SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-12-000011
ISSUANCE DATE: April 11, 2012
CLOSING DATE: May 11, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EDT
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Regional Advisor in Nairobi, Kenya
Ladies/Gentlemen:
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Regional Advisor under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.
Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.
Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:
- Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed).
NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in the "Applying" section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "Applying" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.
- Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.
Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to:
GlobalCorps
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20045
E-Mail Address: ranairobi@globalcorps.com
Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244
Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:
Amanda Kitch or Allison Moses
Telephone Number: (202) 661-9349 or (202) 661-9366
E-Mail Address: ranairobi@globalcorps.com
Website: www.globalcorps.com
Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244
Sincerely,
Lance Butler III
Contracting Officer
Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Regional Advisor
1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-12-000011
2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 11, 2012
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: May 11, 2012, 5:00 pm EDT
4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Advisor
5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent ($84,697 - $ 110,104 - not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) option years
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya
There may be an initial training program in Washington, D.C. for three months, which will include formal classroom training and on-the-job training; and may include security training. After completion of Washington training, the Regional Advisor will be assigned to the place of performance.
8. STATEMENT OF WORK
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Background
The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into three divisions. The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs) including the United Nations (UN) agencies, and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. This division also oversees OFDA's non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction. DRM also coordinates with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. DRM devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and man-made disaster situations. It encompasses a group of technical sector specialists who provide expert capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and disaster risk reduction activities. The Program Support Division (PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning and guidance, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA’s Washington and field offices. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical and operational support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), coordinating and supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and the Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs) as needed.
Introduction
To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to disasters worldwide, OFDA has established six permanent regional offices in Budapest, Hungary; San Jose, Costa Rica; Nairobi, Kenya; Dakar, Senegal; Pretoria, South Africa; and Bangkok, Thailand; and three sub-regional offices in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Cairo, Egypt and Jakarta, Indonesia.
The regional offices are headed by Principal Regional Advisors (PRAs) who report to the Disaster Response Team Leader in Washington. PRAs serve as the regional team leader for all response, preparedness and disaster risk reduction activities. They primarily serve as the key interlocutor with embassies and missions in the event of a disaster but may also serve as DART leader if needed. They are principally responsible for managing the regional offices, monitoring all grants on humanitarian assistance program implementation, overseeing the sub-regional offices, as appropriate, supervising the office staff, and developing, in consultation with their respective Washington-based Regional Coordinators, the multi-year response program strategies for their respective regions. The PRAs coordinate with OFDA/Washington on disaster response activities, determine program priorities, and identify and formulate disaster preparedness, mitigation and training programs for their respective regions. The Regional Advisors (RAs) reporting to the PRAs ensure that OFDA’s objectives for disaster response and assistance, strategic reporting and analysis are met. The RAs are responsible for monitoring and reporting on OFDA-funded programs and activities, and formulating disaster response, preparedness, mitigation and training programs for the region.
OBJECTIVE
OFDA requires the services of a RA in Nairobi, Kenya to ensure OFDA’s ability to respond to humanitarian emergencies and monitor ongoing programming in East and Central Africa.
9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This RA position requires an individual who is able to travel outside of the country where they are based, on short notice for two to three weeks at a time, or longer, on occasion. The incumbent will serve as the primary contact and liaison for on-going disaster activities related to disaster response, preparedness, mitigation and training programs. The incumbent will work to increase the capability of host governments, IOs, and NGOs to respond and prepare for disasters in the affected region. The RA will be responsible for disaster analysis, program monitoring, overseeing NGO partner implementation, reporting to OFDA Washington, and liaising with USAID Missions and U.S. Embassies.
A) Disaster Response - Working directly under the guidance and supervision of the respective PRA, the incumbent will:
- Travel to the scene of a disaster or potential disaster and assist in initial assessments of damages and needs; determine appropriate relief assistance and emergency interventions, in consultation with OFDA/Washington and/or the PRA; and provide timely reporting cables and other written analysis of these events;
- Coordinate and liaise with representatives of host governments, donor governments, IOs, NGOs, U.S. Embassies, and USAID Missions to facilitate cooperation and coordination in disaster response activities;
- Monitor DCHA/OFDA-funded activities and report in accordance with OFDA guidelines, policies, and requirements;
- Serve as DART Team Leader as required or as a DART team member during a disaster response;
- Maintain regular communications with the regional (and/or sub-regional) office in their area of responsibility and with OFDA/Washington;
- Prepare specific requested field information and subject reports, as required by OFDA/Washington.
B) Disaster Preparedness - Working closely with OFDA/Washington and drawing on the skills and technical expertise within the office and available through inter- and intra-agency agreements, the incumbent will assist representatives of host government organizations, IOs, and NGOs in the development of strong emergency and disaster preparedness/mitigation programs.
Specifically, the incumbent, in collaboration with OFDA regional/sub-regional team colleagues, will:
- Assist with the design, development, and implementation of strategies and integrated disaster assistance and response for OFDA, local governments, and other donors/organizations as appropriate;
- Advise regional officials, including host country authorities and other USAID and/or U.S. Embassy officials on OFDA’s efforts in disaster response and management;
- Provide support for other OFDA initiatives in the assigned region as identified by the incumbent’s respective Regional Office and/or sub-regional team. Support may include but is not limited to assessment/evaluation visits, project design exercises and hazards/vulnerability/risk analysis;
- Coordinate with other agencies/organizations to identify critical disaster concerns affecting the region and countries and develop projects/activities for addressing these;
- Work with representatives of local and regional institutions and private/public sector organizations to incorporate preparedness and mitigation into appropriate programs;
- Prepare regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness documentation on assigned countries.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The RA will report directly to the PRA. However, for certain activities, the RA will coordinate tasks with the respective Team Leader in OFDA/Washington.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
Supervisory controls will be minimal. The PRA will provide direction in terms of broadly defined program goals and objectives. The RA is expected to act independently with little direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment.
10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
11. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.
13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
Bachelor’s degree with study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field of, but not limited to, international relations, development, economics, food policy or a specific country; and nine (9) years of progressively demonstrated experience in emergency relief, refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) activities, development and/or disaster preparedness programming and management, three (3) years of which must be overseas.
OR
Master’s degree with study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field of, but not limited to, international relations, development, economics, food policy or a specific country; and seven (7) years of progressively demonstrated experience in emergency relief, refugee and IDP activities, development and/or disaster preparedness programming and management, three (3) years of which must be overseas.
SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
- Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;
- Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation sheets submitted;
- All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements.
- Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted;
- Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID.
- Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;
- Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)
(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)
QRF #1 Please describe your demonstrated program development and/or management experience in the field of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, preparedness, mitigation, and/or disaster risk reduction.
QRF #2 Please describe your knowledge of and experience in dealing with host country governments and local authorities, and coordinating relief activities with other U.S. Government agencies (e.g. Department of State, Department of Defense, USAID missions, and Embassies), United Nations (UN), international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in providing humanitarian assistance.
QRF #3 Please describe your demonstrated experience developing, implementing and assessing disaster responses and plans, and developing strategic plans for humanitarian assistance and disaster risk reduction.
QRF #4 Please describe your demonstrated overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, refugee and IDP assistance, emergency relief and/or development.
QRF #5 Please describe your oral and written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation of reports, briefings, and other communications used to inform strategic decision making.
BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.
Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:
QRFs have been assigned the following points:
QRF #1 – 15 points
QRF #2 – 10 points
QRF #3 – 10 points
QRF #4 – 10 points
QRF #5 – 5 points
Interview Performance – 30 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points
Total Possible Points: 100
APPLYING:
Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.
Qualified individuals are required to submit:
- A complete U.S. Government OF-612 form with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, at Federal offices, or at www.globalcorps.com).
NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.
- A supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.
To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.
DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS
Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20045
Via facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244
Via email: ranairobi@globalcorps.com
The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.
NOTE: If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.
NOTE: If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.
NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS 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 application.
NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS
All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR.
For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003)
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html
LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs
Forms outlined below can found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do
1. Optional Form 612.
2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **
3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)
(SF-86), or **
4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **
6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **
** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs
CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to
http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc
to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.
AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.
BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
BENEFITS:
Employer's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Increase
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave
ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).*
(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).
(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).
(D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).
(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 (Section 650).
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
ATTACHMENT 1
Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directive (AAPD) No. 06-10
PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility
General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
(OCTOBER 2006)
(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16
FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.
Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.
(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”
(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).
(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:
(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;
(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and
(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.
(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.
(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.
(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.
(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.
(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).
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