SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Agriculture Development Specialist
- Notice Date
- 2/1/2010
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 02-2010
- Archive Date
- 3/15/2010
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana Rossova, Phone: 7 3272 50 76 17, Natalya Zubkova, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 02/01/2010 CLOSING DATE: 02/28/2010 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 02-2010 USPSC Agriculture Development Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Dushanbe, Tajikistan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 02-2010 •1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 02/2010 •2. ISSUANCE DATE: 02/01/2010 •3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 02/28/2010 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) •4. POSITION TITLE: AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST •5. MARKET VALUE: $71,674-$93,175 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 35% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value - salary history may be considered) •6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years •7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS/TAJIKISTAN COUNTRY OFFICE, Dushanbe, Tajikistan •8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) BACKGROUND USAID's program in Tajikistan is part of the USAID Regional Mission for Central Asian Republics which is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with country offices in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Tajikistan is bordered by Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. Due to its fragility on the border with Afghanistan, Tajikistan is a country of considerable strategic interest to the United States. The Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for the five Central Asian republics. The U.S. Government's program of assistance in the region is focused on the growth of small-scale enterprise and trade; building a more open, democratic culture; better management of environmental resources, including energy; and improved primary healthcare. It ranks as one of the Agency's largest programs, with funding levels that have averaged over $100 million annually. The Mission implements its programs together with more than 80 contractor and grantee teams. The staff manages a program that addresses six Strategic Objectives (SO) principally focused on assisting these former communist states in making the transition to Western-style democracies with viable market economies. The Mission currently has three technical offices: Office of Economic Growth (EG), Democracy and Conflict Mitigation (DM), and Health and Education (HE) and is in the process of implementation of the 2007-2011 Strategy. The Office of Economic Growth (EG) is responsible for the management of a large portfolio under Objective 4 Economic Growth with seven Program Areas: •· 4.1 Macroeconomic Foundation for Growth •· 4.2 Trade and Investment •· 4.3 Financial Sector •· 4.4 Infrastructure •· 4.5 Agriculture •· 4.6 Private Sector Competitiveness •· 4.7 Economic Opportunity •B) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the general guidance of the Country Office Director of the Tajikistan Country Office and with technical guidance from the Office of Economic Growth (OEG), the Agriculture Program Development Specialist (APDS) will have the following duties and responsibilities. Program Development and Management (60%) The APDS will play a leading role in the design, oversight, and management of assistance programs to achieve CAR strategy objectives and intermediate results of the Economic Growth portfolio, particularly those which support development of agriculture, agribusiness, natural resource management, community development, and food security. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent develops, oversees, manages, and evaluates agricultural development programs in areas such as agricultural economics and policy (e.g., sector reform, trade policy, market incentives, and national and global food security policy); agribusiness (e.g., farm management, food processing, marketing, and trade and investment); natural resource planning and management (e.g., soils, agri-forestry, land tenure, water management, and fisheries); agricultural institutional capacity building (e.g., extension, education, and research); and agricultural research management (e.g., biotechnology or other crop, animal, or soil sciences). Supervise COTRs, AOTRs, and activity managers for USAID economic growth activities in Tajikistan, and serve as COTR, AOTR and/or activity manager for selected activities. Designing programs in line with CAR strategy will require the incumbent to monitor, analyze, and report on political and economic conditions in Tajikistan to assess assistance needs and priorities. Lead discussions, negotiations, and other contacts at senior policy and technical levels of the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan and other US Government entities, to develop and implement the U.S. Mission's economic policy reform strategy. Identify, gather information and develop linkages with other donor programs, particularly the World Bank, EBRD, International Monetary Fund, and EC. Conceptualize and design projects and program activities that achieve identified priorities and objectives. Develop concept papers, project authorizations, and project amendments, in line with agency regulations and guidance. Lead or be a key member of technical selection committees for the award of procurement instruments. As relevant, the APDS will also conduct research and advise other sector teams to inform strategy and program design and management. Work with other offices within the Mission to generate synergies and complementary activities. Plan and design evaluation instruments as needed to make informed program design and management decisions. Conduct or lead data gathering, research and analysis, and dialogue with counterparts necessary to inform program design decisions. Evaluate the costs, benefits and effectiveness of projects. Technical Advice and Special Projects (20%) The APDS performs a variety of duties related to special projects involving agricultural development that contain complicating elements. The incumbent will manage special crosscutting initiatives and task force groups to accomplish programmatic goals. In particular, the APDS will lead USAID or USG discussions related to agricultural reforms in Tajikistan. The incumbent will participate in regular and ad hoc donor and government coordination meetings and will provide expert technical advice to all stakeholders on agricultural issues as well as advising USAID and US Embassy senior management on appropriate actions. Mentorship (20%): The APDS will advise, train and otherwise support the career development of professional staff responsible for managing Economic Growth Office activities. Contribute to and oversee the development of economic growth competencies in USAID Tajikistan Country Office. Competencies include those listed above; strategy and activity development and program monitoring and evaluation. •C) REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS •1) General: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Tajikistan. Must be willing to travel throughout Tajikistan and occasionally to other countries in Central Asia. •2) Prior Work Experience: This is a position that requires maturity and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in economic development, agriculture, agribusiness development, natural resource management, community development, and/or food security, with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. The candidate must have at least five years of effective international program development/management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country. At least three years of successful leadership experience in a team environment is required. •3) Skills and Abilities: Excellent project management skills are required. The candidate should have strong analytical and writing skills as evidenced by previous experience. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment are required. The incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Must be fluent in English (working knowledge of Russian or Tajik highly desired) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality statements of work in the specified technical areas. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. •4) Education: A graduate degree in economics, business, agriculture, natural resource management, public policy, or a related field is required. D) Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Work Experience: 45 points Skills and Abilities: 45 points Education: 10 points Total: 100 points 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) February 28, 2010. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for a one-year period (with option for extension up to two years) commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Tajikistan is a fascinating place to live and work. It is easy to get to know Tajiks, who are extremely hospitable and open. Tajikistan is home to some of the highest mountains in the world, including parts of the Kunlun, Himalayan, Tienshan, and Pamir Ranges, and Dushanbe is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is minutes from once-in-a lifetime outdoor adventures. The city itself is noted by tree-lined streets and a walkable center with a selection of cultural opportunities and growing number of quality restaurants. Although the country does face energy shortages in the winter, all USAID housing includes a generator that ensures constant power. There is an international school that provides an American curriculum for children grades K-8. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission's website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/02-2010/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 109 “A” Ismoili Somoni Ave, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
- Record
- SN02055006-W 20100203/100201235408-cbbfb130f8f96d973f6b77358bef1e25 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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