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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 02/2020 ISSUANCE DATE: 01/20/2020 CLOSING DATE: 02/10/2020 (6:00 pm Almaty local time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 02/2020 Energy Advisor, USA... SOLICITATION NUMBER: 02/2020 ISSUANCE DATE: 01/20/2020 CLOSING DATE: 02/10/2020 (6:00 pm Almaty local time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 02/2020 Energy Advisor, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment 1. Sincerely, James Berscheit Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 SOLICITATION NO. 02/2020 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 02/2020 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 01/20/2020 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 02/10/2020 (6:00 PM Almaty local time) 4. POINT OF CONTACT: James Berscheit, jberscheit@usaid.gov, or USAID/CA Human Resources, almatyhr@usaid.gov and centralasiajobs@usaid.gov 5. POSITION TITLE: Energy Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977-$120,868 per annum (equivalent to GS-14). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The U.S. Personal Services Contract will be for two years (24 months) 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. The selected candidate is expected to work eight hours per day during the core working hours of the USAID/Central Asia Mission 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access II. STATEMENT OF DUTIES Basic Function of the Position The Energy Advisor will be charged with leading and supporting the Agency’s engagement on the very complex and high-profile energy program. The areas of emphasis include: (a) increasing the adoption and integration of utility-scale renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass, hydro) generation and energy efficiency: (c) work on energy sector reforms to help countries modernize their energy sectors, and (c) support of development of a robust regional power market both within Central Asia as well as Central and South Asia power connectivity. The energy program will focus its efforts on Central Asia (CA) comprising of the countries of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan. In addition, through its support for the Central Asia Regional Electricity Market and the CASA-1000 projects, the program will also work in coordination with USAID missions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Energy Advisor will have experience in energy programming with USAID and/or other international development organizations and have the well-developed technical and diplomatic skills and the ability to command respect with senior government officials, implementing partners and staff that contributes to promoting and enhancing regional connectivity between and among Central Asia and South Asia. The position reports directly to the USAID Deputy Director, Economic Development Office. The Energy Advisor will also work closely with USAID Country Offices in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the USAID Missions in the Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the American Embassies throughout the region, and USAID and State Department bureaus in Washington, D.C. Major Duties and Responsibilities Facilitating high-impact energy projects in CA, while guiding appropriate policy and regulatory reforms being made by the regional governments, which will serve as a strong catalyst for greater private investment in energy infrastructure. Overseeing regional coordination with the various Ministries associated with Energy throughout Central and South Asia; other regulatory bodies; and, regional governments on actionable next steps to advance the objectives of USAID programs. Arranging for the collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant energy information to USAID Mission Directors, USAID Country Directors, U.S. Ambassadors, partners, clients, and others. Liaising with technical officers in other USAID operating units, other donor organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private firms, and the regional governments in CA. She/he will also represent the Mission’s Economic Development Office (EDO) office in meetings and fora deemed important to energy. Drafting meeting notes, speeches and other reports as needed on an ad hoc basis. Other duties as assigned. In successfully carrying out these duties and responsibilities, the Energy Advisor will exhibit: a. Technical Leadership 50% Support the U.S. Government’s efforts to develop energy sector reforms, regional connectivity, and fostering an improved investment climate in the energy sector, particularly through EDO’s energy projects, including: (1) the Power the Future, a USAID program that is supporting the transition to, adoption, and scale-up of advanced energy solutions and establishmement of a regional power market; (2) the Secretariat of the Central Asia-South Asia Power Project (CASA-1000), which is working to interlink the power systems of four contiguous countries in Central/South Asia; (3) Power Central Asia, an upcoming project; and (4) other projects. Responsible for maintaining strong and supportive relations with USAID technical offices in the CA countries, in Washington; Embassies in CA and other U.S. Government agencies involved including Department of Energy and other donors, including but not limited to the World Bank (WB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Department for International Department (DFID), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the European Investment Bank. b. Program Design and Management 30% Accountable for high performance in all program management functions including planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and managing for results. Work to complete submissions for the Mission Strategic Resource Plan (MSRP), the Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ), Congressional Notification (CN), the Operational Plan (OP), the annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR), activity approval and procurement requirements, and other budget-related documents as required. Contribute to completion of required monitoring and evaluation efforts relevant to the Energy Program, as well as the designing and monitoring of Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs). Ensure completion of data quality assessments; and completion of Portfolio Reviews. Lead and contribute to other M&E efforts in the EDO office that are designed to set baselines for and measure the impacts of our programs. c. Ability to Promote USG Interests 15% Responsible for effective outreach and coordination with partners in through Central and South Asia including U.S. Ambassadors, Mission Directors, USAID Country Directors, other senior USG Agency representatives, national level counterparts, bilateral and multilateral donors, and corporate executives. Maintain close relations with private industry, international and regional research institutions, centers of excellence, and a wide network of professional colleagues, to assess, analyze, and identify trends and policies related to energy in the Central and South Asia region. d. Perform Other Duties 5% Respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements such as: 1) responding to congressional inquiries; 2) supporting VIP visits; 3) responding to Washington policy and operational requests; and 4) carrying out ad hoc assignments as dictated by unforeseen operational requirements at the discretion of USAID/ CA’s Mission Director, USAID Country Directors, EDO Director and Deputy Director, U.S. Embassies and USAID offices in Washington. Supervisory Relationship: The Energy Advisor will be supervised by USAID/CA’s Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Development. The incumbent works within broad policy and professional guidelines. The work is complex, requiring continuous exercise of expert judgment and professional discretion. The incumbent is responsible for discerning work objectives, priorities, constraints, and using all resources available to reach satisfactory work outcomes. The supervisor reviews work for adherence to broad operational objectives of development results and customer service. Supervisory Controls: The Energy Advisor will have no direct supervisory responsibilities. III. Other important information: Exercise of judgment: The Energy Advisor will be required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise in the work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively and coordinating multi-sectoral efforts in support of USAID’s development objectives, and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. The Energy Advisor will be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct. Nature, level and purpose of contacts: The Energy Advisor will be required to maintain solid working relationships with USAID/CA personnel and with staffing other offices and Missions and Country Offices to function effectively. The Energy Advisor will be required to work closely with: 1) USAID/Washington, USAID Missions, USAID Country Directors, State Department offices and other US government staff, national governmental officials (at the Senior Level and below) and