Solicitation - Deputy Controller Liberia.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066923R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: May 17, 2023 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 16, 2023, 17:30 pm Local Time, Monrovia, Liberia

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC), or Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) – Deputy Controller, Office of Financial Management.

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this 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.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment.

Sincerely, Marc Griego Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066923R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 17, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 16, 2023, 17:30 pm Local Time, Monrovia, Liberia

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Marc Griego, EXO and Pheta Morris, HR Specialist, email at LiberiaHR@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Deputy Controller

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908 - $129,878, equivalent to GS-14. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: For two base years, with three - additional one-year options for a total of five years, estimated to start on 10/01/2023 Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for a period for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

The base period will be 10/02/2023 – 10/01/2025, estimated to start on 10/01/2023.

Base Period: 10/02/2023 - 10/01/2025

Option Period 1: 10/02/2025 - 10/01/2026

Option Period 2: 10/02/2026 - 10/01/2027

Option Period 3: 10/02/2027 - 10/01/2028

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Monrovia, Liberia with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens, Permanent Residents/ Resident Aliens, and Third Country Nationals. Applicant must:

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled SUBMITTING AN

OFFER.

● Be able to obtain facility access authorization.

● Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

● Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

Note: Although open to both U.S. and TCN candidates, preference will be given to offers received from U.S. candidates, and TCN offerors will only be considered if there are no qualified U.S. candidates available.

mailto:LiberiaHR@usaid.gov

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access. The final selected candidate must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BACKGROUND:

USAID is the largest bilateral donor in Liberia and maintains close relationships with a range of Government of Liberia (GOL) counterparts. Its development program focuses resources in four technical areas: Democracy and Governance, Economic Growth, Health, and Education.

The technical offices are supported by four support offices – Program & Project Development (PPD), Acquisition & Assistance (OAA), Financial Management (OFM), and Executive Office (EXO). As a Performance Management Focus Country, USAID/Liberia spearheads several USAID initiatives: Feed-the-Future, the Global Health Initiative, and the President's Malaria Initiative. The Mission has a robust localization program with several key activities implemented by local actors, including the Government of Liberia and other local organizations. Liberia ranks among the world’s poorest countries in terms of per capita GDP.

It is in the bottom six percent in the UNDP 2020 Human Development Index. The country is also characterized by pervasive corruption impacting the delivery of social services. As a result, the Mission has a strong focus on strong financial management controls and accountability systems.

I. OVERVIEW

The Incumbent serves in a highly specialized capacity encompassing the provision of financial management services for management operations, program and development activities, and the management and oversight of Office of Financial Management (OFM) operations and staff. The Deputy Controller/Financial Management Specialist (FMS) is in charge of strategic and technical affairs of OFM operations including accounting, payments, reporting, internal controls, procedures development and financial management and monitoring of program activities. In the absence of the Controller, the Deputy Controller/FMS assumes duties and responsibilities of that role, which may or may not include certification of payments. The Deputy Controller/FMS serves as one of the Mission’s senior subject matter experts in Partner Governments Public Financial Management, leading USAID/Liberia’s approach to direct financing with local organizations and the host government. The Incumbent has the ability to advise senior management on a wide range of financial management operations and public financial management, which is used to frame the Mission’s internal and external engagements.

Given the size and complexity of the Liberia portfolio, this challenging and demanding position requires a senior/experienced financial management professional who has prior U.S. Government financial operations experience, proven leadership skills, extensive professional experience, and excellent communication skills including professional writing and speaking. The position is in the OFM and reports directly to the Mission Controller.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Management of Financial Operations:

The Deputy Controller/FMS coordinates the financial management operations of USAID/Liberia, managing an OE budget of $8 million and program budget of$119 million.

S/he leads various OFM units to develop all financial management information provided to the mission directors, and office directors, to support strategic decisions of surrounding development activities. S/he directs complex mandatory financial reporting, considering varying business practices, diverse reporting requirements, and varying restrictions placed on funding by the US Congress known as earmark restrictions. The Incumbent possess a highly sophisticated level of competency and knowledge of USG regulations. S/he supervises the operations of the mission's payment office managing disbursements of over $160M per year. Incumbent's technical expertise ensures all payments in dollars to vendors comply with provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, Foreign Service Travel Regulations, and other applicable payment guidance. S/he supervises all operations of the Mission's accounting office, which encompass a comprehensive accounting system for operating and program expenses, advances, payables, non-expendable property, collections, and budget allowance limitations. S/he oversees the reconciliation of fund balances with the U.S. Treasury and U.S.

Disbursing Offices. S/he works to address/resolve previous audit findings and ensure timely recording of all transactions. Incumbent applies superior technical expertise to ensure accounting and reporting of all dollar obligations, commitments and disbursements of USAID/Liberia follows USG regulations. Incumbent leads USAID/Liberia financial statement audit (GMRA) efforts and works with/responds to auditors. S/he leads and/or coordinates the Mission's annual internal control assessment {FMFIA) for the financial operations and ensures implementation of corrective actions. S/he is authorized to make decisions relating to the integrity of financial operations and reporting.

b. Technical Expertise: Policies, Procedures, and Financial Management Support and Analysis:

The Deputy Controller/FMS provides high level financial and technical advice to the Mission and financial analysis and advisory services on all financial aspects of development assistance projects and administrative services. S/he leads service delivery overseeing all facets of financial operations for development and humanitarian assistance. The Deputy Controller/FMS researches, identifies, recommends, and leads the implementation of agency best practices in all areas of OFM operations, including distribution of shared administrative costs, accrual and pipeline management, financial reporting, including year-end requirements such as 1311 reviews, reconciliations, annual budget preparation, monthly and quarterly closings, etc. The incumbent also serves as one of the principal financial management advisors, providing uniform guidance and procedures for risk and financial management, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other Mission assets. S/he also guides and advises on recommended solutions for function and improvements to financial systems as well as provides technical guidance to staff when needed. Other responsibilities include reviewing OFM processes to identify strengths and weaknesses, including bottlenecks, and to the extent required, modify processes to streamline workflow and develop policies and procedures to eliminate inefficiencies.

c. Develop and Foster Host Country Partnerships:

The Deputy Controller/FMS provides technical leadership in the performance of various types of assessments of local partners (host government and local organizations) financial management systems; and conducts audits, risk assessments, financial reviews, and periodic financial monitoring visits of the local organizations operations. The incumbent advises USAID/Liberia’s technical teams with the planning, implementation, and learning of its ongoing and planned Government-to Government (G2G) activities with GOL and Liberia’s local organizations. As such, s/he may work with senior officials from various GOL ministries, bilateral and multilateral donors working in the Public Financial Management (PFM) area, and other professional accounting, auditing, legal, and procurement consultants. S/he participates in the conduct of relevant financial management training and technical assistance aimed at strengthening PFM systems. S/he also supports the implementation of ongoing Risk Mitigation Plans for monitoring and engagement with partners including efforts aimed at building the capacity of local Partners. S/he will assist in leading OFM with implementing appropriate corrective actions to strengthen internal controls, financial management systems and related policies and procedures.

d. Supervision and Management of Human Resources:

The Deputy Controller/FMS is responsible for management oversight of the Budget and Accounting, and Payment staff which includes 6 financial management professionals. S/he works with the Controller to develop the long-term strategic plan of OFM including the identification of human resource needs. S/he supervises and guides the career development of 6 OFM staff, including coaching, identification of training needs. S/he leads technical evaluation committees for the recruitment of OFM staff, plans, organizes and schedules the work of the subordinates including the establishment of performance plans, preparation of performance evaluations, and providing career counseling when necessary.

Supervision Relationship:

The Deputy Controller works closely with, but relatively independent of the Controller.

