USPSC - OTI Program Manager - Washington, D.C. (Multiple)

NOTE: The purpose of this amendment is to extend the closing date for applications. There are no other changes to the solicitation. Request for Personal Services Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: OTI Program Manager - Washington, D.C. (Multiple) Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-16-000026 Salary Level: GS-11 Equivalent: $64,650 - $84,044 per annum GS-12 Equivalent: $77,490 - $100,736 per annum Issuance Date: March 25, 2016 Closing Date: April 15, 2016 (Deadline Extended) 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 a Program Manager 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 two (2) 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 Please note that the email submission address is not the same as other solicitations. Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Program Manager (Multiple) I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-16-000026 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 25, 2016 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 15, 2016, 5:00 pm Eastern Time (Deadline Extended) 4. POSITION TITLE: Program Manager 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 per annum) or GS-12 ($77,490 - $100,736 per annum) equivalent level. The highest level of this position is a GS-12. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-11 or GS-12 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. If selected at the GS-11 equivalent grade level, following at least one (1) year at the GS-11 grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-12 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-12 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-11 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-11 level. Similarly, applicants who apply for the GS-11 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-12 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-12 position. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate applications for the GS-11 and the GS-12 positions. The application will be considered for the lower grade level if the applicant does not specify the grade level in the submission. 5. 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. 6. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. (with travel as stated in the position description) 7. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 8. 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 Program Manager is a member of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA)/OTI's Regional Teams in the Field Programs Division (FPD), reports to the OTI Regional Team Leader or his/her designee, and is based in Washington, DC. OTI currently has five regional teams as part of its Field Programs Division: Afghanistan/Pakistan (AF/PAK), Eurasia and Asia (E&A), Middle East (ME), Africa (AFR), and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). OTI's regional teams are responsible for all program implementation-related activity in the specific region. OTI/Washington staff provides administrative and programmatic support for OTI programs in close coordination with field staff. The Program Manager's principal responsibility is to assist one of OTI's regional teams in the administration and management of existing country programs and participates in new country program assessments as the need arises. This is a program-funded USPSC position, which OTI anticipates will focus approximately 80% of the time on country program implementation support, and approximately 20% of the time supporting strategic planning and program development. The Program Manager must have a strong interest in assisting countries in transition and be able to accomplish a wide range of administrative functions (budget and financial preparation and management, records management, travel assistance, etc.) to help ensure programmatic success. Since work may require continued changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual will be someone who is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills, and possess a well-developed understanding of US policy interests. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Program Manager 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 Program Manager 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 Regional Team Leader or his/her designee, the Program Manager will perform the following duties: At the GS-11 Level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position - With supervisor, participate in the design and implementation of new country program operations to include management of administrative, budget, logistics, budget, personnel and contractual support; - Perform complex country analysis and support program design to develop existing and future programs and strategies in high priority countries; - Manage assigned country program(s) including headquarter-based contractors and grantees working under such programs; when required provide support as an auxiliary team member in the field, being prepared to travel to difficult posts in overseas conflict or post-conflict areas for up to one month or more; - After an initial learning period, provide orientation, training, and mentoring for other OTI Program Assistants and Program Managers as required; - Provide backstopping and troubleshooting support to field-based staff through frequent communication and administrative support; - In collaboration with the program team, develop, monitor, evaluate and recommend performance measures for country programs and individual projects, including the work of contractors and grantees; In consultation with FPD management, coordinate closely with the Applied Best Practices and Coordination (ABC) team to support programs monitoring and evaluation, program performance management, knowledge management, data analysis and/or training needs; - Ensure completion of OTI project administration, budgeting and contracting action needs, including maintaining program files and records; - With supervisor, manage and/or participate in the selection of program implementers such as grantees, contracts, and personal services contractors; - After an initial learning period, serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Assistance Officer Representative (AOR) for Task Orders, Grants or Cooperative Agreements, ensuring OTI's requirements are met (serving as COR/AOR requires the successful completion of USAID training); - Prepare documentation for required program contracts, grants or cooperative agreements in accordance with agency and office guidelines; - Respond to requests for information regarding OTI programs from within and outside of the agency in collaboration with OTI's Program Office; develop outreach materials in collaboration with the Program Office Outreach Team; - Present OTI information and complex concepts through public speaking and presentations to a wide range of audiences; - When required, participate on inter-office, inter-bureau, or inter-agency committees or meetings where issues relate to OTI's program goals; - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all parts of OTI; - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other DCHA offices, USAID divisions, the Department of State, U.S. Government agencies and departments, non-governmental organizations, international donors, and others interested in particular OTI country programs, to coordinate and effectively implement interagency efforts; - As requested by embassies or USAID Missions, provide support for the design and execution of programs that follow OTI's quick-impact programming model. Support to embassies and USAID Missions may include attendance and/or facilitation of program management processes for follow-on programming including rolling assessments, strategy review sessions, program performance reviews and management reviews; - When required, assume higher representational responsibilities, such as Acting Deputy Team Leader, Team Leader or Deputy Country Representative in his/her absence; - In limited circumstances, provide assistance to organizations outside of OTI but within the current scope of work, where such assistance would enhance OTI's goals and objectives as well as the incumbent's job skills; - As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs. These placements shall not exceed three months; - Perform other related duties and activities as required for the successful completion of country programs as assigned by the supervisor. At the GS-12 Level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position - Participate in the design and implementation of new country program operations to include management of administrative, budget, logistics, budget, personnel and contractual support; - Perform complex country analysis and support program design to develop existing and future programs and strategies in high priority countries; - Manage assigned country program(s) including headquarter-based contractors and grantees working under such programs; when required, provide support as an auxiliary team member in the field, being prepared to travel to difficult posts in overseas conflict or post-conflict areas for up to one month or more; - Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for other OTI Program Assistants and Program Managers as required; - Provide backstopping and troubleshooting support to field-based staff through frequent communication and administrative support; - In collaboration with the program team, develop, monitor, evaluate and recommend performance measures for country programs and individual projects, including the work of contractors and grantees; In consultation with FPD management, coordinate closely with the Applied Best Practices and Coordination (ABC) team to support programs monitoring and evaluation, program performance management, knowledge management, data analysis and/or training needs; - Ensure completion of OTI project administration, budgeting and contracting action needs, including maintaining program files and records; - Manage and/or participate in the selection of program implementers such as grantees, contractors, and personal services contractors; - Serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Assistance Officer Representative (AOR) for Task Orders, Grants or Cooperative Agreements, ensuring OTI's requirements are met (serving as COR/AOR requires the successful completion of USAID training); - Prepare documentation for required program contracts, grants or cooperative agreements in accordance with agency and office guidelines; - Respond to requests for information regarding OTI programs from within and outside of the agency in collaboration with OTI's Program Office; develop outreach materials in collaboration with the Program Office Outreach Team; - Present OTI information and complex concepts through public speaking and presentations to a wide range of audiences; - When required, participate on inter-office, inter-bureau, or inter-agency committees where issues relate to OTI's program goals; - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all parts of OTI; - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other DCHA offices, USAID divisions, the Department of State, U.S. Government agencies and departments, non-governmental organizations, international donors, and others interested in particular OTI country programs, to coordinate and effectively implement interagency efforts; - As requested by embassies or USAID Missions, provide support for the design and execution of programs that follow OTI's quick-impact programming model. Support to embassies and USAID Missions may include attendance and/or facilitation of program management processes for follow-on programming including rolling assessments, strategy review sessions, program performance reviews and management reviews; - When required, assume higher representational responsibilities, such as Acting Deputy Team Leader, Team Leader or Deputy Country Representative in his/her absence; - In limited circumstances, provide assistance to organizations outside of OTI but within the current scope of work, where such assistance would enhance OTI's goals and objectives as well as the incumbent's job skills; - As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs. These placements shall not exceed three months; - Perform other related duties and activities as required for the successful completion of country programs as assigned by the supervisor. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The assigned OTI Regional Team Leader or his/her designee, as a member of the Field Programs Division, will supervise the Program Manager. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: At the GS-11 level, 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. At the GS-12 level, the supervisor will set overall objectives and resources available, and work with the employee to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The employee will be responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts, coordinating with others, and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. Keeping the supervisor informed of progress, the employee may determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The supervisor will review completed work from an overall standpoint of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements. 9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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). WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. If the employee travels overseas, the work may additionally involve safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 10. 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 level: (1) A Master's Degree with three (3) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with four (4) years of work experience; AND (2) Two (2) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; (3) One (1) year of overseas experience in a developing country, of which at least four (4) months must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political instability; (4) Demonstrated experience in contract and grant management. At the GS-12 level: (1) A Master's Degree with four (4) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with five (5) years of work experience; AND (2) Three (3) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; (3) One (1) year of overseas experience in a developing country, of which at least six (6) months must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political instability; (4) Demonstrated experience in contract and grant management. 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 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 budgeting, providing administrative backstopping and management of post-conflict, political transition, or emergency operations programs. Factor #2 Demonstrated experience using analytical skills to research, prepare and present status reports, briefing papers, and other official documents. 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 - 30 Factor #2 - 30 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 two (2) 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 document submittal where you heard about this position. 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 ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL ST...