R -- HIV Counseling and Testing Specialist, Personal Services Contract

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for an HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Specialist position located in Maputo, Mozambique. 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-10231 POSITION NUMBER: MZ-PSC-05 ISSUANCE DATE: February 6, 2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: February 21, 2008 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Specialist MARKET VALUE: $51,095 to $88,015 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: Maputo, Mozambique 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: The HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Specialist serves as the primary technical expert and contact for CDC-Mozambique on all HIV/AIDS Counseling & Testing (CT) activities, with two primary responsibilities: 1) the development, modification, and/or adaptation of appropriate C&T strategies with the goal of improving public access and use of HIV/AIDS CT services. 2) the integration of these services with associated care and follow-up provided at ante-natal, STI, and TB clinical settings. The HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Specialist position performs the following duties and responsibilities: The key aspects of this position are as follows: 1) Support and capacity building for the MOH team overseeing, managing and implementing CT activities, and working with partner agencies and groups to further CDC counseling and testing goals. This includes integration and expansion of CT within clinical services and health facilities nationwide. 2) Technical assistance for the National AIDS Council and JHPIEGO team establishing a National strategy, framework, guidelines and oversight for community-based CT. 3) Technical assistance to ensure that CT activities are based on the latest relevant science and that scientific knowledge is translated into programs guidelines and practices. 4) Development/facilitation of communications with partners (both government institutions and NGOs) for CT sections of National and PEPFAR strategic and operational plans and reports as necessary. Minimum/Desired Qualifications: 1. Incumbent must have a basic knowledge of CDC, its public health disease prevention and control practices and activities. More specific knowledge about CDC?s mission and program activities in Mozambique is gained early during the incumbency, if needed, and provides a relevant framework for success. 2. Incumbent needs to have a thorough technical familiarity with the Mozambique public health system and counseling and testing, psychological approaches and support policies and practices. 3. Orientation in CDC and host country CT activities will be provided if needed, however, familiarity with the Mozambican Ministry of Health and other local providers is highly desirable. 4. Functioning as the lead counseling specialist for the CDC/GAP program in Mozambique, incumbent needs to have advanced practical and theoretical knowledge of HIV/AIDS/OI/ TB/STI counseling practices, including the development of relevant indicators and CT plans. 5. Education: Master of Science or other post-graduate degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Management, Behavioral or Social Sciences is required. 6. Incumbent must have a minimum of five years progressively responsible work in HIV/AIDS//OI/TB/STI program management, including some direct counseling experience, interacting with supervisors, subordinates and professional staff from other institutes or organizations. Experience in these areas in a sub-Saharan African nation is necessary, and related experience in Mozambique is highly desirable. 7. Level IV (fluency) in English and Level V (native fluency) in Portuguese is required. 8. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills.. 9. Demonstrated basic skill in the use of computer software packages including word processing, spreadsheets, statistical packages, e-mail and graphics is required. Responsibilities: Incumbent provides technical guidance to a minimum of 11 mid- and senior-level Mozambican national and local public health agency staff regarding HIV/AIDS/OI/ TB/STI counseling and testing for multiple project activities funded under CDC/GAP cooperative agreements. Incumbent can be expected to conduct and develop informal or ad hoc training sessions for CDC-Mozambique national and local agency staff in the areas of voluntary counseling and testing and support for HIV/AIDS/OI/ TB/STI prevention and care programs. Incumbent is not responsible for formalized training activities but is expected to recommend appropriate staff training to meet program goals. Incumbent functions as Team Leader to a minimum of 2 staff for voluntary counseling and testing activities funded under CDC/GAP cooperative agreements and helps funded organizations prioritize, develop, and respond to CT plans for funded projects. Interacts, provides technical assistance, and helps CDC/GAP technical staff and CDC/Atlanta CT staff in response to queries relating to development of CT indicators used to monitor the progress and evaluate the impact of CDC-funded activities. Incumbent operates own office equipment such as desktop and laptop computers, calculator, and desk and cellular telephones. Frequently uses shared office equipment such as printer, photocopier, and fax machines. Total personal or shared value is approx. $2,500. Incumbent helps to oversee project expenditures under CDC/GAP cooperative agreements totaling a minimum of approx. $500,000 per year by monitoring budget development and spending plans as well as tracking expenditures by these CDC-supported organizations, such as national and local public health