Supervisory Controls:

The Deputy Controller supervises six professional finance employees and is also responsible for the work results of and provides guidance (directly or indirectly) to 13 finance professionals in OFM.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:

a) Education: Minimum qualification includes a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business.

b) Work Experience: A minimum of ten years of professional accounting and/or financial management experience, with a U.S. Government Agency or an American or large international development organization is required, including a minimum of ten years of supervisory experience.

c) Language Proficiency: Fluent level of English (Level IV) in reading, writing, and speech.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference check, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter.

USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

1. EVALUATION FACTORS WHICH REQUIRE SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN RESPONSE

(NOT TO EXCEED THREE PAGES IN TOTAL)

Those applicants who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their application as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills. On a supplement document included with the application package, applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples to address each factor. The supplemental document should not exceed three (3) pages; any information beyond 3 pages will not be read. Applicants should describe specifically and accurately experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the factor. Applicants should include their name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors will result in the applicant not receiving full credit for pertinent experience.

FACTOR #1: - Professional Experience - Describe a minimum of ten years of professional accounting and/or financial management experience, with a U.S. Government Agency or an American or large international development organization is required, including a minimum of ten years of supervisory experience.

FACTOR #2: Technical Knowledge - Describe your comprehensive and thorough knowledge of Policies, Procedures, and Financial Management Support and Analysis of U.S. financial management operations including U.S. professional accounting principles, standards, theories, practices, procedures, and terminology. Describe your in-depth knowledge of the ADS, USAID accounting policies, procedures and reporting requirements, USG auditing standards, Phoenix policies and procedures, and familiarity with risk assessments of local https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far partners (host government and local organizations) financial management systems, including periodic financial monitoring visits of the local organizations operations.

FACTOR #3: Skills - Describe your level of managerial, analytical and decision-making skills to lead and provide services to a wide range of clients. Describe your ability to carry out assigned duties effectively and independently and your ability to provide formal and informal training. Describe your experience exercising strong leadership, management and supervisory skills. Describe your ability to create and conceptualize innovative solutions to increase efficiency, improve customer service and meet changing work demands. Describe your ability to work under high pressure with tight deadlines and your interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills with ability to communicate clearly and effectively with external and internal key officials.

2. BASIS OF RATING

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on the scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The Applicant rating System is as follows:

Evaluation Factors (Interview Performance) Points FACTOR #1: Professional Experience 30 points FACTOR #2: Technical Knowledge 30 points FACTOR #3: Skills 40 points

Total Possible Points 100 points

Interview questions will revolve around the candidate’s ability to demonstrate their experience, technical knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties and responsibilities for this position.

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. Application must be submitted ONLY via LiberiaHR@usaid.gov , and the email subject must read: 72066923R00003 - Deputy Controller. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

4. A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, not to exceed 3 pages. Please do not submit more than one application.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:LiberiaHR@usaid.gov

5. A minimum of three (3) professional references with telephone and e-mail contacts, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference provided should be a current or former supervisor.

6. A supplemental document in Microsoft Word or PDF with a written response to the Evaluation Factors listed above not to exceed three (3) total pages for both Evaluation Factors.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)

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

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

4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC or TCNPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

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

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(e) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(g) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(h) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(j) Education Travel (Section 280)

VII. TAXES

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=134&menu_id=75 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=134&menu_id=75 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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

TCNPSCs are responsible for their own tax payments in accordance with home country and host country laws. No deductions for tax purposes will be made by USAID.

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/ads/policy/300/aidar

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

Item No (A)

Services (Description) (B)

Qty (C)

Unit (D)

Unit Price (E)

Amt (F)

Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 Lot $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiation s with Contractor

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 Lot $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiation s with Contractor

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 Lot $ _TBD_ $_TBD at Award after negotiation s with Contractor https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 Lot $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiation s with Contractor

Total Estimated Cost [base + options]

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.

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.

5. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

END OF SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Liberia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

USAID/Liberia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov