R -- US/TCN Senior Contracting Specialist PSC

Subject: Solicitation for US/TCN Personal Services Contract (PSC) Senior Contract Specialist for USAID West Bank & Gaza (Not to exceed one (1) year) SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2008-010 ISSUANCE DATE: March 05, 2008 CLOSING DATE: April 02, 2008 at 16:30 local time (Tel Aviv, Israel) Ladies and Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) West Bank & Gaza, is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens (US) and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) interested in providing the Personal Services described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Interested applicants must submit: (i) a completed and signed Form SF 171 or OF 612 Optional Form for Federal Employment; (ii) his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; and (iii) three references, who are not family members or relatives, together with working telephone and email contacts. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612 - unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. 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-a-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. 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: By courier or express mail: Ms. Hourig DelDelian, Sr. Contracting Specialist USAID 25 HaMared Street 10th Floor Tel Aviv, Israel Fax No. 972-3-511-4893 E-mail address: hdeldelian@usaid.gov By U.S. Mail: Ms. Hourig DelDelian USAID UNIT 7228, BOX 26 APO AE 09830 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, Ron Breen Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-2008-010 ISSUANCE DATE: March 05, 2008 CLOSING DATE: April 02, 2008 at 16:30 local time (Tel Aviv, Israel) POSITION TITLE: Senior Contract Specialist - Offshore Hire MARKET VALUE: GS-13 Equivalent ($68,625 - $89,217) See note below on market value. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tel Aviv, Israel - USAID/West Bank & Gaza PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Not to exceed one (1) year AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third-Country Nationals MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-13 level. The salary range for a GS-13 level is $68,625 - $89,217. In addition, the Mission has 20% Danger Pay and 30% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). The final compensation 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. EVALUATION CRITERIA: 1. Education: (20 points) At least a Bachelor's degree in a relevant major listed below, is desired. However, relevant, extensive work experience, if demonstrably successful, may substitute or be given appropriate consideration. 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. 2. Experience: (35 points) At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement and contracting. Demonstrated prior experience in the full range of responsibilities: procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, 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. Demonstrated prior experience of 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 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. Demonstrated 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. The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision; ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential. Demonstrated ability to work collegially with cognizant technical officers, peers, and supervisors with good interpersonal skills and past performance in working effectively in a team environment is required. S/he must be able to adhere to high standards of professional conduct. Must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues understandable by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. Demonstrated ability to function as a team leader during contract negotiations and personally negotiate the majority of contracts. Demonstrated skills in managerial and coordinative activities sufficient to conduct a variety of contractual actions occurring concurrently, is essential. Excellent oral and written English communications skills and proven ability to produce technical documents are required. Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word and EXCEL is a must. 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. NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. 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/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants must submit a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. (c) Applicants are required to provide three references with the complete contact information. SELECTION FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) * Applicant is a U.S. citizen or a third-country national; * Complete and signed Federal Form OF-612 or SF-171 is submitted; * Supplemental documents, especially a resume and/or additional information addressing the Evaluation criteria, is submitted; * Ability to obtain a ?No Access? level security clearance, as provided by USAID; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; and * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/forms 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 office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time specified in this solicitation in order for you to be considered for this position. Please note all applications must be signed. Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Please send your application to the attention of Ms. Hourig DelDelian, either via email at hdeldelian@usaid.gov or to fax number 972-3-511-4893 or using the following addresses, as applicable. U.S. Mail Address: Hourig DelDelian USAID UNIT 7228, BOX 26 APO AE 09830 Delivered by Courier or Express Mail to: Hourig DelDelian, 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. Award under this solicitation is subject to the availability of funds. ============================================================= AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AIDAR APPENDIX D AND A TCNPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AIDAR APPENDIX J. 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) and AIDAR FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare. 3. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contract. Those documents can be found at this website: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf