Senior Program Officer, Procurement

Announcement Number MCC-15-RFP-0019 Title Senior Program Officer, Procurement Position information Full-Time, Personal Services Contractor (PSC) One year (2,087 hours per year), renewable for up to four years at the sole discretion of the government. Pay Band 4a ($39.77 - $56.14 per hour) Closing date for questions December 09, 2014 no later than 3:00pm EST Application deadline December 16, 2014 no later than 5:00pm EST Who may be considered U.S. citizens or legal, permanent residents with five years of residency history Duty location Washington, D.C., US Note: more than one position may be filled under this announcement Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a United States government-owned corporation created in 2004, whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. To receive assistance, eligible countries are required to enter into a public agreement (Compact) with the MCC that includes a multi-year plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives, regular benchmarks to measure progress, multi-year financial plan, and a plan to ensure accountability for the use of MCA assistance. SCOPE OF POSITION The Sector Operations/Procurement Practice Division of MCC's Department of Compact Operations (DCO) is seeking a full-time Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to serve as a Senior Program Officer (Procurement) for research and analysis of procedural issues affiliated with development of program procurement policy. The contractor shall work with procurement staff, resident country missions and multidisciplinary country-focused teams, supporting specific projects. The contractor shall perform a variety of assignments associated with the design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of international development projects. The position is at MCC headquarters in Washington, DC. A personal services contract is different from non-personal services Government contract, which establishes an independent contract relationship. Under a non-personal services contract, the contractor or employees of the contractor are subject to the technical direction but not the supervision of the MCC. As defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.104, a personal services contract is characterized by the employer-employee relationship it creates between the Government and the contractor personnel. Thus, the PSC is subject to the relatively continuous technical direction, supervision, and control of the MCC. PSCs may be assigned inherently governmental duties (see FAR 7.502). By law and by the contract's terms, the PSC is subject to most of the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the direct hire employee such as MCC regulations, conflict of interest, under some circumstances MCC authorized employment security clearances, and financial disclosure. However, under the MCC personal services contract authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The following elements apply to this contact: (1) Performance on site. (2) Principal tools and equipment furnished by the Government. (3) Services are applied directly to the integral effort of agencies or an organizational subpart in furtherance of assigned function or mission. (4) Comparable services, meeting comparable needs, are performed in the same or similar agencies using civil service personnel. (5) The need for the type of service provided can reasonably be expected to last beyond 1 year. (6) The inherent nature of the service, or the manner in which it is provided, reasonably requires directly or indirectly, Government direction or supervision of contractor employees in order to- (i) Adequately protect the Government's interest; (ii) Retain control of the function involved; or (iii) Retain full personal responsibility for the function supported in a duly authorized Federal officer or employee. PLEASE NOTE: This contract shall be awarded solely to individual(s), not to a firm. The individual must have an active DUNS # and a fully approved and active record in the System for Award Management (SAM). KEY REQUIREMENTS - U.S. citizenship or legal, permanent resident with five years of residency history. - Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. - Performance at MCC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Relocation expenses will not be paid. - Overseas travel may be required (to MCC eligible countries). - Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (i.e. Office of Government Ethics form-450, or similar statement) may be required. - Active and approved SAM record (listed as sole-proprietor). DUTIES Major Duties and Responsibilities: The contractor shall research and analyze procedural issues affiliated with development of program procurement policy. Work with procurement staff, resident country missions and multidisciplinary country-focused teams, assisting with-specific projects. Support coordinating program procurement policy activities within the office. - Provide logistical, research, and analytical support to the Procurement Practice, Procurement Directors, resident country missions and multidisciplinary country-focused teams. Undertake research on assigned development issues in accordance with instructions. Identify potential problems and risks associated with procurement issues and propose potential solutions. - Perform a variety of assignments associated with the design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of international development projects. Support the formulation of budgets for consultants, drafting scopes of work, issuance of technical directives, and review and acceptance of consultant deliverables. - Participate in the initiation, formulation and development of implementation programs in country operations and at all MCC levels as required. Provide support on various implementation-related tasks, including, but not limited to assisting in the implementation of MCC's Anti-Fraud and Corruption Program for country operations. - Continually monitor, maintain and analyze data. Review MCA Procurement Performance Reports and MCA Procurement Performance Reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with MCC guidance. Prepare and assemble charts, data, reports, and narrative and statistical materials provided for on-going organizational planning. Conduct Government-owned Enterprise and other eligibility related reviews as required. - Provide advice and guidance of a factual nature regarding procurement issues affiliated with country compact programs and projects. - Act as a resource for MCC staff on procurement policies and provides guidance on applicability. Make initial determination for the processing of information requests and outside inquiries, and prepare written or verbal information based on the nature of the request and agency practices. - Develop written materials to transmit information concerning the nature and purpose of the program. - Participate in public meetings to provide procurement-related data and information. Identify, consider, and resolve issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature. - Use a variety of approaches to perform assignments related to special projects involving administrative and program issues. Monitor and track project problems and issues and provide status reports to senior staff. - Perform complex office automation duties requiring different approaches and methods. Work proficiently with a range of software applications, (e.g., word processing, graphics, spreadsheet, and project management), to perform a broad range of duties. Select the application(s) appropriate to the search, sort, and calculation requirements of documents generated. - Produce a variety of reports, track complex actions, produce charts, create specialized databases, and/or prepare presentation materials from a project management software program. Identify office automation tasks that can be performed more efficiently and develop new methods or procedures to expedite the production of documents. - Facilitate document management, retention, and distribution methods, including internal and external websites as well as shared network drives. Consolidate data and maintain a library of documents regarding country projects. - Adapt available office automation methods to specific requirements. Develop guidelines that streamline processing procedures, document the use of various software applications and/or provide instructions on the availability and use of macros. Ensure that completed documentation is published, updated, and distributed. - Perform other duties as assigned. DELIVERABLES Deliverables are associated with the tasks identified in DUTIES to include reports as required by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The contractor shall provide a monthly progress report as a regular deliverable. Monthly progress reports follow the following format to measure the progress of each task: Task: XXXXXX Status: XXXXXXXX Recommendations: XXXXXXX Monthly reports are due the first workday of each month. In addition to monthly progress reports, the contractor shall submit biweekly timesheets on a schedule and format determined by MCC. Timesheets include a list of hours worked per compact or country program, along with a brief description of the tasks undertaken for each program during the pay period. The contractor shall also produce other reports and analyses as requested by MCC. Example of such reports and analyses may include, but are not limited to, the following: - Reviews MCA Procurement Performance Reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with MCC guidance. - Prepares and assemble charts, data, reports, and narrative and statistical materials provided for on-going organizational planning. - Reports regarding procurement issues affiliated with country compact programs and projects. - Proposed work plans for all official travel and post-trip reports upon return. - Prepares written or verbal information based on the nature of the request and agency practices. - Develops written materials to transmit information concerning the nature and purpose of the program. - Consolidates data and maintains a library of documents regarding country projects. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education and all qualifying specialized experience described below by the closing date of this announcement. Desired qualifications will be considered only once all education and qualifying specialized experience requirements are met. Please clearly demonstrate that you possess the following: Education/Certification: The following certifications, education and experience is desirable. Please submit relevant information, including copies of relevant certification and education/training information with your application materials: - Minimum of an under graduate degree in business, engineering, law, economics, international relations or a closely related field. Graduate degree preferred. Qualifying specialized experience: - Minimum of 5 years of professional experience. Relevant academic background exceeding undergraduate degree may be substituted for years' experience. - Demonstrated strong analytical, organizational, and communications skills. - Demonstrated ability to prepare, discuss, and convey complex topics and ideas in English orally and in writing. - Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). - Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including the ability to draft letters and working papers for management review. - Knowledge of and skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature. - Knowledge of the theory and principles of management and organization. - Demonstrated ability to use qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques. - Demonstrated ability to use judgment in choosing, interpreting, and adapting guidelines to specific issues or subjects studied. - Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and make recommendations to resolve conventional program or organizational issues, problems, or situations. Desired qualifications: - Preference for professional experience in conducting analytical or research work. - Demonstrated work experience in multidisciplinary teams, and with staff of other USG agencies, counterpart country institutions, and/or multilateral development institutions. - Experience in the field of procurement/acquisition and knowledge of the procurement cycle and the associated challenges will be considered a plus. - Relevant professional and/or academic experience in developing countries. - Proficient oral and written communications skills in French or Spanish (include level of proficiency for reading, writing, and oral communications). NOTE: All experience must be well-documented on your resume and within your application. All aspects of your application must specifically show how you meet the QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED. COMPENSATION PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the OPM has established requirements which apply in acquiring the personal services of experts or consultants in this manner (e.g., benefits, taxes, conflicts of interest): This is a full time position and thus, the maximum number of hours allowed is 2,087 per year. The contract will have four one-year option periods that may be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC. The pay range for this position is $39.77 - $56.14 per hour, inclusive of Washington, DC locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within this pay range based upon the successful candidate's salary history, work experience, and educational background. A salary above this pay range will NOT be entertained or negotiated. Candidates who live outside of the Washington, DC area may be considered for this contract, but relocation expenses are not compensable under the resulting contract. MCC issues W-2s to the PSC. For U.S. citizens and legal resident aliens, MCC makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSC. MCC withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax, and state tax on behalf of the PSC. The PSC is not eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Benefits: Under the MCC personal services contract authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal retirement benefits and health and life insurance. As such, the PSC is not eligible for participation in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System. Moreover, the PSC is ineligible to receive Federal Health and Life Insurance or participate in the federal Thrift Savings Plan. Subject to the availability of funds, in lieu of fringe benefits, MCC may pay up-to-15% of the full time PSC's base salary (based upon the hourly rate and estimated number of hours). The full time PSC does earn sick leave, annual leave, and holiday pay. The full time PSC working at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC is eligible for parking or transit subsidy, subject to the availability of funds. The full time PSC whose duty station is overseas is not eligible for this subsidy. Travel: The PSC is subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and MCC travel policies and procedures to the same extent as MCC direct-hire employees. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION Interested applicants must submit all required documents to include, but not limited to: - Completed and signed Biodata Form; - Curriculum vitae or resume (limit 10 pages); - A written narrative of up to five pages clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the Qualifying Specialized Experience requirements, and any desired qualifications. - No less than three and no more than five professional references with current contact information; NOTE: Submittals shall be in accordance with the INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS. Please ensure that applicants' most recent contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail address) are accurate. Any other documentation will not be accepted. Delivery: Electronic submission is required. Electronic application packages shall be submitted by e-mail to contact@example.gov. Submission shall reference the position title AND the announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail. Electronically submitted packages must include a scanned signature on the Bio-data form to be considered. MCC does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application. Applicants are responsible for submitting the application package so as to reach the designated Government office by the closing date and time specified above. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was indeed received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in this announcement. Receipt of an application in response to this announcement does not constitute an award commitment. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Any submission is at the sole risk of the applicant. Questions: Any questions regarding this announcement should be submitted in writing via email only (no phone calls) to contact@example.gov, before the deadline as given on p.1. Submission of applications to this announcement must be received via e-mail to contact@example.gov before the deadline as given on p.1. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS The QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED are the basis for evaluating all applications. Applicants must separately address each listed qualification requirement and demonstrate how s/he meets each. Unless stated otherwise, all qualification elements will be weighted equally. (a) Qualified individuals must submit a completed and signed Biodata form. Please ensure that you provide a current, valid e-mail address and telephone number for notification purposes. The Biodata form must be fully completed including a proposed hourly rate) & signed for the application to be considered. (b) Qualified individuals must submit a resume (or a curriculum vita) which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, and skills and abilities as they relate to the qualification elements. Resume must indicate: the earliest possible start date for the applicant; as well as formal title, and duration (start date / end date) for each listed position. Resume is limited to 10 pages and must not contain a photo or any salary information. (c) Describe your experience and knowledge of each of the Qualifying specialized experience requirements and Desired qualifications, if applicable, in no more than five pages (page = 8 " x 11" paper; 11 point font or larger; double sided pages count as two pages). Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is either relevant or directly related to the duties of this position as listed under DUTIES. The responses should describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Cite specific examples where appropriate. (d) Qualified individuals must submit no fewer than three and no more than five professional references, who are not relatives or family members. Submitted references MUST include current information, as follows: a. Name of reference b. Applicants' relationship to reference c. Title of reference at current job d. Reference current telephone number (work or personal) e. Reference e-mail address (work) At least two references must be from direct supervisors (current or prior) who can provide information regarding the applicant's professional knowledge & experience. All references must be from within the last 5 years of the applicant's professional life. (e) Applications must be signed and received prior to the closing date and time specified above to be considered for this position. To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the position title and announcement number on the subject line of your submission email, on supporting documentation and any cover letter. SELECTION PROCESS In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of applicant's vis--vis the QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED. In addition to the materials listed above, applicants are strongly encouraged to write a cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight their suitability for this position. The cover letter is NOT included in the required five-page written narrative. All applicants will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted, the applicant's evidence of the above qualification requirements, performance in a potential interview, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. All applicants will received one of three scores for each of the required qualification: Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds. Only qualified applicants will receive one of two scores for the desired criteria: Present, Not Present. MCC reserves the right to call the highest qualified candidates for an interview and/or conduct a reference check on those individuals. Reference checks may be conducted on the highest qualified applicants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments that are directly related to this position in order to verify specialized experience. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The U.S. Government & MCC are not obligated to make an award or pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this announcement. Award of this contract is contingent on availability of funds. MCC reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this announcement.