USPSC - OTI Field Operations and Project Manager - M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-1057

NOTE: The purpose of this amendment is to extend the closing date for applications. There are no other changes to the solicitation. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-1057 ISSUANCE DATE: May 19, 2009 CLOSING DATE: June 16, 2009 5:00 p.m. EDT (DEADLINE EXTENDED) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for an OTI Field Operations and Project Manager in Afghanistan Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government (USG), 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 an OTI Field Operations and Project Manager 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 in addition to the required forms is encouraged, but submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. - Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of 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 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: fopmafghanistan@globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (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: Leigh Carlson or Lindsey Johnson Telephone Number: (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9366 E-Mail Address: fopmafghanistan@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Amanda Downing, Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) OTI Field Operations and Project Manager 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-1057 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 19, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: June 16, 2009, 5:00 pm EDT (DEADLINE EXTENDED) 4. POSITION TITLE: OTI Field Operations and Project Manager 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a - tandem position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at the GS-12 (salary range: $59,383 - $77,194), the GS-13 (salary range: $70,615 - $91,801), or the GS-14 (salary range $83,445 - $108,483) equivalent level, non-locality pay. If a candidate is selected at the GS-12 level, there is a possibility for advancement to GS-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. If an incumbent is selected at the GS-12 grade level, the candidate will have the opportunity for advancement up one equivalent grade to the GS-13 level, following at least one (1) year or two (2) years at the GS-12 level. To be eligible for promotion, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the position, and must also receive a performance rating of - Excellent or higher in the annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee meets the minimum qualifications of the position, is performing successfully at the current grade, and is considered ready to perform at the higher grade level. Neither advancement nor extension of the contract is guaranteed. (There is no promotion potential in this contract from the GS-13 to the GS-14 grade level, though candidates at the GS-13 level may apply for the GS-14 level position when they feel they meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14 level, if/when the position is being advertised again in the future). NOTE: Applicants who submit an application for the GS-14 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEC) will not be considered for the GS-13 or GS-12 positions if they have not submitted separate applications for them. Similarly, applicants who apply for only the GS-12 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-13 or GS-14 positions will not be considered for the higher graded positions if they have not submitted separate applications for each of them. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications should submit a separate application for each grade level. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with up to four (4) one-year option periods. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Afghanistan 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 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. Stabilization programming in Afghanistan is one of the United States government's top priorities. This program will actively work to support counterinsurgency operations, development in crisis prone areas of the country, and the Afghan government. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/. INTRODUCTION USAID/OTI plans to launch a new program in Afghanistan, in line with US Government priorities. The program will implement civilian-run stabilization projects in targeted areas, primarily during the clear and hold phases of counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. The program will seek to engage community and government leaders, mitigate conflict and create space for longer term development projects. In addition, the program will support the legitimacy and capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to plan for and implement a sustained civilian stabilization response. USAID/OTI, through its implementing partner(s), will manage an operational platform and an in-kind small grants mechanism aimed at promoting the objectives described above. It is expected that activities will range across numerous sectors including but not limited to irrigation and small, potable water schemes, road repairs, repairs to public facilities such as schools, agricultural terraces, etc. Small livelihood activities may be considered if it is clear they have the full support of the community, and will benefit the community as a whole. OBJECTIVE The objective for hiring this position is to support OTI Program staff in Afghanistan. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY The Field Operations and Project Manager is a member of the DCHA/OTI Asia/Middle East (AME) Regional Team, reports to the OTI Country Representative, and is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with frequent temporary duty (TDY) travel to the field. This post is not a family-accompanied post and does not allow minor or adult dependents, although a separate maintenance allowance will be authorized for incumbents with dependents. The Field Operations and Project Manager's principal responsibility is to support OTI Program staff in two respects. First, s/he will coordinate the OTI operational platform in Afghanistan in close consultation with USAID's Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Office, and liaise with other relevant USAID and U.S. Embassy support systems, offices and administrative units as well as with the U.S. military and OTI implementing partners to ensure OTI field staff receive rapid support for logistical and other administrative services. Second, s/he will coordinate OTI's role within the Afghan Civilian Assistance Program (ACAP), which seeks to aid Afghan civilians affected by death, injury and/or physical destruction resulting from operations in which international military forces were involved. Each task will take up approximately 50% of the incumbent's workload. Duties and Responsibilities The work of the OTI Field Operations and Project Manager requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. Under the direct supervision of the OTI Country Representative, the incumbent will: At the GS-12 level: Operations Tasks - Serve as OTI's principal administrative and logistical affairs officer supporting program-funded staff in Afghanistan; - Act as the liaison between the field program and OTI Washington on logistical and administrative issues and establish constructive working relations with administrative personnel (counterparts) at the USAID Mission, the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. military, and within the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and District Stabilization Teams (DSTs), OTI's Implementing Partners, and other relevant actors (e.g. the UN, IOM, etc.) to coordinate logistics support and other administrative requirements for OTI personnel; - Recruit, train, mentor, manage and supervise local Foreign Service PSC administrative staff. Supervise FSN staff in arranging for the control, maintenance, repair, and security of all OTI property, including vehicles, accommodations, office furniture and equipment, etc.; - Assist with determining OTI procurement needs and monitor procurement activities in collaboration with the OTI field team, the USAID mission, and OTI's implementing partners; - Ensure that all administrative procedures and systems required are in place and that staff (U.S., TCN and FSN) are thoroughly familiar with them; - Oversee office communications and records systems, including establishment and maintenance of office files, issuance and control of communications equipment (radios, cell phones, etc.), and prompt handling of invoices/bills of collection received in connection with communications services; - In consultation with the OTI Country Representative, develop an annual operations budget supporting OTI's program-funded field staff, and, in coordination with the USAID Controller's office, monitor field operations expenses and obligations. Prepare and disseminate regular weekly and monthly financial reports on both program and operation expenditures. Ensure prompt payment of any program-funded obligations, ensuring that expenditures fall within budget limitations; - Assist in the management of visitors and guests, including congressional delegations, TDY personnel from Washington and other USG officials. This includes coordination and/or management of the logistics for their visits, including the development of travel schedules and the preparation of briefing materials by OTI's Program team, and, if required, accompanying delegations on field trips to ensure that adequate logistical support is provided. Project Tasks - Act as the coordinator for activities designed and led by district-based OTI Field Program Managers (FPMs) as part of what is currently called the - Afghan Civilian Assistance Program (ACAP), including providing program guidance to the OTI Afghanistan Country Team and OTI Implementing Partner staff, identifying best practices, ensuring the overall quality and effectiveness of the program, and assisting the OTI Country Representative in representing the program to the USAID/Afghanistan Mission or external audiences; - Maintain detailed records/files of program information, including ensuring program activity information is stored and updated in the OTI Activity Database; - If required, travel to project sites and/or District Support Team locations to review, monitor and assist in providing support for the ACAP program, or other OTI programs as appropriate; - Perform other duties as determined by the Country Representative or his/her designee. At the GS-13 level: Perform the same duties as the GS-12 level but with less supervision, more decision-making authority, and less restricted independence of action. Operations Tasks - Serve as OTI's principal administrative and logistical affairs officer supporting program-funded staff in Afghanistan; - Act as the liaison between the field program and OTI Washington on logistical and administrative issues and establish constructive working relations with administrative personnel (counterparts) at the USAID Mission, the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. military, and within the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and District Stabilization Teams (DSTs), OTI's Implementing Partners, and other relevant actors (e.g. the UN, IOM, etc.) to coordinate logistics support and other administrative requirements for OTI personnel; - Recruit, train, mentor, manage and supervise local Foreign Service PSC administrative staff. Supervise FSN staff in arranging for the control, maintenance, repair, and security of all OTI property, including vehicles, accommodations, office furniture and equipment, etc.; - Assist with determining OTI procurement needs and monitor procurement activities in collaboration with the OTI field team, the USAID mission, and OTI's implementing partners; - Ensure that all administrative procedures and systems required are in place and that staff (U.S., TCN and FSN) are thoroughly familiar with them; - Oversee office communications and records systems, including establishment and maintenance of office files, issuance and control of communications equipment (radios, cell phones, etc.), and prompt handling of invoices/bills of collection received in connection with communications services; - In consultation with the OTI Country Representative, develop an annual operations budget supporting OTI's program-funded field staff, and, in coordination with the USAID Controller's office, monitor field operations expenses and obligations. Prepare and disseminate regular weekly and monthly financial reports on both program and operation expenditures. Ensure prompt payment of any program-funded obligations, ensuring that expenditures fall within budget limitations; - Assist in the management of visitors and guests, including congressional delegations, TDY personnel from Washington and other USG officials. This includes coordination and/or management of the logistics for their visits, including the development of travel schedules and the preparation of briefing materials by OTI's Program team, and, if required, accompanying delegations on field trips to ensure that adequate logistical support is provided. Project Tasks - Act as the coordinator for activities designed and led by district-based OTI Field Program Managers (FPMs) as part of what is currently called the - Afghan Civilian Assistance Program (ACAP), including providing program guidance to the OTI Afghanistan Country Team and OTI Implementing Partner staff, identifying best practices, ensuring the overall quality and effectiveness of the program, and assisting the OTI Country Representative in representing the program to the USAID/Afghanistan Mission or external audiences; - Maintain detailed records/files of program information, including ensuring program activity information is stored and updated in the OTI Activity Database; - If required, travel to project sites and/or District Support Team locations to review, monitor and assist in providing support for the ACAP program, or other OTI programs as appropriate; - Perform other duties as determined by the Country Representative or his/her designee. At the GS-14 level: Perform the same duties as the GS-12 level but with less supervision, more decision-making authority, and less restricted independence of action. Operations Tasks - Serve as OTI's principal administrative and logistical affairs officer supporting program-funded staff in Afghanistan; - Act as the liaison between the field program and OTI Washington on logistical and administrative issues and establish constructive working relations with administrative personnel (counterparts) at the USAID Mission, the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. military, and within the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and District Stabilization Teams (DSTs), OTI's Implementing Partners, and other relevant actors (e.g. the UN, IOM, etc.) to coordinate logistics support and other administrative requirements for OTI personnel; - Recruit, train, mentor, manage and supervise local Foreign Service PSC administrative staff. Supervise FSN staff in arranging for the control, maintenance, repair, and security of all OTI property, including vehicles, accommodations, office furniture and equipment, etc.; - Assist with determining OTI procurement needs and monitor procurement activities in collaboration with the OTI field team, the USAID mission, and OTI's implementing partners; - Ensure that all administrative procedures and systems required are in place and that staff (U.S., TCN and FSN) are thoroughly familiar with them; - Oversee office communications and records systems, including establishment and maintenance of office files, issuance and control of communications equipment (radios, cell phones, etc.), and prompt handling of invoices/bills of collection received in connection with communications services; - In consultation with the OTI Country Representative, develop an annual operations budget supporting OTI's program-funded field staff, and, in coordination with the USAID Controller's office, monitor field operations expenses and obligations. Prepare and disseminate regular weekly and monthly financial reports on both program and operation expenditures. Ensure prompt payment of any program-funded obligations, ensuring that expenditures fall within budget limitations; - Assist in the management of visitors and guests, including congressional delegations, TDY personnel from Washington and other USG officials. This includes coordination and/or management of the logistics for their visits, including the development of travel schedules and the preparation of briefing materials by OTI's Program team, and, if required, accompanying delegations on field trips to ensure that adequate logistical support is provided. Project Tasks - Act as the coordinator for activities designed and led by district-based OTI Field Program Managers (FPMs) as part of what is currently called the - Afghan Civilian Assistance Program (ACAP), including providing program guidance to the OTI Afghanistan Country Team and OTI Implementing Partner staff, identifying best practices, ensuring the overall quality and effectiveness of the program, and assisting the OTI Country Representative in representing the program to the USAID/Afghanistan Mission or external audiences; - Maintain detailed records/files of program information, including ensuring program activity information is stored and updated in the OTI Activity Database; - If required, travel to project sites and/or District Support Team locations to review, monitor and assist in providing support for the ACAP program, or other OTI programs as appropriate; - Perform other duties as determined by the Country Representative or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Field Operations and Project Manager will report to OTI's Country Representative in the designated country. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. Work plans, timesheets, regional travel, and funding associated with support costs will be approved through OTI Washington. 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 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 While in the country of assignment, the work is generally performed in an office environment. However, the position also requires travel throughout the country of assignment, which 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. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") The USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Operations and Project Manager post is a middle management position requiring excellent managerial and communication skills, an ability to perform in a complex and highly sensitive political environment, experience in negotiation at the highest levels (government and non-government organizations), and a strong interest in assisting countries in transition. The candidate must be mature, self-reliant, a team player, a problem-solver, and have a solid understanding of and experience working with current USAID and USG systems and USG rules and regulations pertaining to USAID administrative procedures. S/he should have extensive management experience, as well as hands on administrative experience in a number of areas (general administration, travel, finance, information and technology, personnel support, etc). S/he should be able to communicate effectively with USG agencies, military personnel, and international donor organizations. Since work may require continued changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual will be someone who is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change. Prior work experience with U.S. Government agencies and/or managing program operations in civil conflicts is preferred. The successful candidate will possess excellent negotiating and financial skills, and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a highly stressful environment while exercising sound judgment in politically charged and challenging security environments. At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-12 level: (1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR A Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, business administration, office administration, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience; (2) A minimum of four (4) years of recent operations management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, large international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization; including management support, travel support, general services (leasing; personal property (NXP) inventory, control and disposition, etc.); motor pool operations and vehicle use; and personnel administration; (3) Knowledge of and experience in applying Acquisition and Assistance instruments; (4) A minimum of one (1) year overseas logistics experience working in a developing country, of which three (3) months must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political instability; (5) A minimum of one (1) year supervisory experience (mentoring, training, and directly supervising staff), of which at least three (3) months must include experience mentoring, training and/or supervising foreign national staff. (6) A minimum of one (1) year of project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, or international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, political analysis, and/or other related areas; At the GS-13 equivalent level: (1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR A Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, business administration, office administration, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience; (2) A minimum of five (5) years of recent operations management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, large international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization; including management support, travel support, general services (leasing; personal property (NXP) inventory, control and disposition, etc.); motor pool operations and vehicle use; and personnel administration; (3) Knowledge of and experience in applying Acquisition and Assistance instruments; (4) A minimum of two (2) years overseas logistics experience working in a developing country, of which six (6) months must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political instability; (5) A minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience (mentoring, training, and directly supervising staff), of which at least six (6) months must include experience mentoring, training and/or supervising foreign national staff. (6) A minimum of one (1) year of project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, or international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, political analysis, and/or other related areas; At the GS-14 equivalent level: (1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR A Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, business administration, office administration, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience; (2) A minimum of six (6) years of recent operations management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, large international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization; including management support, travel support, general services (leasing; personal property (NXP) inventory, control and disposition, etc.); motor pool operations and vehicle use; and personnel administration; (3) Knowledge of and experience in applying Acquisition and Assistance instruments; (4) A minimum of three (3) years overseas logistics experience working in a developing country, of which one (1) year must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political instability; (5) A minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience (mentoring, training, and directly supervising staff), of which at least one (1) year must include experience mentoring, training and/or supervising foreign national staff. (6) A minimum of one (1) year of project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, or international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, political analysis, and/or other related areas; 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 (see detailed instructions under "Applying"); - Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Education/Experience requirements, AND each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; - Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; - Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; - Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. Note that due to the urgent program requirements, individuals must be able to travel within 90 days of being selected for this contract (this includes completion of all required documentation and receipt of all necessary clearances). 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 Understanding of and experience working with current U.S. Government (USG) systems, rules and regulations pertaining to administrative procedures and experience with procurement, budgeting, and reporting for high-visibility programs; Factor #2 Demonstrated experience working on humanitarian assistance activities, transition programs or democracy-building programs in the field, including the conceptualization, design and management of programs; Factor #3 Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high-visibility, high-pressure environments overseas in complex emergency or political crisis situations with minimal home office support; Factor #4 Demonstrated outstanding customer service skills, with an ability to create and maintain constructive relationships with counterparts, prioritize tasks, pay attention to detail, and advocate for teams in difficult environments, including the ability to motivate and train both U.S. Citizen and Foreign National staff in these skills and in general administrative support; and Factor #5 Excellent communication, interpersonal, cross-cultural, negotiating and team building skills evidenced by the ability to maintain team morale and unity in a challenging security environment with the lack of usual infrastructure and amenities. 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. Applicants are requir...