USPSC - OTI Program Manager - Program Office

Request for Personal Service Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: Program Manager - Program Office Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-14-000034 Salary Level: GS-12 Equivalent: $75,621 - $98,305 GS-13 Equivalent: $89,924 - $116,901 Issuance Date: June 23, 2014 Closing Date: July 8, 2014 Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. EDT 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 Program Manager - Program Office 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 for each grade level for which you are applying. 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 807 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: pm-po@globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 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 Anna Cowell Telephone Number: (202) 706-6115 or (202) 706-6114 E-Mail Address: pm-po@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Program Manager - Program Office 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-14-000034 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 23, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 8, 2014, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Program Manager - Program Office 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "ladder/tandem" position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-12 ($75,621 - $98,305) or GS-13 ($89,924 - $116,901) equivalent level. The highest level of this position is a GS-13. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-12 or GS-13 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. If selected at the GS-12 grade level, following two (2) years at the GS-12 equivalent grade, the candidate will have the opportunity for advancement to a GS-13 equivalent grade. To be eligible for promotion to the GS-13 level, the employee must meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-13 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. 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 Panel (TEC) will not be considered for the GS-12 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-12 position. Similarly, applicants who apply for only the GS-12 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-13 position will not be considered for the GS-13 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-13 position. Applicants who are unsure should submit a separate application for each grade level. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three one-year options 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. (with field 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 partners advance peace and democracy in 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 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 organization'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 16 of this solicitation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives. INTRODUCTION The Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA)/OTI Program, Learning, and Innovation Division's Program Office (PLI/PO) provides OTI with strategic guidance on country-level and office-level budgeting, strategy, and program performance issues, and increases key stakeholder awareness of and support for OTI as a key instrument in carrying out U.S. foreign policy objectives. The Program Office provides both internal support to OTI and external outreach to the rest of the Agency, the U.S. Government, and other key stakeholders. Key functions of the Program Office are: to provide management and oversight for budgeting decisions and allocation of resources, set standards and provide guidance to country programs on strategic planning, decision-making, and implementation; manage core procurement mechanisms that support country programs; and facilitate the flow of information regarding OTI programs with internal and external audiences. The Program Office is responsible for outreach for OTI with counterparts within USAID as well as with other parts of the U.S. federal government, Capitol Hill, donors, and other interested partners and stakeholders. The Team is also responsible for new outreach product development. The OTI Program Manager - Program Office will support all aspects of OTI's outreach and strategic communications for a wide array of audiences within the U.S. government and for the general public. The incumbent will support the management of OTI's social media assets and the issuance of daily, weekly, monthly or annual country program updates that are posted on the OTI website, distributed within USAID, and are part of the formal reporting processes to Congress, Department of State, and OMB. S/he will work closely with OTI country team staff to ensure high quality and timely reporting products using a variety of communications tools, including hard copy publications, website postings, social media, blogs, and other media. The incumbent will also help guide office-wide efforts in planning and designing of events, publications, venues, and tools that support an improved strategic communication strategy. The majority of the workload for this position will be in direct support of OTI country programs and outreach and reporting on their work, challenges, and achievements. The Program Manager - Program Office will also provide advice and assistance to program managers, technical and financial specialists, co-workers, and/or others on contract procurement policies, problems, or issues. This person will support OTI country program staff through advice, guidance, and assistance on new and ongoing contractual and financial issues to ensure effective implementation of political transition programming overseas. While based in Washington, this position will focus on supporting OTI field-based program implementation by ensuring that OTI staff, implementing partner staff, and other key players have the procurement-related information and training they need to start up, manage and close out field-based activities effectively and efficiently. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this solicitation is to hire a Program Manager - Program Office within OTI's Program, Learning, and Innovation Division's Program Office. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The OTI Program Manager - Program Office has two main areas of responsibility - outreach and procurement. This position is expected to be dedicated primarily to outreach. While the Program Manager may be supervised by any OTI team or division leader or his/her designee, the initial supervisor for the position under this solicitation will be OTI's Program Office Team Leader or his/her designee. OTI's Program Office works within OTI's Program, Learning, and Innovation (PLI) division. This position in based in Washington, D.C. The Program Manager - Program Office has responsibility for developing and implementing a wide variety of outreach strategies for OTI and for designing and providing relevant technical assistance to the regional teams and OTI's senior leadership. The Program Manager - Program Office participates in the development of new outreach products and conducts staff training pertaining to outreach and public affairs. The Program Manager is responsible for managing and maintaining the OTI website, social media portfolio, responding to press inquiries, working with USAID's legislative and public affairs, and for the compilation, editing and dissemination of OTI reports and updates. In addition to outreach efforts, the Program Manager - Program Office will also support OTI country program staff through advice, guidance, and assistance