Laboratory Services Advisor

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for an Laboratory Services Advisor position located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215(1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). SOLICITATION NUMBER: 2008-N-10450 POSITION NUMBER: TZ-PSC-01 ISSUANCE DATE: June 12, 2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 27, 2008 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Laboratory Services Advisor MARKET VALUE: $67,260 to $107,180 per year -- Final compensation will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Base Year and Four Option Years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: This position is located in CDC/NCHSTP/GAP with a duty station in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania The Laboratory Services Advisor shall independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) that are implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Global AIDS Program (GAP) in Tanzania. Under the direction of a CDC FTE, the Laboratory Services Advisor serves as the primary technical expert and point-of-contact for all USG activities to improve the capacity for training and education, information systems, standards and quality assurance, and strengthening the laboratory infrastructure, blood transfusion network, and infant diagnosis program in Tanzania. The Laboratory Services Advisor will provide advise on scientific, policy and practices associated with the laboratory infrastructure, blood safety, and infant diagnosis programs. These efforts will help CDC Tanzania to implement and expand critical program activities related to the rapid implementation of PEPFAR activities in Tanzania. This will include the development, modification, and/or adaptation of appropriate technical strategies and tailored approaches for improving laboratory infrastructure, blood safety, and infant diagnosis activities. The Laboratory Services Advisor will make recommendations to the USG and MOHSW counterparts on approaches to enhancing and improving these technical services and activities in Tanzania. In collaboration with various stakeholders, the Laboratory Services Advisor will be responsible for establishing program priorities for the USG team in Tanzania. Under the Direction of the CDC Chief of Party, the Laboratory Services Advisor will have the responsibility for organizing strategic planning exercises, coordinating the implementation of laboratory infrastructure, blood safety, and infant diagnosis programs, and ensuring that the USG strategy for these service delivery components are in line with national policies. Under the Direction of the CDC Chief of Party,, the Laboratory Services Advisor will work to achieve consensus among stakeholders on plans, approaches, and respective roles for USG, MOHSW, and other collaborating partners. The Lab Services Advisor will play a major role in updating laboratory and blood safety guidelines, training materials, and in organizing the training of laboratory personnel and health care providers to improve the quality of HIV laboratory and blood testing services. The Lab Services Advisor will ensure appropriate supervision and quality assurance measures of both HIV laboratory and blood testing services. The Lab Services Advisor provides assistance in the development of the Country Operational Plans (COP), annual work plans, and regular progress reports for CDC GAP, OGAC, and other collaborating partners. The CDC Chief of Party is the final approver for all funding and programmatic decisions related to activities under the Laboratory Services Advisor. Technical Leadership, Communication, and Advocacy: As a focus country under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and under the direction of CDC FTE, the Lab Services Advisor performs the functions listed below with an annual budget for laboratory support (includes blood safety and quality assurance) of US$ 12.7 million, which is expected to increase substantially over the next 5 years. - With the support of the Chief of Party, the Laboratory Advisor assists in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis program activities and objectives. - Serves as a technical expert and advisor for all HIV/AIDS laboratory enhancement, blood safety, and infant diagnosis activities within the Tanzania USG team (includes the interagency Emergency Plan group, USG treatment working group, Emergency Plan funded implementing partners, and the MOHSW.) - With the support of the Chief of Party, the Laboratory Advisor provides technical assistance and support to the Tanzania MOHSW, the Zanzibar MOHSW, the National AIDS Control Program (NACP), The Zanzibar AIDS Control Program, and other collaborating organizations for the planning, coordination and implementation of HIV/AIDS laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis enhancement activities. - With the support of the Chief of Party, the Laboratory Advisor, maintains liaison with host government, international and non-governmental organizations to assure cooperation and coordination of laboratory services activities with minimal overlap and unnecessary duplication. - Provides assistance in developing training programs, recommends training and assists in identifying and arranging USG Tanzania and CDC GAP training activities for HIV/AIDS blood safety, infant diagnosis and laboratory support personnel in Tanzania. - Advises the CDC Chief of Party, and ensures that priorities, goals and objectives are established and followed, consistent with the mission, policies and standards of CDC and the host country. - Assists in ensuring that appropriate quality assurance standards for blood safety, infant diagnosis and laboratory support for counseling and testing programs and other essential HIV services are developed and implemented at the national and zonal reference laboratories and blood transfusion centers. - Reviews HIV/AIDS blood safety, laboratory quality assurance, and record keeping procedures, and testing algorithms for conformance to recommended standards. - Analyzes HIV/AIDS laboratory services and blood safety procedures to assess needed enhancements, internal and external quality assurance procedures, and testing algorithms, at national and zonal reference laboratories and blood transfusion centers. - Under the Direction of the CDC Chief of Party, coordinates Emergency Plan-related laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis support partners meetings. Conveys, translates and links CDC Tanzania and PEFAR requirements to implementing partners. Responds to questions and advises implementing partners and technical staff on CDC Tanzania and OGAC guidelines and requirements. - With the support of the CDC Chief of Party, maintains liaison with host government, international and non-governmental organizations to assure cooperation and coordination of laboratory services activities with minimal overlap and unnecessary duplication. - Under a CDC FTE, coordinates actions of extramural PEPFAR partners and Atlanta program offices to best meet host country needs and priorities. Project Review and Analysis: - Under the direction of the CDC Chief of Party, provides technical input regarding CDC and PEPFAR issues and reports back to CDC management at meetings with donors, other partner agencies, and meetings of technical strategy and policy groups. Provides technical assistance and advice on laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis activities based on the latest relevant epidemiologic and scientific knowledge, translated into program guidelines and practices. - Under a CDC FTE, serves as an activity manager for specific laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis-related cooperative agreements and reviews, analyzes and evaluates all related project proposals, grant applications, and programmatic funding requests for conformance with program guidelines, grant regulations, budget ceilings, and OGAC/CDC related policies. Under direction of CDC FTE, meets with implementing partners, evaluates performance, discuses program modification, re-programming of funds due to non-expenditure or changing needs. Reports back to CDC FTE regurally on cooperative agreement recipient issues. Makes recommendations to CDC FTE, Deputy Director, and CDC Chief of Party. - Under the direction of CDC FTE, reviews the objectives of budget proposals to determine if these are appropriate and realistic. Reviews related award requests (project documents) received from implementing partners for conformance to programmatic approvals and technical recommendations by CDC (GAP and PGO), and assures the accuracy of obligations. - Periodically reviews project(s) activities implemented under cooperative agreements with MOHSW and other collaborating partners' staff to resolve any discrepancies in accomplishing award actions or adjustments, in line with laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis program policies. Makes necessary recommendations on issues that need resolution to CDC FTE, Deputy Director, and CDC Chief of Party.. - Participates in an interagency task force team to review and assess all planned strategies by the MOHSW and various collaborating partners to strengthen and improve laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis activities. - Reviews current guidelines and makes recommendations about how to strengthen existing laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis programs. - With the support of CDC Chief of Party, develops and implements an operational research agenda that is consistent with the activities and budget outlined in the Country Operational Plan (COP). - Advises the CDC Country Director on other tasks related to the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities in support of HIV/AIDS laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis in Tanzania. Monitoring and Evaluation: - Participates in analysis of data and oversees the preparation of technical HIV/AIDS laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis reports for the Emergency Plan annual reports and the development of the Country Operational Plans (COP). With support of CDC Chief of Party, chairs the USG interagency Laboratory Support working group to coordinate planning, reporting and evaluation of related activities under PEPFAR. Responds to issues related to laboratory support within the U.S. mission and with implementing partners. - Liaises closely with all CDC Tanzania supported activities to provide analyses and reports as required, including for presentation at national, regional, and international meetings and conferences. - Monitors and evaluates HIV/AIDS laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis strengthening activities supported by CDC, DOD, and other USG Agencies in Tanzania, and recommends improvements to USG interagency team. - Coordinates activities with other branches in CDC GAP to address laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis program goals and objectives, and to support related epidemiological studies. . - Under the Direction of the CDC Chief of Party, organizes the collaborative program design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis activities. - With the support of the CDC Chief of Party, communicates with MOHSW and collaborating partners to assure cooperation in attaining program objectives. Coordinates Emergency Plan laboratory-related partners meetings. Conveys, translates and links CDC Tanzania and PEFAR requirements to implementing partners. Responds to questions and advises CDC implementing partners and technical staff on CDC and OGAC guidelines and requirements. - With approval of CDC Chief of Party, develops and implements the processes and procedures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of program activities. Provides oversight for all PEPFAR-supported laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis program management and monitoring. Reports and makes recommendations on necessary actions to CDC Chief of Party. - Participates in strategic planning including the development of short and long-term objectives for CDC Tanzania laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis activities. Plans for related technical visits from CDC Atlanta and implementing partners. - Develops and maintains open communication with CDC Atlanta, MOHSW, Embassy, RPSO, USAID, DOD, and other collaborating partners to assure overall coordination of CDC Tanzania laboratory, blood safety, and infant diagnosis activities. Makes recommendations on intergrating the strengths and resources of other donors to CDC Chief of Party and considers these leverages when recommendating drafting planning documents. - Ensures that all PEPFAR-supported laboratories are managed according to established CDC policies and principles, as well as to sound scientific and fiscal management practices, including appropriate biosafety and quality control (QC) standards. Makes recommendations to CDC Chief of Party on necessary actions when inconsistencies exist. - Independently plans, summarizes, and writes up the findings of laboratory assessments and operational research studies (sometimes as co-author), to be used for reports of record, proposals, publications, and for presentations at national and international meetings on HIV/AIDS prevention and care. - Mentors locally engaged staff on technical areas and works with locally engaged staff to develop core competencies in all aspects pertaining to PEPFAR laboratory and blood safety activities. Minimum 1. Thorough knowledge of modern laboratory functions related to HIV/AIDS, blood safety and infant diagnosis activities. 2. Current with the broad and rapidly evolving fields of knowledge on HIV laboratory techniques through reviews of technical, scientific, and medical peer-reviewed literature as well as information journals and websites produced by respected scientific organizations. 3. Knowledge of laboratory methods related to communicable diseases is required. 4. Familiarity with the concepts, strategies, principles, policies, and practices of HIV/AIDS prevention programs in general. 5. Completion of a University degree in Medicine, or a Ph.D. in Biomedical Research, Laboratory Science, or Biology is required 6. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the overall management of at least one of the following areas: medical microbiology (e.g., knowledge of methods for the isolation and identification of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) or clinical laboratory science (i.e., knowledge of laboratory methods in hematology, clinical chemistry, coagulation, urinalysis, etc.) is required. 7. Three years of the following: modern management and leadership practices; quality assurance practices; statistics; laboratory health and safety practices; and, development of research protocols is required. 8. One year of professional experience in laboratory, blood safety, or other public health program management. 9. Level IV English (written and spoken) is required. 10. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Desired Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of CDC and USG operations and regulations is beneficial, but not required. 2. Familiarity with the overall goals and objectives of the CDC, the Global AIDS Program, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). 3. Knowledge of the laboratory systems, policies, and procedures used in Tanzania is desirable. 4. Familiarity with international and Tanzanian national institutions and the health system, civil society, and academia insofar as their activities and attitudes may impact on HIV/AIDS laboratory, blood safety and infant diagnosis activities is desired. 5. Written and spoken Kiswahili is desirable. 6. Ability to mentor staff on planning and implementation strategies for Laboratory Services and Blood Safety. Specifically, contractor will be required to provide examples of where they were able to work directly with less technical staff and build their skill levels. Benefits/Allowances: Overseas allowances and differentials similar to those available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be payable under this PSC, subject to eligibility. Actual benefits may vary from one candidate to the next and/or from one country of assignment to the next. A summary of the overseas allowances and differentials available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be found at the following Internet URL: http://aoprals.state.gov/ Specific benefit, allowance, and differential information will be provided in the "Offer of PSC Employment" letter sent to the successful applicant. Additionally, country specific information useful for U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be obtained from Department of State available at the following Internet URL: http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10391.htm and Travel Warnings concerning certain countries, in many of which CDC conducts its international program activities, may be obtained at the following Internet URL: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Federal Taxes: Personal Service Contractors who are either United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (i.e., "green card" holders) of the United States are not exempt from payment of Federal Income and, in some cases State, income taxes on salaries earned abroad while working for the U.S. Government. CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (a) The contractor acknowledges that this contract is an important part of the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program and agrees that his/her duties will be carried out in such a manner as to be fully commensurate with the responsibilities that this entails. (b) While in the Cooperating Country, the contractor is expected to show respect for the conventions, customs, and institutions of the Cooperating Country and not interfere in its political affairs. (c) If the contractor's conduct is not in accordance with paragraph (b) of this provision, the contract may be unilaterally terminated by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor recognizes the right of the U.S. Ambassador to direct his/her immediate removal from any country when, in the discretion of the Ambassador, the interests of the United States so require. (d) The Country Director is the chief representative of CDC in the Cooperating Country. In this capacity, he/she is responsible for the total CDC Program in the Cooperating Country including certain administrative responsibilities set forth in this contract and for advising CDC regarding the performance of the work under the contract and its effect on the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program. The contractor will be responsible for performing his/her duties in accordance with the statement of duties called for by the contract. However, he/she shall be under the general policy guidance of the Country Director, and shall keep the Country Director or his/her designated representative currently informed of the progress of the work under this contract. SOCIAL SECURITY, FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND FOREIGN EARNED INCOME (a) Since the contractor is an employee, F.I.C.A. contributions and U.S. Federal Income Tax withholding shall be deducted in accordance with regulations and rulings of the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, respectively. (b) As an employee, the contractor is not eligible for the 'foreign earned income' exclusion under the IRS Regulations (see 26 CFR 1.911- 3(c)(3)). INSURANCE (a) Worker's Compensation Benefits. The contractor shall be provided worker's compensation benefits in accordance with the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. (b) Health and Life Insurance. (1) The contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of the contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by the Office of Personnel Management. (2) The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (3) Retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health or life insurance under their contracts. The Government will normally have already paid its contribution for the retiree unless the employee can prove to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer that his/her health and life insurance does not provide or specifically excludes coverage overseas. In such case, the contractor would be eligible for contributions under paragraphs (b)(1) or (2) as appropriate. (4) Proof of health and life insurance coverage shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid. On assignments of less than one year, costs for health and life insurance shall be prorated and paid accordingly. (5) A contractor who is a spouse of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse's Government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for the contribution under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this provision. MEDEVAC INSURANCE (NON U.S. CITIZENS ONLY) Non U.S. citizens will not qualify for health unit access during the period of performance of the resultant contract and, if a contract is offered, will be responsible for obtaining required medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. CDC shall reimburse 100% of the cost of medevac insurance maintained by the contractor. CDC does not require that contractor obtains coverage from any one specific company. The contractor is responsible for and has the discretion to choose a provider. For information purposes only: The Department of State maintains a list of U.S. based providers on the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html. CDC provides no endorsement, expressly or implied, of any emergency medical service provider. Contractors have full discretion to consider providers not provided in this list, but are expected to verify that the coverage they do obtain will adequately cover an evacuation due to a medical situation that arises in the location of contract performance. CDC shall approve a fair and reasonable amount for obtaining the required coverage as a direct cost to the contract. In order for CDC to reimburse the cost of medevac insurance, CDC shall require the contractor to furnish evidence of obtaining medevac insurance for the employee and all accompanying family members on U.S. Government travel orders and its cost, after issuance of an offer letter. INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS An individual serving under a CDC PSC may not perform "inherently governmental functions," which include: - Committing the U.S. Government (USG) to a specific course of action or performing Services, which involve discretionary exercise of Government authority; - Exercising signatory authority on behalf of the USG; - Directing policy formulation or making policy decisions; - Approving program plans; - Officially representing the CDC (representation); - Controlling USG-owned property; - Acting as a cashier or sub-cashier; or, - Supervising Government FTE staff. An individual serving under a PSC may: - Provide advice or make recommendations to Government FTE staff; - Perform services (other then the prohibited services listed above) in support of program activities; - Direct projects or teams (as long as supervision of Government FTE staff is not involved); and, - Supervise other PSCs, Personal Services Agreement Employees (PSA), grantees or fellows. How to Apply: A complete application shall consist of 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, as well as references, current (or highest recent) salary documentation, and Benefit Eligibility Form. Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment: The Optional Form (OF) 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, can be located at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/of.asp. 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. 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. Each applicant shall also include a letter indicating the minimum salary in U.S. dollars the applicant would accept for the position. Benefit Eligibility Form: Each applicant shall complete and submit with the application, the Benefit Eligibility Form located at the end of this solicitation. Submission of Application: A complete application package (OF 612 or equivalent, references, salary documentation, and Benefits Eligibility Form) must be received at the following location no later than the closing date and time identified above: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement and Grants Office Mailstop K75, Branch 7 Attn: John Ebanks, Contracting Officer Solicitation 2008-N-10450 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of John Ebanks at contact@example.gov. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. 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). All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language. The solicitation number identified above must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. Selection Factors: The applicant that represents the best value to the Government will be considered for award of HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Specialist PSC. 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. 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. BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR PSC CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION: A. City and State (or Country, if not in U.S.), of Current Residence B. If Already Present in Country of Service, Reason for Current Presence There. 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. C. Attach Copy of Front Page of Most Recent Passport, Showing Citizenship, Name, and Date and Place of Birth. See attached. D. 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 E. 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 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: