R -- Senior Infrastructure Projects Manage

SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2008-005 ISSUANCE DATE: January 24, 2008 CLOSING DATE: February 25, 2008 Gentlemen/Ladies: Subject: US Personal Services Contract (PSC) Senior Infrastructure Projects Manager - 2 Years ? With 3 Year Options 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 are response to this solicitation must be directed to: Ms. Hourig DelDelian Senior Contract Specialist USAID 25 Hamered Street 10th Floor Tel Aviv, Israel Fax No. 972-3-511-4893 E-mail address: hdeldelian@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, /S/ Ron Breen Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-2008-005 ISSUANCE DATE: January 24, 2008 CLOSING DATE: February 25, 2008 POSITION TITLE: SENIOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS MANAGER ? Offshore Hire MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($81,093 - $105,420) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tel Aviv, Israel ? USAID/West Bank & Gaza PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC will be the for the base period of 2 years with 3 one-year options of extension AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. citizen MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-14 level. The salary range for a GS-14 level is $81,093 - $105,420. In addition, the Mission has 30% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and 20% Danger pay. Final compensation will be determined based on the past salary history, working experience and educational background of the successful candidate. BACKGROUND: The U.S. Agency for International Development West Bank and Gaza (USAID/WBG) is an essential element of the U.S. Government's support for the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. Over the past several years, USAID/WBG has devoted more than half of its funds to supporting the development of infrastructure, particularly in the water sector. USAID?s strategy, aimed directly at one of the greatest needs in this arid region, has been to increase water supplies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Mission has financed both large-scale well-drilling and water pipeline projects in the Bethlehem-Hebron and Jenin areas as well as smaller, village-scale projects throughout the West Bank and Gaza. This has provided potable water to more than 1,000,000 Palestinian beneficiaries. In addition, USAID has funded several sewage projects including improvements to the Gaza sewage system and Gaza City Wastewater Treatment Plant benefiting more than 300,000 people and road rehabilitation projects to reduce transportation barriers for more than 600,000 Palestinians. This position is for a senior engineer to work in the Water Resources and Infrastructure (WRI) Office responsible for the achievement of the Mission's Strategic Objective #14 "Greater Access to Better Quality Water and Other Infrastructure Services?. The individual will provide senior level engineering and other technical and management guidance to USAID for the development, implementation, and evaluation of infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza which directly contributes to achieving the overall Water Resources and Infrastructure Strategic Objective. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: In coordination with USAID staff and contractors, the incumbent provides a full range of expert engineering and construction policy advice and analytical and technical support to the Water Resources and Infrastructure Office; and develops program priorities, and harmonizes such plans and priorities with other USAID sector programs through cooperation with the Office of Program and Project Development and all other USAID technical offices. S/he is responsible for identifying, planning, designing and implementing ongoing and planned USAID infrastructure projects and other related engineering, construction and capacity building activities. These activities span virtually the full range of planning, engineering and construction functions including the formulation of development policy and strategy. S/he develops internal Mission documentation supporting project planning and implementation, such as Action Memoranda and Modified Acquisition and Assistance Documents (MAARDS). DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Technical Advice: 1. Provides high quality engineering expertise and other assistance and guidance in the design of major new activities in the water and infrastructure sector, and provides engineering expertise to other Mission offices in education, democracy, private sector, and health including conceptualization; analysis; approval documentation; implementing documentation; and selection of service providers. 2. Provides detailed engineering advice and overall guidance regarding implementation of all relevant water, wastewater and other infrastructure program activities, including: monitoring activity progress; developing scopes of work and other implementing documentation; interfacing with relevant Palestinian Authority and non-governmental parties; analyzing technical and public policy issues; reporting and recommendations; trouble-shooting/problem solving; as well as other implementation actions. 3. Provides advice in the development of detailed engineering designs, plans and cost estimates for assigned programs and activities. Reviews, evaluates, and makes professional recommendations concerning the engineering feasibility of plans developed. Analyzes and evaluates designs, drawings, specifications, schedules and lists of equipment requirements and informs and recommends USAID?s position on assistance commitments for activities. 4. Provides expert advice to senior officials in the Palestinian Authority (PA), the USG, other donors and elsewhere on issues that are both highly technical and surrounded by an unusually high degree of political sensitivity, especially as they relate to potentially controversial, high profile Middle East peace process issues. 5. Submits status and other reports and memoranda to USAID Management, regarding progress and performance, problems and corrective actions, and general oversight reports. Provide guidance to all USAID staff when required on alternative approaches to resolve technical infrastructure problems and achieve the USAID?s infrastructure development objectives. B. Strategic Planning and Program Design: 1. Provides expert assistance on selected aspects of strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation under the water and infrastructure program such as problem identification; data collection and analysis; and options development and evaluation. 2. Develops and maintains continuing contacts with Palestinian Authority officials and suppliers and contractors in order to promote sound policy and program formulation and to coordinate the planning, development and implementation of infrastructure programs and activities. 3. Provides the full range of engineering analysis and support services involving the planning and implementation of programs and proposed activities, including preparing portions of key USAID documents such as the Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, and other strategic reports. Keep abreast of current developments in the infrastructure/reconstruction sectors including recent technological developments, Palestinian Authority needs and capabilities, and national concerns, issues trends and changes in the Palestinian Authority?s policy and regulations. 4. Assists in the preparation and review of procurement documentation and review of technical proposals, solicitations, award recommendations, and contracts regarding engineering accuracy and technical adequacy. C. Project/Program Management: 1. Serves as a Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO), or alternate CTO, for USAID-supported infrastructure activities. This involves carrying out the full range of program administration tasks as the Cognizant Technical Officer for specific major infrastructure projects financed by USAID. These include drafting project implementation letters, preparing action memoranda and reports, estimating expenditures, reviewing payment vouchers, responding to audits, assessing claims, and performing other related activities. 2. Reviews annual work plans and activity plans of implementing partners for comprehensiveness, clarity, and adherence to assistance program objectives. Establish routine communications, conduct site visits and inspections and maintain up-to-date information and files on the status of USAID partner activities, resources and workplans. 3. Monitors work of contractors and grantees implementing infrastructure activities across Mission sectors to ensure that results are achieved in a timely manner and that activities are in conformance with relevant Performance Management Plans for effective tracking of progress and impact. 4. Advises and assists implementing agencies, contractors and others on the implementation of USAID-financed activities including compliance with the terms of grant agreements, contract administration and enforcement, procurement of goods and services, project coordination and scheduling, financial matters and compliance with USG and USAID regulations. Participate in negotiations with the Palestinian Authority and authorities in the Government of Israel on program agreements, formal understandings, and contracts and their modifications. 5. Prepares USAID documentation such as Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs), statements of work, procurement documents, congressional notifications, correspondence, and other documentation necessary for implementation of USAID funded activities. 6. Tracks expenditures and obligations in grants and contracts. D. Staff Supervision: 1. Supervise staff of the Water and Infrastructure Office; develop and monitor staff work plans; complete performance reviews; and ensure staff coverage of major portfolio and other activities in the infrastructure sector. 2. Mentor staff of the Water and Infrastructure Office and facilitate their training on: USAID procedures and policies; infrastructure program management and oversight and infrastructure policy and planning issues; and quality control and assurance in infrastructure programs. E. Other Duties: 1. Participates in project and activity implementation meetings and other technical USAID meetings as required. 2. Develop and maintain contact with offices within the Palestinian Authority, suppliers, and contractors in order to coordinate the development and implementation of assigned programs and activities. 3. Performs other duties assigned by the Director of the Water and Infrastructure Office that are necessary to achieve overall USAID infrastructure objectives. SUPERVISION/OVERSIGHT OF OTHERS: Provide technical guidance to and oversight of Foreign Service National (FSN) Project Managers & Engineers as needed. S/he will report directly to the Director of the Water Resources and Infrastructure Office. Currently there are seven FSNs and three U.S. Direct Hires. The Incumbent may be required to supervise a number of local staff members. EVALUATION CRITERIA/SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: Education (20 points): Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering is mandatory, Master's degree in engineering or another subject relevant to international development/management or water-related science will receive preference. Experience (50 points): at least ten years experience in 1) providing expert engineering services in the design, management, construction and/or implementation of water resources projects and programs and in 2) advising senior resource managers, planners and policy-makers with respect to water infrastructure development, water resources management interventions, and/or private sector participation in the water sector (either capital investment or operations and maintenance) is required; experience in an overseas developing country environment required, preferably in the Middle East; Relevant experience with international development agencies, ideally with the U.S. Government. Knowledge and Abilities (30 points): demonstrated knowledge of state of the art practices with regard to the identification and construction of water, wastewater treatment and other infrastructure facilities; demonstrated knowledge of integrated, cross-sectoral water resources planning and management in support of sustainable development including the policy dialogue and change process; ability to communicate effectively on water resources and related environmental issues, both in writing and verbally, to specialists as well as non-specialists; and ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of U.S. professionals and Palestinian Authority counterparts at technical and senior management levels on a broad range of complex issues associated with water resources engineering, private sector participation in water utilities and integrated water resources management. TOTAL POINTS: 100 It is 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 February 25, 2008, 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 Ms. Hourig DelDelian, Senior Contract Specialist, either via email at hdeldelian@usaid.gov or to fax number 972-3-511-4893 or using one of the following addresses, as applicable. U.S. Mail Address: USAID UNIT 7228, BOX 0026 APO, AE 09830 Delivered by Courier or Express Mail: USAID, C/O US EMBASSY 71 HAYARKON ST. TEL AVIV, ISRAEL 63903 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. ================================================================ 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) 89-29.1 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