A -- Solicitation No. 15-2007 Development Assistance Specialist, GS-13, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

ISSUANCE DATE: 04/02/2007CLOSING DATE: 04/20/2007 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 15-2007 USPSC Development Assistance Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) 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 Patrick Robinson, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-327-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Patrick Robinson, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 15/2007 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 15-2007 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 04/02/2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 04/20/2007 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST 5. MARKET VALUE: $66,951 - $87,039 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 30% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background Central Asia is bordered by Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. With a total population of 55 million, and dozens of ethnic groups, the five new nations of the region are addressing a range of challenges, including the aftermath of a civil war, threats of religious extremism, ethnic rivalries, and the lack of strong democratic institutions. The region is considered a Foreign Service hardship post ? 30% post differential for Tashkent, Uzbekistan. USAID?s Regional Mission for Central Asia (?USAID/CAR?) is responsible, in close consultation with the five U.S. Ambassadors in the region, for the design and the management of USAID assistance programs. The central office is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with offices in Astana, Kazakhstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Osh, Kyrgyzstan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. USAID/CAR is responsible for approximately $90 million of assistance annually, with activities totaling $400 million in the areas of energy and environment, economics and finance, democracy, and health and education. The Mission works in partnership with over 70 grantee and contractors throughout the region. The Uzbekistan Country Office (UCO) in Tashkent, led by the Country Representative, includes a team of 1 USDH, 2 USPSCs, and 11 local national technical and administrative support staff. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSTION The USPSC Development Assistance Specialist is located in the USAID/CAR/Tashkent office. Under the dual supervision of the USAID/CAR/Tashkent Country Representative and the USAID/CAR Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office Director based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the employee manages a range of development programs implemented in Uzbekistan. The Development Assistance Specialist is a member of the senior management team for the Uzbek Country Office; as such he/she may provide technical expertise and management assistance to the Country Representative as necessary. The work of the Development Assistance Specialist involves a full range of project design, activity monitoring, grant management, data collection, political analysis, and program evaluation in various sectors in Uzbekistan. The Development Assistance Specialist is responsible for monitoring a range of USAID/CAR/Uzbekistan initiatives in the areas of Peace and Security and Governing Justly and Democratically. As such, the employee must have considerable knowledge of political developments in the region, a background in democracy and community development programming, and must be effective in developing cooperative working relationships with American NGOs, local non-governmental partners, and government officials in Uzbekistan. Moreover, s/he will work closely with and coordinate USAID/CAR?s democracy programs with the U.S. Embassy and other USG funded activities such as those funded by the U.S. Department of State?s Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Bureau (DRL). Due to the nature of this position, the Development Assistance Specialist must be able to think and operate strategically and programmatically, analyze complex situations in order to assist in the development of USAID strategic plans, and assess the impact of host country policies and practices on USAID programs. While this position is based in Tashkent, the Development Assistance Specialist is expected to travel to program sites throughout Uzbekistan. S/he may spend up to one-third of her/his time traveling throughout Uzbekistan. C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the guidance of the USAID/CAR/Tashkent Country Representative and technical supervision of the Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office Director, the Development Assistance Specialist monitors and reports on the progress of a range of development activities which are underway in Uzbekistan. S/he identifies barriers to program implementation and success, and develops solutions to maximize program impact. The Development Assistance Specialist will work collaboratively with the Democracy and Conflict Mitigation technical staff in Almaty to ensure program activities are implemented effectively. This individual is expected to track and analyze political issues crucial for the successful implementation of activities in Uzbekistan. The Development Assistance Specialist provides strategic vision for Peace and Security and Governing Justly and Democratically programs in Uzbekistan, continually honing USAID?s strategy and approach to ensure program are appropriate given local conditions, developments and opportunities. Based on thorough understanding and analysis of developments in Uzbekistan, the Development Assistance Specialist suggests new and/or changes to existing programs and activities. S/he may develop program goals and objectives, and prepare scopes of work for new activities, project assessments, and/or evaluations in Uzbekistan. The Development Assistance Specialist drafts program review documents describing USAID/CAR?s activities in Uzbekistan, highlighting program impact achieved, and describing future plans and activities. S/he drafts program updates, reporting cables and other informational documents on USAID?s assistance in Uzbekistan. Additionally, the Development Assistance Specialist serves as site officer, develops potential site visits, prepares briefing documents for, and briefs high level visitors such as Congressional Delegations, State Department and USAID Representatives, on USAID/CAR?s activities in Uzbekistan. The Development Assistance Specialist is expected to report, along with the Country Representative, on the performance of USAID/CAR activities to Embassy officials. S/he serves as USAID/CAR representative on the U.S. Embassy Democracy Commission and coordinates USAID/CAR?s activities with other U.S. Government agencies, especially the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy and the State Department?s Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Bureau (DRL). The Development Assistance Specialist may serve as the acting Country Representative when the Country Representative is absent. In this capacity, s/he: (1) represents the Country Office on U.S. Embassy and other interagency committees (selection committees, etc.) which would otherwise require participation of the Country Representative; (2) represents USAID in donor and other meetings, as requested by the Country Representative; (3) gives input as necessary and report major conclusions to the responsible Activity Managers and ensures that all follow-up actions from these meetings are tracked; (4) maintains active knowledge of other donor activities which relate to the USAID portfolio and advises the Country Representative and USAID/CAR offices of opportunities for coordination; and (5) drafts English language materials such as talking points, scene setters and public relations material relevant to the overall development portfolio in Uzbekistan. Consistent with the overall Mission strategy, the incumbent independently cultivates/maintains contacts and dialogue with local counterparts including non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Uzbekistan. These contacts and dialogues will be used by the employee to effectively provide input for programming assistance. However, the incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government Mission funds on behalf of USAID/CAR. The Development Assistance Specialist may be assigned other duties as required by the USAID/CAR/Tashkent Country Representative and/or the Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office Director. D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education: A BA/BS in public administration, political science, international affairs, public policy, or a related field is required. Advanced degree in any of the above academic areas is highly desirable. Applicants with an advanced degree will be given preference. 2. Work Experience: S/he must have at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in the area of international development with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement. Experience must include program and activity management and strategic planning and analysis; preference will be given to those who also have supervisory skills. S/he must be a recognized professional with a proven track record managing development activities. Preference will also be given to individuals with knowledge of USAID procedures and systems for strategic planning, activity design, program monitoring and evaluation. 3. Knowledge: Comprehensive working knowledge of social and political issues in Central Asia or similar context, as well as concepts, principles, techniques, and practices related to development in Central Asia, the former Soviet Union or a similar context is required. Knowledge of USAID procurement and program management procedures and regulations is highly desirable. 4. Language and Communication Skills: Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. A working knowledge of Russian and/or Uzbek is required. 5. Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional leadership, communications and inter-personal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multidisciplinary and multifunctional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. 6. Computer Literacy: Strong spreadsheet and word processing skills are needed to manage activities. E. SUPERVISION AND RELATIONSHIPS: 1. Supervisory Control Over Position: This position is directly supervised by the Uzbekistan Country Representative (a U.S. Direct-Hire employee), who advises on general responsibilities to meet USAID?s strategic goals, supervises policy guidance, and reviews work in terms of overall accomplishment of desired results. While the Uzbekistan Country Representative provides day-to-day supervision to the incumbent, the Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office Director provides technical direction to him/her and provides input to the immediate supervisor for the performance evaluation. 2. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent is expected to carry out his/her work independently, providing technical leadership in the development, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of program activities. This work will be reviewed quarterly in terms of achievement of established milestones, effectiveness in facilitating teamwork, and appropriateness of program activity. 3. Guidelines Used and Judgment Required in Their Application: Guidelines used, include but are not limited to the ADS; Mission Orders; and standard financial management operating procedures. Given that the incumbent may serve as Acting Country Representative in the absence of the Country Representative, s/he must have good judgment in determining appropriate approaches and solutions to problems, exercise his/her own initiative without prompting by his/her superiors and use discretion in his/her meetings with Senior Mission management, host country counterparts, and implementing partners. 4. Nature, Level and Purpose of Personal Contacts: The incumbent works directly with central and local Government officials, NGOs, private sector entities, international donors, and USG agencies, 5. Supervision Exercised: Serves as team leader for one of the three development sectors, and provides technical direction to Tashkent staff assigned to projects in this sector. F. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. G. SELECTION CRITERIA: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Managerial and Leadership Experience: 30 points Relevant International Experience: 30 points Technical Knowledge and Experience: 20 points Academic Qualifications: 10 points Language and Communication Skills: 10 points Total: 100 points 9. HOW TO APPLY: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history and references, and recent sample of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) April 20, 2007. 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 (names and contact information), 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: 7 327 2507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 327 2507634/35/36 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 May 18, 2007. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period starting no later than on/about July 22, 2007. The contract will be signed by June 10, 2007. No later than on/about July 22, 2007, the incumbent shall proceed to Tashkent, Uzbekistan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 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. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission?s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ 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.