USPSC OTI Program Operations Specialist or Senior Program Operations Specialist

The purpose of this amendment is to extend the closing date for applications. There are no other changes to the solicitation. Request for Personal Service Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: Program Operations Specialist or Senior Program Operations Specialist Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-14-000032 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $89,924 - $116,901 GS-14 Equivalent: $106,263 - $138,136 Issuance Date: June 2, 2014 Closing Date: June 30, 2014 (Deadline Extended) 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 Operations Specialist or a Senior Program Operations Specialist under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) 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 five(5) 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: pos-srpos@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 Ian Reese Telephone Number: (202) 706-6115 or (202) 706-6109 E-Mail Address: pos-srpos@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 Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-14-000032 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 2, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: June 30, 2014 5:00 pm EDT (Deadline Extended) 4. POSITION TITLE: Program Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "tandem" position that, depending on the qualifications for the candidate, can be filled at the GS-13 (salary range: $89,924 - $116,901) or GS-14 (salary range: $106,263 - $138,136) equivalent level, Washington, DC locality pay. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. The title of the position at the GS-13 level will be "Program Operations Specialist." The title of the position at the GS-14 level will be "Senior Program Operations Specialist." NOTE: Applicants who submit an application for the GS-14 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-13 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-13 level. Similarly, applicants who apply for the GS-13 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14 position will not be considered for the higher graded positions if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-14 level. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications should submit separate applications for both the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three one-year options. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. with possible travel as stated in the position description. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority 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 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 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 14 of this solicitation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives INTRODUCTION The Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA)/OTI is an exciting, fast-paced, operational office in USAID. Program and Operations staff work as a team to ensure country programs are started, managed, and closed efficiently and effectively. For DCHA/OTI to implement its rapid response strategy, it is essential that OTI PSC staff are deployed and supported expeditiously and programs started quickly, often with little or no lead time. To achieve this, OTI requires a Program Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations Specialist who has the capacity to work well within a team environment, provide necessary supervision of a team, and anticipate the needs of a complex organizational unit. This position is exciting for someone who enjoys being part of a responsive operational team, is passionate about providing good customer service in a government setting, is a good communicator and can build lasting relationships within and across teams, researching regulations and using them to stay operationally agile, understands budget and finance, and is an empowering leader. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this solicitation is to hire a Program Operations Specialist or Senior Program Operations Specialist within OTI's Operations and Management Division (OMD). 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OTI Program Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations Specialist position provides operational administrative oversight, support and guidance for program funded staff. The Program Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations Specialist may be required to manage an administrative team providing support for program funded staff who are managing the implementation of a wide range of administrative functions such as personnel support, training, information and technology, finance and other general administrative services for program-funded USPSCs based in Washington, D.C. and in the field. The Program Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations Specialist shall continuously review and develop, in consultation with other USAID personnel, policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure OTI's program funded staff are well-supported administratively. The work of the Program Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations Specialist 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 that will 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 the working conditions are subject to ongoing change, while maintaining a professional and respectful conduct towards colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. S/he places a premium on the building positive 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, filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The incumbent is service-oriented, highly organized, pays close attention to detail, and is able to receive and respond to constructive criticism in a professional manner. S/he articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. The Program Operations Specialist/Senior Program Operations Specialist priorities are expected to change and evolve in accordance with the requirements of OTI, the work objectives in the scope of work, and will be determined in consultation with the supervisor. Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based Chief of Operations and Management or his/her designee, the Program Operations Specialist will: ? At the GS-13 Program Operations Specialist level: - Demonstrate mastery of Agency and Federal Government policies and regulations, especially as they relate to OTI systems, standard operating procedures, and policies. Research regulations and policies that affect the work of the office; liaise with the Agency's General Counsel, Office of Acquisitions and Assistance and others to ensure OTI policies and procedures are up to date and that appropriate waivers are used to enable rapid response for political transition programs overseas; - Provide specialized knowledge management support such as tracking documents, lessons learned, best practices across OTI programs and/or operations. Provide recommendations for the resolution of administrative problems. Assist teams in the creation and/or maintenance of information products in support of political transition programs; - Fill critical administrative/operations support staffing needs in Washington, DC and the field such as providing support for new OTI country program start-ups, country program management and close-out, and providing on-call technical assistance. Identify staffing issues/problems bringing any major management issues to the attention of the Chief, OMD; - Backstop other Operations and Management team members when required, for example, when they are on leave from the office, including the Chief, Operations and Management; - Provide other services and special tasks as required to support OTI's program funded staff and fulfill OTI's program operations support objectives, such as planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating projects; - Develop, interpret and assure implementation of administrative management policies, regulations and procedures, with latitude for exercise of independent judgment. Maintain a constant awareness of compliance with regulatory requirements affecting administrative management services; - On a continuing basis, participate in planning, directing and administering management programs within OTI; - Collaborate with OTI officials on staffing and workforce planning issues and recommend actions to ensure maximum effective use of personnel, including placement of personnel; - Serve as technical advisor to the on operations program-funded bullpen team, group of intermittent USPSC advisors providing program operations support in Washington and overseas. Provide evaluation processes and guidance on approach and methodology to the operations bullpen team; - Initiate and maintain effective relationships with institutional contractors, implementing partners, other agencies, and administrative support staff in other USAID offices sharing procedures and systems in order to review good administrative practices, and seek out innovative ways of doing business to improve efficiency and effectiveness; - Provide advice, guidance, mentoring and training on office approaches and methodologies for OTI staff on administrative operations services and procedure in support of program funded staff working