USAID_Project_Management_Assistant_DG._Solicitation_USAID-2018.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: USAID-522-2018-02

ISSUANCE DATE: January 31, 2018 CLOSING DATE/TIME: February 14, 2018 1700 Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1800 Eastern Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCN/TCN PSC) - Local Compensation Plan

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 a Cooperating Country National (CCN) 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.

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 the attached information.

Sincerely, Clinton Branam Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 USAID-522-2018-02

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: USAID-522-2018-02

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 31, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 14, 2018

4. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Assistant (DG)

5. MARKET VALUE: L. 332,068.00 – L. 564,516.00 equivalent to FSN-08 in addition to a generous benefits package, as contained in the Local Compensation Plan (LCP). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Employment under this contract is of a continuing nature.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Honduras, Democracy and Governance Office (DG), with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: CCN/FSN standard clearance.

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Basic Function of Position

The USAID Project Management Assistant (DG Office Program and Logistics) position is located in the Democracy and Governance (DG) Office and directly reports to the Deputy DG Officer. The incumbent serves as the DG Office Program and Logistics Assistant and advisor throughout democracy and governance activities with emphasis on tasks related to personnel vetting responsibilities, travel and logistics support, and improved office efficiencies and information management.

Through undertaking the assigned responsibilities, the incumbent will contribute to actions related to strategy development, project design approvals, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, analyses, assessments, evaluations and close-out of programs, activities/projects, and/or assistance objectives/operational plans in close conjunction with more senior DG Office staff. The incumbent will collaborate with USAID and other U.S. Government (USG) colleagues in Honduras as well as with USAID in Washington, D.C. and with mid-level colleagues from the local donor community and from national government, and non-governmental organizations. The majority of the incumbent’s time will be spent in Tegucigalpa with occasional travel required to other departments in Honduras. He/she will be required to coordinate and participate in a wide variety of technical activities and attend meetings, monitor programs, recommend solutions to problems that arise, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations in support of the array of DG Office programs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Developing, planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring a system for beneficiary vetting

(particularly related to police, justice, and other Government of Honduras (GOH) personnel proposed for assistance or travel) in accordance with Department of State and USAID policies and regulations. (30%)

− Develops a highly-detailed and professional knowledge of the policies and procedures related to the Leahey and other USG and U.S. Embassy vetting processes.

− Ensure that all persons requiring vetting receive clearance before assistance occurs or are informed that no clearance has been obtained.

− Develops and maintains professional working relationships with other vetting specialists in the US Mission and remains abreast of any policy or procedural developments.

2. Support to activity managers in the upkeep and organization of program document and files. This will include assisting DG activity managers ensure that all files/required documentation is complete, organized and maintained to an auditable standard and will also involve the creation of tools to manage information of interest to the entire DG Office. (20%)

− Ensure that all filed documentation is well organized, and complete.

− In partnership with activity managers, supports the management of paper and electronic files for all activities/programs in the DG Office.

− Maintains a tracking system for outstanding documentation required for proper file management and organization.

3. Developing and implementing ideas and processes to improve internal and external office efficiencies, to include testing and implementation of ideas and tools related to improving communication techniques, managing meetings and collaboration, as well as taking notes in a wide array of meetings. (20%)

− Plays a significant role in the identification of office inefficiencies and develops viable solutions to address these inefficiencies.

− Represents the DG Office in Managing for Efficiencies and Effectiveness (MfEE) events and presentations.

− Ensures that the DG Office incorporates and utilizes MfEE concepts and processes, including improving the way that the DG team collaborates and plans/conducts meetings.

− Creates and maintains systems for tracking events and tasks for the DG Office.

4. Overseeing the application and management of new protocols and procedures for reviewing all public-private partnerships that are being developed by DG Office programs to ensure compliance with Program/Activity Development policies and/or Management Work. (15%)

− Ensure DG Office due diligence procedures and compliance with USAID/Honduras policies and procedures for reviewing and documenting all potential and actual public-private partnerships.

− Maintain documentation to certify DG compliance with policy; at times explaining policy and procedures to DG staff.

5. Supporting, managing, and monitoring a system for logistics support to the DG office. This will include managing travel arrangements, vouchering, and undertaking event or other related planning activities. (15%)

− Manage the Mission and Embassy systems and processes related to travel and event planning for all staff within the DG Office (including Temporary Duty (TDY) travelers).

− Ensure staff compliance with (and understanding of) USAID/Honduras policies and procedures for travel.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

Supervision Received:

With reasonable oral instructions or suggestions the incumbent is directly supervised by the Deputy DG Officer. However, work may also come from higher-level staff. The job holder must independently plan and carry out assignments and is responsible for the accuracy of his/her work.

Work is reviewed primarily in terms of results achieved upon completion, rather than the detail of work while in progress.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision of other USAID staff is not contemplated.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All interested candidates. All applicants must be a naturalized citizen of the host country or must have the required work permit or documentation that permits the applicant to work legally in the country in order to be eligible for consideration.

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

12. POINT OF CONTACT:

Department of State - Human Resources Office:

Telephone: 2236-9320, Ext. 4743 E-mail: TGGUSAID@state.gov

USAID/Honduras – Human Resources Office:

Telephone: 2236-9320, Ext. 4583 E-mail: tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: University studies in the areas of business administration, political science, international relations, project management, public administration, social sciences or related field is required.

b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in improving office efficiencies, communication, logistics, organization of complex administrative systems, or managing complex processes that require attention to detail. Within this experience, at least two (2) years of experience in development and implementing project management controls, files and event organization and facilitation is required.

c. Post Entry Training: Programming Foreign Assistance (PFA), Global Acquisition and

Assistance System (GLAAS), Monitoring and Evaluation, and Ethics training should be completed. Training in USAID’s strategy, policy, rules, regulations, programs and mailto:TGGUSAID@state.gov mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov documentation, other Agency specific courses which may be required to fulfill certain responsibilities, File management training, Communication and Collaboration, , and others related to the job. These training courses will be provided as long as the resources and opportunities are available. Extensive on-the-job training will also be provided.

d. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) in English and Level IV in Spanish. Good working knowledge of the written and spoken language. Job holder will be able to read and understand, for example, regulations, instructions and related material concerning the field of work, and to prepare correspondence and standardized reports. Job holder will be able to communicate effectively with staff and members of the public in the language. This will be tested.

e. Job Knowledge: A good understanding is required on Honduran systems, institutions, practices, and procedures within Honduran institutions, civic participation, service delivery, transparency, and good governance. Must have a good understanding of modern office systems; file management; logistics; event planning; communication and collaboration techniques, and the technology that supports these tasks. Understanding of ethics, inclusion, participatory processes, facilitation of events, and conflict management is preferred.

f. Skills and Abilities: Must have a solid understanding of Microsoft Office, Google, and other common software applications. Must be able to understand Mission/USG strategies, policies, and regulations in complex and politically sensitive areas such as vetting and review of beneficiaries and potential public private partnerships. Leadership and initiative to contribute to improved efficiencies of office operations and the management of new and innovative communication and collaboration tools in a complex office environment with minimal supervision – all while employing a team-based approach. Ability to establish and maintain functional professional relationships will all office personnel, GOH and US Embassy officials, NGOs and contractors. Analytical and ability to transmit complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. Ability to perceive, anticipate, and adapt to changing circumstances, understand complex and politically sensitive issues. Tact, diplomacy, and discretion must be exercised as all work is performed in a politically sensitive environment. Ability to work under pressure and to be able to use computer-based technology and software, as well as paper filing systems. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Candidates that meet the minimum requirements, as outlined in the solicitation, will be evaluated and ranked based on the following adjectival evaluation criteria and characteristics:

Exceptional:

· A comprehensive and thorough application of exceptional merit.

