R -- Senior Contract Negotiator/Specialist

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 267-R-00-04-00140ISSUANCE DATE: March 16, 2004 CLOSING DATE: Open Continuous for one year through March 16, 2005 SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S./TCN Personnel Service Contractor (PSC) for Contract Negotiator/Specialist in the USAID/Iraq Contracts Office with duty location in Baghdad, Iraq Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 only) of qualified individuals from U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services for the positions of Contract Negotiator/Specialist, USAID/Iraq Contracts Office- as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Application forms, U.S. Government Optional Form (OP) 612, can be located and downloaded at: http://www.opm.gov/forms/word/of612. Send one set of U.S. Government OP 612 only. Other documentation (i.e. resumes, CV's, and lists) will be accepted only if accompanied with the OF 612. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms should be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: Ms. Marilynn Bianco CPA (USAID- IRAQ) APO AE 09316 P: 202-216-6289, ext 213 (a US based phone/satellite relay) 790-191-9825 (Local Number) F: 703-270-0370 or 202-216-6289 (a US based phone #/satellite relay) (FAX IS NOT PERFERRED METHOD- Many problems with fax receipt of messages) Email: mbianco2@usaid.gov (PERFERRED METHOD) Any questions should be directed to Marilynn Bianco at the above numbers Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their applications. Please confirm receipt when sending documents to USAID/Iraq Contracts Office. Sincerely, ALVERA REICHERT Supervisory Contracting Officer Attachment 1 ATTACHMENT: Solicitation for PSC - Contract Negotiator/Specialist (Baghdad, Iraq) 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 267-R-00-04-00140 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 16, 2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: Open Continuous for one year through March 16, 2005. 4. POSITION TITLE: Contract Negotiator/Specialist, USAID/Iraq Contracts Office 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 Equivalent ($62,905- $81,778). Final compensation will be based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. Candidate will be paid transportation costs to Baghdad, Iraq. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year (negotiable) with two-one year options based on program needs and performance. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Baghdad, Iraq. All staff will be housed within a guarded and fortified military perimeter. Iraq is an unaccompanied post. Post Hardship (25%), Danger Pay (25%); Separate Maintenance Allowances; and Sunday Pay are authorized. 8. CONTRACT NEGOTIATOR/SPECIALIST For USAID IRAQ Contracts Office for Personal Services Contractor, GS-13 (equiv) 1. Introduction: USAID IRAQ has implemented a program of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction activities operated through large and complex contractual mechanisms and several large grants and agreements. 2. Length of Contract: One year (negotiable) with option to extend for additional period based on performance and program needs. 3. Specific Duties and Responsibilities: The Contractor shall perform a full range of acquisition and assistance services to USAID/Iraq, including, but not limited to, the following: a. Serve as a core member of the Mission's Strategic Objective Teams. As a core member, the PSC will provide guidance and assistance on acquisition and assistance related matters, as well as contribute to overall teamwork that is a collective responsibility of SO team members. b. Provide acquisition and assistance guidance to the team leaders and/or activity managers and assist them in setting priorities and ensuring timely procurement actions related to the respective teams activities. c. Negotiate and prepare for award all acquisition and assistance actions assigned in accordance with the relevant regulations and USAID policies and procedures. d. Consult, as necessary, with the Regional Legal Advisor, for the interpretation of provisions of the award, and for the resolution of questions or issues that may arise. e. Advise the strategic objective teams of which he/she is a member on the development of realistic and thorough procurement plans. f. Provide technical oversight to his/her SO teams non-procurement personnel to ensure that their involvement in the acquisition and assistance processes conforms to established procedures and regulations and that adequate administrative controls are in place. g. Provide guidance to USAID staff as well as host country staff on matters involving host country contracting. Review host country contracting actions submitted for approval to the Mission Director(s) and make recommendations for approval or disapproval. h. Recommend or conduct appropriate training for relevant SO team members and host country officials involved in the procurement process. i. Conduct site visits, as necessary, of USAID funded contractor, grantee, and host country activities. j. Make recommendations to the Contracting Officer regarding the resolution of audit findings. When necessary, coordinate with other donors on host country contracts, which may have multi-donor funding. 4. Supervision/Oversight over Others: The Contract Negotiator/Specialist will provide oversight to a number of activity staff and/or Cognizant Technical Officers of contracts, grants and/or cooperative agreements. In addition, the Contract Negotiator/Specialist will be expected to serve as a liaison with high-level host country officials and representatives of other donor agencies. 5. Education/Experience Preferred for the Position: A BS or BA degree from an accredited university; experience in Acquisition and Assistance; and performance of contracting functions in an overseas environment for a USG agency or similar type employer. 6. Selection Factors: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required by the Position: In order to participate in managing USAIDs program objectives the following is required (Weighted Evaluation Points: 75 Total Points): -15 Progressive experience in day-to-day Acquisition & Assistance; -10 Degree from an accredited university -10 Performance of contracting functions in an overseas environment for a USG agency or similar type office. Relevant USAID experience is given more weight. -10 Thorough knowledge of FAR, AIDAR, USAID Policies and Procedures regarding acquisition and assistance 22 CFR 226, and OMB Circular A-I22, and the relevant ADS. -10 Demonstrated experience in the proper conduct of acquisition and assistance actions using the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 22 CFR 226, and other relevant directives. -10 Candidate must be fluent in the English language. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable but not required. -05 Performing contracting or purchasing work for private sector or USG agencies. -05 Ability to work effectively in a team environment. 7. General Information regarding living and working conditions in IRAQ: USAID Mission is located within the - Green Zone in Baghdad., Iraq. All staff are housed within the - Green Zone which is a guarded and fortified military compound - IRAQ is an unaccompanied post. - Meals and housing are provided at no cost - Post hardship (25%) - Danger pay (25%) - SMA (if applicable) - Overtime as approved by the supervisor - 6 day work week is authorized - 3 R&R trips per one year - ( + 2 Regional Rest Breaks) ($500 & 5 days special leave) OR 2 R&R trips per one year + 4 Regional Rest Breaks($500 & 5 days special leave) ========= ================== ========= AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS (Under Automated Directives System (ADS), "http://www.usaid.gov/ads.html") 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & 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) NOTE: None of the above allowances are applicable to this solicitation with the exception of (J) which is ONLY applicable for TDY performance. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens 00-05 PSC Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 00-02 Latest ES-06 Maximum Pay Rate 99-22 PSC Policy 99-7 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 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 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 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services 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 (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or ** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. ____________________ * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. End of Announcement