USPSC - Contract Specialist

1 | P a g e Request for Personal Services Contractor USAID Office of Acquisition and Assistance Position Title: Contract Specialist Solicitation Number: SOL-OAA-14-000005 Salary Level: GS-09 Equivalent: $52,146 - $67,787 GS-11 Equivalent: $63,091 - $82,019 GS-12 Equivalent: $75,621 - $98,305 Issuance Date: January 22, 2014 Closing Date: February 5, 2014 Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. EST Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Contract Specialist under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must 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: 1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 2 | P a g e 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the EFs must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed to: Francisco Escobar Mailing Address: USAID/SA-44, 518-A, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20523 E-Mail Address: frescobar@usaid.gov Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Francisco Escobar Telephone Number: (202) 567-5338 E-Mail Address: frescobar@usaid.gov Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 3 | P a g e Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Contract Specialist 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OAA-14-000005 2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 22, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: February 5, 2014, 5:00 pm EST 4. POSITION TITLE: Contract Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: The entry grade level of this position will be the equivalent of a GS-09, with locality pay. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the daily pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. The highest level of this position is GS-12. This position for a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Contract Specialist has been designated as a "ladder" position, starting at the entry level GS-09 salary range level (salary range: $52,146 - $67,787), depending on the qualifications of the applicant. After 12 months of performance at the GS-09 equivalent level, the PSC may be considered for promotion to the GS-11 level subject to completion of the annual performance evaluation by the supervisor. After 12 months of performance at the GS-11 equivalent level, the PSC may be considered for promotion to the GS-12 level subject to completion of the annual performance evaluation by the supervisor. To be eligible for promotion to this level, the PSC must receive at least an "Excellent" performance rating in the annual performance evaluation. The employee must also meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the higher grade. The supervisor must provide a copy of the annual performance evaluation to the Contracting Officer before the end of each contract year, which will be included in the official award file. The Contracting Officer will award a modification to formalize any change in position/statement of work and salary increase, as well as to provide any incremental funding required. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 base year, with four one-year option periods. The Office reserves the right to offer a contract for a period of fewer than five years, where deemed appropriate. There will be an initial probationary period of three months. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 4 | P a g e 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent Federal agency which manages the U.S. Government's foreign assistance program, providing assistance for developing countries around the world in the areas of economic growth and trade, agriculture and the environment, education and training, democracy and governance, reconstruction and stabilization, global health, global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. This is a Personal Services Contract (PSC) position to support the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), an office within USAID. The candidate will provide support to the OTI by working in the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) which oversees the solicitation, selection, award and administration of contracts, grants and cooperative agreements in support of the OTI's portfolio objectives. Procurement actions may involve the private or the public sectors, international organizations, non-government and private voluntary organizations, educational institutions, and host country organizations (both private and public sector). 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 meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts (PSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the organization's programmatic goals and objectives. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this solicitation is to hire a Contract Specialist who will assist the Contracting Officer. Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 5 | P a g e 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent serves as a Contract Specialist working on actions for the Office of Transition Initiatives, Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA/OTI), working in the in the Management Bureau, Office of Acquisition Assistance (M/OAA). The employee is responsible for functions involving highly complex negotiated procurements of significant importance to the Agency. Requirements of the contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, inter-agency agreements are typically highly specialized and involve complex systems or sensitive international programs. The Contract Specialist is expected to demonstrate significant knowledge of the basic principles of procurement, an ability to conduct research and analysis of a broad spectrum of assistance activities, and an ability to communicate well with a wide variety of potential and actual bidders in the procurement process. This is a key position in a busy office which responds rapidly to crisis situations. For M/OAA to support DCHA/OTI in implementing its rapid response strategy, it is essential that DCHA prompt procurement support is provided. The incumbent must have a strong sense of responsibility, a high customer service standard, be highly organized, pay close attention to detail, and be able to complete tasks with minimal guidance. Duties and Responsibilities - GS-09 Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based M/OAA/DCHA/OTI Team Leader or his/her designee, the Contract Specialist will: ? Assist with the management of complex portfolio Task Orders (TO), Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), Contracts, Grants, Modifications and Purchase Orders (POs) in a high pressure environment; ? Analyze requests and other documents requiring procurement action and obtaining necessary clarifications from the appropriate person, typically the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR); ? Prepare no-cost and cost modifications, purchase orders, and administrative acquisition and assistance modifications; ? Prepare awards for the Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer's signature, including review of the statement of work; preparation of documents required to obtain hiring approval and establish the market value of the position; budget estimates; necessary terms and conditions and applicable provisions and clauses; ? Properly assemble and complete the award files for the Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer's review to include incorporating and making requested revisions, changes and corrections to the file; Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 6 | P a g e ? Perform acquisition or assistance administrative functions (such as providing review, recommendation and drafting of correspondence for Contracting Officer's signature on administrative award approvals, and clarifying award terms and provisions to awardee and COR/AOR) as assigned by the supervisor. ? Utilize the USAID Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) and ASSIST in the process of awards. ? Liaise with OTI program managers to assure timely completion of all contracting actions; ? Contribute to the design and implementation of new country program operations as related to contractual issues; ? Develop and maintain collaborative and effective relationships with DCHA/OTI, M/CFO, USAID offices and Contractors, as appropriate; ? Ensure that the proper distribution of executed award documents following Contracting or Agreement Officer's signature; and ? Perform other duties and activities as required for the success DCHA/OTI's mission. Duties and Responsibilities - GS-11 Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based M/OAA/DCHA/OTI Team Leader or his/her designee, the Contract Specialist will: ? Advise program officials on acquisition and assistance instruments available for use in implementation of development assistance activities, assist in the identification of the instrument most appropriate to the specific program objective being addressed; ? Assist technical offices in the drafting of solicitation language, to ensure compliance with agency acquisition and assistance policies, regulations and procedures; review draft scopes of work to ensure that performance requirements are clearly stated and contractible; ? Assist OAA staff with the preparation and publication of solicitation documents, ensuring that Federal requirements for competition have been adequately addressed; schedule publication/dissemination of solicitation announcements as needed; monitor receipt of bids submitted in response to solicitations; assist in the preparation of documents associated with the technical evaluation of proposals received; ? Upon selection of the successful bidder, assist OAA staff in the conduct of the research and analysis needed to initiate negotiations, including detailed analysis of cost proposals, evaluation of proposed key personnel, and assessment of the viability of proposed schedules and milestones; Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 7 | P a g e ? Assist OAA staff in the preparation of the total procurement package, ensuring that all relevant documentation is completed properly and in a timely manner; ? Following award of the procurement action, develop schedules for oversight and administration of the award; identify reporting requirements and monitor compliance with reporting requirements; advise OAA staff of issues stemming from noncompliance with contract terms and/or deadlines; ? Establish close coordination with the COR/AOR/supervisor on assigned actions; respond to questions from these officials as needed, conferring with the CO/AO as needed; ? Draft procurement documents as requested, including contracts, grants and cooperative agreements, and amendments or terminations thereto; ? Serve as lead negotiator on behalf of the OAA principle officer (contracting officer, grants officer, etc.), resolving issues independently to the maximum extent possible; ? Perform other contract specialist duties as required. Duties and Responsibilities - GS-12 At the GS-12 level, the incumbent will perform all of the duties of the GS-11 level, with less supervision: ? Advise program officials on acquisition and assistance instruments available for use in implementation of development assistance activities, assist in the identification of the instrument most appropriate to the specific program objective being addressed; ? Assist technical offices in the drafting of solicitation language, to ensure compliance with agency acquisition and assistance policies, regulations and procedures, reviewing draft scopes or work to ensure that performance requirements are clearly stated and contractible; ? Assist OAA staff with the preparation and publication of solicitation documents, ensuring that Federal requirements for competition have been adequately addressed; schedule publication/dissemination of solicitation announcements as needed; monitor receipt of bids submitted in response to solicitations; assists in the preparation of documents associated with the technical evaluation of proposals received; ? Upon selection of the successful bidder, assist OAA staff in the conduct of the research and analysis needed to initiate negotiations, including detailed analysis of cost proposals, evaluation of proposed key personnel, and assessment of the viability of proposed schedules and milestones; ? Assist OAA staff in the preparation of the total procurement package, ensuring that all relevant documentation is completely properly and in a timely manner; Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 8 | P a g e ? Following award of the procurement action, develop schedules for oversight and administration of the award; identify reporting requirements and monitor compliance with reporting requirements; advise OAA staff of issues stemming from noncompliance with contract terms and/or deadlines; ? Establish close coordination with the COR/AOR/supervisor on assigned actions; respond to questions from these officials as needed, conferring with the CO/AO as needed; ? Draft procurement documents as requested, including contracts, grants and cooperative agreements, and amendments or terminations thereto; ? Serve as lead negotiator on behalf of the OAA principle officer (contracting officer, grants officer, etc.), resolving issues independently to the maximum extent possible; ? Perform other contract specialist duties as required. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Contract Specialist will be supervised by the Team Leader, M/OAA/DCHA/OTI or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will establish both general and specific work 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 levels and extent of supervision required decreasing over time. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is generally performed in an office environment, with no special safety and/or security precautions required. 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. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") At the GS-9 level, the applicant must, at a minimum, have: ? Bachelors degree; OR Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 9 | P a g e ? Successful completion of at least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economic, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; AND ? At least 1 year previous work experience directly related to contracting work, such as issuing or responding to solicitations for cost reimbursement or time and materials contracts, negotiating cost/price, terms or other elements of such contracts; ? Demonstrated organizational skills showing attention to detail; ? Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook. At the GS-11 level, the applicant must, at a minimum, have: ? Bachelors degree; OR ? Successful completion of at least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economic, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; AND ? At least 2 year previous work experience directly related to contracting work, such as issuing or responding to solicitations for cost reimbursement or time and materials contracts, negotiating cost/price, terms or other elements of such contracts. ? Demonstrated organizational skills showing attention to detail; ? Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook. At the GS-12 level, the applicant must, at a minimum, have: ? Bachelors degree; OR ? Successful completion of at least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economic, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; AND ? At least 3 year previous work experience directly related to contracting work, such as issuing or responding to solicitations for cost reimbursement or time and materials contracts, negotiating cost/price, terms or other elements of such contracts. ? Demonstrated organizational skills showing attention to detail; ? Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook. 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 resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements; ? Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 10 | P a g e ? Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship); ? Satisfactory verification of academic credentials; ? Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance. A USAID Secret level security clearance is required prior to issuance of the contract for this position. 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.) Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Factor #1 Demonstrated customer service ethic in more than one office/job, and skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with a variety of groups and individuals; Factor #2 Excellent communication skills: including writing, speaking and organizational skills; Factor #3 Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, while still paying great attention to detail, often with extremely short deadlines; Factor #4 Demonstrated ability/willingness to take on new tasks, often last minute, with minimal instruction - researching solutions independently if necessary to complete tasks on time; and Factor #5 Current U.S. Government security clearance. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly 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. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OAA reserves the right to forego the interview process. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document 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 specifically 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: Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 11 | P a g e Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 15 Factor #2 - 15 Factor #3 - 10 Factor #4 - 10 Factor #5 - 10 Total Possible - 60 Points Interview Performance - 40 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Be sure to fully respond to each of the Evaluation Factors and include all relevant experience, training, and/or education in your responses. Sample Evaluation Factors are provided on the GlobalCorps website at www.globalcorps.com. The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OAA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OAA reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. 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. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 12 | P a g e Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. By submitting your application materials, you agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: Francisco Escobar, USAID/SA-44, 518-A, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20523 Via email: frescobar@usaid.gov Please note in your document submittal where you heard about this position. NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four months after offer acceptance, 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. Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 13 | P a g e For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https:/acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference-Shelf/forms.shtml 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). 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 1 through 5 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/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#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. FAR 52.222-50 - COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 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) Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 14 | P a g e 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 DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. Solicitation for a USPSC OAA Contract Specialist SOL-OAA-14-000005 15 | P a g e ATTACHMENT 1 ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10 PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/16fam/index.htm Note: Personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs. (b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible f...