on new and ongoing contractual issues to ensure effective implementation of political transition programming overseas. While based in Washington, this position will support OTI field-based program implementation by ensuring that OTI staff, implementing partner staff, and other key players have the procurement-related information and training they need to start up, manage and close out field-based activities effectively and efficiently. While the Program Manager - Program Office works under the direction of the Program Office Team Leader, he or she needs to demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. The incumbent must be articulate and able to represent OTI in various forums, meetings and seminars, and have a sound understanding of USAID's operational processes in Washington. The Program Manager - Program Office must be an individual with excellent writing and interpersonal skills with an understanding of U.S. policy interests and the role transition programming can play in the mitigation of conflict and the development of democracy. The Program Manager - Program Office must be able to communicate effectively, in person and in writing, with diverse audiences and be able accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. The work of the incumbent requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly visible and rapid response office, the position requires a willingness and ability to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent is highly flexible and the working conditions are subject to ongoing change, while maintaining professional and constructive relations with colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. S/he builds and maintains relationships with his/her respective team, with the rest of OTI and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is a team player, able to prioritize and follow up on his/her own actions without prompting, and fills in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The incumbent is service-oriented, highly organized, and pays close attention to detail. S/he is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. The Program Manager - Program Office priorities are expected to change and evolve in accordance with the requirements of OTI and will be determined in consultation with and under the direct supervision of the Washington-based DCHA/OTI Team Leader or his or her designee. The Washington-based Program Manager - Program Office will perform the following duties: ? At the GS-12 level: - Assist in the development and implementation of OTI's office-level and country-specific strategic outreach plan, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, developing information products, and monitoring/supporting implementation of the plan; - Assist with representation and articulation of OTI's mission and global programs to key players (select visitors, officials from international organizations, bilateral donors, and national and local foreign government officials); - Assist with the identification, development, and maintenance of professional relationships with NGOs, implementers, international donors, USAID, USG agencies, and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field and serve as a liaison to and coordinate outreach activities and assist in the preparation of presentations and briefings; - Seek out and initiate new fora through which OTI can more effectively engage with key audiences based on the analysis of current outreach efforts and new outreach priorities and targets identified by OTI country teams and senior staff, and advise OTI country teams and senior staff on improving effectiveness of their outreach to target audiences within USAID and with key stakeholders; - Coordinate with and assist other OTI divisions and teams in the development of information management products and improved business practices, as well as the development of mechanisms for the dissemination of such products to OTI field staff and implementing partners, and assist with providing updated guidance and recommendations on current OTI outreach products including annual reports, country program reports, success stories, and web-based materials; - Assist with production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI's external and internal websites for presentations to internal and external audiences, and manage internal OTI reporting needs, including but not limited to the bi-weekly OTI Transition News (consisting of Program and Political/Security updates), and daily/weekly bullets to USAID senior staff; - Manage the process for generating country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, Frontlines (USAID-wide publication) contributions, OTI's Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other Office, Bureau, and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing the final products through the OTI external website and other outreach channels; - Assist with the review of procurement documents, including scopes of work and draft contracts and agreements, to ensure policy and procedures are being followed, and manage contracts by serving as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) that supports the activities detailed above; - Assist with work related to the review, analysis, and/or interpretation of procurement statutes, regulations, policy, concepts, guidance, or procedures for use in the solution of procurement or contracting problems, or the accomplishment of projects or programs; - Provide backstopping to country program staff through support for resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, budget modifications, local procurement issues, program startup, implementation, and closeout; - Liaise with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) and others as necessary (e.g. mission contracting officers, implementing partner procurement officers) to ensure that current procurement policies and procedures are being appropriately applied throughout the start-up, implementation, and close-out phases of OTI country programs; - After an initial learning period, analyze contracting systems to provide advice and guidance on contracting and procurement issues, including procurement using small/disadvantaged businesses; - Assist with training and mentoring on OTI program implementation for OTI staff and implementing partners both in Washington and the field, and assist in the development and updating of training materials as required; - When required, provide support to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, DC; - When required, act as Team Leader (e.g. during his/her absence), or in other roles (e.g. Program Manager or Procurement Analyst for short periods of time); - Provide other tasks as required to fulfill OTI's program objectives as requested by the Program Office Team Leader or OTI senior leadership. At the GS-13 level: - Spearhead the development and implementation of OTI's office-level and country-specific strategic outreach plan, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, developing information products, and monitoring/supporting implementation of plan; - Represent and articulate OTI's mission and global programs to key players (select visitors, officials from international organizations, bilateral donors, and national and local foreign government officials); - Identify, develop and maintain professional relationships with NGOs, implementers, international donors, USAID, USG agencies, and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field and serve as a liaison to and coordinate outreach activities and assist in the preparation of presentations and briefings; - Seek out and initiate new fora through which OTI can more effectively engage with key audiences based on the analysis of current outreach efforts and new outreach priorities and targets identified by OTI country teams and senior staff and advise OTI country teams and senior staff on improving effectiveness of their outreach to target audiences within USAID and with key stakeholders; - Coordinate with and assist other OTI divisions and teams in the development of information management products and improved business practices, as well as the development of mechanisms for the dissemination of such products to OTI field staff and implementing partners, and provide updated guidance and recommendations on current OTI outreach products including annual reports, country program reports, success stories, and web-based materials; - Manage production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI's external and internal websites for presentations to internal and external audiences, and manage internal OTI reporting needs including but not limited to the bi-weekly OTI Transition News (consisting of Program and Political/Security updates), and daily/weekly bullets to USAID senior staff; - Manage the process for generating country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, Frontlines (USAID-wide publication) contributions, OTI's Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other Office, Bureau, and Agency documents and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing the final products through the OTI external website and other outreach channels; - Review procurement documents, including scopes of work and draft contracts and agreements, to ensure policy and procedures are being followed, and manage contracts by serving as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) that support the activities detailed above; - Review, analyze, and/or interpret procurement statutes, regulations, policies, concepts, guidance, or procedures for use in the solution of procurement or contracting problems or the accomplishment of projects or programs; - Provide backstopping to country program staff through support for resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, budget modifications, local procurement issues, program startup, implementation, and closeout; - Liaise with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) and others as necessary (e.g. mission contracting officers, implementing partner procurement officers) to ensure that current procurement policies and procedures are being appropriately applied throughout the start-up, implementation, and close-out phases of OTI country programs; - Analyze contracting systems to provide advice and guidance on contracting and procurement issues including procurement using small/disadvantaged businesses; - Provide training and mentoring on OTI program implementation for OTI staff and implementing partners both in Washington and the field, and assist in the development and updating of training materials as required; - When required, provide support to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, DC; - When required, act as Team Leader (e.g. during his/her absence) or in other roles (e.g. Program Manager or Procurement Analyst for short periods of time); - Supervise staff as delegated by the Team Leader (e.g. Program Office staff, interns, etc.) including providing orientation, training, and mentoring for staff supervised; - Provide other tasks as required to fulfill OTI's program objectives as requested by the Program Office Team Leader or OTI senior leadership. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Program Manager - Program Office will take direction from and will report to the designated OTI Team Leader or his/her designee. 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. If traveling overseas, the employee may be subject to 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. If the employee travels overseas, 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") The successful candidate must be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. Since work often involves changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual must be someone who is highly flexible and able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. He/she must be able to work productively and effectively as a member on a team. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of the Required Skills and Selection Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the GS-12 equivalent will not be considered for award. At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-12 level: (1) Bachelor's degree AND a minimum of five (5) years work experience, of which one (1) year must include experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, contractor or non-governmental organization; OR Master's degree AND a minimum of three (3) years work experience, of which one (1) year must include experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, contractor or non-governmental organization; AND (2) Minimum of three (3) months of overseas field experience working on humanitarian assistance, political transition, stabilization or democracy building programs, of which a minimum of one (1) month must include field experience in one or more countries undergoing a political transition; (3) Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and coordination of outreach activities, as well as in public speaking; (4) Demonstrated experience writing and editing articles and reports about international development programs for a variety of audiences. At the GS-13 level: (1) Bachelor's degree AND a minimum of seven (7) years work experience, of which three (3) years must include experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, contractor or non-governmental organization. OR Master's degree AND a minimum of five (5) years work experience, of which three (3) years must include experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, contractor or non-governmental organization; AND (2) Minimum of three (3) months of overseas field experience working on humanitarian assistance, political transition, stabilization or democracy building programs, of which a minimum of one (1) month must include field experience in one or more countries undergoing a political transition; (3) Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and coordination of outreach activities, as well as in public speaking; (4) Demonstrated experience writing and editing articles and reports about international development programs for a variety of audiences. 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); - Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; - 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. NOTE: The incumbent must obtain Department of State medical clearance within six months after the contract is issued. If a medical clearance is not obtained within this period, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. 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 representing an organization to and coordinating with various U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, and other entities involved in political transitions and humanitarian interventions; Factor #2 Demonstrated experience designing and implementing outreach and strategic communication programs; Factor #3 Demonstrated oral, written, and presentation skills, including experience editing and developing materials for external and/or internal websites; and Factor #4 Active or recent U.S. government security clearance. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and th...