SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-12-000003
ISSUANCE DATE: December 22, 2011
CLOSING DATE: January 23, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EST
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Senior Program Officer in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ladies/Gentlemen:
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Program Officer under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.
Submittals shall 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:
- Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed).
NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in the "Applying" section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "Applying" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.
- Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.
Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to:
GlobalCorps
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20045
E-Mail Address: srpopakistan@globalcorps.com
Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244
Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:
Matthew Sapp or Amanda Kitch
Telephone Number: (202) 661-9381 or (202) 661-9349
E-Mail Address: srpopakistan@globalcorps.com
Website: www.globalcorps.com
Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244
Sincerely,
Lance Butler III, Contracting Officer
Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (
1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-12-000003
2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 22, 2011
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 23, 2012, 5:00 pm EST
4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Officer
5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 equivalent ($71,674 to $93,175 - not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with three (3) option years
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Islamabad, Pakistan
There may be an initial training program in Washington, D.C. for three months, which will include formal classroom training and on-the-job training; and may include security training. After completion of Washington training, the Senior Program Officer will be assigned to the place of performance.
8. STATEMENT OF
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Background
The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into three divisions under the management of the Office of the Director (OFDA/OD). The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs), including the United Nations (UN) agencies, and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. This division also oversees OFDA's non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction. DRM also coordinates with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. DRM devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and man-made disaster situations. It encompasses a group of technical sector specialists who provide expert capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and disaster risk reduction activities. The Program Support Division (PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning and guidance, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA’s Washington and field offices. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical and operational support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), coordinating and supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and the Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs) as needed.
Introduction
To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to the complex emergency in Pakistan, OFDA operates an office headquartered at the USAID Mission in Islamabad, Pakistan which is responsible for overseeing the $112 million portfolio of OFDA funding in Pakistan during fiscal year 2011. The Senior Program Officer is OFDA’s principal humanitarian representative in Pakistan and is located in Islamabad. The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for monitoring OFDA programs and reporting on the humanitarian situation in Pakistan. The Senior Program Officer assists the Principal Regional Advisor with assessment and monitoring of existing or evolving crises, maintenance of partner relationship, and facilitation of award management activities.
Specifically, the Senior Program Officer will report to OFDA’s Principal Regional Advisor (PRA) for South Asia. Under the guidance of the PRA, he/she will coordinate closely with USAID and Embassy staff and exchange information regularly with colleagues covering Pakistan portfolios, as well as with the field and headquarters-based OFDA regional team. This includes sharing project ideas, strategies, and soliciting advice and guidance. The Senior Program Officer will also work closely with the Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative for all assigned awards. He/she may supervise up to two Foreign Service Nationals.
OBJECTIVE
OFDA requires the services of one Senior Program Officer to more effectively monitor OFDA programs and the humanitarian situation in Pakistan.
9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
DUTIES
The OFDA Senior Program Officer will primarily provide full time in-country coordination and management of the humanitarian emergency and disaster risk reduction efforts throughout the area of responsibility (AOR). The Senior Program Officer may assist in humanitarian assistance activities in the region as needed.
This position requires substantial daily coordination with several OFDA staff members, as well as with representatives from other USAID offices, Embassy staff, and the humanitarian community, and therefore requires a highly collaborative work style. The Senior Program Officer must be prepared to function effectively in a challenging and restrictive work environment and be willing to strictly adhere to U.S. Embassy security guidelines. The incumbent may be required to serve as a critical component of a U.S. government disaster assessment team, DART, RMT, or to backfill other staff members in the overseas office.
The Senior Program Officer's responsibilities will include the following:
- Serve as one of the principal contact points for OFDA in Pakistan, for humanitarian issues. Coordinate closely with both field and headquarters-based components of OFDA’s Regional Team and maintain regular contact with development assistance colleagues in the USAID Mission and/or US Embassy.
- Serve a primary role in the development of OFDA’s response and disaster risk reduction strategies in the AOR, ensure complementarity between the two strategies, and oversee implementation of each.
- Assess a broad spectrum of emergency conditions to provide recommendations, management oversight, and evaluation of OFDA response programs.
- Maintain regular contact with senior leadership within the humanitarian community and represent USAID and OFDA on humanitarian issues. This will include but is not limited to UN agencies, IOs, and NGOs, U.S. Government personnel, donors, host government authorities, and others on humanitarian issues.
- Travel frequently to assess, evaluate and monitor humanitarian conditions in the AOR, and make strategic recommendations for appropriate interventions.
- Participate in and report on joint donor humanitarian evaluations and UN-led assessments, and participate actively in the international community response structures.
- Provide regular reporting, through official cables and other means, on issues related to the humanitarian situation in the AOR. Provide overviews of patterns and trends in the humanitarian situation and keep the Regional Coordinator and other support staff current on response issues. Provide regular reports on site visits, meetings, general atmospherics and other issues that impact humanitarian relief efforts.
- Coordinate with the donor community on policy issues affecting humanitarian operations, and develop integrated, non-duplicative programs.
- Manage all administrative functions at the field office level and coordinate travel for all humanitarian-related visitors, including VIPs.
- Prepare agendas and briefings for official U.S. Government visitors interested in humanitarian issues.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The Senior Program Officer will report to OFDA’s Principal Regional Advisor for South Asia, located in Bangkok, Thailand, and maintain close coordination with the Disaster Operations Specialist in Washington, D.C.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The supervisor will provide administrative direction in terms of broadly defined goals and objectives. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with minimal direction and will exercise independent judgment in responding to humanitarian needs.
10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and 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 is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and 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.)
Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to a specialized field including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field, and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, which must include at least two (2) years of on-the-ground international field experience working on multi-agency relief operations in a humanitarian emergency setting.
OR
Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to a specialized field including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, which must include at least two (2) years of on-the-ground international field experience working on multi-agency relief operations in a humanitarian emergency setting.
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 and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation sheets submitted;
- All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements.
- Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted;
- Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID.
- Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance
- Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)
(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.)
QRF #1 Describe your experience in monitoring incipient disaster situations, developing country strategies, and integrating disaster response, rehabilitation, and preparedness activities in a complex emergency environment. Please highlight experience doing these activities in the field, as well as any experience specific to Pakistan. (Pakistan experience is preferred, but not required.)
QRF #2 Describe your experience in planning, funding, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating USG grants, cooperative agreements, proposals, and contracts. Demonstrate your knowledge of USG regulations as they relate to the above award stages.
QRF #3 Describe your knowledge of and experience in coordinating relief, transition, and disaster risk reduction activities with host country governments, other USG agencies (such as the State Department, Department of Defense, and USAID Missions), UN and other international organizations, and non-governmental organizations involved in humanitarian response.
QRF #4 Describe your skills in verbal and written communication, as demonstrated through the frequent preparation and presentation of various information products, such as humanitarian reports, briefing material, analyses, field assessments, data collection and program evaluations.
QRF #5 Describe your experience in administrative aspects of field work and organizing schedules, travel, logistics and briefings for high-level representation for your organization(s).
BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.
Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet 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 address the selection and/or Quality Ranking 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:
QRFs have been assigned the following points:
QRF #1 – 15 points
QRF #2 – 10 points
QRF #3 – 10 points
QRF #4 – 10 points
QRF #5 – 5 points
Interview Performance – 30 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points
Total Possible Points: 100
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:
- A complete U.S. Government OF-612 form with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, at Federal offices, or at www.globalcorps.com).
NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.
- A supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.
To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.
DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS
Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20045
Via facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244
Via email: srpopakistan@globalcorps.com
The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.
NOTE: If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.
NOTE: If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.
NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION
This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a
NOTE REGARDING
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
For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003)
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html
LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs
Forms outlined below can found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do
1. Optional Form 612.
2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **
3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)
(SF-86), or **
4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **
6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **
** Forms 2 through 6 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/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc
to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.
AAPD 06-10 –
AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.
BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a
BENEFITS:
Employer's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Increase
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave
ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).*
(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).
(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).
(D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).
(E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).
(F) Education Allowance (Section 270).
(G) Education Travel (Section 280).
(H) Post Differential (Chapter 500).
(I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and
(J) Danger Pay (Section 650).
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare
ATTACHMENT 1
Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directive (AAPD) No. 06-10
General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
(OCTOBER 2006)
(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16
FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.
Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.
(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”
(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).
(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:
(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;
(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and
(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/
(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/
(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.
(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.
(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.
(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).
Qualifications
See above solicitation.
Contact Details
- Contact:
- Matthew Sapp
- Telephone:
- 202-661-9381
- Email:
- srpopakistan@globalcorps.com
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