non-governmental officials (such as Directors of NGOs and community organizations), private sector representatives, regional institutions, international donor institutions as well with regional and national organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. Level of complexity: The Energy Advisor will represent USAID with a wide range of public and private sector officials, civil society and community leaders, local institutions and donors on factors that affect the performance of the energy sector and also on identifying and developing innovative and technically feasible approaches for promoting effective adaptation responses to climate change impacts. Within USAID/CA, the incumbent will assist in providing technical expertise and advice, and informational updates and briefings on energy promotion efforts. The Energy Advisor will be expected to interact regularly with Mission teams, Office Directors and Mission Management, especially regarding any ongoing or planned energy activities that directly or indirectly impact their programs. He/she must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and must be able to speak eruditely and persuasively on the characteristics of and distinguishing features of all aspects of energy and USAID’s energy programs in the region. Available guidelines: The Energy Advisor will be expected to be quickly become familiar with USAID processes, procedures and rules as documented in the ADS – 200 Series. In situations where the incumbent’s judgment points to a need for additional clarity or guidance, his/ her supervisor may provide such guidance with the assistance of the USAID, CA support offices as appropriate. The Energy Advisor will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders/Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents. In addition, technical and support staff and counterparts in USAID/Washington are available as resources to provide advice and guidance. Authority to make commitments: The incumbent will not have independent authority to commit US Government Mission funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Point of Contact: For any additional questions you may contact James Berscheit, jberscheit@usaid.gov, or USAID/CA Human Resources, almatyhr@usaid.gov and centralasiajobs@usaid.gov IV. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION 1. GENERAL: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government “FACILITY ACCESS” security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout Central Asia region; available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months. 2. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in discipline relevant to engineering, international business, international economics, international law, energy development, or related field is required. 3. WORK EXPERIENCE: Ten (10) years of progressively more responsible experience implementing programs in the energy sector, including policy and regulatory reforms in developing countries, grid and/or off-grid energy generation and transmission, and distribution systems, and utility management. Three (3) years of substantive previous experience directly managing USAID or similar other donor programs. Demonstrated experience in advancing private sector investments in developing countries to advance modern energy services and regional energy connectivity. Demonstrated experience in directly managing and achieving significant results in business development and energy capacity building programs in the developing world. Demonstrated experience in working with senior government officials on private sector development and policy in the context of regional, bilateral, and multi-lateral energy promotion. Demonstrated ability to consistently perform in a complex institutional and multi-cultural environment. 4. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Demonstrated knowledge of relevant development problems and strategies in the areas of energy sector reforms and improving the investment climate in the energy sector. Ability to generate new assistance methodologies and policies relevant to regional and international energy connectivity. Ability to utilize applications in Microsoft software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint in preparation and presentation of reports and other official documentation (e.g., policy documents, project descriptions, taskers, MOUs and Agreements). Demonstrated superb public presentation, as well as written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of USAID development assistance program processes and practices highly desired but not required 5. INTERPERSONAL AND TEAM COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills in English. Proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across cultures, on teams, and with a broad range of development partners. Proven ability to work under pressure and produce professional results quickly. Proven ability to work within a team efficiently and productively. Other: Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors (Section V). Please note that not all candidates will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are preauthorized. Reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The candidate's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. V. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated. Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application. After meeting the minimum qualifications, consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Criteria. Additionally, USAID may request writing samples and an interview from the top-scoring candidates. Top-scoring candidates will also be asked to provide three professional references. Please note that not all applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless the expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks may be conducted on candidates selected for an interview. Applicants must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). WORK EXPERIENCE: 45 EDUCATION: 10 3. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 15 4. INTERPERSONAL AND TEAM COMMUNICATION SKILLS: 30 Total = 100 points TERM OF PERFORMANCE The base term of the contract will be for a period of two years, which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to, continued need, satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-14 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees will be added. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE The USPSC will be required to complete a full physical examination (including relevant immunizations) from his/her own physician and then obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to service overseas. Also, USAID/Central Asia must initiate a security clearance prior to the Contractor’s travel to post of duty. Until a temporary or final adjudication of a security clearance is received, the contract shall not be signed. If candidate fails to obtain a security clearance (temporary or full) within six months, the offer may be retracted. VI. SUBMITTING AN OFFER Submission of a résumé 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. All application packages are to be submitted via email to: centralasiajobs@usaid.gov and/or almatyhr@usaid.gov, and James Berscheit jberscheit@usaid.gov citing the Solicitation number and the Position title. Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following: Complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation. Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing. Ensure the application covers the evaluation and selection criteria, as outlined in Section III of this solicitation. Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last five years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Ideally, references should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position. Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. VII. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms 1. Medical History and Examination form (DS-6561) 2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 3. Finger Print Card (FD-258) 4. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) The above listed forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. VIII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS: (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave ALLOWANCES: (if/as applicable) Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas): (a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) (b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) (d) Post Allowance (Section 220) (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 Allowance (Section 650) The employee must meet qualification requirements for certain benefits and allowances. IX. TAXES It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. X. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf . 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms . 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs . [The CO must check http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply and insert the relevant AIDAR deviation or other policy text as applicable by the type of USPSC.] 4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .