Solicitation_Resident USPSC Certifying Officer_GS-12.pdf

American Embassy | Route des Almadies | Dakar, Senegal | www.usaid.gov/senegal

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068521R00012

ISSUANCE DATE: July 26, 2021 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: August 5, 2021 - 11:59 p.m.

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION FOR A RESIDENT HIRE U.S. PERSONAL SERVICES

AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICER (ACO) - SENEGAL

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 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 offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Rodney Stubina, PhD Acting Supervisory Regional Executive Officer

(GMT)

CONTRACTOR

ATTACHMENT 1 72068521R00012

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068521R00012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 26, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 5, 2021 - 11:59 p.m. (GMT)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Recruitment team, usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Authorized Certifying Officer (ACO)

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-12 ($66,829 – $86,881 per annum) (Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.)

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Immediate upon receipt of security/medical clearances

(The duration of the US Personal Services Contract will be for one (1) year, with one (1) one-year option periods, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and continuing need of the position.)

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dakar, Senegal

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Resident U.S. Citizen*

* Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor means a U.S. citizen or resident alien who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country:

(i) for reasons other than employment that provides for repatriation to the U. S., including

(A) with a U.S. government agency;

(B) under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement; or

(C) under any other contract or employment arrangement.

(ii) as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen with employment that provides for repatriation to the U.S., including

(A) with a U.S. government agency;

(B) under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement; or

(C) under any other contract or employment arrangement.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. Background:

USAID/Senegal is seeking a Resident Hire, U.S. Personal Service Contractor Authorized Certifying Officer (ACO) (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) in the Office of Financial Management (OFM).

The contractor will specifically support the payment and accounting sections in OFM. OFM serves as a regional financial management hub providing financial management services and controller support to client missions in the West Africa region, including USAID/Senegal, USAID/Niger, the country offices in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Chad, and the non-presence countries of Cape Verde and The Gambia. These services include financial analysis, financial advisory services, cashiering, budgeting, voucher processing, audit, and monitoring of the Phoenix financial management and accounting system. OFM processes around 3,000 per year.

B. Position Overview:

● Support the OFM Payments Section, including assisting in planning, organizing, assigning, and reviewing work of the Supervisory Voucher Examiner (SVE), four Financial Analyst Assistants, junior VE, and file clerk.

● Serve as the acting SVE in the absence of the incumbent.

● Provide oversight, counseling, and support in payment processing to USG employees throughout the region.

● Provide consultation and advice to the Accounting Section related to the disbursement process.

● With the SVE, shift assignments as required by absence or sudden increases of workload.

● Establish priorities when conflicting demands for service arise.

● Track work in progress and follow up to ensure compliance with the Prompt Pay Act.

● Certify the funds used in E2 during the first level review of travel authorizations.

● Review draft travel authorizations to ensure compliance with applicable travel rules and regulations.

C. Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the general guidance of the Regional Controller and Deputy Regional Controller, serve as the OFM Authorized Certifying Officer for USAID/Senegal and its client missions and country offices.

The duties and responsibilities will consist of the following tasks, but not limited to:

Certifying Payments 55%

● Serve as the primary Authorized Certifying Officer for USAID/Senegal and its client missions including providing guidance in all matters related to the disbursing function. Will have oversight for the review of all vouchers for payment to ensure conformance with the terms of the authorized contract, grant, purchase order, travel authorization and obtaining administrative approval from the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative and payments are in accordance with the Prompt Pay Act. Ensures that disbursements comply with USG and host country laws and regulations. Determines through the Phoenix Accounting Database that funds are obligated and/or committed, and are available for payment of the claim. Ensures that all authorizations, certifications, and other documents are on file.

● Communicating with payees and other mission staff to provide guidance, interpret the agency’s voucher auditing requirements, and/or request clarifying information regarding proposed payments.

● Be held personally and fiduciary responsible for the legality and propriety of payments and shall be expected to perform a separate certification review which is critical part of the voucher check and balance of the internal control system.

● Ensures the Citibank credit card statement is reconciled and all charges can be accounted for and balances resolved.

Travel Authorization Review: 20%

● Review draft travel authorizations to ensure compliance with applicable travel rules and regulations.

● Certify the funds entered by the accountants in E2 during the first level review of travel authorizations.

Payment Internal Controls and Reporting: 15%

● Coordinates with program managers in setting up accounting and tracking systems while integrating financial controls into the implementation mechanisms for each contract or grant within the program sector.

● Assures that financing and reporting procedures, which conform with USAID’s financial and program reporting systems and with the requirements and limitations of USG and cooperating country laws and regulations, are fully considered and set forth in Implementation Letters, grant and contract agreements.

● Provides advice to mission and cooperating country officials on financial management practices and means and methods of financing; the interpretation of USAID accounting and financial reporting regulations and contract reporting requirements.

