Laboratory Services Techncial Advisor for HIV and Tuberculosis in Namibia

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. The solicitation number is 2009-N-11216 and this is a request for proposal. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-31. Interested persons should see Section E for application instructions. A. The position solicited is a Laboratory Services Technical Advisor for HIV and. The position is for the CDC Global Aids Program in Windhoek, Namibia. B.1 Period of Performance The period of performance shall consist of one base period plus option periods for a total of 60 months. A single period cannot exceed 12 months. The total of the base period and all option periods cannot exceed 60 months. The estimated start date is October 2009. The actual period of performance will be identified at time of contract award, after the clearance process has concluded. The performance period start date will also be the Effective Date specified in Block 7 of the payroll form, JF-62, signed by the CDC Contracting Officer and the CDC Personnel/Administrative Officer. The Effective Date will be coordinated in advance with the Contract Awardee and the funding program office before the JF-62 or the contract is signed. It is anticipated that the performance period will begin within 90 days of the completion of the clearance process. B.2 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 with overseas coverage, and life insurance, if desired. Non-U.S. citizens must obtain Medical Evacuation Insurance. See Section C: C.3.e. and C.3. i.(2) for additional information concerning reimbursement for insurance. 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 the 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. SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES C.1 Description/Work Statement Purpose: This Technical Advisor for Laboratory Services provides technical assistance to the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) and the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) on laboratory issues related HIV and Tuberculosis. There is a shortage of qualified and experienced laboratory personnel in Namibia. Incumbent will provide assistance at all levels, from developing standard operating procedures and policies to training personnel. Incumbent will ensure that appropriate procedures are approved to assure that the NIP operates in line with international standards. Incumbent will provide technical and managerial expertise to move NIP laboratories to accreditation and to support NIP's efforts toward becoming a public health laboratory. Incumbent will work directly with, and provide recommendations to, the NIP Director and other key officials on matters relating to laboratory systems analysis and developmental planning, laboratory quality assurance, and laboratory management. The Technical Advisor will provide expert scientific and technical assistance to the NIP and, by extension, to the MoHSS, as well as participating with national and regional partners in the development of policy and programs affecting the provision of public health and clinical laboratory services in Namibia. Technical Assistance 40% Incumbent serves as the PEPFAR lead on laboratory issues and provides technical assistance in laboratory management, operations, policy, and techniques to the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP). Incumbent provides recommendations to the NIP Director and works directly with NIP management and staff to put into practice policies, regulations, and laboratory procedures. Provides technical leadership within the laboratory on matters relating to formulating objectives and budgets, policies, plans, and organizational structure including physical laboratory structure and space issues, public health laboratory testing procedures and systems including the evaluation of new diagnostic technologies, quality assurance procedures, laboratory management and administrative issues, and the provision of training. Provides expertise on the use of laboratory equipment, correct maintenance of equipment, and proper laboratory techniques. Assists to identify and strategically develop pathways to meet short- and long-term laboratory staffing needs. Incumbent participates and serves as an expert on Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) work groups, meetings, and work shops on the implementation of the National Laboratory Strategic Plan. Coordination and Liaison 20% Performs professional work in marshalling the capabilities of the NIP, MoHSS, public health authorities, non-governmental organizations, and others to establish and conduct public health and clinical laboratory services throughout Namibia. The incumbent serves as an expert to the NIP and MoHSS on matters relating to public health laboratory systems analysis and developmental planning, operational research, and all aspects of laboratory quality assurance. As the technical expert, the incumbent serves as the critical interface between the Namibia PEPFAR program and the NIP and plays a key role in developing the laboratory and HIV/TB program area sections of the annual Country Operational Plan. Assists in the coordination and collaboration consultation on scientific and technical issues with high-ranking officials of the Namibia government, CDC, and regional and international public health agencies and non-governmental organizations on the development, implementation and conduct of scientific and technical laboratory systems and services. Develops and maintains professional relationships with international, national, and local laboratory policy makers, universities and schools of public health, and key personnel in appropriate clinical and laboratory organizations. As a recognized expert in laboratory science and technology, provides scientific advice and consultation in survey designs and in devising solutions to critical problems by developing approaches consistent with current best practices. Assists in the coordination and collaboration with government and public health officials to identify and develop the infrastructure and other resources necessary to support the national laboratory system at all levels. Serves as the point of contact a liaison between NIP, MoHSS and the PEPFAR team for all PEPFAR-funded surveys involving laboratory testing. Policy Development 20% Provides leadership in developing scientific policy as it relates to laboratory practice for services and systems for public health prevention and surveillance. These include, but are not limited to, tuberculosis; HIV; sexually transmitted diseases; antimicrobial resistance; international standards; training; and quality assurance. Training 10% Consults on scientific training and education programs and assists in the coordination of the development and delivery of related training programs. Works with USG partners, the NIP, the MoHSS, and other stakeholders to identify training needs and strategies, including external TA visits, to meet those needs. The incumbent works in collaboration with NIP and MoHSS officers and PEPFAR partners to develop training programs. Evaluates training programs for appropriate content and recommends changes to assure accurate and current scientific information. Assist in the development and distribution of technical laboratory-related educational materials and promotes the sharing of scientific information and assistance. Writes reports, abstracts, articles, opinions, and makes oral presentations to disseminate operational research findings and to advocate for laboratory programs and services. International standards 10% Provides technical assistance to ensure that the NIP complies with all applicable local and international safety and health regulations and established international safety policies and procedures. Provides recommendations on how NIP staff may implement measures to regularly and routinely inspect or review assigned workspace to identify and correct unsafe conditions, deficiencies, processes and procedures. NOTE: The remainder of Section C and Section D have been moved behind Section E for the solicitation only----- SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS a Laboratory Services Technical Advisor for HIV and. The position is for the CDC Global Aids Program collocated with the Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services in the Bell Harris Building, Florence Nightingale Street, Windhoek, Namibia. 1. 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. 2. Security Clearance: OPM National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) 3. How to Respond: Incomplete applications will not be considered for award. All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language. The solicitation number must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. For submission information, see below. 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) completed Section D Attachment 4 (D.5 FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications [NOTE: Most applicants will need to complete (d), (h), and (l) 3, 4, and 5] ,and D.6 Addendum for International Tax Certification, and D.7 Benefit Eligibility For PSC Candidate]. B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Applicant's resume must provide the extent of their qualifications: 1) Minimum/Essential Qualifications: a. Knowledge: Must be familiar with the overall goals and objectives of the CDC, the Global AIDS Program, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Must have experience in overseeing laboratory services. Must have some familiarity with HIV and TB programming in resource-limited settings. b. Education: At least a bachelor's degree in laboratory sciences. c. Training: Certified as a laboratorian, with five years experience in HIV and TB laboratory processes. d. Experience: Five years total experience working either in a laboratory setting or as a laboratory technician advisor, with experience in HIV and TB laboratory techniques e. Language skills: Level IV (Fluency) in English is required. e. Other skills: Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be skilled at working with public and private laboratories, host governments, and other stakeholders to effectively implement laboratory services. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate cooperative working relationships. Demonstrated basic skill in the use of computer software packages including word processing, spreadsheets, statistical packages, e-mail, and graphics is required. 2. Desired Qualifications a) Knowledge of the Organization: Knowledge of CDC and USG operations and regulations is beneficial, but not required. Knowledge of the laboratory systems, policies, and procedures used in Namibia is desirable. Familiarity with international and Namibian national institutions and the health system, civil society, and academia insofar as their activities and attitudes may impact on HIV/AIDS laboratory, blood safety, HIV/TB, and infant diagnosis activities is desired. b) Education: Completion of a master's degree in related field. 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. Submission of Application: 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-11216/Position #NA-PSC-03 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of Sam Jamison at contact@example.gov. 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). F. 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). G. 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. SECTION C (continued) - CONTRACT CLAUSES C.2 Clauses a. 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es): http://www.acqnet.gov http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ http://www.hhs.gov/oamp/policies/index.html (End of Clause) b. Table of clauses FAR SOURCE TITLE AND DATE 52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees (Apr 1984) 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Sep 2007) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (June 2008) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions (Oct 2008) 52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (May 2001) 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) 52.232-3 Payments Under Personal Services (Apr 1984) 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order (Aug 1989) 52.243-1 Changes - Fixed Price (Aug 1987) 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) HHSAR SOURCE TITLE AND DATE 352.202-1 Definitions (Jan 2006) 352.224-70 Confidentiality of Information (Jan 2006) 352.270-6 Publications and Publicity (Jan 2006) 352.270-7 Paperwork Reduction Act (Jan 2006) For Addenda to FAR Clause 52.212-1 see Section D - Attachment 2 - D.2. For Addenda to FAR Clause 52.212-4 see Section D - Attachment 2 - D.3. c. FAR 52.204-1 Approval of Contract (July 2004) This contract is subject to the written approval of the Contracting Officer and shall not be binding until so approved. (End of Clause) d. FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) (a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days of the expiration of the current period; provided, that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension. (b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause. (c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 (months). (End of Clause) e. FAR 52.249-12 Termination (Personal Services) (Apr 1984) The Government may terminate this contract at any time upon at least 15 days' written notice by the Contracting Officer to the Contractor. The Contractor, with the written consent of the Contracting Officer, may terminate this contract upon at least 15 days' written notice to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause) f. HHSAR +1 (555) 000-0000 Choice of Law (Overseas). This contract shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the substantive laws of the United States of America. By the execution of this contract, the contractor expressly agrees to waive any rights to invoke the jurisdiction of local national courts where this contract is performed and agrees to accept the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the United States Court of Federal Claims for hearing and determination of any and all disputes that may arise under the Disputes clause of this contract. g. HHSAR 352.270-10 Anti-Lobbying (January 2006) Pursuant to the current HHS annual appropriations act, except for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, the Contractor shall not use any HHS contract funds for (i) publicity or propaganda purposes; (ii) the preparation, distribution, or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, radio, television or video presentation designed to support or defeat legislation pending before the Congress or any State legislature, except in presentation to the Congress or any State legislature itself; or (iii) payment of salary or expenses of the Contractor, or any agent acting for the Contractor, related to any activity designed to influence legislation or appropriations pending before the Congress or any State legislature. (End of Clause) h. HHSAR 352.270-13 Tobacco-Free Facilities (January 2006) In accordance with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, the Contractor and its staff are prohibited from using tobacco products of any kind (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco) while on any HHS property, including use in personal or company vehicles operated by Contractor employees while on an HHS property. This policy also applies to all subcontracts awarded under the contract or order. The term HHS properties'' includes all properties owned, controlled and/or leased by HHS when totally occupied by HHS, including all indoor and outdoor areas of such properties. Where HHS only partially occupies such properties, it includes all HHS-occupied interior space. Where HHS leases space in a multi-occupant building or complex, the tobacco-free HHS policy will apply to the maximum area permitted by law and compliance with the provisions of any current lease agreements. The Contractor shall ensure that each of its employees, and any subcontractor staff, is made aware of, understand, and comply with this policy. (End of clause) i. Contracting Officer (Jul 1999) (1) The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds. No person other than the Contracting Officer can make any changes to the terms, conditions, general provisions, or other stipulations of this contract. (2) No information, other than that which may be contained in an authorized modification to this contract, duly issued by the Contracting Officer, which may be received from any person employed by the United States Government, or otherwise, shall be considered grounds for deviation from any stipulation of this contract. (End of Clause) j. Contract Communications/Correspondence (Jul 1999) The Contractor shall identify all correspondence, reports, and other data pertinent to this contract by imprinting thereon the contract number from Page 1 of the contract. (End of Clause) k. Office Equipment (May 1998) Notwithstanding any other provision of this contract, the Contractor shall not purchase or lease under this contract any items of office equipment, including office furniture or machines. Recovery of the cost of such items shall be allowable only to the extent that is it properly allocable in the indirect cost charged to this contract. (End of Clause) l. Dissemination of Information (May 1998) No information related to data obtained under this contract shall be released or publicized without the prior written consent of the Field Supervisor. (End of Clause) m. Identification of Data (May 1998) The Contractor shall identify the technical data delivered to the Government as required by this contract with the number of the contract and the name and address of the Contractor or subcontractor that generated the data. (End of Clause) n. Review and Comment (May 1998) All materials developed or information of whatever nature resulting from work performed under this contract shall be submitted to the Field Supervisor for review and comment prior to publication or dissemination. (End of Clause) C. 3 Special Requirements a. 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 FTE staff. An individual serving under a PSC may: - Provide advice or make recommendations to 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 FTE staff is not involved); and, - Supervise other PSCs, Personal Services Agreement Employees (PSA), grantees or fellows. b. Conformity to Laws and Regulations of the Host Country Contractor agrees that, while in the host country, he/she as well as authorized dependents will abide by all applicable laws and regulations of the host country and political subdivisions thereof. c. Purchase or Sale of Personal Property or Automobiles To the extent permitted by the host country, the purchase, sale, import, or export of personal property or automobiles in the host country by the contractor shall be subject to the same limitations and prohibitions, which apply to U.S.-citizen direct-hire employees who are accorded a similar level of privileges and immunities as Contractor. d. Employee Responsibilities and Conduct The employee must comply with certain U.S. Government laws governing employee conduct, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch in 5 CFR Part 2635, the conflict of interest laws in Chapter 11 of Title 18 of the United States Code, the financial disclosure requirements in 5 CFR Part 2634, the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and 3 FAM 4120 (Employee Responsibilities Abroad). Reference the following links for additional information: Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch in 5 CFR Part 2635: 2002 CFR Title 5, Volume 3 Conflict of Interest laws in Chapter 11 of Title 18 of the United States Code: Title 18 United States Code Financial Disclosure requirements in 5 CFR Part 2634: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/5cfr2634_05.html The Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution (See Sec. 9, Clause 8): http://www.house.gov/Constitution/Constitution.html 3 FAM 4120 (Employee Responsibilities Abroad): http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/85177.pdf e. Clearances (a) Medical 1) U.S. citizens: PSCs and their dependents are eligible for Health Unit services and medical evacuation coverage (Medevac) at Government expense if the following conditions are met: -- The PSC must have a current Medical clearance or waiver. -- The PSC must maintain health benefits coverage for self and any accompanying family members that is valid in the country of service. -- The PSC's contract stipulates that s/he is eligible for MED services and requires the individual to have health insurance coverage overseas. -- The employing agency is paying for medical services under the International Cooperative Support Services (ICASS) and guarantees funding for the direct charge of local hospitalization and medical evacuation. 2) Non-U.S. citizens: PSCs and their dependents are ineligible for Health Unit services and medical evacuation coverage (Medevac) at Government expense. However, CDC policy mandates that the PSC must meet the following conditions: -- The PSC must have a current Medical clearance or waiver. -- The PSC must have and maintain health benefits coverage for self and any accompanying family members that is valid in the country of service. -- The PSC must have and maintain medical evacuation (medevac) coverage for self and any accompanying family members that is valid in the country of service. The Government will reimburse the cost of medevac insurance premiums. See C.3.i. Insurance (3) Medevac Insurance (b). 3) For all assignments outside of the United States, the contractor and any authorized dependents shall be required to be examined by one or more licensed doctors of medicine acceptable to CDC, and the contractor shall forward a summary of the results of the medical exams as well as copies of the original tests and laboratory reviews to the CDC's Office of Health and Safety (OHS) for adjudication as to whether the requirements of the position and assignment are met. For non-U.S. citizen PSCs, OHS makes these determinations internally but for U.S. citizen PSCs, OHS passes their recommendations on to Department of State's Office of Medical Services (State/MED) for a final determination. The OHS or State/MED decision is furnished to the Contracting Officer prior to the official award of a contract. The Government shall reimburse the contractor for all costs associated with obtaining the aforementioned medical clearance examinations. Note: The official award of a contract is dependent upon the successful completion of the medical clearance. If the medical clearance is not granted and a waiver is not obtained, the contractor may be ineligible for award. (b) Suitability Background Check Based on the required Suitability Background Check, contractor shall have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials. However, failure to obtain the Suitability Background Check required for full performance of all duties described in the position description may deem the offeror ineligible for award or, if already awarded, constitute cause for contract termination. (c) Applies to only U.S. citizens: Security clearance is not required at this time, however, should such clearance become required during the period of performance of the contract, contractor shall be required to obtain security clearance prior to having access to classified information. f. Work Week and Compensation The contractor's workweek shall not be less than 40 hours, unless otherwise provided in the Contract Schedule, and shall coincide with the workweek for those employed by the Mission or the host country agency most closely associated with the work of this contract. If the contract is for less than full time (40 hours weekly), the annual and sick leave earned shall be prorated (see the general provision of this contract entitled Leave and Holidays). The contractor's compensation shall not be adjusted to reflect the pay comparability adjustments, which are granted from time to time to U.S. direct-hire employees by Executive Order for the statutory pay systems. g. Leave and Holidays 1) Annual Leave: (i) The rate of earned annual leave is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Coordinating Office for Global Health (COGH). In making this determination, COGH considers the individual's previous relevant service to the US Government through any of various employment, contractual, or grantee arrangements. However, no annual leave credit shall be earned if the tour of duty is less than 90 calendar days. Former Civil Service and CDC personal contractual service is creditable towards PSC service for annual leave accumulation purposes. Leave is earned at the following accumulation rates per pay period, based on relevant service credited by COGH: 0 to 3 years: 6 hrs. Over 3 years: 8 hrs. (These rates are based on a combination of annual leave and home leave granted to members of the Foreign Service.) (ii) It is understood that annual leave is provided under this contract primarily for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the tour of duty in the host country and may be used only with the written approval of the CDC Field Supervisor or Contracting Officer. The Contractor in consultation with the CDC Field Supervisor shall develop a leave schedule early in his/her tour of duty taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference and other factors. Unused annual leave will be reimbursed at the end of the period of performance of the resultant contract provided such leave does not exceed the annual carryover limit, currently 360 hours, plus the number of hours earned and unused during the final pay year during performance under this contract. (iii) With the approval of the CDC Field Supervisor, and if the circumstances warrant, a contractor may be authorized advance annual leave in excess of leave earned, but in no case shall a contractor be authorized advance annual leave in excess of that which he/she will earn over the life of the contract. The contractor agrees to reimburse CDC for leave used in excess of the amount earned during the contractor's assignment under the contract. 2) Sick Leave: Sick leave is earned at a rate not to ...