on OTI programs; - May be required to serve as Team Leader for administrative operations staff providing support for program funded staff, after consulting with supervisor about managerial responsibilities; - May be required to serve as Chief OMD in his/her absence; - Perform other duties as necessary to fulfill OTI's operational needs. At the GS-14 Senior Program Operations Specialist level: - Demonstrate mastery Agency and Federal Government policies and regulations, especially as they relate to OTI systems, standard operating procedures, and policies. Research regulations and policies that affect the work of the office; liaise with the Agency's General Counsel, Office of Acquisitions and Assistance and others to ensure OTI policies and procedures are up to date and that appropriate waivers are used to enable rapid response for political transition programs overseas; - Provide specialized knowledge management support such as tracking documents, lessons learned, best practices across OTI programs and/or operations. Provide recommendations for the resolution of administrative problems. Assist teams in the creation and/or maintenance of information products in support of political transition programs; - Ensure that critical administrative/operations support staffing needs are achieved in Washington, DC and the field such as providing support for new OTI country program start-ups, country program management and close-out, and providing on-call technical assistance. Resolve critical problems and develop new solutions and processes for the team; - Backstop other Operations and Management team members when required, for example, when they are on leave from the office, including the Chief, Operations and Management; - Provide other services and special tasks as required to support OTI's program funded staff and fulfill OTI's program operations support objectives, such as planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating projects; - Exercise decision making authority through the development and contribution of systems and business process that ensure efficiency and rapid response, with wide latitude for exercise of independent judgment; - Design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives, ensure staff work objectives and tasks are well defined, and ensure recruitment is initiated immediately when staffing needs arise. Ensure staff are highly qualified and trained and mentored in all critical aspects of OTI operations and programming. Ensure employee performance evaluations are completed in a timely manner in accordance with OTI office policy; and mentor other OTI Team Leaders as required; - Collaborate with OTI officials on staffing and workforce planning issues and recommend actions to ensure maximum effective use of personnel, including placement of personnel; - Serve as technical advisor to the operations program-funded bullpen team, group of intermittent USPSC advisors providing program operations support in Washington and overseas. Provide evaluation processes and guidance on approach and methodology to the operations bullpen team; - Analyze problems, issues, or program requirements, synthesize information, identify needs and resolve obstacles. Identify and resolve problems related to Agency programs or services; - Establish and maintain effective relationships with institutional contractors, implementing partners, other agencies, and administrative support staff in other USAID offices sharing procedures and systems in order to review good administrative practices, and seek out innovative ways of doing business to improve efficiency and effectiveness; - Provide advice, guidance, mentoring and training on office approaches and methodologies for OTI staff on administrative operations services and procedure in support of program funded staff working on OTI programs; - Supervise one or more administrative operations teams providing support for program funded staff; - May be required to serve as Chief OMD in his/her absence; - Perform other duties as necessary to fulfill OTI's operational needs. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The incumbent will take direction from and will report to the Chief - OTI Operations and Management Division (OMD) or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set specific work objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and manage his/her tasks effectively. ? 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams or during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Assessments or during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") 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, writing samples, and a demonstration of ability to operate in Microsoft Office applications may be requested. At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-13 Program Operations Specialist level: (1) Bachelor's degree and at least seven (7) years of work experience, including five (5) years with an office providing operational support for staff in U.S. headquarters and overseas; OR High School Diploma with at least nine (9) years of work experience, including seven (7) years with an office providing operational support for staff in U.S. headquarters and overseas; AND (2) At least two (2) years of supervisory experience; (3) Demonstrated experience overseeing or managing administrative departments (including but not limited to, budget/finance, information and technology, personnel, travel, security, records management and other administrative support functions); (4) Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office and/or other commonly used office applications. At the GS-14 Senior Program Operations Specialist level: (1) Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of work experience, including seven (7) years of experience with an office providing support for staff in U.S. headquarters and overseas; OR High School Diploma with at least eleven (11) years of work experience, including nine (9) years with an office providing support for staff in U.S. headquarters and overseas; AND (2) A minimum of four (4) years supervisory experience; (3) Demonstrated experience overseeing or managing administrative departments (including but not limited to, budget/finance, information and technology, personnel, travel, security, records management and other administrative support functions) for a large (more than 100 staff worldwide) U.S. government or international organization; (4) Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office and/or other commonly used office applications. SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) - Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; - Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements; - Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; - Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship); - Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. A USAID Secret level security clearance is required prior to issuance of the contract for this position. NOTE: If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months after the selected submits the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded. 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 researching and articulating rules and regulations in a government context, including an understanding of U.S. Personal Services Contract rules and regulations; Factor #2 Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and training teams including both staff and supervisors; Factor #3 Demonstrated experience representing and articulating a customer service ethic to staff and external partners; Factor #4 Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, while independently managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines; Factor #5 Demonstrated experience providing operations support in a developing or crisis country overseas. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Applicants 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 - 15 Factor #2 - 15 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 15 Factor #5 - 10 Total Possible - 70 Points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Be sure to fully respond to each of the Evaluation Factors and include all relevant experience, training, and/or education in your responses. Sample Evaluation Factors are provided on the GlobalCorps website at www.globalcorps.com. The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) 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 five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. By submitting your application materials, you agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 807, Washington, D.C. 20045 Via facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 Via email: pos-srpos@globalcorps.com 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 ? LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference-Shelf/forms.shtml or at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ 1. Federal Employment Application (OF-612). 2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306). 3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). Forms 1 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. FAR 52.222-50 - COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave ? ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).* (...