● The job holder completes projects as assigned by the Controller/Deputy Controller, including identifying and assisting in the development of Phoenix reporting and system applications, including spreadsheets, for use by the RFMO payments section to maintain financial controls.

Advance Monitoring: 10%

● S/He monitors program and OE advances to ensure conformity with advanced aging regulations, and takes action as necessary to bring excess amounts into compliance.

● Drafts bills of collection for any accounts receivable to USAID.

POSITION ELEMENTS

a) Supervision Received: The OFM Authorized Certifying Officer will report directly to the Regional Controller or Deputy Regional Controller in her absence. The ACO will receive general oversight and guidance from the Chief Accountant.

b) Supervision/Oversight Over Others: The contractor will not directly supervise anyone, but may serve as the acting SVE from time to time, and provides general leadership and management guidance to the Payment Division staff, which includes seven Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs).

c) Available Guidelines: Automated Directive Systems, Department of State Standardized Regulations, Federal Travel Regulation, Foreign Affairs Manual, Mission Orders/Notices, Prompt Payment Act, FAR/AIDAR/CFR provisions, Phoenix and E2i manuals.

d) Exercise of Judgment: Exercises a high degree of judgement in developing procedures and internal control measures, applying experience and guidelines to the accounts payable work and in recommending changes or developing solutions to operational problems. Exercises judgement in marrying US Government regulations with common Senegal business customs.

e) Authority to Make Commitments: The ACO has no authority to commit USG funds. However, the

ACO is held personally liable for public funds. The ACO has no public funds in their physical possession, but is personally accountable and may be required to personally reimburse the USG any amount paid that is determined to be illegal or improper.

f) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Daily contact regarding payment procedures and resolution of issues with all levels of Mission personnel at USAID/Senegal, the limited presence client offices and external stakeholders, specifically controllers, contracting officers and their representatives, certifying officers, contractors/grantees/vendors, local government officials, local and international banks and the US Disbursing Offices.

g) Security Clearance: Facilities Access

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a) Education: Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration is required.

b) Work Experience: Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in a financial management capacity required and/or knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrate performance of the duties and responsibilities as outlined above. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with USAID allowances, travel regulations, processes and procedures, including grant and contract payment terms. Other directly related US government or private sector experience, particularly in financial management or working with automated accounting systems will be an advantage..

c) Language Skills: Fluency in English is required. This will be tested.

d) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: A thorough understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and requirements. Strong auditing, analytical and reporting skills combined with high level knowledge of US Government Accounting Systems and familiarity with US Government laws, rules, regulations and procedures. Additionally, incumbent must be a proven team player with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and a quick learner who demonstrates sound judgment and strong communication skills, both oral and written. Analytical, decision-making, and supervisory abilities are required. The incumbent must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, and have the ability to control workflow, organize and schedule work.

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.

Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen;

● All documentation submitted; (See Section IV for requirements);

● Ability to obtain residence permits (and/or requisite visas) and work permits for Senegal (or the demonstrated ability to obtain the required authorizations for employment in Senegal);

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

The final selected offer must obtain both the appropriate level of security and medical clearances within a reasonable period (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected offer). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

Selection Process

After the closing date for receipt of application, a Selection Committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Incomplete applications from applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Required reference checks will be conducted only for shortlisted applicants who meet the specified requirements. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her performance and abilities.

Evaluation factors

a) Professional Experience/Past Performance: 30 points

b) Analytical Skills: 30 points

c) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 25 points

d) Language proficiency: 15 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

In order to be considered for the position, applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be done by the Selection Committee based on the Evaluation Factors.

PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants are required to provide no less than five (5) references with an accurate email address. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written reference in a timely manner. In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/Senegal reserves the right to obtain from previous employers’ relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to: usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov with the Solicitation number in the application submission.

Note that applications from non-U.S. citizens cannot be considered.

Qualified applicants are required to submit:

1. A Cover letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV) attached. The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

2. Offerors are required to provide no less than five (5) references within the last ten (10) years from the offeror's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the offeror's work knowledge and professional experience. Offerors must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

3. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2 which can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/. Offerors should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Offerors are required to complete and sign the AID 309-2 form.

1. Offerors must provide documentation to substantiate that they meet the requirements of a Resident USPSC hire (definition on page 2) or demonstrate ability to obtain the required authorizations for employment in Senegal, such as National ID, passport or Carte d’identité d’étranger.

Please note that all documents must be in English. Incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered.

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:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. Medical History and Examination form (DS-6561)

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

Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

4. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

A U.S Resident-Hire Personal Services Contractor is not eligible for any fringe benefits, differentials, or allowances. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Resident-Hire Contractor is authorized the following benefits:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution;

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (except spouse of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, Military Service and who is covered by their spouse’s Government health insurance policy for health or life insurance under this contract);

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment;

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation;

(f) Annual and Sick Leave.

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, 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.

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 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/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to participate in the oral interview process.

END OF SOLICITATION