A -- Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 21-2006 USPSC Public Health Management Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 21-2006 USPSC Public Health Management Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-3272-50-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 21/2006 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 21-2006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 08/07/2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 08/22/2006 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST 5. MARKET VALUE: $77,793 - $101,130 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Program Description The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia has responsibility for the development and management of the U.S. Government's assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. This program is directed at supporting a program of policy reform, economic recovery, democratic and social transition in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Within the USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia the Office of Health and Education (HE) has the primary responsibility for management of assistance in the social sectors, primarily health reform, prevention and control of infectious diseases, and maternal, child, and reproductive health. USAID/HE serves as the primary point of communication on these sectors with the governments of the five Central Asian Republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan); five U.S. Embassies in Central Asia; non-governmental organizations (indigenous, U. S., international); other donors and private commercial entities. USAID is funding activities in public health care reform (which includes health financing, policy, and systems reform); infectious disease prevention and control (tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and avian influenza); and maternal, child, and reproductive health. USAID/CAR's strategic objective in health is: Increased utilization of quality primary health care in selected populations. This objective is achieved through four intermediate results: (1) select populations are better informed about personal health care rights and responsibilities; (2) improved quality of health care including infectious diseases and maternal and child health; (3) improved use of health care resources for primary health care and (4) improved legislative, regulatory and policy framework. A major challenge in the region is to a) restructure the public health sector to focus on primary health care; b) reduce the burden of disease caused by infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, acute respiratory infection, diarrheal diseases, hepatitis, etc; and c) improve the quality of primary health care services to address the high mortality and morbidity caused by diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer and other lifestyle related diseases which are observed in more developed countries. B) STATEMENT OF DUTIES OBJECTIVE Under the general supervision of the Office Director, Office of Health and Education, the Contractor will serve as USAID/CAR's Regional Public Health Management Specialist for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The Contractor will provide USAID/CAR with technical and analytical support in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the health activities that will strengthen the capacity of the CAR governments and non-government organizations (NGOs) to develop and sustain effective health policies, systems and effective, efficient quality service delivery. The Contractor will play an active role as a team member of the Strategic Objective (S.O.) 3.2 Team. The contractor will act as the team leader for special initiatives (such as the maintenance of a Monitoring and Evaluation plan for the S.O.). As team leader for special initiatives, the Contractor will demonstrate a team work approach to achieving results. In carrying out the specific responsibilities, the Contractor will closely collaborate with other offices in the Mission and actively participate as a team member on other strategic teams which relate to the health sector. Specifically, the Contractor's responsibilities and duties shall include, but not be limited to the following: MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIES 1. Serves as the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for a set group of activities under the $130 million Health program, and manages the implementation of other specific USAID-supported health activities and contractors/grantees in the Central Asian Republics, as assigned. 2. Acts as principal liaison between the USAID offices, U.S. Embassies, CAR governments and other organizations, and USAID-funded Contractors/Grantees working in the region for projects within his/her portfolio. 3. Analyzes and evaluates the Mission's current levels and future needs for health programs in the various Central Asian Republics and participates in the development of strategies and action plans for the Health Sector. 4. Serves as designated co-team leader in the maintenance of the Health's Strategic Objective #3.2 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan which covers all five Central Asia Republics health activities over a five-year period. In this capacity, the incumbent will be required to regularly update and add indicators for new activities. To develop and maintain the M&E Plan, the incumbent will work closely with all Health staff in Almaty, the four Country Offices and U.S.-based and other international S.O. contractors and grantees. 5. Identifies needs for new health interventions and for modifying existing ones, and participates in their development. 6. Participates in review of proposed Mission programs to determine feasibility, sustainability and that opportunities for health interventions have been fully considered and addressed. 7. Provides technical guidance and expertise in all areas of health with a focus on Primary Health Care and, in particular, its integration with other health priorities, such as infectious diseases, to all categories of CAR Mission staff in the five Central Asian Republics. 8. Prepares and coordinates the execution through the Mission of project and funding documentation for USAID health activities in the Central Asia region. 9. Reviews incoming Health-specific documents covering the full-range of the HE Portfolio to include but not be limited to: 1) project financial and activity reports; 2) work plans; 3) project/activity proposals; and 4) Training Concepts and Requests. In addition, the incumbent will recommend changes where/when deemed appropriate or necessary to support USAID/CAR's overall Health Strategy. 10. Reviews proposals relating to health for the CAR region and advises Office of Health and Education and Mission senior management on appropriateness of funding in terms of USAID objectives and specific country program strategies. 11. Coordinates closely in the area of health (including maternal and child health/reproductive health) with other U.S., international and donor agencies, e.g., CDC, UNFPA, WHO, World Bank, UNICEF, and ADB. 12. Travels on a regular basis in all five Central Asian Republics to meet with local officials, USAID and U.S. Embassy personnel; and to monitor USAID-funded health activities. 13. As part of the Health and Education (HE) S.O. 3.2 (Increased Utilization of Quality Primary Health Care by Select populations) team, performs other supervisory, management and technical responsibilities as/when requested by the USDH Office Director and/or USDH Deputy Office Director. C) Supervision Received/Supervision Exercised The portfolio consists of five offices of USAID-funded contractors and grantees headquartered in Central Asia. Each has numerous short-term technical consultants providing services in the Central Asia region at any given time. The PSC is responsible for directly monitoring the assigned activities being funded by USAID in the health sector. The position is supervised by the USDH Supervisory General Development Officer (position grade at the FE level), who advises on general responsibilities to meet USAID/CAR's Objectives and Goals, provides policy guidance and reviews work in terms of overall accomplishment of desired results. In addition, the incumbent will serve as backup to the USDH Supervisory General Development Officer and the USDH Deputy HE Office Director in times of their absence. In this capacity, incumbent will be expected to perform duties/responsibilities of the position up to incumbent's authorized level(s) of authority. D) Level of Contacts Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatus in five Central Asian Republics. Deputy Ministers in five Central Asia Republics. U.S. Ambassadors in five Central Asia Republics. Chiefs of Party of USAID health Contractors and Grantees. Senior executives at U.S. headquarters of USAID health Contractors and Grantees. U.S. PVOs and NGOs working on health. Host Country Officials in health sector assistance matters. International Donors concerned with the health sector. E) QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA 1. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: (30 points) Have a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience working in international public health in developing or transition countries. At least three of the five years prior work experience will have been with a U.S. Government Agency, other international donor organization(s) and/or USAID-funded Contractor or Grantee in the design, implementation, administration and management of national and/or regional health activities/programs, including experience in health systems reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis and/or sexually transmitted infections) and other USAID/CAR priorities. Preference is for such experience in Central Asian Republics and/or countries of the former Soviet Union. 2. KNOWLEDGE: (20 points) Knowledge of USAID procurement and program management procedures and regulations; working knowledge of public health issues and developments, as well as concepts, principles, techniques, and practices related to the administration of public health activities internationally. Knowledge of public health management issues in Central Asian Republics. 3. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (30 points) This position requires a unique blend of qualities to include: demonstrated health expertise including at least three (3) years experience and demonstrated competency in the design, implementation, management and evaluation of public health programs in developing or transition countries. The incumbent must have the background and skills to assess, monitor and manage activities in such diverse areas as health system reform, maternal and child health, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and or sexually transmitted infections) and other USAID/CAR health priorities. The incumbent requires leadership skills and exceptional communications and interpersonal skills; an ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; integrity; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; the ability to conceptualize - both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances. The ability to manage multiple activities under extreme time constraints to independently carry out institutional and program assessments, develop policy recommendations, and direct technical analyses is essential. The incumbent must be a self-starter - able to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure as a team member in a culturally diverse team environment. Exceptional interpersonal skills and diplomacy are required to maintain excellent working relationships with all Mission personnel, internal/external contacts, counterparts, shareholders, and clients. A proven ability to develop and maintain professional relations with the most senior-ranking Central Asia stakeholders (i.e., local international donor representatives, heads of national, state and local health departments, non-governmental organization representatives, and other key stakeholders and partners) is required. In addition, the ability to be responsive to clients needs and to adapt to the existing management team by being a good listener, a team builder, and an articulate advocate of the Regional Mission's Health Strategic Objective and Goals is required. Command of software programs for e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics presentations is required. 4. LANGUAGE SKILLS: (10 points) Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English required and Level 3 (Good Working Knowledge) in both speaking and comprehension of Russian is required. Given the level of responsibility associated with this position, communication skills, both written and oral must be exceptional. The incumbent is required to: 1) prepare specific status/progress reports and documents requiring limited editorial changes prior to distribution; and 2) prepare and present oral briefings. 5. EDUCATION: (10 points) An advanced degree in public health or related field is required. Total: 100 points References are required. D) OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance. Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Application for Federal Employment SF-171 including experience, salary history and references, and recent sample of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time)August 22, 2006. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 3272 507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 3272 507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. Selection will be made by a Mission committee no later than September 1, 2006. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period from on or about September 30, 2006 to on or about September 29, 2008. The contract will be signed by September 15, 2006. On or about September 30, 2006, the incumbent shall proceed to Almaty, Kazakhstan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Almaty is a beautiful city nestled against mountains, bursting with parks and fountains, with tree lined streets and flower gardens. The city has the excitement of Kazakh culture with its nomadic and warrior heritage as well as the benefits of the Russian culture ballet, museums, opera, choirs, and circus. It has the charm and challenges of colorful native markets, as well as the convenience of modern supermarkets. Located at an altitude of 650 meters, where steppe meets mountain, Almaty is backed by the snow capped Tien Shan to the South and faced by a vast plain which stretches to Siberia in the North. There are many places for skiing, skating, hiking, rafting, helicopter trips, camping, and other outdoor activities outside the city. The Almaty International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission's website www.usaid.kz Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.