R -- Solicitation of U.S. Personal Services Contract (PSC), Democracy and Governance Division Chief, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Source/Origin Code: 000RFP NO.: 442-04-003 ISSUANCE DATE: June 18, 2004 CLOSING DATE: July 09, 2004, 4:00 p.m. Phnom Penh Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC); Democracy and Governance Division Chief - USAID/Cambodia To All Interested Applicants: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's or 612's) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered to the undersigned in Cambodia at the place and by the time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to: sprak@usaid.gov. Applications, which shall include salary history for the prior three years and the names and contact points (telephone/fax numbers) for at least two references with knowledge of the applicant's prior work skills may be faxed, mailed, emailed, or hand-carried to the undersigned. To ensure delivery by the due date it is recommended that applications be sent in as email attachments or by fax if possible. If an applicant does not have ready access to a Form 171 or 612, the same information may be initially submitted in resume form so long as the items stated earlier in this paragraph are covered. Late applications may be considered in USAID sole discretion. The award of a contract hereunder is subject to the availability of funds. Any question regarding this solicitation may be directed to the Executive Officer via facsimile at 855-23-218-074 or via internet at mahoirup-bacolod@usaid.gov. A copy shall also be sent to sprak@usaid.gov. Mailing Address: USAID/Cambodia, Box P APO AP 96546, USA or USAID/Cambodia No. 18, Street 228 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Applicants should retain for their records a copy of all enclosures which accompany their applications. The preferred method of submission of all applications and required documents is via internet as email attachments formatted in Microsoft Word or by courier/messenger sent or delivered as follows: By email to: mahoirup-bacolod@usaid.gov and cc sprak@usaid.gov. By courier/messenger: Office of Procurement USAID/Cambodia American Embassy #18, Street 228, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Applicants shall confirm with Acquisition Agent Mealea S. Prak that their email submissions were received by the due date. Sincerely, Maryanne Hoirup-Bacolod Executive Officer USAID/Cambodia ATTACHMENT 1 TO SOLICITATION NO. 442-04-003 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 442-04-003. 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 18, 2004. 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 09, 2004. 4:00 p.m. local Phnom Penh Time. 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Democracy and Governance Division Chief (DGDC) - Cambodia. 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-14 (approx. $74,335- $96,637). The salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history of the selected candidate. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Cambodia (currently set at the rate of 20% of base pay), cost of living allowance (10%), housing, international travel and shipment benefits. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start o/a September 01, 2004 for a period of two years, with the possibility of extensions. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Phnom Penh, Cambodia with regular travel in Cambodia and elsewhere as required. 8. JOB DESCRIPTION A. Position Title: USPSC Democracy and Governance Division Chief (DGDC) Cambodia. B. Organizational location of the position: USAID/Cambodia, Office of General Development. C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor: Supervisory General Development Officer, or her/his designee. D. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will report to the Director, Office of General Development. E. Statement of Work 1. Introduction/Background: (See www.usaid.gov website, Country Strategy) 2. Basic Functions of the Position The Democracy Division of the General Development Office at USAID/Cambodia manages over 10 separate grants or cooperative agreements with such organizations as The Asia Foundation, East-West Management Institute, National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, the International Labor Organization, and the International Office of Migration. Responsibilities will involve the full range of consultative, advisory, monitoring, management, data collection and analysis, and evaluative aspects within the democracy, governance and human rights sectors, with a particular emphasis on monitoring and defense of human rights and anti-trafficking activities as well as political processes. USAID anticipates that the DG portfolio will be expanded in the next two years to include a new program in anti-corruption and legislative strengthening and the PSC will be involved in assessment, strategic planning and program design. The DGDC will be required to coordinate and attend meetings, monitor programs on field visits, assist in evaluation of programs, recommend solutions, and report on USAID financed support of DG activities. He/she will also serve as the Mission's political processes specialist for democracy and media activities implemented in the Kingdom of Cambodia in preparation for elections. The DGDC will work with the political process partners, such as the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The DGDC will be responsible for monitoring and managing USAID/Cambodia initiatives in the aforementioned sectors. As such, the incumbent must develop considerable knowledge of political, social and cultural developments of Cambodia, a background in democracy, media, NGO, and human rights programming. The incumbent must be effective in developing and cultivating cooperative working relationships with American and international PVOs, NGOs, local non-governmental partners and Cambodian government officials in the programmatic areas. 3. Detailed Duties and Responsibilities: The specific duties of the Democracy and Governance Division Chief (DGDC) will include: - The incumbent will manage the Democracy and Governance Division of the Office of General Development with a staff of four professionals and one secretary/clerical. He/she will be responsible for managing a portfolio of over $20 million in democracy and governance activities. - The incumbent serves as the Mission's technical expert on the specific issues related to Democracy and Governance (DG). On a continuing basis, the incumbent critically reviews USG and other donor activities to ensure maximum coordination and leverage for USG policy initiatives. The incumbent represents USAID within country team staff discussions related to human rights, trafficking and political processes. - He/she will draft mid-term, annual program review and other documents for DG programs in the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighting success stories and program impact achieved, and describing future plans and activities. Based on thorough understanding and analysis of developments in the aforementioned activities in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the DGDC proposes and recommends new and/or changes to existing programs and activities. - He/she will develop and draft new Strategic Objectives and all related results packages for Democracy and Governance. He/she will also direct the preparation of all assessments, studies designed to lay the foundation for our program goals and objectives, and prepare scopes of work (SOW) and/or program descriptions for new activities, project assessments, evaluations and other related efforts in association with the USAID new Strategic Plan (2005-2010). The incumbent is responsible for preparation of financial obligating documents and authorizations for signature of responsible superiors. - He/she is also responsible for drafting mid-term and annual program review documents for DG programs in the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighting success stories and program impact achieved, and describing future plans and activities. - The incumbent will draft and or oversee the drafting of statements of work and program descriptions to compete and award acquisition and/or assistance instruments to implement technical programs in the areas highlighted above. The incumbent provides policy and operational guidance to the grantees and contractors within their respective scopes of work or program descriptions. The incumbent reviews, critiques, and approves annual work plans; monitors progress towards implementation of annual work plans. - The incumbent will also review financial documentation for compliance with program performance and delivery of products and services. The incumbent maintains accurate records of accrued expenditures for program management purposes; and provides this data to the USAID/Cambodia financial management staff on a regular basis. - He/she will serve as the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) and/or activity manager for grants or contracts in the democracy, governance and human rights sectors. The incumbent will conduct frequent site visits to assess program and activity impact. The incumbent will review and comment on legal strategies for NGOs who take on - cutting edge cases that have high public visibility and potential to influence government policy. Using their legal experience, the incumbent will advise our NGO partners on the logistics of bringing cases to trial - either in Cambodia or to a higher level. - The DGDC will be responsible for drafting and updating components of the USAID/Cambodia Annual Report related to the DG SO - Increased Competition in Cambodian Political Life and developing and refining associated performance measurement indicators. - He/she will monitor accomplishments against grantees and/or contractors annual work plans and performance measurement indicator targets and designs and procures both internal and external program evaluations as required. - The incumbent will draft the relevant sections on democracy and human rights for the State Department's Mission Performance Plan (MPP) and other related periodic reports or budget justifications required by USAID Washington. - The DGDC will identify barriers to program implementation and success, and develop solutions to maximize program impact. He/she will track the development of and analyze political, media and social issues crucial for the successful implementation of human rights activities in the Kingdom of Cambodia. He/she will monitor pertinent legislation, and events of local media to stay abreast of the latest developments that could impact USAID's DG program. - Under the guidance of the Director, OGD, the incumbent will provide information to the US Ambassador and Political Officer at the US Embassy, to keep them informed of USAID's relevant programs. The incumbent will be expected to compile and draft reporting cables and write reports for USAID/Cambodia, USAID/W, the US Embassy/Phnom Penh and the Department of State. He/she will be expected to draft human rights, anti-trafficking and political process success stories, reporting cables and other informational documents to publicize USAID's democracy and governance assistance in the Kingdom of Cambodia. - The DGDC may be called upon to serve as the Control Officer and prepare briefing documents and itineraries for high level visitors and delegations, such as CODELS, STAFDELS, State Department and USAID Officials. - The DGDC will also be responsible for other duties as assigned by the Director of OGD. 9. Supervision/Oversight: a) The Democracy and Governance Division Chief (DGDC) will work under the general policy guidance of the Supervisory General Development Officer, US Direct Hire (USDH). Assignments are generally received in terms of broad objectives; and it will be up to the Democracy and Governance Division Chief (DGDC) to interpret this guidance and independently apply it correctly to the working context. b) Guidelines Used and Judgment Required: Available guidelines include, but are not limited, to the ADS; Mission Orders; standard accounting, auditing and financial management procedures, and systems requirements. The incumbent will have to use her/his own well informed judgment to interpret and adapt any and all guidelines to country-specific situations. He/she will exercise considerable judgment in working effectively with the government, NGOs, and the private sector, in overseeing contractor activities and coordinating multi sectoral efforts in support of USAID/Cambodia development objectives. The DGDC will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct. c) Complexity of Work/ Duties/ Responsibilities and the Democracy and Governance Portfolio: This work will involve many different, complex, and interrelated programs in order to promote democracy and governance objectives in Cambodia. The portfolio is broad and encompasses political party development, election support, legislative strengthening, human rights, anti-trafficking, arbitration and dispute resolution, labor rights and civil society strengthening. The Democracy and Governance Division Chief (DGDC) will be responsible for management of both USPSC and host country national staff. He/she will be required to provide accurate and timely guidance and advice to the Director, Office of General Development, the USAID Mission Director, the Ambassador and other Embassy staff on the full range of DG issues under his/her purview. She/he will require a depth of experience and expertise that will allow him/her to provide leadership to management, staff, implementing partners, counterparts and beneficiaries. The work requires the continuing application of innovative and original thinking to the solution of problems which resist resolution or which are unique to Cambodia. To be effective, the incumbent must keep abreast of state-of-the art developments in fostering democratic transition in post-conflict societies and assess the applicability of new theories and techniques to current problems. New information, new criteria, and new methods will be developed by the incumbent to provide leadership to management, staff, implementing partners and, counterparts. d) Authority to Make Commitments: The DGDC is authorized to make final program activity commitments with counterparts and government officials. e) Supervision Exercised: This is a designated supervisory position. The incumbent will supervise three full-time Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contract (CCNPSC) employees, and a USPSC Human Rights Activity Manager. He/she will be responsible for preparation of employee evaluations and oversight of work product. He/she will have an important CCNPSC mentoring and staff training role. In accordance with USAID/Cambodia's - Cambodianization policy, local hires are expected to gradually assume leadership positions, taking over, as appropriate, the positions of USPSCs. f) Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The DGDC will be required to establish and maintain solid working relationships with all categories of Mission personnel, host country officials, and NGO representatives. The DGDC will be required to work closely with: 1) USAID/Cambodia technical staff, national governmental officials (particularly in the Ministry of Women's Affairs) and non governmental officials (such as Directors of NGOs and community organizations), private sector representatives, and other foreign donor institutions (i.e., UNDP, DFID, UNHCR, etc). The established method of communication/contact will be in person, by phone or written communications. The purpose of contact will be: 1) to maintain open lines communication in support of human rights related issues; 2) to maintain regular communications regarding the timely management of activity functions and procedures; 3) to collect, obtain, and verify factual information pertaining to program/project planning and implementation; 4) to monitor and evaluate existing activities in human rights/anti-trafficking on a regular basis; and 5) to gather information needed for reporting information to the United States Department of State in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. The purpose of contacts will range from simple information gathering to assisting in the development of complex programs and documents with various partners. 10. Period of Performance The initial period of performance is an estimated two years (24 months). Subject to satisfactory performance, continued need for the position and availability of funds, the contract may be extended. 11. Selection Criteria This position requires a unique combination of high-level technical, analytical, and managerial skills and ability. It is also crucial that the DGDC possesses an excellent ability to work with other local International Organizations and contractors, and the ability to: promote and preserve staff morale and performance under rapidly changing conditions. The DGCD must also be a good listener, a team builder, and an articulate advocate of the Mission's Democracy and Governance Strategic Objective. a) Education: 10 points An advanced university degree (MA, JD or LLM) in international relations, international law, human rights, political science or other closely related field is required with strong technical emphasis or specialization in the areas of human rights and political parties. b) Prior Work Experience: 20 points The DGDC is required to have a minimum of five years of progressively more responsible project management, project design, project/program development experience with at least two years of this experience with a U.S. Government Agency or other international/local organization or donor. Program design and implementation in both fields is strongly preferred. Prior supervisory and management experience in a position of similar complexity is preferred. c) Post-entry Training: 30 points The DGDC is expected to possess the necessary technical training and management skills/abilities required to carry out/perform the duties/responsibilities required of the position. Post entry training will, therefore, be focused primarily on Agency-specific policies, procedures and regulations that govern USAID-specific Cognizant Technical Officer responsibilities/duties and USAID-specific activity management systems. In addition, the incumbent will be required to work within the existing USAID/Cambodia team management office structure. Organized training (both internal & external) may be provided from time to time depending on the availability of Program funds and determined to be in direct support of USAID/Cambodia Program activities. d) Language Proficiency: 20 points Must be fluent in both written and spoken English, and a working knowledge of Khmer is preferred. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical and strategy pieces. Must be able to make oral presentations effectively. e) Skills and Abilities: 20 points Exceptional leadership, communication and inter-personal skills. Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance is required. Must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country officials. Must be able to function effectively as part of a multidisciplinary and multifunctional team. Must be able to manage multiple activities at a time in the performance of project/activity management; and the ability to conceptualize - both strategically and programmatically. Total: 100 points 12. Selection Process: After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accord with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID's discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). ATTACHMENT 2: PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations) 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 & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Increase (if applicable) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Cambodia: post differential, cost of living allowance, international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. 2. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs: 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-05 PSC's Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts. 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 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 96 19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave. 98 11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs. 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs). 93 17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC). II. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171. **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). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting officer that an a