USPSC - OTI IT/Senior IT Business Analyst - Washington, DC (Multiple Positions)

Request for Personal Services Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: OTI IT/Senior IT Business Analyst - Washington, DC (Multiple Positions) Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-16-000022 Salary Level: GS-11 Equivalent: $64,650 - $84,044 GS-12 Equivalent: $77,490 - $100,736 GS-13 Equivalent: $92,145 - $119,794 Issuance Date: March 11, 2016 Closing Date: March 25, 2016 Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time 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 an IT/Senior IT Business Analyst 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 explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. If you do not specify which grade level(s), your application will be considered at the lower grade level. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the three (3) 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 or emailed to: Office of Transition Initiatives 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: contact@example.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. Applicant resources are available at www.otijobs.net/#!guidance-for-applying/c1ggu. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: OTI Recruitment Team Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Website: www.OTIjobs.net Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) IT/Senior IT Business Analyst (Multiple Positions) I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-16-000022 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 11, 2016 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 25, 2016, 5:00 pm Eastern Time 4. POSITION TITLE: IT Business Analyst/Senior IT Business Analyst 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "tandem/ladder" position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-11 ($64,650 - $84,044), GS-12 ($77,490 - $100,736) or GS-13 ($92,145 - $119,794 per annum) equivalent level. The highest level of this position is a GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-11, GS-12 or GS-13 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above 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 title of the position at the GS-11 and GS-12 levels will be "IT Business Analyst." The title of the position at the GS-13 level will be "Senior IT Business Analyst." If selected at the GS-11 equivalent grade level, following at least one year at the GS-11 grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-12 equivalent grade. If selected at or advanced to the GS-12 equivalent grade level, following at least two years at the GS-12 grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-13 equivalent grade. In order to be advanced to the higher grade, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the higher grade and receive an excellent performance rating in their most recent annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee 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. Note: Applicants who submit an application for the GS-13 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee, will not be considered for the GS-12 or GS-11 positions if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-12 or GS-11 levels. Similarly, applicants who apply for the GS-11 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-12 or GS-13 positions will not be considered for the higher graded positions if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-12 or GS-13 positions. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate applications for the GS-11, GS-12 and the GS-13 positions. The application will be considered for the lowest grade level if the applicant does not specify the grade level in the submission. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three one-year option periods. START DATE: Within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local partners advance peace and democracy in politically-transitioning countries. In support of U.S. foreign policy, OTI seizes emerging windows of opportunity in the political landscape to promote stability, peace, and democracy by catalyzing local initiatives through adaptive and agile programming. 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 U.S. Personal Services Contracts (USPSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the office's programmatic goals and objectives. USPSCs are considered employees of USAID for all purposes except programs administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - such as federally sponsored health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. However, there are several other similar benefits that USPSCs may participate in, such as partial reimbursement for health and life insurance costs, as well as full coverage of workers' compensation, among other benefits. For more complete information on USPSC benefits, please see page 15 of this solicitation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives INTRODUCTION The IT/Senior IT Business Analyst is a member of OTI's Operations and Management Division which prides itself on maintaining positive morale in the division and a high degree of customer support and innovation for the office. OTI is under USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). The IT/Senior IT Business Analyst must learn and understand OTI's business model and requirements in order to provide support for operational projects that improve the office's efficiency and effectiveness. Current projects underway include an internal website used by staff and implementing partners to provide guidance and share information, a recruiting website, and databases for financial management and human resources. The incumbent performs business analysis and architecture development in support of system users. The incumbent provides data expertise to be able to trace data through the system and assess the quality of data throughout the business process. The incumbent analyzes existing processes/reverse engineering; provides elicitation, analyses, and management of requirements; and develops Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) documents. Individuals in this position are responsible for providing the day-to-day project management for a small team including customer communications, expectations settings and timeline deliverable monitoring and risk management. The IT/Senior IT Business Analyst will demonstrate sound judgment, excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical topics to management and non-technical audiences, as well as interface with the customer on a daily basis. He/she demonstrates a positives attitude, while also possessing exceptional analytical and critical thinking abilities in order to manage the delivery and execution of high quality, multiple work assignments on schedule and with minimal direction. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the IT/Senior IT Business Analyst requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent has a high level of integrity and attention to detail to ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. She or he places a premium on the building of positive relationships with his or her respective team both in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The IT/Senior IT Business Analyst is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. Under the direct supervision of the DCHA/OTI IT Team Leader or his/her designee, the IT/Senior IT Business Analyst will perform the following duties: At the GS-11 IT Business Analyst level: - Ensure provision of ad hoc development of simple, productivity-software-based solutions that improve operations productivity; lead system architectural design sessions in collaboration with other OTI teams; ensure that OTI systems are continually monitored, evaluated and improved upon as necessary in consultation with other OTI divisions; - Develop lifecycle documents such as Use Cases, Detailed Functional Requirements, Software Requirement Specifications, Detailed Design Specifications, Test Scenarios, User Manuals; - Provide project management, planning and risk management support; provide status reporting on assigned projects and/or activities; - Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Collaborate with OTI internal users and external partners in working group settings to document the common technical and functional requirements for enterprise cloud-based solutions; facilitate meetings with project stakeholders to elicit requirements; analyze, develop, and manage detailed requirements documentation; - If required, manage or assist in managing OTI budget, inventory and records; - Act as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR), or backstop COR/AOR for IT contracts and/or agreements; - Following an initial orientation period, provide orientation, training, and mentoring for new staff; - Research OTI's program and operations, analyzing current systems, processes, and requirements in order to provide optimal support for the OTI program; liaise and collaborate with the IT Team, OTI staff, and the USAID/CIO on the maintenance and support of existing IT systems, as well as the development of new IT enterprise systems to enable the office to increase efficiency and effectiveness (examples of existing systems include an internal website, web-enabled program activity database, Microsoft access systems for staff and budget management; examples of new systems include a web-enabled financial management system and human resources system); - Organize and facilitate meetings, events, workshops and working groups; - Provide IT Support Services, Customer Service: ensure a high level of customer service with OTI users; maintain collaborative relationships with other teams in and outside of OTI in USAID; ensure the provision of training and assistance for staff on the usage of various equipment, software, supplies and applications; - Gain expertise on USAID policies and procedures and ensure awareness of standardization and governance; liaise with USAID/CIO to ensure applications adhere to USAID policies, procedures and security requirements, creating or assisting in creating OTI procedures to ensure system and user accountability; - If required, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs, not to exceed three months; - Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the successful completion of country programs and operations. At the GS-12 IT Business Analyst level: - Ensure provision of ad hoc development of simple, productivity-software-based solutions that improve operations productivity; lead system architectural design sessions in collaboration with other OTI teams; ensure that OTI systems are continually monitored, evaluated and improved upon as necessary in consultation with other OTI divisions; - Develop lifecycle documents such as Use Cases, Detailed Functional Requirements, Software Requirement Specifications, Detailed Design Specifications, Test Scenarios, User Manuals; - Provide project management, planning and risk management support; provide status reporting on assigned projects and/or activities; - Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Collaborate with OTI internal users and external partners in working group settings to document the common technical and functional requirements for enterprise cloud-based solutions; facilitate meetings with project stakeholders to elicit requirements; analyze, develop, and manage detailed requirements documentation; - If required, manage or assist in managing OTI budget, inventory and records; - Act as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR), or backstop COR/AOR for IT contracts and/or agreements; - Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for new staff; - If required, act as IT Team Leader and/or supervise several IT functional staff, and liaise with IT institutional contractor or implementing partner technical staff. When supervising, ensure employee evaluations are completed in a timely manner in accordance with OTI office policy; Design staffing plans to meet overall project objectives, ensure staff work objectives and tasks are well defined, and ensure that recruitment is initiated immediately when staffing needs arise; - Research OTI's program and operations, analyzing current systems, processes, and requirements in order to provide optimal support for the OTI program; liaise and collaborate with the IT Team, OTI staff, and the USAID/CIO on the maintenance and support of existing IT systems as well as the development of new IT enterprise systems to enable the office to increase efficiency and effectiveness (examples of existing systems include an internal website, web-enabled program activity database, Microsoft access systems for staff and budget management; examples of new systems include a web-enabled financial management system and human resources system); - Organize and facilitate meetings, events, workshops and working groups; - Provide IT Support Services, Customer Service: Ensure a high level of customer service with OTI users; maintain collaborative relationships with other teams in and outside of OTI in USAID. Ensure the provision of training and assistance for staff on the usage of various equipment, software, supplies and applications; - Provide guidance on USAID policies and procedures and ensure awareness of standardization and governance; liaise with USAID/CIO to ensure applications adhere to USAID policies, procedures and security requirements, creating or assisting in creating OTI procedures to ensure system and user accountability; - If required, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs, not to exceed three months; - Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the successful completion of country programs and operations. At the GS-13 Senior IT Business Analyst level: - Ensure provision of ad hoc development of simple, productivity-software-based solutions that improve operations productivity; lead system architectural design sessions in collaboration with other OTI teams; ensure that OTI systems are continually monitored, evaluated and improved upon as necessary in consultation with other OTI divisions; - Develop lifecycle documents such as Use Cases, Detailed Functional Requirements, Software Requirement Specifications, Detailed Design Specifications, Test Scenarios, User Manuals; - Provide project management, planning and risk management support; provide status reporting on assigned projects and/or activities; - Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Collaborate with OTI internal users and external partners in working group settings to document the common technical and functional requirements for enterprise cloud-based solutions; facilitate meetings with project stakeholders to elicit requirements; analyze, develop, and manage detailed requirements documentation; - If required, manage or oversee management of OTI budget, inventory and records; - Act as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR), or backstop COR/AOR for IT contracts and/or agreements; - Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for new staff; - If required, act as IT Team Leader and/or supervise several IT functional staff, and liaise with IT institutional contractor or implementing partner technical staff. When supervising, ensure employee evaluations are completed in a timely manner in accordance with OTI office policy; design staffing plans to meet overall project objectives, ensure staff work objectives and tasks are well defined, and ensure that recruitment is initiated immediately when staffing needs arise; - Research OTI's program and operations, analyzing current systems, processes, and requirements in order to provide optimal support for the OTI program; liaise and collaborate with the IT Team, OTI staff, and the USAID/CIO on the maintenance and support of existing IT systems as well as the development of new IT enterprise systems to enable the office to increase efficiency and effectiveness (examples of existing systems include an internal website, web-enabled program activity database, Microsoft access systems for staff and budget management; examples of new systems include a web-enabled financial management system and human resources system); - Organize and facilitate meetings, events, workshops and working groups; - Provide IT Support Services, Customer Service: ensure a high level of customer service with OTI users; maintain collaborative relationships with other teams in and outside of OTI in USAID; ensure the provision of training and assistance for staff on the usage of various equipment, software, supplies and applications; - Serve as an expert on USAID policies and procedures and ensure awareness of standardization and governance; Liaise with USAID/CIO to ensure applications adhere to USAID policies, procedures and security requirements, creating or assisting in creating OTI procedures to ensure system and user accountability; - If required, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs, not to exceed three months; - Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the successful completion of country programs and operations. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The IT/Senior IT Business Analyst will be supervised by the OTI Sr. IT & Ops Specialist, or his/her designee, as a member of the IT Team within the Operations & Management Division. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The supervisor will set overall objectives and resources available, and work with the employee to develop deadlines, methodology, and work to be accomplished. The employee will be responsible for carrying out assignments and consulting with the supervisor on policy interpretations. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an office setting. Overseas deployments are not required for this position. 11. POINT OF CONTACT: OTI Recruitment Team 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20045 Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-11 IT Business Analyst level: (1) A Master's Degree with three (3) years of related work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with four (4) years of related work experience; OR A High School diploma with a minimum of six (6) years of related work experience; AND (2) One (1) year of IT project management experience; At the GS-12 IT Business Analyst level: (1) A Master's Degree with a minimum of four (4) years of related work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of five (5) years of related work experience; OR A High School diploma with a minimum of seven (7) years of related work experience; AND (2) Two (2) years of IT project management experience; (3) Demonstrated supervisory experience. At the GS-13 Senior IT Business Analyst level: (1) A Master's Degree with a minimum of six (6) years of related work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of eight (8) years of business analysis; OR A High School diploma with a minimum of nine (9) years of related work experience; AND (2) Four (4) years of IT project management experience; (3) Demonstrated supervisory experience. 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; - Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship); - Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. A USAID Secret level security clearance is required prior to issuance of the contract for this position. NOTE: If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months after the selected submits the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded. III. EVALUATION FACTORS 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.) Applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Factor #1 Demonstrated experience studying an organization's objectives, collaborating with IT staff and system users, and supporting the design or management IT solutions to increase organizational and operational efficiency. Factor #2 Demonstrated experience managing IT projects based on industry best practices and approved methodologies. Factor #3 Demonstrated training in the IT, ICT, and supervisory/management fields. Please include a complete list of trainings, certifications, or degrees received to include course provider, name and length of course, and date completed. 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. 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: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 20 Factor #2 - 20 Factor #3 - 20 Total Possible - 60 Points Interview Performance - 40 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. IV. APPLYING Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11. Qualified applicants 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. Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. If you do not specify which grade level(s), your application will be considered at the lower grade level. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the three (3) 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, applicants must prominently reference the solicitation number in the application submission. Applicant resources are available at www.otijobs.net/#!guidance-for-applying/c1ggu. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: Office of Transition Initiatives, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20045 Via email: contact@example.gov Please note in your docume...