· Candidate meets and fully exceeds the Government expectations and presents very low risk or no overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

· Strengths significantly outweigh any weaknesses that may exist.

Very Good:

· A candidate demonstrating a strong grasp of the requirements of the position.

· Candidate meets position requirements and presents a low overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

· Strengths significantly outweigh any weaknesses that exist.

Satisfactory:

· A candidate demonstrating a reasonably sound application and a good grasp of the position requirements.

· Candidate meets position requirements and presents a moderate overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

· Strengths outweigh weaknesses.

Marginal:

· The candidate shows a limited understanding of the requirements.

· Candidate meets some or most of the position requirements, but presents a significant overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

· Weaknesses equal or outweigh any strengths that exist.

Unsatisfactory:

· The candidate does not meet the position requirements.

· Presents an unacceptable degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

· Deficiencies and significant weaknesses demonstrate a lack of understanding of the Government’s needs.

· Weaknesses and or deficiencies significantly outweigh any strengths that exist.

IV. PRESENTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit the following:

a) Cover Letter;

b) Universal Application for Employment (UAE) as a Locally Employed Staff or Family

Member (DS-174), which may be found in this website:

https://hn.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/;

c) A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the form DS-174; plus

d) Any other documentation such as diplomas or proof of the education requirement listed above.

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, item 12 in English via a single .PDF file entitled “FIRST NAME_LAST NAME.PDF” to both e-mail addresses:

TGGUSAID@state.gov tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

E-mail subject must be as follows: “USAID Project Management Assistant (DG)”. The PDF file should not exceed 20MB. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

3. Interested applicants may also hand-carry applications and deposit in the drop box located at the entrance of the American Embassy, Post # 3, Avenida San Carlos.

The US Mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras 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. The Department of State 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.

See http://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/latin-american-and-caribbean/honduras for additional information https://hn.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/ mailto:TGGUSAID@state.gov mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/latin-american-and-caribbean/honduras

V. 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. Completed DS-174 form.

2. Copy of your Honduran ID card.

3. Copy of your Driver's License if you have one.

4. Croquis of your current home address.

5. An original and current "Constancia de Antecedentes Policiales" from División Policial de Investigaciones (DPI).

6. An original and current "Constancia de Antecedentes Penales" from the Honduran Court System.

All candidates for employment with the US Mission must pass a background/security investigation and a medical certification. Any employment offer with the US Mission is contingent upon a candidate’s ability to secure the necessary certifications.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

Bonuses: Christmas Bonus, Vacation bonus and 14th month bonus

Medical, Optical, Dental, and Life Insurance. The Mission pays the full premiums for employee’s life and medical insurance and pays 80% of the premiums of the medical insurance for dependents.

Local Retirement Plan. The Mission contributes 10% from the employee’s Basic Annual Salary and the employee a minimum of 5% of the Basic Annual Salary.

Annual Leave according to the following:

Completion of 1 year 112 Hours (14 working days) Completion of 2 years 120 Hours (15 working days) Completion of 3 years 136 Hours (17 working days) Completion of 4 years or more 184 Hours (23 working days)

1040 hours of Sick Leave per calendar year.

Entitlement of American and Local Holidays.

VII. TAXES

Employees are expected to pay each just financial obligation in a proper and timely manner, especially one imposed by law, such as local taxes. In this context, "in a proper and timely manner" means in a manner which does not, under the circumstances, reflect adversely on the U.S. Government as the employer. If an employee refuses or fails to pay his/her financial obligations, this will constitute valid grounds for separation, without liability for severance or notice on behalf of the U.S. Government.

U.S. Citizens/U.S. Residents under Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contracts (CCN PSC) are subject to U.S. tax withholding (federal income taxes, OASDI, and Medicare).

U.S. taxes are deducted in lempira equivalent.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO

PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. 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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

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

3. All applicable Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals are 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 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 https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations