USPSC OTI Program Manager - Washington, D.C. (Multiple)( Tandem, Ladder) (GS-11/12)

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72C0T121R00046 ISSUANCE DATE: September 29, 2021 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: October 14, 2021, 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Program Manager - Washington, D.C. (Multiple)(Tandem, Ladder) 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. Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, 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. Note: 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. Offerors must specify in their offer materials whether they would like to be considered for the GS-11 or GS-12. Offerors who would like to be considered for both the GS-11 and GS-12 positions should submit separate offers specifying which grade level in the submission. Offerors will only be considered for the grade level specified in the submission. The offer will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission. Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-11 and the GS-12 positions. 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) Written Response Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation (III. Evaluation and Selection Factors, Part II). Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. NOTE: The Written Response Evaluation Factors (Part II) are worth 30 out of 100 points. Offerors 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. 3. USPSC Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete and sign the form. Due to COVID-19 and limited access to equipment, we are currently accepting electronic and typed signatures on the AID 309-2 form. NOTE ABOUT THE DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Your complete resume and the AID 309-2 form must be mailed or emailed to contact@example.gov Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers. 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 offer. Offeror resources are available at www.otijobs.net/guidance-for-applying. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: OTI Recruitment Team Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Website: www.OTIjobs.net Sincerely, Martina Wills Contracting Officer 72C0T121R00046 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72C0T121R00046 2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 29, 2021 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 14, 2021, 1:00 pm Eastern Time 4. POINT OF CONTACT: OTI Recruitment Team, +1 (555) 000-0000, e-mail at contact@example.gov. 5. POSITION TITLE: Program Manager 6. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a - tandem/ladder position that, depending on the qualifications of the offeror, can be filled at either the GS-11 ($72,750-$94,581 per annum) or GS-12 ($87,198-$113,362 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, work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for selection but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. If selected at the GS-11 equivalent grade level, following at least one year at the GS-11 grade, the offeror 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: Offerors 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, offerors 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. Offerors 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 Offeror will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission. Note: OTI has the ability to select one or more offerors from this process or make no selection at all. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year option periods. START DATE: Within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: SECRET 11. 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. There are several 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 Section VI of this solicitation. OTI's DEIA Vision Statement: OTI is a collaborative environment that represents the global community at all levels of our organization. Uniting diverse backgrounds and experiences, we value individual expertise to advance peace and democracy around the world. Values and associated behaviors that will enable this vision are: Trust Model open communication, active listening and candor. Believe others when they share their experiences. Respect A respectful attitude should be shown to everyone. Allow for others to express complete opinion/thoughts without interruption, while recognizing that there are other perspectives and lived experiences. Belonging (Accessibility) Serve as an ally to those who feel excluded (professionally, socially, personally, etc.). Promote togetherness and acceptance through equitable behavior. Empathy Listen to understand, create space to be real/feel. Remind yourself to be conscious of how others may feel or receive your words Self-awareness/accountability Supervisors hold their peers to account on their expectations and behaviors. Seek regular, constructive feedback to understand how your words and actions affect and influence others, and how they are being perceived and interpreted. Acknowledge unconscious bias and be willing to learn and change behavior when confronted/corrected. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: https://www.usaid.gov/stabilization-and-transitions INTRODUCTION The Program Manager is a member of the Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Bureau (CPS)/OTI Regional Team in the Field Programs Division (FPD), reports to the OTI Regional Team Leader or their designee, and is based in Washington, D.C. OTI currently has six regional teams: West and Central Africa, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Southern and Eastern Africa (SEA), Europe, and Asia. OTI's regional teams are responsible for all program implementation-related activity in the specific region. OTI/Washington D.C. staff provide 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 new country programs as needed. This is a program-funded USPSC position, which OTI anticipates will focus approximately 80 percent of the time on country program implementation support, and approximately 20 percent 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, and travel assistance) to help ensure programmatic success. The program manager is responsible for preparing written materials to represent the program; representing the program on key issues; and preparing others to represent the program. Since work may require continued changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual should be highly flexible and comfortable working under conditions of ongoing change. The successful offeror will demonstrate sound judgment and excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills, and possess a well-developed understanding of U.S. foreign policy and interests. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Program Manager role requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, you are willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. You have a high level of integrity and attention to detail and ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. You are highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change and remain professional and respectful of colleagues in a diverse workforce. You place a premium on building positive relationships with your respective team both in the field and in Washington, D.C., and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. You are able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by your supervisor while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. You are respectful of authority and the USAID/CPS/OTI chain of command. You are a strategic thinker, articulate innovative ideas, present solutions, and are a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. You are also committed to upholding USAID/OTI's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Vision and Values as outlined in the background. Under the direct supervision of the CPS/OTI Regional Team Leader or designee, you will perform the following duties: At the GS-11 Level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position Participate in the implementation of current and new country program operations with a primary focus on administrative, budget, logistics, personnel and contractual support, as well as maintaining program files and records; Manage assigned country program(s) including headquarter-based contractors and grantees working under such programs; in consultation and agreement between you and your supervisor, provide support as an auxiliary team member in the field, being prepared to travel to difficult overseas posts in conflict or post-conflict areas for an agreed upon period of time; Provide backstopping and troubleshooting support to field-based staff through frequent communication and administrative support; Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with OTI's three divisions (Operations and Management Division (OMD); Field Programs Division (FPD); and Program, Learning and Innovation Division (PLI)); Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with USAID divisions and bureaus, the Department of State and other U.S. Government agencies and departments, non-governmental organizations, international donors, and other stakeholders interested in particular OTI country programs, to coordinate and effectively implement interagency efforts; In consultation with FPD Management or supervisor, coordinate closely with the appropriate OTI teams to support monitoring and evaluation, program performance management, knowledge management, data analysis and/or training needs; After an initial learning period, serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) for Task Orders or Grants or Cooperative Agreements, ensuring OTI's requirements are met (serving as COR/AOR requires the successful completion of USAID training); In conjunction with the supervisor, manage and/or participate in the selection of program implementers such as grantees, contracts, and personal services contractors; Prepare documentation for required 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 OTI Communications Team; Represent OTI at inter-office, inter-bureau, or inter-agency committees or in meetings where issues discussed relate to OTI's program goals; prepare written materials to represent the program; prepare senior staff to represent key aspects of the program/portfolio; After an initial learning period, provide orientation, training, and mentoring for other OTI Program Assistants and Program Managers; Support the design and execution of programs that follow OTI's quick-impact programming model; Assume higher representational responsibilities, such as Acting Deputy Team Leader, Team Leader or Deputy Country Representative in their absence; and, Serve on temporary details within OTI, other USAID bureaus/offices, or other USG agencies under this scope of work for a period not to exceed six months. Duties performed while on detail must be directly related to the scope of work. Contracting Officer (CO) approval will be required for details exceeding six months. 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, as well as maintaining program files and records; 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; in consultation and agreement between you and your supervisor, provide support as an auxiliary team member in the field, being prepared to travel to difficult overseas posts in conflict or post-conflict areas for an agreed upon period of time; Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for other OTI Program Assistants and Program Managers; Provide backstopping and troubleshooting support to field-based staff through frequent communication and administrative support; In collaboration with the field program team, both in DC and in the field, 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 or supervisor, coordinate closely with the appropriate OTI teams to support programs monitoring and evaluation, program performance management, knowledge management, data analysis and/or training needs; 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 Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) for Task Orders or 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 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 OTI's Communications Team; Present OTI information on complex concepts through public speaking and presentations to a wide range of audiences; Represent OTI at inter-office, inter-bureau, or inter-agency committees or in meetings where issues discussed relate to OTI's program goals; prepare written materials to represent the program; prepare senior staff to represent key aspects of the program/portfolio; Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with OTI's three divisions (Operations and Management Division; Field Programs Division; and Program, Learning and Innovation Division); Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other USAID divisions and bureaus, the Department of State and other U.S. Government agencies and departments, non-governmental organizations, international donors, and other stakeholders interested in particular OTI country programs, to coordinate and effectively implement interagency efforts; Support the design and execution of programs that follow OTI's quick-impact programming model; Assume higher representational responsibilities, such as Acting as Deputy Team Leader, Team Leader or Deputy Country Representative in their absence; and, Serve on temporary details within OTI, other USAID bureaus/offices, or other USG agencies under this scope of work for a period not to exceed six months. Duties performed while on detail must be directly related to the scope of work. Contracting Officer (CO) approval will be required for details exceeding six months. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The assigned OTI Regional Team Leader or designee, as a member of the Field Programs Division, will supervise the Program Manager. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: At the GS-11 level, the supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available, and works with incumbent to develop deadlines, work to be done and methodology; incumbent is responsible for carrying out assignments, consulting with the supervisor on policy interpretations, work is evaluated for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives. At the GS-12 level, the Supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available and works with incumbent to develop deadlines, work to be done; incumbent is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, coordinating with others and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. May also determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used, keeping supervisor informed of progress. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. If traveling overseas, the incumbent may be subjected to some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy load (less than 50 pounds). 13. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. If the incumbent travels overseas, the work may involve additional safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors 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 - Submitting an Offer) At a minimum, the offeror 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; OR An Associate's Degree with six (6) years of work experience; AND (2) Two (2) years of project management experience including, but not limited to, experience managing budgets, administrative tasks, reporting, and/or logistics; (3) Six (6) months of overseas experience (either in-person or virtual). A virtual temporary duty (TDY) is defined as work that would have been conducted in an overseas location if not for the global COVID pandemic. Overseas experience includes, but is not limited to: study abroad; conducting volunteer work overseas (paid or unpaid); and/or an internship. 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; OR An Associate's Degree with seven (7) years of work experience; AND (2) Three (3) years of project management experience including, but not limited to, experience managing budgets, administrative tasks, reporting, and/or logistics; (3) Nine (9) months of overseas experience (either in-person or virtual). A virtual temporary duty (TDY) is defined as work that would have been conducted in an overseas location if not for the global COVID pandemic. Overseas experience includes, but is not limited to: study abroad; conducting volunteer work overseas (paid or unpaid); and/or an internship. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. SELECTION FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Offeror 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 Written Response Evaluation Factors from Part II, submitted; Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship); Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. A USAID Secret level security clearance is required prior to issuance of the contract for this position. NOTE: If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months after the selected submits the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded. EVALUATION FACTORS: (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) The Evaluation Factors are split into two required parts: a resume-based section (Part I) and written responses (Part II). Please ensure that you complete and include any required written responses from Part II in your offer package. PART I: RESUME-BASED EVALUATION FACTORS The resume-based evaluation factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to the technical evaluation criteria. Offerors must demonstrate the resume-based evaluation factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. Note: Supplemental documentation with written responses is not required for this section and will not be reviewed. Note: Offerors are required to address each factor of the resume-based evaluation factors in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each factor. Failure to address the selection factors and/or resume-based evaluation factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Resume-Based Evaluation Factors are as follows: Program Operations, and Management, and Administrative Support (20 Points): Demonstrated experience providing administrative and logistical support. Demonstrated experience with budget management. Demonstrated experience with grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. Analytical Skills (15 Points): Demonstrated experience applying analytical skills to produce research, written reports, briefers, or other official documents. Demonstrated experience applying analytical skills to inform budget development, award management, or decision making Communication Skills (5 points): Demonstrated experience utilizing clear and effective written and oral communication in a professional setting. PART II: WRITTEN RESPONSE EVALUATION FACTORS Offerors 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. The Written Response Evaluation Factors are as follows: Please explain your experience working in a multicultural setting, while collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve organizational mission/goals. (15 points) 2. Please explain your experience utilizing initiative and analytical thinking to achieve organizational mission/goals. (15 points) BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors 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 Evaluation Factor System is as follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Resume-based Factor #1 - 20 Resume-based Factor #2 - 15 Resume-based Factor #3 - 5 Written Response Factor #1 - 15 Written Response Factor #2 - 15 Total Possible - 70 Points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The most qualified offerors 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, offers (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the offerors writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an offeror has fully demonstrated their qualifications and there are no other competitive offerors OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. OTI reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history. IV...