R -- Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist for USAID/South Africa

SOLICITATION NO.: 674-04-010 ISSUANCE DATE: September 28, 2004 CLOSING DATE: October 25, 2004 Gentlemen/Ladies: Subject: Solicitation for US / Third Country National Personal Services Contract (TCN/PSC) Vacancy for Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist for USAID/South Africa The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) from persons interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described below. Submissions may be directed to Ms Lynne Coetsee who may be reached at Fax No. 27-12-452 2399, or via E-mail address: lcoetsee@usaid.gov Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Late applications shall not be accepted. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of an application in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Brent Schaeffer Contracting Officer US/TCN PSC Vacancy for Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist for USAID/South Africa 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 674-04-010 2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 24, 2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS at USAID/South Africa, October 25, 2004 at 10h00 a.m. local time 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist for USAID/South Africa 5. MARKET VALUE: The classification of this position is GS-13, with salary ranging from $62,905 to $81,778 per annum. Final compensation will be based on the individual's salary, work history, experience, and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Starting on or about January 10, 2005 for an initial period of two years. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/South Africa 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: The incumbent shall assist the USAID/South Africa Contracting Officer (CO) in providing efficient, timely and effective service to the USAID/South Africa Health Team. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties and Responsibilities: The incumbent shall provide personal services as a Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist in executing: 1. Direct contracts, task orders, purchase orders, grants and cooperative agreements, US Government Interagency Agreements such as PASAs and RSSAs, host country contracts and other agreements; 2. Modifications to all of the above; 3. Other miscellaneous administrative requirements associated with acquisition and assistance (A&A) awards; and 4. Provide A&A training to USAID/SA employees. Specifically, the incumbent shall assist the Health Team in preparing A&A plans, preparing announcements and solicitations, preparing and submitting pre-solicitation notices, creating pre-award documents, reviewing host country invitations for bids, instructing and providing expert guidance to technical evaluation committees, performing cost and price analyses, conducting negotiations, preparing award documents and award file documentation for the CO's review and signature as more fully described below. The incumbent also shall be available for consultation on A&A issues with Cognizant Technical Officers (CTOs) and Activity Managers for the Health Team. This effort includes advising the Health Team on the most appropriate procurement vehicle. This requires extensive knowledge of USAID and Federal Acquisition Regulations, USAID assistance regulations, OMB Circulars, assistance cost principles, the USAID Automated Directive System and USAID A&A Policy Directives and Contract Information Bulletins. In addition to execution of direct basic awards and modifications as identified above, the incumbent shall also research issues contained in, and draft responses to, miscellaneous items of correspondence as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to the following: subcontract consent requests, authority to make grants under contracts, salary and personnel approvals, equipment approvals, and Congressional inquiries. 1. Representative Duties: Responsibilities for the planning, design, negotiation, administration and termination of contracts and grant agreements for the USAID/South Africa Health program. Advise on, negotiate and coordinate the A&A management program for the Health Team. This includes, but is not limited to providing advice on policy, regulatory and statutory issues. The incumbent shall assist in performing the following duties: (i) Review procurement/assistance requests and recommend to the CO the type of action necessary to satisfy the requirement. (5%) (ii) Coordinate the development of Acquisition and Assistance Plans with the health Team. (5%) (iii) Prepare all necessary pre-award and solicitation documents for direct and host country awards, and assist in development of USG budget estimates. (10%) (iv) Receive proposals/applications and oversee the technical evaluation process. This includes briefing the technical evaluation committee and participating in discussions as necessary. (5%) (v) Conduct cost/price analyses of the proposals/applications. This includes coordinating audits or field support reviews of the cost proposals. (10%) (vi) Negotiate contracts, assistance awards, claims, and termination settlements. (20%) (vii) Prepare award and file documentation for signature by the CO. (10%) (viii) Ensure timely completion of Contract Performance Reports. (5%) (ix) Ensure timely submission of Acquisition and Assistance data to OP using the automated reporting system, ProDoc. (5%) (x) Administer contracts and assistance, responding to protests or disputes. (10%) (xi) Serve as Administrative CO in absence of CO. (5%) (xii) Provide A&A training to USAID/SA personnel. (10%) 2. Overall Management Functions: The incumbent will not have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a warrant, nor the authority to make legal determinations that have the effect of binding the Government. 3. Utilization of Regulations: Reference and guidance materials to be used by the incumbent in performing the duties shall include, but not limited to, the following: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) Code of Federal Regulations OMB Circulars A&A Policy Directives (AAPDs) / Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A. Education: BA in public law, accounting or business required. Five years of progressively responsible duties in the procurement field in addition to those specified in (B) below may be substituted for a BA. B. Prior Work Experience: The training/experience requirement of the position is that the incumbent has completed or has substantially completed the requirements for certification under the USAID Procurement Management Certification Program (PMCP) or an equivalent program. Certification requires successful completion of eight specified courses in procurement, plus the achievement of certain competencies through a combination of training and experience. At least ten years of continuous, progressive experience in Acquisition (contracts, purchase orders), US Government Agreements (PASAs and RSSAs), host country contracting, and Assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) is required. Such experience must include the full range of responsibilities: execution, administration, termination, cost and prices analysis, procurement planning, and analysis and evaluation of proposals. Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of USG contracting and assistance procedures and a thorough knowledge and understanding of Federal acquisition Regulations, practices, and procedures is necessary. Although not formal requirements, the following experience will be positive evaluation factors: experience as a U.S. Government Contracting Officer, with a warrant; contracting experience in an overseas setting. C. Post Entry Training: The incumbent is expected to be an expert in the field of USG acquisition and assistance procedures. If required, USAID-specific training will be offered. D. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) in both spoken and written English. E. Knowledge: A thorough and complete knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio in accordance with USG regulations. F. Skills and Abilities: Attention to detail, good analytical skills, and excellent organizational skills to execute and administer awards. Discretion, tact and the ability to work under extreme stress to meet deadlines and to effectively complete required actions. Excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills and the ability to work independently are a must. Basic competence in Word and Excel is required. POSITION ELEMENTS: A. Supervision: Receives administrative supervision from the CO. Incumbent is expected to perform all duties independently with minimal functional supervision. B. Available Guidelines: FAR, ADS, USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives, Mission and Office operating orders. C. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying acquisition and assistance regulations in the award and administration of awards. D. Authority to Make Commitments: None. E. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent responds and interacts with all Mission staff (up to and including the Mission Director), especially the Health Team; US & South Africa contractors and recipients, and USAID personnel to carry out assigned responsibilities. F. Supervision Exercised: In the absence of the CO, the incumbent may supervise other OAA personnel which currently comprises three Acquisition Specialists and two Acquisition Assistants. G. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after Entry into the Position: None. The incumbent is expected to be an expert in the area of Acquisition and Assistance. WEIGHTING OF QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES REQUIRED FOR INITIAL REVIEW: Relevant BA or five additional professional years in procurement (10%) Ten years of progressively responsible and varied experience in USG related procurement - including host country contracting (10%) Contract warrant history/Overseas experience (20%) Reference checks (20%) Proficiency in word processing and other relevant computer applications (10%) Medical and Security Clearances: The selected individual shall be required to obtain an employment clearance from the USAID Office of Security. The selected individual and all dependents who will be on the Contractor's orders must obtain medical clearances. Compensation: The salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the market value range depending on qualifications and previous earning history, subject to funds availability. HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants are encouraged to send a SF 171/OF 612 with names, titles, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 references and a brief narrative addressing the required qualifications/experience to Lynne Coetsee, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, by fax number 27-12-452 2399 or email at lcoetsee@usaid.gov. - subject line should read: US/TCN PSC Vacancy: 674-04-010 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable). ** (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (C) Post Allowance (Section 220) (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (F) Education Allowance (Section 270) (G) Education Travel (Section 280) (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (I) Payments during Evacuation / Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650) ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process 03-05 Revised Requirements for Posting of Federal Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) Opportunities 03-02 ES-06 Salary Rate for 2003 01-13 Posting USAID Solicitations and other Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) documents on the Business & Procurement Internet Site 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contacts (PSCs) 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Policy Regarding Third Country Nations (TCNs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-22 PSC Policy 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-19 Home Leave under U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 97-20 Requirements for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses To USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other than Full & Open competition for Personal services Contracts With U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Service Contract (USPSC) Leave 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation Of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles Subject to Availability of Funds.