R -- USAID/Central Asian Republics Solicitation No. 28-2006 - USPSC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

ISSUANCE DATE: 09/27/2006CLOSING DATE: 10/18/2006 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 28-2006 USPSC Development Assistance Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-3272-50-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 28/2006 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 28-2006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 09/27/2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 10/18/2006 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST 5. MARKET VALUE: $65,832 - $85,578 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background The Regional USAID Mission for Central Asian Republics (USAID/CAR), with headquarters located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a mission with regional responsibility for the development and management of the U.S. Government?s assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. This program is directed at supporting a program of policy reform, humanitarian assistance, economic recovery, and democratic and social transition in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. U.S. assistance is geared to assisting and strengthening reforms in the economic and political sectors. Recent developments in Kyrgyzstan are likely to result in the need for additional support and assistance through the USAID program. Currently, USAID is providing fiscal and banking and economic reform advisors, as well as those for private enterprise, agriculture, health, education, rule of law, democratization and institution building. The incumbent serves as the Deputy for Kyrgyzstan Country Officer in USAID/CAR. In that position, s/he is responsible for assisting in oversight and coordination of an assistance portfolio valuing approximately $25 million annually, which is implemented through approximately 35 institutional contractors and international private voluntary organizations (PVOs). As a Deputy Director of the Kyrgyzstan Country Office, the incumbent participates in supervision of 13 Foreign National Personal Services Contractor (FNPSC) employees and two USPSCs. B. Basic Functions The Development Assistance Specialist is a senior member of the 17-person team within the two Kyrgyzstan Offices: USAID/CAR Kyrgyzstan Country Office in Bishkek and a four-person satellite Office in Osh. Under the overall direction of the USAID/CAR Regional Mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the direct supervision of the Kyrgyzstan Country Office Director (Country Officer), the incumbent will participate in the conceptualization, design and overall management of USAID/CAR?s policy strategy/portfolio for all Mission?s strategic and cross-cutting objectives in Kyrgyzstan. C. Scope of Work The Development Assistance Specialist is the alter ego of the Country Officer and assumes the responsibilities and authority of the Country Officer in his/her absence. This requires that the incumbent be fully familiar with all programs and activities, the issues and objectives involved, and the implementation partners and local counterparts. As needed, the Country Officer may delegate specific responsibilities or assignments to the Deputy, on either a short-term or long-term basis. The Deputy is required to travel frequently within Kyrgyzstan to monitor USAID activities and to travel, as well, to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to consult with Mission management and technical support office staff. Areas of responsibility for the position include: 1) Assist the Country Officer and Country Office staff to achieve the desired outcomes of USAID/CAR?s program in Kyrgyzstan in the most effective and efficient manner; 2) Provide expert advice, technical leadership, and coordination in developing and implementing USAID/CAR projects/activities in Kyrgyzstan as well as monitoring the progress of these activities; 3) Take lead responsibility for oversight and supervision of economic growth and agricultural related activities, under the guidance of the Country Officer. 4) Serve as a liaison official for USG assistance with the Government of Kyrgyzstan, the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, private voluntary organizations, and international donor organizations; 5) Identify opportunities to maximize the contribution of USAID assistance to USG foreign policy priorities. Advise the Kyrgyzstan Country Office and USAID/CAR?s Regional office of these needs, and as required, develop concept papers outlining the potential USAID response. Incumbent keeps the Country Officer apprised of issues, problems, successes and solutions in the management of the country office and of USAID?s program in Kyrgyzstan; 6) Be responsible for coordinating and implementation of Humanitarian Assistance Projects. 7) Maintain effective liaison and communication between the USAID/CAR?s Regional Office in Almaty, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, USAID grantees and contractors, other donors, the Government of Kyrgyzstan, and AID/Washington. 