Solicitation- Senior AA Specialist LV 112020.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 72066021R00005

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066021R00005

ISSUANCE DATE: November 03, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 24, 2020, 5:00 PM, DRC Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (US/TCNPSC) – Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/DRC

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 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.

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

Sincerely, /S/

Priscilla Sampil Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066021R00005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 03, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 24, 2020 before and/or on 5:00

PM (DRC local time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Christiane Lemba at usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist Note: One or more awards may be made as a result of this solicitation.

6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977 – $120,868 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start on May 2021 or earlier if mandatory clearances are obtained. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise three (3) additional option periods for one (1) year for the dates estimated as follows:”

Base Period: May 09, 2021 to May 08, 2023 Option Period 1 May 09, 2023 to May 08, 2024 Option Period 2 May 09, 2024 to May 08, 2025

Option Period 3 May 09, 2025 to May 09, 2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with possible regional and international travel.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens (USNs) and Third Country Nationals

(TCN).

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidate must obtain Facility Access authorization within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding this clearance to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

This position is located in the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) at USAID/Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The position’s primary purpose is to execute acquisition and assistance actions in support of critical USAID programs in DRC.

The responsibilities of the incumbent include providing support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs in DRC. This includes providing policy guidance, project planning, project design, and implementation and the evaluation of on-going programs.

He/she is responsible for planning, developing, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement and contract management relating to and affecting USAID/DRC assistance programs, policy and project planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. He/she will participate in projects, mission policy formulation, and project design. He/she will develop and execute plans for the procurement of and provide contract management support to achieve program objectives.

This includes training and mentoring of local A&A specialists, AORs/CORS, first tour/entry-level Foreign Service Officers, other staff within USAID/DRC/OAA and the larger mission. The incumbent will demonstrate expertise on training/mentoring the full-range of acquisition and assistance functions.

In addition to training staff, the incumbent will also play a lead role in conducting new implementing partner training, especially in adherence to USAID audit requirements. The incumbent will also be expected to participate as an OAA expert on financial review teams and conduct on-site training and oversight through field visits to activity locations throughout DRC.

Given the sensitivity, scope, and purpose of the role and position of the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist and the critical nature and complexity of the Mission programs that are being implemented in a very fluid political environment, it is essential that the incumbent be able to function as an expert in all technical areas of the assignment, and fulfill the position responsibilities with the supervisor’s complete confidence in their understanding of the assignment and ability to integrate issues, conflicts, continually changing working requirements, creative problem solving, and the introduction of new theories and methods to resolve unique problems.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will provide a full-range of acquisition and assistance support, including but not limited to:

1. The negotiation, award, and administration of both Assistance- and Acquisition-type instruments to accomplish both emergency-response and traditional development programs. He/she prepares pre-award documents, conducts negotiations, and finalizes award documents and award file documentation for a Contracting/Agreement Officer's review and signature. He/she must be available for consultation on contracting issues with Mission technical staff, other in-country U.S. Government officials and representatives, Government of DRC officials, Implementing Partners, and others, as required. This effort requires extensive knowledge of Federal and USAID regulations, and the associated governing guidance (e.g., the FAR and USAID Supplement [AIDAR], CFR, OMB Circulars, FAM, and FTR) for all types of procurements.

2. In addition to the execution of contracts and modifications as identified above, the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist researches and resolves issues, and draft responses in official correspondence as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to: subcontract consent requests, salary approvals, equipment approvals, etc., on a wide variety of contract and assistance awards.

3. Providing expert-level technical assistance to USAID/DRC in the execution of program/project-funded contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, and US Government Agreements, such as PASAs. This entails providing staff support on all aspects of acquisition and assistance activity including: project planning, design, implementation and evaluation;

mission policy development and formulation; project resource assessments, sector analyses, and other studies. He/she serves as a primary contractual advisor to major development program initiatives and activities in the Mission. He/she prepares and negotiates modifications of basic contractual text, terms and conditions, specifications, scopes of work, program descriptions, and costs in the full range of award instruments.

He/she plans for and provides procurement and contract management support to accomplish program objectives, and proper and timely administration of all assigned Acquisition and Assistance awards. This includes clarifications and interpretations of directive correspondence, and miscellaneous administrative modifications to procurement instruments. He/she seeks resolution and settlement of contract disputes, termination and settlement of procurement instruments, close outs, and reporting of contractor performance. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist composes and prepares all contractual correspondence, signing within their own delegated authority or for a Contracting Officer’s signature.

4. Serving as the office’s lead in training and mentoring on USAID acquisition and assistance procedures. This includes training less-experienced local OAA staff, USAID technical and other mission staff, and local implementing partners. The incumbent manages the office’s routine training responsibilities and mentors local staff to be able to deliver the trainings.

5. Serving as a lead role in preparing mission responses to Regional Inspector General (RIG) audit reports. The incumbent will be expected to transfer audit response skills to local staff.

6. Serving as a senior and trusted policy and technical advisor to the Supervisory Contracting Officer, and the U.S. Mission to DRC on all manner of Acquisition and Assistance issues.

He/she will speak for the Supervisory Contracting Officer on technical Acquisition and Assistance matters, as directed by the Supervisory Contracting Officer or as required.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will receive supervision, policy direction, and guidance from the Supervisory Contracting Officer (Director, Office of Acquisition and Assistance) or his/her designee, located in USAID/DRC. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is expected to function at an expert level with minimal supervision.

4. Supervisory Controls

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative. Such initiative is critical to the success of the assignment; however, the actions and decisions of the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be discussed with the Office Director, and all acquisition instruments will be signed by the supervisor who is the Mission Contracting/Agreement Officer.

Overall management of the Office is in a collaborative team environment, with the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist participating fully in the process. Specific work plans and anticipated results are developed in consultation with the OAA Team. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist performs most assignments independently, providing leadership to others involved in the management of the OAA portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of the acquisition instruments. The work is reviewed in terms of achievement of established milestones, and the appropriateness of program/project activity focus.

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will meet weekly with the Office Director or his/her designee to update him or her on the progress of agreed upon milestones for projects.

If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 06 hours/week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. The primary location of work will be in Kinshasa, DRC. Work in the office is expected to be mostly sedentary. Secondary locations may include Implementing Partner offices and field offices, construction and project site field locations, the location of program beneficiaries in rural and in urban areas, Government of DRC departments and offices and the offices of bi- and multi-lateral donors and NGOs, and attendance at conferences and training. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist may occasionally face challenging living and working conditions while in travel status. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will also face heavy workload and in-country travel is anticipated to be a requirement of the position.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

The education, experience and language factors below determine basic eligibility for the position.

Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

1. Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Purchasing, Economics, Finance, Law, International Relations, Marketing, Accounting, Industrial Management, Quantitative Methods or other related fields is required.

2. Prior Work Experience:

Applicant must have a minimum of eight years hands-on continuous, progressive experience in execution of U.S. Government or similar International Organizations procurements (or in performance of Acquisition and Assistance type services).

3. Language:

• The candidate must be fluent in English (Level IV) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Written English capability to prepare correspondence and contractual documentation in a professional and competent manner requiring little or no editorial changes.

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.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the four (4) Quality Ranking Factors listed below. The applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor. Please provide a word count after each response.

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE (35 points):

• A proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement in the A&A field; the incumbent is expected to be an expert in the field of USG acquisition and assistance procedures.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible hands-on experience in Acquisition (Contracts, Purchase Orders) and Assistance (Grants and Cooperative Agreements) policies and procedures execution, administration, termination, cost and analysis, procurement planning, and analysis and evaluation of proposals is required.

• Demonstrated experience in cradle-to-grave (pre-award, negotiation/award and post-award/administration) of all types of A&A instruments is required.

• Experience must demonstrate knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; knowledge of cost principles; knowledge of cost reimbursable contracts and performance based contracting procedures.

• Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills, contract execution and demonstrated experience in making formal presentations to senior organization officials is required.

• Demonstrated ability to function in a high risk environment.

KNOWLEDGE (50 points):

• Demonstrated strong knowledge of USG and USAID policies and procedures pertaining to Acquisition and Assistance.

• Mastery of procurement regulations and contracting principles including the latest acquisition procedures and techniques is required. An in-depth understanding of U.S. Government procurement rules and regulations is imperative.

• A thorough and complete knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio in accordance with USG regulations.

• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the ability to work with the regulatory context of the FAR is essential. In addition, knowledge of the following is required:

▪ USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR)

▪ U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

▪ Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars

▪ USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs/CIBs)

▪ USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS)

▪ USAID Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs)

SKILLS & ABILITIES (15 points):

• Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability and willingness to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team.

• Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation.

• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID Implementing Partners, international organizations, and host country government officials.

• Attention to detail, good analytical skills, and excellent organizational skills to perform the pre-and post-award functions.

• Discretion, tact and the ability to work under accelerated schedules and deadlines and to effectively complete required actions.

• Must be able to maintain and adhere to high standards of professional conduct.

• Must be able to function as a leader during contract negotiations, and personally negotiate the majority of assigned contracts.

• Must demonstrate an ability to mentor and assist staff in the award and administration of contracts and agreements.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills and the ability to work independently.

• Good coordination, teamwork and organizational skills to manage multi-cultural work setting are required.

• Computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., so as to independently prepare correspondence and documentation are also required.

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

Total Possible Points: 100 points

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 evaluated and scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates may be requested to complete a writing sample and be interviewed either in person, by telephone or videoconference at USAID’s discretion.

Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an 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 at the conclusion of evaluations.

The security clearance and medical clearance are required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks at the conclusion of evaluations.

“USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.”

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.

4. Letter of application/cover letter.

5. Current resume/CV.

6. Supplemental document specifically addressing the three QRFs (Work Experience, Knowledge and Skills & Abilities).

7. Application must be submitted ONLY via usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: 72066021R00005 - Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/DRC.

8. Late and incomplete 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:

● Security Eligibility/Facility Access

● Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS (if applicable):

(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 http://www.usaid.gov/forms

2. ALLOWANCES (if applicable):

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) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

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

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650).

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. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 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 negotiations 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 negotiations with

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

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 negotiations with

Contractor_

3001 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 negotiations with

Contractor_

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 .

END OF SOLICITATION