agencies. Incumbent collects data from various collaborating agencies to support monitoring and evaluation of the progress and impact of voluntary counseling and testing activities funded by CDC/ GAP cooperative agreements. Incumbent works independently to provide technical consultation on counseling and testing activities of ongoing or proposed public health programs funded by CDC/GAP cooperative agreements. Incumbent discusses with national and local public health agency staff and/or other Mozambican experts development of counseling and testing plans, including designing CT indicators and collecting instruments, interpretating results, and making recommendations for program improvement. Working with implementing partners from national and local public health agencies, including HIV/AIDS/OI/TB/STI counseling field work, Incumbent has freedom to take action and make decisions on work area, subject to approval by immediate supervisor. One of the major responsibilities of Incumbent is the development and implementation of counseling and testing programs for CDC-funded activities within cooperative agreements with national and local public health agencies. Incumbent?s experience in counseling procedures and program management as well as project specific knowledge is needed in order to help resolve problems that might be encountered during the development of counseling and testing plans. Incumbent works with the coordinating units of networks funded by cooperative agreements to monitor the integration of services under CT projects with associated care and follow-up services provided at antenatal, STI, and TB clinical settings implemented under CDC/GAP awards. Details of job description include monitoring or tracking what is being done, budgetary expenditures, reports of project impacts and outcomes, and reporting the monitoring results to all CDC/GAP technical sections, host country ministries and project partners. This CT activity spans and supports a minimum of 10 different projects with average budgets of a minimum of $50,000 each. At the project level, Incumbent participates in the planning steps of CT program development. Major operational decisions are based on group discussion and agreement between CDC technical sections, national and local public health agency senior officials, and project principal investigators (PIs). Incumbent has wide latitude in making recommendations and providing advice to implementing partners for operational decisions within guidelines set by supervisor. Incumbent provides technical assistance and advice on approving plans to develop counseling and testing activities, on developing relevant indicators, and on the impact of different CDC/GAP-funded activities under cooperative agreements with national and local public health agencies. Technical assistance and advice will be provided to national and local public health agency staff implementing these projects. Incumbent also provides advice and recommendations to CDC staff in these areas. Incumbent provides technical support on counseling and testing aspects of implemented projects, as well as providing valuable information needed for improvement of program implementation. Incumbent?s actions can have a high level of impact on CDC?s activities in Mozambique. For example, Incumbent works with the Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic Information Technology, Laboratory Services, and Training programs to help develop software to model CT program indicators for laboratory testing and training requirements in order to sustain effective HIV/AIDS//OI/TB/STI prevention, care, support, and treatment programs. Incumbent provides technical support on counseling and testing aspects of implemented projects as well as valuable insight needed for improvement of program implementation. Incumbent?s actions can have a high level of impact on CDC/GAP-funded activities under cooperative agreements with national and local public health agencies. For example, Incumbent contributes significantly to the development and implementation of a CT program to monitor and evaluate process and outcome of CDC/GAP projects overseen by other CDC/GAP technical programs, resulting in an effective counseling and testing services model. Working Environment: Basic office environment and occasional clinical settings as incumbent sees patients or oversees the work of others with time roughly split 75% at the main office and 25% on field trips to network staff of national and local public health agencies. The incumbent may experience regular and moderate levels of job-related stress from demanding activities and occasional tight timeframes, or from frequent queries from project and CDC staff to explain, clarify and otherwise assist in the understanding of Counseling and Testing activities or process results. The need to meet tight deadlines and produce data and reports for use by senior CDC and host country officials also may induce psychologically demanding stress. Frequent travel, such as day trips several times a month, throughout Mozambique working away from duty station represents a moderate degree of disruption to work patterns. 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://www.state.gov/m/a/als/4311.htm. 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 Post Reports available at the following Internet URL: http://foia.state.gov/MMS/postrpt/pr_view_start.asp 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: Melinda James, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2008-N-10231 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of Melinda James 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. NOTE: Benefit Eligibility Form will be posted in an amendment to the solicitation.