R -- Technical Program Specialist

Description The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Technical Program Specialist position located in Mbabane, Swaziland. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215 (1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). SOLICITATION NUMBER: 2007-N-09574 POSITION NUMBER: WZ-PSC-01 ISSUANCE DATE: June 11, 2007 CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 26, 2007 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Technical Program Specialist MARKET VALUE: $65,225 to $103,935 per year-- Final compensation will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Base Year and Four Option Years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Mbabane, Swaziland SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: This position is for an Epidemiologist serving as a senior technical advisor to the USG President?s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Team in the Global AIDS Program (GAP) office, reporting to the CDC/GAP Country Director. Utilizing a background of knowledge, skills, and abilities gained from professional training in health science, and specifically epidemiology, incumbent prepares and/or reviews the Country Operational Plan, designs and oversees targeted program evaluations of ongoing projects, and provides technical assistance to lower graded U.S. and locally employed staff and program partners. Advice and assistance may cover any of the areas of special interest to the Global AIDS Program (GAP), such as: HIV prevention; care and treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS; HIV and TB surveillance and capacity development; or, care and treatment of persons with closely related diseases, such as TB. Incumbent provides technical advice and assistance in his/her area of professional expertise to a broad range of medical professionals and others involved in the PEPFAR, which is a $15 billion dollar effort to fight HIV/AIDS abroad. A. PLANNING Under the supervision of the CDC Country Director, incumbent defines and refines program targets and evaluation objectives, consulting with outside experts, as needed. Incumbent formulates project plans in HIV/AIDS and related fields, and negotiates collaborations with other institutions and health agencies. Interacts with, and obtains the cooperation for collaborative activities with directors-general, directors, and committee chairpersons of government departments, hospitals, clinics, and other domestic and international governmental and non-governmental public health agencies. Reviews scientific literature in the field, and project protocols for further discussion with supervisors and expert consultants. Collaborates closely with other US government PEPFAR staff to develop, on an annual basis, the Country Operational Plan which includes HIV and TB surveillance, program monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and targeted prevention, care and treatment components. Develops methodologies to periodically assess program performance as a guide to COP development. B. IMPLEMENTATION. Administers the development of guidelines and instruments to provide high quality implementation of HIV-related prevention, care and treatment programs, program evaluation, and impact studies. Under the supervision of the CDC Country Director, designs and overseas implementation of targeted program evaluations. Evaluates the data collection, quality control and data utilization methods used. Develops, modifies, and implements evaluation protocols to monitor the degree of success achieved versus goals and objectives. Collaborates with and coordinates the work of health program implementers and public health scientists from participating universities, medical institutions, health departments, the Ministry of Public Health and other involved agencies. Provides technical assistance to collaborators on evaluation procedures, and develops/modifies data collection instruments. In collaboration with local host country investigators and in concert with the CDC country director, designs, initiates, coordinates and conducts prevention and treatment activities in the country of assignment. Evaluations cover a wide variety of activities, including, but not limited to, the quality and effectiveness of serologic and behavioral surveillance programs; the availability and quality of counseling and testing programs; the training of host country personnel engaged in prevention and treatment programs; and the degree to which laboratory capacity is being developed. Provides appropriate technical assistance as indicated by evaluation results. Incumbent also sets up appropriate systems to manage resource data. Monitors the progress of the PEPFAR projects, detecting scientific, personnel, logistical, and financial problems, and makes revisions as necessary to planned procedures in order to overcome obstacles and constraints. Responsible for accurate and correct administration of consent forms and questionnaires, proper use of scientific to methods in the implementation of surveillance and program evaluation activities to ensure scientific and ethical integrity of the studies. Accesses, evaluates, and ensures standardized collection of program data by program implementers. C. TRAINING, MENTORING and ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Undertakes training and mentoring obligations assumed by PEPFAR and CDC on assigned topics in support of collaborating institutions. Develops and conducts periodic training programs for program implementation and evaluation personnel in collaboration with program partners from local public health and university institutions. Prepares and delivers lectures to technical and lay audiences on topics related to HIV/AIDS and program evaluations studies undertaken. Assists CDC Country Director with administrative tasks as assigned. D. DATA ANALYSIS AND UTILIZATION. Collects and analyzes epidemiological, programmatic, and financial data from program partners and special studies to ensure program impact in coordination with data management specialists/statisticians. Use appropriate statistical software packages to manipulate and handle computerized data, with assistance from data management staff, as needed. Writes internal summaries and reports of findings related to the GAP and PEPFAR Mission. Prepares oral and poster presentations for program and scientific audiences. Prepares cogent, comprehensive papers for publication in the scientific and health policy literature, and for presentation at national and international scientific meetings, both as a co-author and principal author. Develops and delivers presentations targeted to national policy-level audiences. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Advanced knowledge of U.S. government public health programs and strategies to be able to explain to partners and senior health officials how CDC approaches public health intervention and evaluation and why it is undertaking specific types of activities. 2. Advanced and detailed knowledge of the Swazi and southern African public health and technical systems to be able to explain them to senior expatriate staff as well as to enable the integration of CDC-developed public health activities appropriately into the Swazi environment. 3. Broad perspective and thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiologic, biomedical, or related scientific research, including facility with program evaluation, surveillance, and statistical methods and procedures. 4. Familiarity with epidemiologic aspects of HIV/AIDS is necessary. 5. Advanced degree (MPH or other Master's) in public health with a focus on epidemiology. 6. Fluent in English (Level 4). Must be able to understand and communicate with senior-level policy-makers in English to assure mutual understanding of technical, medical and other professional terminology. Desired Qualifications: 1. PhD, MD, or nursing degree. 2. Demonstrated work experience and formal training in epidemiology and public health and clinical or public-health research. 3. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in epidemiology or public health practice, epidemiological research, clinical medical research, or related biomedical research, 5 years of which occurred in a developing country setting. 4. Candidate should have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills related to collection and use of epidemiological data. Benefits/Allowances: Overseas allowances and differentials similar to those available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be payable under this PSC, subject to eligibility. Actual benefits may vary from one candidate to the next and/or from one country of assignment to the next. A summary of the overseas allowances and differentials available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be found at the following Internet URL: http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/4311.htm. Specific benefit, allowance, and differential information will be provided in the "Offer of PSC Employment" letter sent to the successful applicant. Additionally, country specific information useful for U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be obtained from Department of State Post Reports available at the following Internet URL: http://foia.state.gov/MMS/postrpt/pr_view_start.asp and Travel Warnings concerning certain countries, in many of which CDC conducts its international program activities, may be obtained at the following Internet URL: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Federal Taxes: Personal Service Contractors who are either United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (i.e., ?green card? holders) of the United States are not exempt from payment of Federal Income and, in some cases State, income taxes on salaries earned abroad while working for the U.S. Government. CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (a) The contractor acknowledges that this contract is an important part of the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program and agrees that his/her duties will be carried out in such a manner as to be fully commensurate with the responsibilities which this entails. (b) While in the Cooperating Country, the contractor is expected to show respect for the conventions, customs, and institutions of the Cooperating Country and not interfere in its political affairs. (c) If the contractor's conduct is not in accordance with paragraph (b) of this provision, the contract may be terminated under General Provision 16 of this contract. The Contractor recognizes the right of the U.S. Ambassador to direct his/her immediate removal from any country when, in the discretion of the Ambassador, the interests of the United States so require. (d) The Country Director is the chief representative of CDC in the Cooperating Country. In this capacity, he/she is responsible for the total CDC Program in the Cooperating Country including certain administrative responsibilities set forth in this contract and for advising CDC regarding the performance of the work under the contract and its effect on the U.S. Foreign Assistance Program. The contractor will be responsible for performing his/her duties in accordance with the statement of duties called for by the contract. However, he/she shall be under the general policy guidance of the Country Director, and shall keep the Country Director or his/her designated representative currently informed of the progress of the work under this contract. SOCIAL SECURITY, FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND FOREIGN EARNED INCOME (a) Since the contractor is an employee, F.I.C.A. contributions and U.S. Federal Income Tax withholding shall be deducted in accordance with regulations and rulings of the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, respectively. (b) As an employee, the contractor is not eligible for the 'foreign earned income' exclusion under the IRS Regulations (see 26 CFR 1.911- 3(c)(3)). INSURANCE (a) Worker's Compensation Benefits. The contractor shall be provided worker's compensation benefits in accordance with the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. (b) Health and Life Insurance. (1) The contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of the contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by the Office of Personnel Management. (2) The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (3) Retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health or life insurance under their contracts. The Government will normally have already paid its contribution for the retiree unless the employee can prove to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer that his/her health and life insurance does not provide or specifically excludes coverage overseas. In such case, the contractor would be eligible for contributions under paragraphs (b)(1) or (2) as appropriate. (4) Proof of health and life insurance coverage shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid. On assignments of less than one year, costs for health and life insurance shall be prorated and paid accordingly. (5) A contractor who is a spouse of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse's Government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for the contribution under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this provision. INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS An individual serving under a CDC PSC may not perform "inherently governmental functions," which include: ? Committing the U.S. Government (USG) to a specific course of action or performing Services, which involve discretionary exercise of Government authority; ? Exercising signatory authority on behalf of the USG; ? Directing policy formulation or making policy decisions; ? Approving program plans; ? Officially representing the CDC (representation); ? Controlling USG-owned property; ? Acting as a cashier or sub-cashier; or, ? Supervising Government FTE staff. An individual serving under a PSC may: ? Provide advice or make recommendations to Government FTE staff; ? Perform services (other then the prohibited services listed above) in support of program activities; ? Direct projects or teams (as long as supervision of Government FTE staff is not involved); and, ? Supervise other PSCs, Personal Services Agreement Employees (PSA), grantees or fellows. How to Apply: A complete application shall consist of a completed Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) or resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information required in a OF 612, as well as references, current (or highest recent) salary documentation, and Benefit Eligibility Form. Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment: The Optional Form (OF) 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, can be located at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/of.asp. References: Each applicant shall submit three Professional references other than family members. Two references shall be from a current and previous supervisor. The following information is required: Name, Address, telephone Number, Title, and Email Address. Current (or Highest Recent) Salary Documentation: Each applicant shall submit supporting documentation that reflects their current or highest recent salary. Examples of such supporting documentation are the most recent earning statement, an official letter from current employer signed by the applicant?s current supervisor or Human Resources Representative, or the applicant?s most recent U.S. Federal tax return. Each applicant shall also include a letter indicating the minimum salary in U.S. dollars the applicant would accept for the position. Benefit Eligibility Form: Each applicant shall submit the attached Benefit Eligibility Form with the application. Submission of Application: A complete application package (OF 612 or equivalent, references, salary documentation, and Benefits Eligibility Form) must be received at the following location no later than the closing date and time identified above: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement and Grants Office Mailstop K75, Branch 7 Attn: John Ebanks, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2006-N-08416 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of John Ebanks at contact@example.gov. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.208 regarding submission of late proposals: (http://www.acqnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2015_.html#wp1125 227). All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language. The solicitation number identified above must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. Selection Factors: The applicant that represents the best value to the Government will be considered for award of Technical Program Specialist PSC. To determine best value, the following factors will be considered: 1. The extent an applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications based on information obtained through the application package and interviews. Note that interviews may or may not be conducted; therefore, the application package should clearly identify how well the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications of this position. Interviews, if conducted, may be either in-person or via telephone. 2. Information collected from reference checks. References will only be verified for those applicants determined to have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. 3. Results of a cost assessment. The cost assessment will determine the total cost (salary plus benefits and allowances) of the applicant for the complete term of the contract (base period plus any option years). Basis for Award In determining best value, paramount consideration shall be given to technical merit (applicant qualifications and reference checks) rather than to cost. In cases where applicants are determined to be essentially equal, then cost may become the determining factor. BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR PSC CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION: A. City and State (or Country, if not in U.S.), of Current Residence B. If Already Present in Country of Service, Reason for Current Presence There. N/A/ or reason for current presence in country, e.g., brought there by previous employer [provide name of employer, your status and job title, and whether housing and repatriation was included in employment package]; dependent of someone brought there by employer [provide name of employer and whether housing and repatriation is included in employment package], etc. C. Attach Copy of Front Page of Most Recent Passport, Showing Citizenship, Name, and Date and Place of Birth. See attached. D. Family Members Accompanying You to Location of Contract Performance: Spouse: Children Under Age 18 at Time of Arrival ? How Many?: Please list name and date of birth of each E. Annual Education Travel for Children Up to Age 23 at Time of Your Arrival at Location of Contract Performance Who Are Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis Children Before 23rd Birthday at Time of Arrival Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis ? How Many?: Please list name and date of birth and city and state (or country, if not in U.S.) of location of educational institution for each: