R -- Senior Contract Specialist

SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2008-002 ISSUANCE DATE: December 06, 2007 CLOSING DATE: December 28, 2007 Ladies and Gentlemen: Subject: US Personal Services Contract (PSC) Senior Contract Specialist (Not to exceed one (1) year) The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)West Bank & Gaza, is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612)) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described below. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-?-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the SF-171 and OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612. Resumes may be attached to the SF-171 or OF-612. Any questions as well as submission of the applications and the required documents in response to this solicitation must be sent by courier, fax or e-mail to: Mr. Ron Breen, Contracting Officer USAID 25 HaMared Street or: Unit 7228 Box 26 10th Floor APO AE 09830 Tel Aviv, Israel Fax No. 972-3-511-4893 E-mail address: robreen@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the 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 a proposal 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, Ronald W. Breen Contracting Officer ISSUANCE DATE: December 06, 2007 CLOSING DATE: December 28, 2007 POSITION TITLE: Senior Contract Specialist ? Offshore Hire MARKET VALUE: GS-13 Equivalent ($66,951 - $87,039) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tel Aviv, Israel ? USAID/West Bank & Gaza PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Not to exceed one (1) year AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. citizen MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-13 level. The salary range for a GS-13 level is $66,951 - $87,039. In addition, the Mission has 20% Danger Pay and 25% COLA. The salary will be determined based on the salary history, working experience and educational background of the successful candidate. BACKGROUND: The USAID Mission for the West Bank and Gaza manages the overall U.S. assistance program to the Palestinians. This assistance program is an integral part of the U.S. support for the Palestinian-Israeli effort to create and maintain a peaceful co-existence, and as such it reflects the demands of a continually evolving political and economic environment. It is implemented against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel. The USAID program is intended to improve the quality of life of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza; promote a competitive market economy; foster the effective use of scarce resources; promote the development of a democratic society; encourage sound public management and provide emergency or humanitarian assistance when needed. The program has obligated $1.5 billion since 1994 on the WBG development program. In per capita terms, this is one of the largest USAID programs in the world. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: This position is located in the Office of Contracts Management (OCM), USAID/West Bank and Gaza, Tel Aviv. The primary purpose of this position is to execute the procurement of and administer infrastructure and development projects in the USAID West Bank & Gaza Mission. These responsibilities include providing support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs, policy, project planning, design, implementation and evaluation of programs. The incumbent will be involved in critical and highly visible foreign assistance programs. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The PSC shall be responsible for the following: Execute the procurement of and administer projects in USAID/West Bank/Gaza principally under two Strategic Objectives: Health and Humanitarian Assistance (SO Team 12) and Water Resources and Infrastructure (SO Team 14). These responsibilities include planning, developing, carrying out, managing and advising on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs, policy and project planning, design, implementation and evaluation. Participates in projects, mission policy formulation and project design. Plans for and provides contract management support to actuate the program's objectives. Plans, designs, negotiates and administers contracts and grant agreements for USAID development assistance projects and OE procurement actions. Advises on policy, regulatory and statutory issues with Mission staff and external counterparts. Exercises independent judgment and decision making with minimal supervision. Develops a contract plan for projects which may require one or more methods for procurement; a variety of contracts, purchase and grant agreements and negotiates with many different sources of supplies and services. Given the sensitivity, scope and purpose of the role and position of the Sr. Contracts Specialist and the critical nature and complexity of the mission programs especially when implemented in a very fluid political environment, it is essential that the incumbent be able to be fully knowledgeable in the position?s technical areas and fulfill his/her responsibilities with a full comprehension of and ability to integrate issues, conflicts, continually changing working requirements, creative problem solving and the introduction of new theories and methods to resolve unique problems. SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS: The contractor shall be responsible for projects within USAID/West Bank/Gaza principally backstopping the Health and Humanitarian Assistance (SO Team 12) and Water Resources and Infrastructure (SO Team 14) offices. The incumbent reports to the Supervisory Contracting Officer. As such, the contractor shall perform the following duties: (1) Review procurement requests and recommend to the Contracting Officer/Strategic Objective Teams the types of action necessary, whether grant, contract, interagency agreement, etc. (2) Prepares all necessary pre-award and solicitation documents. (3) Receives proposals and oversees the technical evaluation process. This includes briefing the technical evaluation committee. (4) Conducts a cost evaluation of the proposal. This includes coordinating audits or field support reviews of the cost proposal. (5) Determines competitive range. (6) Negotiates contracts and grants. (7) Prepares award and file documentation for signature by the Contracting Officer. (8) Administers contracts and grants, settles protest or disputes and administers the contract or grant close out. Negotiates and establishes reasonableness of suspension of work and termination costs. (9) Assists with FSN staff development and mentoring within the designated strategic objectives. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/SUPERVISION: The incumbent will report to the Supervisory Contracting Officer who will be responsible for reviewing and approving the Contractor's work plans and performance measures and establishing deadlines. In carrying out specific assignments, the contractor will work closely with other OCM staff members and SO Teams. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EVALUATION FACTORS: 1. Education: (20 points) A Bachelor?s degree or ten years of acquisition and assistance experience is required. Relevant majors are business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management. Experience may be substituted in lieu of educational requirements for applicants who do not meet educational requirements for this position. 2. Experience: (35 points) At least ten years of professional contracting or procurement work experience. Such experience must include the full range of responsibilities: acquisition and assistance award execution, administration, termination, cost and price analysis, procurement planning, and analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. Experience in the award and administration of construction contracts is required for this position. At least five years of the ten years of professional contracting or procurement experience must be in construction contracts. Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills and demonstrated experience in making formal presentations. 3. Knowledge: (35 points) Excellent working knowledge of procurement regulations and contracting principles, in particular those related to construction and Architect and Engineering contracts including the latest procedures and techniques is required. In-depth understanding of U.S. procurement rules and regulations is imperative. Knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, policies and procedures; ability to lead others; knowledge of cost principles; knowledge of cost plus award fee and performance based contracting procedures; ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Knowledge of the following and navigation ability is essential: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), including FAR PART 36. Knowledge of the following is preferred: - USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) - Contract Information Bulletins (CIBS) / Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) - Office of Procurement Administrative Memoranda (OPAMS) - USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) - Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular - Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations as appropriate to USAID. 4. Skills and Abilities: (10 points) Must be able to work in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. Must have good teamwork and interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues understandable by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. S/he must be able to adhere to high standards of professional conduct. Ability to function as a team leader during contract negotiations and personally negotiate the majority of contracts. Skills in managerial and coordinative activities sufficient to contract a variety of contractual actions occurring concurrently is essential. Ability to write well is essential. Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word and EXCEL is a must. The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. TOTAL POINTS: 100 The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. USAID/West Bank & Gaza will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. INSTRUCTION to APPLICANTS: (a) Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants are required to provide three references with the complete contact information and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) as an attachment to the SF-171 or OF 612. Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html 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). ** ** 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. This solicitation is issued as of the date of this letter and closes at 16:30 local time on December 28, 2007, Tel Aviv, Israel. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time in order for you to be considered for this position. Please send your application to the attention of Mr. Ron Breen, either via email at robreen@usaid.gov or to fax number 972-3-511-4893 or using the following addresses, as applicable. U.S. Mail Address: Ron Breen USAID UNIT 7228, BOX 26 APO AE 09830 Delivered by Courier or Express Mail to: Ron Breen, USAID Trade Tower Building, 10th Floor 25 HaMared Street Tel Aviv, Israel 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 a proposal in response to this solicitation. ================================================================ 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) FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare. 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 06-12 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) implementation 06-11 Home leave and revised General Provision 5, Leave and holidays 06-10 PSC medical expenses payment responsibility 06-08 AIDAR, Appendices D & J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget salary determination and salary increases 06-01 Medical Evacuation Insurance 05-08 Personal Services Contracts ? Annual health insurance costs for 2005 04-15 Cash awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs 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 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 Contracts (PSCs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 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. 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements. 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 PSCSs 97-17 PSCSs 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 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 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