SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Contracts Specialist
- Notice Date
- 2/11/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, West Bank, Gaza USAID-West Bank, Amer Emb/Tel Aviv, Unit #7228, APO, 09892-0206
- ZIP Code
- 09892-0206
- Solicitation Number
- PSC294-2010-109
- Archive Date
- 3/26/2010
- Point of Contact
- Sandy Sakran, Phone: 972-3-511-4870
- E-Mail Address
-
ssakran@usaid.gov
(ssakran@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOLICITATION NO.: PSC 294-2010-109 ISSUANCE DATE: February 11, 2010 CLOSING DATE: March 11, 2010 Subject: US/TCN Personal Services Contract (PSC) Senior Contracts Specialist (One Year -Renewable) Ladies and Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)West Bank and Gaza, is seeking applications (Standard Form 171's / or / Optional application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612)) from qualified U.S. citizens (US) and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs)interested in providing the Personal Services described in the attached solicitation. Applications shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-à-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the SF-171 and Of-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612. Resumes may be attached to the SF-171 or OF-612. Any questions as well as submission of the applications and the required documents in response to this solicitation may be directed to Ms. Sandy Sakran who may be reached at Fax No. 972-3-511-4893, or via E-mail address: ssakran@usaid.gov. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of an application in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Ronald W. Breen Contracting Officer USAID/West Bank and Gaza SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC 294-2010-109 ISSUANCE DATE: February 11, 2010 CLOSING DATE: March 11, 2010 POSITION TITLE: Senior Contracts Specialist MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tel Aviv - USAID/West Bank & Gaza Mission PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC will be for a one year period with renewable options AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third-Country Nationals MARKET VALUE: The market value for this PSC is equivalent to a GS-14 level. The salary range for a GS-14 level is $84,697 - $110,104. In addition, the Mission has 30% Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) and 15% Danger Pay. The salary will be determined based on past salary history, working experience and educational background of the successful candidate. BACKGROUND: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171 or Standard Form 612) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described below. This is a diverse and politically sensitive program and is one of the few USAID Missions worldwide without a bi-lateral agreement with a host government. The Senior Contracts Specialist will play a critical role in the planning, execution and management of the Mission programs. The incumbent will be the primary advisor to a number of projects in the USAID West Bank & Gaza Mission. This includes providing support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs, policy, project planning, design, implementation and evaluation of programs. The USAID Mission for the West Bank and Gaza manages the overall U.S. assistance program to the Palestinians. This assistance program is an integral part of the U.S. support for the Palestinian-Israeli effort to create and maintain a peaceful co-existence, and as such it reflects the demands of a continually evolving political and economic environment. It is implemented against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel. The USAID program is intended to improve the quality of life of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza; promote a competitive market economy; foster the effective use of scarce resources; promote the development of a democratic society; encourage sound public management and provide emergency or humanitarian assistance when needed. The program has obligated $2.9 billion since 1994 on the WBG development program. In per capita terms, this is one of the largest USAID programs in the world. POSITION DESCRIPTION: General: The Contractor shall provide procurement assistance to the USAID/West Bank/Gaza Mission necessary to execute: 1) Institutional and project-funded contracts, grants and cooperative agreements; 2) Modifications to all the above; 3) Other miscellaneous administrative modifications to procurement instruments. The work may include direct contracting for large, complex water projects, major road construction, as well as numerous assistance to new, start-up organizations. Specifically, the Contractor shall prepare pre-award documents, conduct negotiations, prepare award documents and award file documentation for the Contracting Officer's review and signature as more fully described below. The Contractor also must be available for consultation on contracting issues with technical staff. This effort requires extensive knowledge of USAID regulations for all types of procurement. In addition to the execution of contracts and modifications as identified above, the contractor will also research issues contained in, and draft responses to, miscellaneous items of correspondence as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to the following: subcontract consent requests, salary approvals, equipment approvals, etc. on a wide variety of contract/assistance awards. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The PSC shall be responsible for the following: Serves as a primary contractual advisor for at least one Assistance Objective and must exercise a wide latitude of independent judgment to a number of projects in USAID/West Bank/Gaza under various Assistance Objectives: Health and Humanitarian Assistance (AO Team 12); Water Resources and Infrastructure (AO Team 14); Democracy and Governance (AO Team 11); Private Enterprise (AO Team 10). This includes providing staff support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs', policy and project planning, design, implementation and evaluation. Participates in projects and mission policy formulation, project design resource assessments, sector analysis and studies. Plans for and provides contract management support to actuate the program's objectives. Assists in the planning, design, negotiation, administration and termination of contracts and grant agreements for USAID development assistance projects and OE procurement actions which exceed the warrant of the USAID/West Bank/Gaza Executive Officer and the Mission Director. Advises on, negotiates and coordinates the contract management program for several projects. This includes, but is not limited to, advice on policy, regulatory and statutory issues with key Mission staff and external counterparts and exercising independent judgment and decision making where required, identifies other program areas where early involvement by the Acquisition Assistance Office can result in streamlined implementation or more effective results. Contractual decisions and recommendations will be considered authoritative for all actions whiting his/her designated portfolio(s) and authority. Develops a contract plan for most projects which may require one or more methods for procurement; a variety of contracts, purchase and grant agreements; and negotiates with many different sources of supplies and services. Given the sensitivity, scope and purpose of the role and position of the Sr. Contracts Specialist and the critical nature and complexity of the mission programs especially when related to a very fluid political environment, it is essential that the incumbent be able to function expertly in the above required areas as well as having a good grasp in dealing with interconnected issues, conflicts, continually changing working requirements, creative problem solving and the introduction of new theories and methods to resolve unique problems. The incumbent is expected to be an expert in Acquisition and Assistance therefore the time needed to perform at a very high level is minimal. SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS The contractor shall be responsible for overseeing the Contracting and Grant program for several projects within USAID/West Bank/Gaza under the backstopping of at least one Assistance Objective and reporting to the Contracting Officer. As such, the contractor shall perform the following duties: 1) Reviews procurement requests and recommend to the Contracting Officer/Strategic Objective Teams the types of actions necessary, whether grant, contract, interagency agreement, etc. 2) Provides technical oversight to Mission procurement and non-procurement personnel to ensure that their involvement in the acquisition and assistance processes conforms to established procedures and regulations and that adequate administrative controls are in place. 3) Prepares all necessary pre-award and solicitation documents. 4) Receives proposals and oversees the technical evaluation process. This includes briefing the technical evaluation committee. 5) Conducts a cost evaluation of the proposal. This includes coordinating audits or field support reviews of the cost proposal. 6) Determines competitive range. 7) Negotiates contracts and grants. 8) Prepares award and file documentation for signature by the Contracting Officer. 9) Administers contracts and grants, settles protest or disputes and finally administers the contract or grant close out. 10) Must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of stressful situations and when dealing with personnel to resolved challenges that arise during the course of the work, for which there often is not a clear solution. 11) Responsible for staff development and mentoring under the Office of Procurement within the designated strategic objectives. This includes both U.S and local Acquisition Specialists. Utilization of Regulations: Reference and guidance materials to be used by the Contractor in performing the duties described in this Order shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) • USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) • Contract Information Bulletins (CIBS) / Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) • USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) • Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBS) • Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular • Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations as appropriate to USAID. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS / SUPERVISION: The incumbent will report to and be supervised by the Supervisory Contracting Officer who will be responsible for reviewing and approving the Contractor's work plans and performance measures and establishing deadlines. In carrying out specific assignments, the contractor will work closely with other OCM staff members and AO Teams. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATION FACTORS: Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. Education (20 points) At least a Bachelor's degree in a relevant major listed below, is desired. However, relevant, extensive work experience, if demonstrably successful, may substitute or be given appropriate consideration. Relevant majors are business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management. 2. Experience (35 points) At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in procurement and contracting. Demonstrated prior experience in the full range of responsibilities: procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills and experience in making formal presentations. 3. Knowledge and Abilities (35 points) Excellent working knowledge of procurement regulations and contracting principles, is required. In-depth understanding of U.S. procurement rules and regulations is imperative. Demonstrated knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, policies and procedures; ability to lead others; knowledge of cost principles; knowledge of cost plus award fee and performance based contracting procedures; ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Knowledge of the following and navigation ability is essential: • Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) • USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) • Contract Information Bulletins (CIBS) / Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) • USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) • Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBS) • Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular • Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations as appropriate to USAID. 4. Skills and Abilities: (10 Points) Must be able to work in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision; ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential. Demonstrated ability to work collegially with cognizant technical officers, peers, and supervisors with good interpersonal skills and past performance in working effectively in a team environment is required. S/he must be able to adhere to high standards of professional conduct. Must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues understandable by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. Demonstrated ability to function as a team leader during contract negotiations and personally negotiate the majority of contracts. Demonstrated skills in managerial and coordinative activities sufficient to conduct a variety of contractual actions occurring concurrently, is essential. Excellent oral and written English communications skills and proven ability to produce technical documents are required. Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word and EXCEL is a must. Total Points: 100 The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. USAID/West Bank and Gaza will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. NOTE TO APPLICANTS: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. DURATION OF CONTRACT: One year, with options to renew. The contractor should be available to start as soon as possible subject to appropriate medical and security clearances. INSTRUCTION to APPLICANTS: (a) Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants are required to provide three references with the complete contact information and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) as an attachment to the SF-171 or OF 612. 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 or a third-country national; • Complete and signed Federal Form OF-612 or SF-171 is submitted; • Supplemental documents, especially a resume and/or additional information addressing the Evaluation criteria, is submitted; • Ability to obtain a "No Access" level security clearance, as provided by USAID; • Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; and • Satisfactory verification of academic credentials LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC: Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF86), or** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. This solicitation is issued as of the date of this letter and closes at 16:30 local time on March 11, 2010, Tel Aviv, Israel. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time in order for you to be considered for this position. Please note that all applications must be signed - unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Please send your application to the attention of Ms. Sandy Sakran, either via email at ssakran@usaid.gov or by fax to fax number 972-3-5114893 or using one of the following addresses, as applicable. U.S. Mail Address: Sandy Sakran Office of Contracts Management USAID/West Bank and Gaza 9700 Tel Aviv Place Washington DC, 20521-9700 Delivered by Courier or Express Mail to: Sandy Sakran Office of Contracts Management USAID/ Trade Tower Building, 10th Floor 25 HaMered Street Tel Aviv, Israel This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. ================================================================ AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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) ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare. 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website for the full listing: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/WES/PSC294-2010-109/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/West Bank and Gaza Mission, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Record
- SN02064239-W 20100213/100211235820-c38b2d9d5f57eeb5fb7763560219ed50 (fbodaily.com)
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