8) Serve in the absence of the Country Officer as the USAID representative on the U.S. Embassy/Bishkek Country Team. D. POSITION ELEMENTS 1) Supervision Exercised The incumbent will have such direct supervisory responsibilities as will be determined by the KCO Country Officer. When serving in the capacity of acting country officer, the Deputy will assume full supervisory responsibility for the entire Kyrgyzstan Country Office which consists of 1 USPSC-offshore, 1 USPSC resident-hire, and 13 FSN PSCs. 2) Supervision Received: The incumbent will work directly under the supervision and technical guidance of the U.S. Direct Hire Supervisory Program Officer (Kyrgyzstan Country Officer) ? Under broad guidance from the KCO Country Officer, work is performed with a high degree of independence. ? When serving in the capacity of acting Country Officer the incumbent will report directly to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission Director or his/her designee; also as acting Country Officer the incumbent will be under parallel supervision from the U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan. 3) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent actively engages in official personal contacts with a broad range of individuals and organizations in Kyrgyzstan and beyond. The purpose of these contacts is to promote USAID?s development assistance objectives and to increase his/her understanding of the dynamics of Kyrgyz society as they affect USAID?s programs. Contact also serve to gain insights from the procedures, methodologies, and experiences from host country counterparts and implementation partners as they affect USAID?s implementation effectiveness. It is expected that personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following: ? Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatuses; ? Ministers and deputy ministers in Kyrgyzstan; ? U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan and other members of the Country Team; ? Chiefs of Party of USAID-funded contracts and grants; ? Senior officials and executives from U.S. headquarters of USAID-funded contracts and grants; ? Institutional contractors, PVOs and NGOs; ? Host Country officials responsible for assistance matters; and ? Representatives of international donors. ? USAID/CAR Office Directors ? USAID/Washington representatives ? CODELs, STAFFdels E. Minimum Qualification Requirements This position requires a blend of qualities that include: broad development experience; proven management abilities; ability to work independently; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners. The ideal incumbent would have the following characteristics: ? Bachelor?s degree in business administration, international business, or other relevant subject area. Master?s degree is preferred. Training (or experience) in relevant administrative policies and procedures is required. ? Comprehensive knowledge of the political, social, and economic characteristics of former-Soviet countries, preferably Central Asia. At least two years of relevant experience in Central Asia and/or NIS region, preferably in Kyrgyzstan. ? Minimum five years of progressively responsible work experience. Demonstrated knowledge and competency, and at least two years experience, in the design and management of economic development programs/projects and evaluation of such projects to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. Particular experience with agricultural development programs is also required. ? Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation. At least one year of supervisory experience. ? Familiarity with USG?s policies and priorities and means of delivering assistance in developing nations. ? High-level proficiency in oral and written communications needed to report on the status of activities and projects; to establish and maintaining effective relations with all levels of people in former-Soviet countries; and, to represent USAID/CAR Kyrgyzstan?s projects and strategies in professional meetings and conferences. ? Ability to lead teams and work as a team member effectively. ? Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; balanced judgment; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners are essential. ? Hands-on experience with and knowledge of computer software and hardware. ? Demonstrated Good Working Knowledge (Level III) in both written and spoken Russian. Working knowledge of Kyrgyz will be an extra bonus, but not required. Minimum Level V (Native) English Language ability (written and spoken) is required. All of the above are elements contributing to success performance in this position F. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. G. SELECTION CRITERIA: Development and Region-Specific Knowledge 25 points Managerial and Leadership Experience 20 points Relevant NIS/CAR Experience: 20 points Academic Qualifications: 10 points Language and Communication Skills: 20 points Computer Skills 5 points Total: 100 points 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Application for Federal Employment SF-171 including experience, salary history and references, and recent sample of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time October 18, 2006. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 3272 507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 3272 507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Selection will be made by a Mission committee no later than November 3, 2006. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period starting no later than on/about December 17, 2006. The contract will be signed by November 10, 2006. No later than on/about December 17, 2006, the incumbent shall proceed to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission?s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 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). 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 applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident 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 locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 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). 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 applicant is the successful candidate for the job.