury and analyzing the posting of Intra-Governmental Payments and Collections (IPAC).

● Manages quarterly accruals and 1311 reviews for the Mission. Also, responsible for review of monthly advance reports for timely liquidation.

● Serves as Mission's principal authorized Certifying Officer ensuring compliance with provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, Automated Directive System (ADS), Foreign Service Travel Regulations, Mission Orders, and other applicable guidance. Directs the review and processing all types of vouchers, invoices, billings, and collections. Supervises the voucher payment process for the Mission.

● Responsible for the timely liquidation of advances. Works closely with the Financial Analyst staff on program funded advances to implementing partners.

● Approves travel advances for local staff and manages the DBC card, an Agency program using ATM cards for travel advances.

● Manages bills for collection issuance, posting, and follow-up.

● Manages the Mission payroll for all categories of employment including USDH, USPSC, TCNPSC and FSN staff. This includes the processing of time and attendance, and payment of salaries, working with Payroll in Washington, the US Disbursing Office in Thailand, and local banks.

● Advises employees on the processing of payments and other documents concerning entitlements, allowances, travel and leave. Tracks overall annual pay caps for USDH employees.

● Oversees review of annual ICASS invoices and provides support for OIG and OFDA accounting, payroll, and payments at post.

● Gives guidance and support to the Operation Section’s OFM staff to ensure that they possess all the necessary skills and training required to perform their jobs, and that they function effectively in carrying out their required duties.

● When requested, review and clear on financial documents prior to the Office Director/Mission Controller’s review and approval.

● Provide the Mission staff with expert guidance and advice relative to USAID financial management regulations and procedures to address and resolve issues and problems within the office.

● As necessary, assist with the administration and implementation of the Mission’s annual audit plan to ensure that all required audits/reviews/agreed-upon-procedure actions are implemented. Ensure timely Mission response to audit reports (performance/financial/other), and help facilitate and implement, “Management Decisions” and “Final Closure” pertaining to audit recommendations.

● Other duties as assigned including Acting Office Director/Mission Controller while the Office Director/Mission Controller is away from post. This is more frequent than non-CPC posts due to the post's benefit package.

Other Specific Tasks:

● Provide Mentoring and on the job training for financial management staff to develop their understanding of sound business practices, funds control and accountability, USAID policy, internal controls, and supporting business applications like Phoenix, E2, and GLASS.

D. Supervisory Relationship:

Strong leadership, management and supervisory skills are required to manage a professional staff of 16 to include: a Chief Accountant, seven Accountants, a Voucher Examination Supervisor, six Voucher Examiners, and a Document Control Clerk.

E. Supervisory Control:

The position will receive general guidance and supervision from the Office of Financial Management Director (Controller). The incumbent independently carries out assigned work

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

12. POINT OF CONTACT: Completed offers (including required documents - see section IV below) must be submitted electronically to: hrislamabad@usaid.gov. When submitting an application, the solicitation number and the title of the position must be mentioned in the subject line.

Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Anjum Gardezi, Human Resources Specialist, Pakistan, phone: (+92) 51- 201-4093, fax: (+92) 51-233-8061, and to Jamshaid Iqbal, Human Resources Assistant, Pakistan, phone: (+92) 51- 201-5086, E-mail: hrislamabad@usaid.gov.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (accounting, economics, finance or business administration) is required.

Work Experience: At least 10 years of professional accounting and/or financial analysis experience with a US government organization.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

Visas, Security and Medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required visas and security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification. See Section V.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Selection Process and Basis of Evaluation: Offerors who clearly meet the aforementioned minimum education and work experience qualification requirements may be further evaluated through review of the offeror’s submitted required documents (see section IV below) and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors. A competitive range will be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who may be further evaluated through technical tests and interviews to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors. Reference checks will be conducted with the highest-ranked offerors. Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked offerors who have successfully passed the responsibility determination process.

mailto:hrislamabad@usaid.gov mailto:hrislamabad@usaid.gov

Education (15 Points):

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (accounting, economics, finance or business administration) is required.

Work Experience (30 Points):

At least 10 years of professional accounting and/or financial analysis experience with a US government organization.

Knowledge (30 Points):

Must have a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of U.S. professional accounting principles, standards, theories, practices, procedures, and terminology. Position requires an in-depth knowledge of the ADS, USAID accounting policies, procedures and reporting requirements, USG auditing standards, Phoenix policies and procedures, and familiarity with other relevant USG (DOS, GAO, IRS and Treasury) policies and regulations.

Skills and Abilities (25 Points):

Must possess a high level of managerial, analytical and decision-making skills to lead and provide services to a wide range of clients. Carries out assigned duties effectively and independently and must have the ability to provide formal and informal training. Strong leadership, management and supervisory skills are required.

Must be able to create and conceptualize innovative solutions to increase efficiency, improve customer service and meet changing work demands. Must possess the ability to work under high pressure with tight deadlines and have excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills with ability to communicate clearly and effectively with external and internal key officials.

Total points = 100

Education 15 points Professional Experience 30 points Technical Knowledge 30 points Skills 25 points

The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check.

IV. APPLYING

1. Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit all the following documents and information in order to be considered for the position:

a. Completed and signed form AID 309-2,“Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts With Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2. Only include base salary information in box 4 of sections B and C. Do not include bonuses, differentials, cost of living allowances, or other types of compensation. During negotiations, salary history may be verified through pay slips, earnings and leave statements, or other appropriate documentation.

b. A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation;

c. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which, at a minimum, describes education, experience and career achievements relevant to the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation;

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

d. Names of three professional references that have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation, including current and accurate contact information. This information may be included in a cover letter, resume/CV, or in a separate document.

Incomplete/un-signed offers will not be considered.

2. Offers containing all required documents must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to the email Point of Contact in Section I, item 12.

3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors should prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

V. PRE-AWARD DOCUMENTATION / LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

5. Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Visa application forms

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary Visas and Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Visas, Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position.

Within 2 weeks after written notice from the CO that all required Visas and clearances have been received, or unless another date is specified by the CO in writing, the selected offeror shall proceed to Islamabad, Pakistan to perform the services specified in section I, item 10.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section.

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service per Post policy

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable)*:

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(5) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

(6) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9)Education Travel (Section 280)

* Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

Islamabad currently has a 25% Post Differential allowance and 35% Danger Pay, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID.

FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. U.S. Resident hire PSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances. Pakistan is a no-dependent post.

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at:

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPDs/CIBs specifically applicable to this position include:

AAPD 16-03: Expanded Incentive Awards for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

AAPD 15-02 REVISED - Continuation of Deviation from the ‘Leave and Holidays’ clause, including Family and Medical Leave, for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

AAPD 10-03 Amendment 1: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPD 10-03: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs

AAPD 10-01: Personal Services Contracts -- Changes in USG Reimbursement Amounts for Health Insurance and Physical Examination Costs

AAPD 06-10: PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations