Facilities Project Management Specialist to serve in Ethiopia

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation: proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Award is subject to the availability of funds. The solicitation number is 2009-N-11533 and this is a request for proposal. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-36. The position solicited is a Facilities Project Management Specialist in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Area of Consideration United States citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and third country nationals are eligible for this position. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible under this solicitation. Security Clearance: OPM National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) Period of Performance The period of performance shall consist of one base period plus option periods for a total of 60 months. The solicitation, conditional offer, and clearance process takes about 4 months and the estimated start date is or on or about April 16, 2009. The actual period of performance will be identified at time of contract award, after the clearance process has concluded. The Effective Date will be coordinated in advance with the Contract Awardee and the funding program office before the contract is signed. Compensation and Reimbursement a. The Contractor shall be reimbursed on a bi-weekly basis for the period of performance. Reimbursement shall be based on a 40-hour work week to include leave and holidays. The salary range is $69,950 to $111,467 per year, dependent upon individual salary history, work experience, and education background. b. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining health insurance for the country of service (this is mandatory and upto 75% of premium cost is reimbursable) and life insurance (this is optional - upto 1/3 of the premium cost is reimbursable) . Non-U.S. citizens must obtain Medical Evacuation Insurance which is 100% reimbursable. c. The contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC) under the authority of 42 USC 242l(b)(8). d. Post Cost of Living Allowance, Post Differential, and Danger Pay rates, if any, as provided for in this contract may fluctuate. By signing a contract, the Personal Service Contractor agrees to be compensated based upon the then-current rates of these overseas allowances and differential for all U.S. Government civilian employees assigned to your location of assignment, as approved by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Allowances. These overseas allowances and differential may increase, decrease, or even be eliminated altogether during the life of the contract. Description/Work Statement Incumbent independently provides support services to satisfy the overall infrastructure development objectives of the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Ethiopia, through the Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Ethiopia. The USG aims to expand services for HIV prevention, care and treatment to individuals affected by and infected with HIV. The Emergency Plan in Ethiopia is supporting several infrastructure improvements to scale-up ARV Services, Palliative Care (HIV/TB), Counseling and Testing, and Laboratory Infrastructure through the Regional Procurement Support Office in Frankfurt Germany. CDC Ethiopia will be the in-country advisors overseeing, providing technical assistance, and facilitating the planning, implementation, and management of these projects. The Facilities Project Specialist will serve as a key contact and advisor for CDC and RPSO on matters related to PEPFAR infrastructure improvement projects. The Specialist will manage several complex architectural design, renovation, and construction projects, directing the related activities of contractors and cooperative agreement partners in the regions. The projects and activities require extensive and sensitive coordination among a variety of key stakeholders. - Plan, monitor, and advise the CDC leadership and other donors on complex to very complex contracts supporting infrastructure improvements to ARV Services, Palliative Care (HIV/TB), Counseling and Testing, and Laboratory facilities. - Identify and recommend resolution of issues, problems and complaints related to costs, schedule, performance and quality on contracted efforts. - Lead an in-country team in logistical disciplines of project management, including construction. - Serve as the Contracting Officer's Representative for RPSO; provide oversight of contracts; advise CDC and RPSO on necessary actions relative to construction / renovation projects and contracts. - Provide technical leadership and advice on special projects and logistical management within a multicultural / multidisciplinary team environment. - Ensure adequate input from USG agencies, GOE, and partners to assess needs and develop Country Operational Planning proposals and related budgets for renovation and construction projects; and develop and oversee project management plans required to implement approved projects. - Liaise closely with CDC, USAID, State/AF, State/Ethiopia, RPSO/Frankfurt, in-country partners, other donor organizations, and Government of Ethiopia for development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure improvement activities. Coordinates renovation/construction projects under PEPFAR-Ethiopia; regularly leads a workgroup consisting of CDC technical staff and Country Directors for 4 US-based university partners supporting regional PEPFAR programs. The universities assisting in identifying regional needs; they also complete some small renovation projects using small contractors in the regions. Oversees building security and maintenance at three CDC office/warehouse compounds. Develops budgets for renovations projects; verifies that services have been rendered according to specifications and recommends payment. The work consists of independently accomplishing a variety of duties relative to the development, implementation, and evaluation of design and construction projects; responsible for advising and updating high level USG agency officials and host government officials on the status of projects, including constraints and alternatives. These projects often present unusual difficulties and critical construction management problems because of size, cost, complexity, phasing, and quality assurance requirements, high-level interest, and limited availability of funding. The projects require extensive and sensitive coordination among partners, governments, and contractors. The Specialist must plan work ahead according to the PEPFAR schedule which requires that s/he prepare proposals 6-9 months ahead, followed by contract solicitation requirements for multiple projects; and project management plans as soon as contracts are awarded. Must be able to communicate highly technical information to lay persons when interacting with non-engineering/construction personnel. Must be able to convey requirements of non-engineering/construction persons into very technical work requirements. Provides oral reports to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences on the status of projects. Must use tact and diplomacy to convey sensitive information to a variety of stakeholders, such as informing the head of a regional health bureau or the minister of health that we will not be able to support the requested renovations to the level requested or asking a contractor to redo a task that was not completed according to the specifications or in persuading the country team to provide additional funding for projects in the assigned area. Position's work place/office is primarily in the CDC-Ethiopia office. Since CDC-E and partner activities are located in different regions/sites, position requires frequent visits to sites located in and outside of Addis Ababa. Incumbent will be exposed to hazards related to travel such as malaria and dangerous road conditions in undeveloped areas. Selection Factors: The applicant that represents the best value to the Government will be considered for award. To determine best value, the following factors will be considered: 1. The extent an applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications based on information obtained through the application package and interviews, if conducted. Note that interviews may or may not be conducted; therefore, the application package should clearly identify how well the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications of this position. Interviews, if conducted, may be either in-person or via telephone. 2. Information collected from reference checks. References will only be verified for those applicants determined to have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. 3. Results of a cost assessment. The cost assessment will determine the total cost (salary plus benefits and allowances) of the applicant for the complete term of the contract (base period plus any option years). Basis for Award In determining best value, paramount consideration shall be given to technical merit (applicant qualifications and reference checks) rather than to cost. In cases where applicants are determined to be essentially equal, then cost may become the determining factor. Submission of Application: All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language - email is preferred. A complete application package may be emailed to the attention of Sam Jamison at contact@example.gov. The solicitation number must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. If mailed, a complete application package must be received at the following location no later than the closing date and time above: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement and Grants Office Mailstop K75, Branch 7 Attn: Sam Jamison, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2009-N-11533 Ethiopia 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Facsimile copies will not be accepted. For information purposes, please advise as to where you first learned about this contract position. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.208 regarding submission of late proposals: (http://www.acqnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2015_2.html#wp1125227). A. A complete application shall consist of: 1) a completed Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) or resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information required in a OF 612. Form OF 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, can be located at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/of.asp]. 2) References (see below). 3) Salary documentation current (or highest recent) (see below). 4) You must complete and return: a) Benefit Eligibility For PSC Candidate and b) International Tax Certification, and c) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications [NOTE: Most applicants will need to complete (d), (h), and (l) 3, 4, and 5]. B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Applicant's resume must provide the extent of their qualifications: 1) Minimum/Essential Qualifications: a) Knowledge: Knowledge and ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee the management of projects; architectural knowledge as well as a working knowledge of several engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering; and administrative knowledge such as funds control, contract analysis, contract negotiation, contract administration, and project scheduling. b) Education: Bachelor's degree in professional engineering directly related to the position from a school accredited by an officially recognized accrediting body in the jurisdiction in which the school is located. c) Experience: 3 years of demonstrated work experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position that is in or related to the work of the position. Experience includes, but is not limited to duties which demonstrate knowledge of/skill with: - Management and organizational principles and practices; - Facilitation and management of multiple projects, related to infrastructure improvements, including contracts management. d) Language skills: Fluent language skills in English e) Skills: Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Ability to establish effective diplomatic working relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and professional disciplines, particularly official representatives of public health organizations, such as those representing host nation ministries and international organizations. Strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in achieving results with a wide range of program partners. Skills necessary to write clear and concise documents, reports, program and policy guidelines, directives, and articles for peer review. Skill and ability to clearly deliver oral presentations on programmatic matters. Strong computer literacy and aptitude to rapidly acquire and apply additional skills. Software: Microsoft Office Suite - Standard Project Management - Standard 2. Desired Qualifications: a) Knowledge of the Organization: Knowledge of PEPFAR mission, goals, objectives, and management practices to integrate these requirements with program area planning and evaluation activities. b) Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from a school accredited by an officially recognized accrediting body in the jurisdiction in which the school is located is desired. Engineering degree from a school accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology is highly desired. c) Experience: Prior experience monitoring and evaluating architectural and construction projects in an international environment. C. References: Each applicant shall submit three Professional references other than family members. Two references shall be from a current and previous supervisor. The following information is required: Name, Address, Telephone Number, Title, and Email Address. D. Current (or Highest Recent) Salary Documentation: Each applicant shall submit supporting documentation that reflects their current or highest recent salary. Examples of such supporting documentation are the most recent earning statement, an official letter from current employer signed by the applicant's current supervisor or Human Resources Representative, or the applicant's most recent U.S. Federal tax return (if applicable). Each applicant shall also include a letter indicating the minimum salary in U.S. dollars the applicant would accept for the position. E. Benefit Eligibility for PSC Candidate: Name:________________________________________ REQUIREMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION: A. City and State (or Country, if not in U.S.), Where Currently Domiciled. B. 1. Country in Which You are Permanently Resident. B. 2. Do You Currently Pay Income Taxes to That Country? B.3. Do You Currently Pay Social Security Contributions to That Country? C. In What Country Were You Born? D. 1. If Already Present in Country of contract performance, Reason for Current Presence There. D. 2 Also If Already Present in Country of contract performance, How Long Have You Continuously Resided There, Excluding Short Periods of Absence for Vacation, Conferences/Symposia, etc. N/A/ or reason for current presence in country, e.g., brought there by previous employer [provide name of employer, your status and job title, and whether housing and repatriation was included in employment package]; dependent of someone brought there by employer [provide name of employer and whether housing and repatriation is included in employment package], etc. E. Attach Copy of Current Visa for Country of contract performance, If Any. F. 1 Do You or Any Immediate Relative (Spouse, Parent, Child, Sibling) Permanently Reside in the Country of contract performance? F.2 Do You or Any Immediate Relative Own Any Property and/or Any Business in the Country of contract performance? If so, please describe. G. Home City and State (or City and Country, if not in U.S.). Home or place of original recruitment. Used as basis for Relief Travel and Repatriation destination. H. Please List All Countries in Which You Presently Hold Citizenship or Nationality and Attach Copy of Complete Front Page of Most Recent Passport(s). I. Family Members Accompanying You to Location of Contract Performance: Spouse: Children Under Age 18 at Time of Arrival - How Many?: Please list name and date of birth of each J. Annual Education Travel for Children Up to Age 23 at Time of Your Arrival at Location of Contract Performance Who Are Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis NOTE: Children are eligible until the end of the school year in which they turn age 23. Children Before 23rd Birthday at Time of Arrival Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis - How Many?: Please list name and date of birth and city and state (or country, if not in U.S.) of location of educational institution for each: F. ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-3 International Tax Certification A. ( )Have never worked or resided in host country/country of position applying for. (If you check A, skip to C(1) and (2)). B(1) ( )Have - ( )Have Not: filed all required federal, state and local income tax returns in host country/country of position applying for, or have obtained a valid extension or exemption for such filings. B(2) ( )Have - ( )Have not: paid income taxes when due in host country/country of position applying for. C(1) ( )Have - ( )Have Not: filed all required federal, state and local income tax returns in country of citizenship or residency (home country) or have obtained a valid extension or exemption for such filings. C(2) ( )Have - ( )Have not: paid income taxes when due in home country Printed Name: ___________________________ Signature: _____________________________ Date: ______________________ The Contracting Officer may request documentary evidence of tax compliance in situations where he/she has reason to believe that a Certification may be inaccurate or invalid. The specific documentation requested could vary depending upon country of assignment but examples could include a copy of the tax forms filed, a letter of tax exemption, a tax certification memorandum, etc. Noncompliance with tax law in the country of assignment could result in termination of the contract in accordance with FAR Clause 52.249-12 Termination (Personal Services). This certification will be required on an annual basis prior to the exercise of each contract option period. (End of Certification Page) G. FAR 52.212-3 Applicant Name: _______________________________________ [NOTE: Most applicants will need to complete (d) Representations required to implement provisions of Executive Order 11246, (h) Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters (Executive Order 12689), and (l) Taxpayer Identification Number 3, 4, and 5]. FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Aug 2009) An offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at http://orca.bpn.gov. If an offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at the ORCA website, the offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (m) of this provision. (a) Definitions. As used in this provision- "Emerging small business" means a small business concern whose size is no greater than 50 percent of the numerical size standard for the NAICS code designated. "Forced or indentured child labor" means all work or service- (1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or (2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties. "Inverted domestic corporation" means a foreign incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), i.e., a corporation that used to be incorporated in the United States, or used to be a partnership in the United States, but now is incorporated in a foreign country, or is a subsidiary whose parent corporation is incorporated in a foreign country, that meets the criteria specified in 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c). "Manufactured end product" means any end product in Federal Supply Classes (FSC) 1000-9999, except- (1) FSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials; (2) Federal Supply Group (FSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies; (3) FSG 88, Live Animals; (4) FSG 89, Food and Related Consumables; (5) FSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials; (6) FSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible; (7) FSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products; (8) FSC 9610, Ores; (9) FSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and (10) FSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials. "Place of manufacture" means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture. "Restricted business operations" means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate- (1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan; (2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization; (3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan; (4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization; (5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or (6) Have been voluntarily suspended "Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern"- (1) Means a small business concern- (i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and (ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran. (2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16). "Small business concern" means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR Part 121 and size standards in this solicitation. "Veteran-owned small business concern" means a small business concern- (1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and (2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans. "Women-owned business concern" means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women. "Women-owned small business concern" means a small business concern- (1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and (1) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women. (b) (1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications posted on the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website. (2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the ORCA website at http://orca.bpn.gov. After reviewing the ORCA database information, the offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs ______________. [Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (n) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer. Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on ORCA.] (c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. Check all that apply. (1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it o is, o is not a small business concern. (2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it o is, o is not a veteran-owned small business concern. (3) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it o is, o is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern. (4) Small disadvantaged business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, for general statistical purposes, that it o is, o is not a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1002. (5) Women-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it o is, o is not a women-owned small business concern. Note: Complete paragraphs (c)(6) and (c)(7) only if this solicitation is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. (6) Women-owned business concern (other than small business concern). [Complete only if the offeror is a women-owned business concern and did not represent itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it o is a women-owned business concern. (7) Tie bid priority for labor surplus area concerns. If this is an invitation for bid, small business offerors may identify the labor surplus areas in which costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by offeror or first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract price:____________________________________ (8) Small Business Size for the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program and for the Targeted Industry Categories under the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program. [Complete only if the offeror has represented itself to be a small business concern under the size standards for this solicitation.] (i) [Complete only for solicitations indicated in an addendum as being set-aside for emerging small businesses in one of the designated industry groups (DIGs).] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it o is, o is not an emerging small business. (ii) [Complete only for solicitations indicated in an addendum as being for one of the targeted industry categories (TICs) or designated industry groups (DIGs).] Offeror represents as follows: (A) Offeror's number of employees for the past 12 months (check the Employees column if size standard stated in the solicitation is expressed in terms of number of employees); or (B) Offeror's average annual gross revenue for the last 3 fiscal years (check the Average Annual Gross Number of Revenues column if size standard stated in the solicitation is expressed in terms of annual receipts). (Check one of the following): Number of Employees Average Annual Gross Revenues __ 50 or fewer __ $1 million or less __ 51-100 __ $1,000,001-$2 million __ 101-250 __ $2,000,001-$3.5 million __ 251-500 __ $3,500,001-$5 million __ 501-750 __ $5,000,001-$10 million __ 751-1,000 __ $10,000,001-$17 million __ Over 1,000 __ Over $17 million (9) [Complete only if the solicitation contains the clause at FAR 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns, or FAR 52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program-Disadvantaged Status and Reporting, and the offeror desires a benefit based on its disadvantaged status.] (i) General. The offeror represents that either- (A) It o is, o is not certified by the Small Business Administration as a small disadvantaged business concern and identified, on the date of this representation, as a certified small disadvantaged business concern in the database maintained by the Small Business Administration (PRO-Net), and that no material change in disadvantaged ownership and control has occurred since its certification, and, where the concern is owned by one or more individuals claiming disadvantaged status, the net worth of each individual upon whom the certification is based does not exceed $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2); or (B) It o has, o has not submitted a completed application to the Small Business Administration or a Private Certifier to be certified as a small disadvantaged business concern in accordance with 13 CFR 124, Subpart B, and a decision on that application is pending, and that no material change in disadvantaged ownership and control has occurred since its application was submitted. (ii) o Joint Ventures under the Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns. The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that it is a joint venture that complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 124.1002(f) and that the representation in paragraph (c)(9)(i...