R -- USPSC - Senior Field Advisor - Media (Intermittent) - M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-08-802

SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-08-802 ISSUANCE DATE: March 28, 2008 CLOSING DATE: April 11, 2008, 5:00 p.m. EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Senior Field Advisor - Media (Intermittent PSC, OTI Bullpen) Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Field Advisor - Media under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in the "Applying" section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "Applying" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. * Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 E-Mail Address: mediaadvisor@globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Jaimee Braun or Mike Jones Telephone Number: (202) 661-9377 or (202) 661-9366 E-Mail Address: mediaadvisor@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Michael Clark Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Senior Field Advisor - Media 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-08-802 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 28, 2008 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 11, 2008, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Field Advisor - Media 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($81,093 - $ 105,420). The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience and/or educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the GS-14 pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Not to exceed 5 years The duration of this intermittent contract will be for one year, with four one-year option periods from the date of signing, up to a maximum of five years. The Personal Services Contractor hired under this contract will provide up to a maximum of 250 workdays of service per year. The specific projects, as well as dates, number of days and locations to be worked will be determined by mutual agreement between the contractor and his/her OTI supervisor according to the programmatic needs of OTI. It is understood that this contract provides no guarantee of any minimum number of days to be worked per year. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. To respond quickly and effectively and enable it to meet its objectives and mandates, OTI engages and retains the services high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts referred to in OTI as the "bullpen", serving on intermittent/part-time contracts to provide surge capacity for OTI in Washington and the field. These knowledgeable and skilled professionals must be prepared to work both in Washington and the field, often with little time for preparations. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/ INTRODUCTION The Senior Field Advisor - Media position requires individuals to be available to work with OTI for short or extended periods of time from their home location, in Washington D.C., or in the field performing a range of duties outlined in the "Duties and Responsibilities" section below. Work assignments will range in length depending on the needs of OTI, and availability of the individuals selected for the position. The Senior Field Advisor - Media is a seasoned professional media consultant able to provide the full range of services related to OTI country media related projects and programs. These include but are not limited to leadership, strategy, project development and conceptualization, daily operations, management and technical guidance. The need for this position emerges from USAID/OTI's continued and expanded use of mass media as a key activity and tool in support of OTI's fast and flexible responses to key transition needs. The incumbent must possess the program, project management and budgetary skills to help ensure successful start-ups, management, and close-outs of OTI country programs in addition to the technical experience and skills to support and guide OTI's media-related projects. The critical demands of the position require that the incumbent be readily available for all assignments, and must be able to adjust and effectively perform in foreign and unstable environments as well as the highly complex and demanding Washington environment. OBJECTIVE The objective of this solicitation is to provide on-call media specialist capabilities to the OTI Bullpen. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY This senior level position calls for an experienced professional with the presence, knowledge and the leadership skills to serve as a liaison between the Office of Transition Initiatives and DCHA, USAID Washington, the State Department, the USAID Field Mission, the U.S. Ambassador or his\her representative (in the absence of a USAID Mission), other agencies of the U.S. Government, international organizations, and the non-governmental community abroad. The incumbent will visit, as necessary, both ongoing OTI media projects as well as proposed and potential country program sites. S/he must be prepared to work or collaborate with senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors, and non-governmental organizations who may be highly important to OTI's programs and objectives. The Senior Field Advisor - Media position reports to the Chief of Field Programs, OTI/Washington or his/her designee, in close coordination with OTI's Senior Media Advisor. In addition to providing technical expertise and guidance, and designing appropriate media programming, leadership, oversight, supervision and backstopping of OTI programs are critical elements of the Senior Field Advisor - Media position. This requires much effort and coordination in both Washington and field programs as activities include assessments, start-ups, programmatic evaluations and strategic planning. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed below, the Senior Field Advisor - Media must be a seasoned professional who is capable of operating with minimal guidance, who has the knowledge and experience to effectively meet the full responsibility of the position. S/he must have the presence to assess politically sensitive situations and respond with on the spot initiatives or actions. This position requires experience in international media development. Prior overseas experience in developing and transitional countries is required, and prior experience working directly with DCHA/OTI overseas will be a plus. In new and existing country programs, the Senior Field Advisor - Media will: * Assess the feasibility of the country as a potential candidate for an OTI program with regard to media-related and other activities; * Conceptualize and design media and other components of new country programs, and in close collaboration with the relevant OTI/Washington Team Leader and/or OTI Country Representative, assist the development of in-country OTI strategies and policies; * Provide media technical support to OTI country programs, travel to current OTI programs to assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of media/communications programming; * Represent OTI interests during meetings with USAID personnel, other USG officials including State Department representatives, United Nations organizations, international and local non-governmental organizations, other international donors and national leaders, civic activists and community members; * Within the guidelines provided by the OTI/Washington Team Leader and/or OTI Country Representative, negotiate program and project agreements with governmental and non-governmental counterparts; * Identify or seek out NGOs, international donors, USG agencies and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field and develop and maintain professional relationships with them on media and communications programming and policy options; * Implement and manage the assigned country program in the absence of the OTI Country Representative in the field, or team leader/program manager in Washington, including assessing project sites and selecting contractor and grantees to work under OTI's country program; * Monitor and evaluate the country program, individual projects, and contractor and grantee performance with respect to media-related and other projects, coordination activities and command structures, including the effectiveness of each site's operations; * Provide on site training and mentoring for new OTI or contractor staff both in Washington and the field as required on media/communications, and other arenas based on first hand experience; and * Be prepared to participate in evaluations and review of OTI's media programs and strategy. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Senior Field Advisor - Media will take direction from and will report to the Chief of Field Programs or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Assessments, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) A Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum of nine (9) years of professional experience in media development and production in USG foreign affairs agencies, large international organizations or international media organization, of which two (2) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, transition programs, democracy building, or media development programming, of which a minimum of one (1) year includes overseas field experience in conflict-prone countries. OR A Master's degree in a related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in media development and production in USG foreign affairs agencies, large international organizations or international media organization; of which two (2) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, transition programs, democracy building, or media development programming, of which a minimum of one (1) year includes overseas field experience in conflict-prone countries. 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; * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted; * All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements; * Supplemental document specifically addressing the Evaluation Factors submitted; * Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) Factor #1 Experience designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating media development activities, public information campaigns and governmental strategic communications assistance packages; Factor #2 Excellent communication, writing, analytical and social/interpersonal skills, demonstrating an ability to communicate and represent the OTI mission, core values and ethos to key partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries both within and without the USG, and from all walks of life; Factor #3 Ability to work extremely well on a team as well as independently in complex political or emergency situations in pre/post-conflict countries or countries undergoing political transitions; Factor #4 Experience working and communicating with US Government agencies overseas to achieve critical, high profile objectives; Factor #5 An active or recent USG security clearance with a US Government agency. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 30 Factor #2 - 15 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 15 Factor #5 - 5 Total Possible - 80 Points Interview Performance - 20 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, or www.globalcorps.com). NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. 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. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 Via facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: mediaadvisor@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843). ** 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). ** 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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 ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.