USPSC - OTI Personnel Specialist

Request for Personal Service Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: Personnel Specialist Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-14-000011 Salary Level: GS-11 Equivalent: $63,091 - $82,019 GS-12 Equivalent: $75,621 - $98,305 Issuance Date: February 11, 2014 Closing Date: February 26, 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 Personnel 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. ? 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the four (4) 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 70 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: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Facs'mile: +1 (555) 000-0000 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: Travis Axton or Ian Reese Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 or +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Website: www.globalcorps.com Facs'mile: +1 (555) 000-0000 Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) OTI Personnel Specialist 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-14-000011 2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 11, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: February 26, 2014, 5:00 pm EST 4. POSITION TITLE: Personnel Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "ladder" position. The highest level of this position is a GS-12; however, USAID intends to fill this position at the entry level GS-11 equivalent level (Salary range: $63,091 - $82,019 per year). The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-11 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. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. Following at least two (2) years at the GS-11 equivalent grade the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-12 equivalent grade. To be eligible for promotion to the GS-12 level, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the GS-12 grade, and receive an "Excellent" performance rating in the 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. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three one-year options 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. with possible travel as stated in the position description. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK 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, indigenous partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries by providing 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 local partners such as civil society groups (non-governmental organizations or informal community groups), local governments, private businesses, media groups, and others, through identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public understanding and participation in their country's political process. 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 14 of this solicitation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives INTRODUCTION The Personnel Specialist will provide recruitment and other administrative support for program funded U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) employees in OTI. The Personnel Specialist is supervised by OTI/Operations and Management Division's (OMD) Senior Personnel Specialist or his/her designee. OMD in Washington provides OTI with an advanced level of operational and management support to help ensure ongoing and improved flexible, rapid response in political transition programming overseas. OMD is responsible for instituting and maintaining office-wide systems and processes, office practices and procedures, and the creation of an enhanced response capability through teamwork, responsiveness, fiscal responsibility, quality control, and customer service. Within the OMD, the Pre-Employment, Recruitment, and Contracts (PERC) Team is responsible for analyzing needs, developing solutions, and advising on issues related to contracts, recruitment, and staff management in direct support of OTI's numerous field programs. The PERC Team regularly participates in core DCHA/OTI process design, development and training exercises. The goal of the PERC Team is to create and maintain an enhanced response capability to support staff management and effective processes for OTI field and Washington teams. The team accomplishes this through working closely with regional teams in order to track staffing needs and support the overall mission of the office as well as address the needs of individual teams. Program and Operations staff work as a team to ensure country programs are started, managed, and closed efficiently and effectively. This is a key position in an exciting and busy office which responds rapidly to crisis situations overseas. For DCHA/OTI to implement its rapid response strategy, it is essential that DCHA/OTI personnel receive prompt support. The incumbent must be a proficient writer and proofreader, and The Personnel Specialist has the ability to maintain flexibility in a fast-paced dynamic environment while managing competing priorities and meeting aggressive deadlines. Providing knowledgeable, rapid response using standard operating procedures and making recommendations for improvements or innovations to increase effectiveness and efficiency is critical to successful implementation of OTI's programs and fulfillment of OTI's mandate. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this solicitation is to hire a Personnel Specialist within OTI's Pre-Employment, Recruitment and Contracts (PERC) team. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Personnel Specialist requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly visible and rapid response office, the Personnel Specialist requires a willingness and ability to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The Personnel Specialist is highly flexible and the working conditions are subject to ongoing change(s), while maintaining a professional and respectful conduct towards colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. S/he places a premium on the building of positive relationships with his/her respective team, with the rest of OTI and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The Personnel Specialist is a team player, able to prioritize and follow up on their own actions without prompting, while also assisting a busy supervisor and fellow colleagues to track and respond to incoming requests and routine tasks, filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The Personnel Specialist has a strong sense of responsibility, is service-oriented, highly organized, pays close attention to detail, is able to complete administrative tasks with minimal guidance, and is able to receive and respond to constructive criticism in a professional manner. The Personnel Specialist is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. The Personnel Specialist provides administrative support for program funded staff, primarily USPSCs. The Personnel Specialist priorities are expected to change and evolve in accordance with the requirements of OTI. Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based DCHA/OTI Pre-Employment, Recruitment, and Contracts (PERC) Team Leader or his or her designee, the Washington-based Personnel Specialist will perform the following duties: At the GS-11 Level: - Work with the Senior Personnel Specialist and the OTI service provider to coordinate the recruitment process for all OTI USPSC positions to ensure timely hiring of new program staff. Examples of work includes: o Assisting in drafting and/or reviewing USPSC scopes of work (SOWs) in collaboration with the supervisor, OMD Chief, and the position supervisors, ensuring standard SOWs are filed and maintained; o Drafting, tracking, and ensuring clearances for required recruitment and hiring memos (such as market value memos for proposed grade levels for new positions, memos to request DCHA authorization to recruit where appropriate, etc.); o Obtaining appropriate documentation for selection of individuals on a non-competitive basis where needed and transmitting completed requests to the OTI service provider in a timely manner; o Working closely with the supervisor in monitoring and collaborating with the OTI service provider's process for development, review and issuance of public solicitations for competitive positions, managing a tracking system for all stages of the recruitment process, and assisting with the recruitment process where needed (e.g. developing interview questions, etc.); o Sending periodic notices and updates to staff regarding position openings, and distributing recruitment updates to the Senior Personnel Specialist or the entire office as required. o Tracking approvals of USPSC actions through OTI's budget and finance database TOMAS, and Agency systems; o Ensuring that personnel files are kept up to date and that copies of key documents are scanned in the electronic file (e.g. solicitation, application, selection memo, contract, medical and security clearances, emergency locator card). - Work closely with the Senior Personnel Specialist and OTI service provider to maintain a tracking system to track all stages of the USPSC contract issuance/modification process, helping to ensure that regular reports are provided to supervisors, managers, and the Senior Leadership Team on the status of actions in process - Draft, track, and ensure clearances for required on-board staff memos (such as leave transfer memos, memos to request increased earning on annual leave accrual, Annual Leave payout memos, etc.); - Review proposed contract language and budgets to ensure conformance to Federal and Agency regulations, compliance with Agency and office policies, and the accuracy, completeness and consistency of all contract language that is specific to the contract under review; - Knowledgeable on procurement policy as it relates to USPSCs; assist in maintaining and updating OTI's USPSC handbook, creating responses to "Frequently Asked Questions" and as necessary coordinate closely with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), the Senior Management Advisor(s) and the Senior Personnel Specialist; - Establish and maintain good working relationships with other USAID offices and bureaus in relation to human resources and PSC issues; and participate on inter-office, inter-bureau, or inter-agency committees addressing USPSC issues. - Backstop the members of the OTI/OMD Personnel and Procurement team as required; - Provide other administrative duties as required in support of OTI's USPSC staff. At the GS-12 Level: Perform the same duties as the GS-11 level but with less supervision, greater decision-making authority, and greater independence of action. - Work with the Personnel Specialist and the OTI service provider to coordinate the recruitment process for all OTI USPSC positions to ensure timely hiring of new program staff. Examples of work includes: o Drafting and/or reviewing USPSC scopes of work (SOWs) in collaboration with the supervisor, OMD Chief, and the position supervisors, ensuring standard SOWs are filed and maintained; o Drafting, tracking, and ensuring clearances for required recruitment and hiring memos (such as market value memos for proposed grade levels for new positions, memos to request DCHA authorization to recruit where appropriate, etc.); o Obtaining appropriate documentation for selection of individuals on a non-competitive basis where needed and transmitting completed requests to the OTI service provider in a timely manner; o Working closely with the supervisor in monitoring and collaborating with the OTI service provider's process for development, review and issuance of public solicitations for competitive positions, managing a tracking system for all stages of the recruitment process, and assisting with the recruitment process where needed (e.g. developing interview questions, etc.); o Sending periodic notices and updates to staff regarding position openings, and distributing recruitment updates to the Sr. Personnel Specialist or the entire office as required. o Tracking approvals of USPSC actions through OTI's budget and finance database TOMAS, and Agency systems; o Ensuring that personnel files are kept up to date and that copies of key documents are scanned in the electronic file (e.g. solicitation, application, selection memo, contract, medical and security clearances, emergency locator card). - Work closely with the Senior Personnel Specialist and OTI service provider to maintain a tracking system to track all stages of the USPSC contract issuance/modification process, helping to ensure that regular reports are provided to supervisors, managers, and the Senior Leadership Team on the status of actions in process - Draft, track, and ensure clearances for required on-board staff memos (such as leave transfer memos, memos to request increased earning on annual leave accrual, Annual Leave payout memos, etc.); - Review proposed contract language and budgets to ensure conformance to Federal and Agency regulations, compliance with Agency and office policies, and the accuracy, completeness and consistency of all contract language that is specific to the contract under review; - Knowledgeable on procurement policy as it relates to USPSCs; assist in maintaining and updating OTI's USPSC handbook, creating responses to "Frequently Asked Questions" and as necessary coordinate closely with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), the Semior Management Advisor(s) and the Senior Personnel Specialist; - Establish and maintain good working relationships with other USAID offices and bureaus in relation to human resources and PSC issues; and participate on inter-office, inter-bureau, or inter-agency committees addressing USPSC issues. - Backstop the members of the OTI/OMD Personnel and Procurement team as required, including standing in for the Senior Personnel Specialist if required; - Provide other administrative duties as required in support of OTI's USPSC staff. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Personnel Specialist will take direction from and will report to OTI's Washington-based Team Leader for the Pre-Employment, Recruitment, and Contracts Team, or his/her designee, as well as to the Chief, Operations and Management Division. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams or during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Assessments or during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") At the GS-11 Level: At a minimum, to be considered for the GS-11 level, the applicant must have: (1) A Bachelor's degree with four (4) years of work experience, of which two (2) years must include experience in administrative personnel support; OR A Master's degree with two (2) years of work experience including experience in administrative personnel support; AND (2) At least one (1) year experience related to personnel support services for a USG agency, an institutional contractor working for a USG agency, or a large international organization; AND (3) Experience drafting, editing or proofreading position descriptions or scopes of work; AND (4) Computer proficiency in database systems and Microsoft Office. At the GS-12 Level: After at least two years at the GS-11 Level, the incumbent may be considered for advancement to the GS-12 level based on an excellent performance review by the supervisor, and based on meeting the minimum qualifications listed below: (1) A Bachelor's degree with six (6) years of work experience, of which four (4) years must include experience in administrative personnel support; OR A Master's degree with four (4) years of work experience including experience in administrative personnel support; AND (2) At least three (3) years experience related to personnel support services for a USG agency, an institutional contractor working for a USG agency, or a large international organization; AND (3) Experience drafting, editing or proofreading position descriptions or scopes of work; AND (4) Computer proficiency in database systems and Microsoft Office. 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. 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 knowledge of the basic principles of personnel management, with a focus on recruitment and hiring; Factor #2 Demonstrated customer service ethic and experience, including a proven ability to independently liaise with both personnel and senior level managers; Factor #3 Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with a high level of detail, to balance competing demands, and to manage time in relation to established work priorities; Factor #4 Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in editing and proofreading. 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, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Applicants may be tested on their writing/proofreading ability and ability to draft or edit position descriptions. 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 - 15 Factor #4 - 15 Total Possible - 70 Points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 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 complete a writing test. OTI 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, OTI 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. 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 four (4) 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 70 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: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20045 Via facs'mile: +1 (555) 000-0000 Via email: contact@example.gov Please note in your document submittal where you heard about 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. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to 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) 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 FACTO...