USPSC – Transition Advisor / Senior Transition Advisor – Worldwide (GS - 13/14) (Intermittent, Multiple Positions)
SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00102 ISSUANCE DATE: August 27, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: September 30, 2024, 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contra... SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00102 ISSUANCE DATE: August 27, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: September 30, 2024, 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Transition/Senior Transition Advisor - Worldwide (GS-13/14) (Intermittent) (Multiple, Tandem) under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation at the place and time specified. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation. Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include: 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. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. U.S. Citizenship. Note: Your resume should contain explicit 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. Offerors must specify in their offer materials whether they would like to be considered for the GS-13 or GS-14. Offerors who would like to be considered for both the GS-13 and GS-14 positions should submit separate offers specifying which grade level in the submission. Offerors will only be considered for the grade level specified in the submission. The offeror will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission. Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the three (3) 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. Offerors 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. 3. USPSC Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete and sign the form. We are currently accepting electronic signatures on the AID 309-2 form. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Your complete resume and the AID 309-2 form must be mailed or emailed to OTIjobs@usaid.gov Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers. 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. Offeror resources are available at https://otijobs.net/uspsc-application-guidance. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: OTI Recruitment Team E-Mail Address: OTIjobs@usaid.gov Website: www.OTIjobs.net Sincerely, MARIA DEL CARMEN Digitally signed by MARIA DEL CARMEN GRIZZARD (affiliate) -04'00' GRIZZARD (affiliate) Date: 2024.08.14 13:00:26 Maria del Carmen Grizzard Contracting Officer M/OAA/CPS 7200AA24R00102 1. GENERAL INFORMATION SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA24R00102 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 27, 2024 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 30, 2024, 1:00 pm Eastern Time 4. POINT OF CONTACT: OTI Recruitment Team, e-mail at OTIjobs@usaid.gov. 5. POSITION TITLE: Transition Advisor/Senior Transition Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a “tandem” position that, depending on the qualifications of the offeror, can be filled at either the GS-13 ($88,520 - $115,079 base per annum) or GS-14 ($104,604 - $135,987 base per annum) equivalent level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Domestic USPSCs, based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work, will be eligible for Locality Pay. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay. Base salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. As this is a Worldwide position, incumbents who reside outside of the DC metropolitan area will be provided with transportation and/or per diem if they are required to work at the official USAID worksite in Washington, DC. Incumbents will be provided with transportation and/or per diem for all other official USAID/OTI travel assignments as dictated by the terms of each individual contract. Please be advised selectee(s) will be required to travel to Washington, DC for Agency onboarding processing and badging prior to being given any assignments. USPSCs residing outside of the 50 mile DC radius, per Agency travel policy, will be reimbursed for travel to the official USAID worksite in Washington, DC. In order to be reimbursed, the selectee must have a Travel Authorization (TA) completed prior to traveling. Any required travel for USPSCs with DC locality for the purpose of completing the onboarding and badging process will be a personal expense. The title of the position at the GS-13 level will be “Transition Advisor.” The title of the position at the GS-14 level will be “Senior Transition Advisor.” Note: Offerors must specify in their offer materials whether they would like to be considered for the GS-13, GS-14, or both. Offerors will only be considered for the grade level specified in the submission. The offer will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission. Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with four (4) one-year option periods. The Personal Services Contractor hired under this contract will provide up to a maximum of 250 workdays of services on an annual basis. The specific projects, as well as dates, number of days and locations to be worked, will be determined by mutual agreement between the contract incumbent and their OTI supervisor according to the programmatic needs of OTI. There is no obligation by OTI to provide assignments for a minimum number of days, and the contractor is free to provide “blackout” dates during which they will not be available to accept assignments. START DATE: Within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: SECRET 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local partners advance peace and democracy in politically-transitioning countries. In support of U.S. foreign policy, OTI seizes emerging windows of opportunity in the political landscape to promote stability, peace, and democracy by catalyzing local initiatives through adaptive and agile programming. 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 office’s programmatic goals and objectives. Some of these USPSCs serve on intermittent contracts and are referred to in OTI as “bullpenners,” providing support in a surge capacity. Those serving in the bullpen must be prepared to work both in Washington and the field, often with little time for preparations. There are several 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 Section VI of this solicitation. OTI’s Core Values: Agility OTI addresses complex political problems through context analysis, experimentation, and strategic resource use. Applying an adaptive mindset in Washington and the field accelerates timely positive change. Political OTI seeks to understand how power is created, traded, and facilitated, requiring that we acknowledge our privilege and the limits of our power. This understanding helps us act on power dynamics and harness them for transformation. Accountability OTI exhibits a sense of ownership and integrity in the work we do, and holds a sense of responsibility to each other, the local partners we engage, the policies and programs we advance with our implementing partners, and the taxpayer. Curiosity OTI’s mission demands learning and adaptation. Our relentless curiosity drives us to wonder about people, problems, and possibilities. We question the status quo, seek to understand amid uncertainty, and treat mistakes as a compass pointing us toward more effective approaches. Diversity & Inclusion OTI’s ability to achieve its mission and live out its values is propelled by our collective responsibility to create a sense of belonging for all in our work environment. OTI values the diversity of each others’ authentic selves, building a foundation of trust and respect. Courage OTI embraces our engagements with one another, our stakeholders, and our programs with intentionality and optimism. Achieving our mission requires that we take risks and tackle difficult conversations and decisions. A courageous OTI is a force for positive change. OTI’s DEIA Vision Statement: OTI is a collaborative environment that represents the global community at all levels of our organization. Uniting diverse backgrounds and experiences, we value individual expertise to advance peace and democracy around the world. Values and associated behaviors that will enable this vision are: Trust Model open communication, active listening and candor. Believe others when they share their experiences. Respect A respectful attitude should be shown to everyone. Allow for others to express complete opinion/thoughts without interruption, while recognizing that there are other perspectives and lived experiences. Belonging (Accessibility) Serve as an ally to those who feel excluded (professionally, socially, personally, etc.). Promote togetherness and acceptance through equitable behavior. Empathy Listen to understand, create space to be real/feel. Remind yourself to be conscious of how others may feel or receive your words Self-awareness/accountability Supervisors hold their peers to account on their expectations and behaviors. Seek regular, constructive feedback to understand how your words and actions affect and influence others, and how they are being perceived and interpreted. Acknowledge unconscious bias and be willing to learn and change behavior when confronted/corrected. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: https://www.usaid.gov/stabilization-and-transitions INTRODUCTION The OTI Transition Advisor/Senior Transition Advisor position utilizes the oversight and management experience and skills gained from working with political transition programs and operations in the field, to advise on programmatic and operational processes in support of transition programming overseas. This position also supports assessments, new country start-ups, program implementation, program performance management processes, and training and mentoring for field-based and Washington staff. The incumbent may also be involved in strategic design of various OTI country programs and the development of management products and processes that respond to Office priorities. The incumbent is considered an expert in the field of political transitions, and has the demonstrated experience and skills to effectively support these programs both in the field and in Washington. The OTI Transition Advisor/Senior Transition Advisor position allows OTI to take advantage of the accumulated field experience of incumbents and apply it across the Office. Having access to individuals with hands-on experience in transition programming enhances our ability to deepen understanding, identify opportunities and constraints, and be more prepared to execute programming when necessary. The Transition Advisor/Senior Transition Advisor position provides OTI with a pool of technical experts who are capable of flexing across teams, in the field and in Washington, to advise on programmatic and operational processes based on their deep familiarity of transition programming. The complex demands of this position requires extensive overseas travel (anywhere between two weeks and six months) with short notice (in some cases, 72 hours to one week), and the ability to respond to immediate and challenging programming, operational, and other issues (primarily in the field and occasionally in Washington DC). CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The OTI Transition Advisor/Senior Transition Advisor – Worldwide position utilizes the experiences and skills gained from providing oversight and management of political transition programs and operations in the field to advise on programmatic and operational processes in support of transition programming overseas. You also support assessments, new country start-ups, program implementation, program performance management processes, and training and mentoring for Washington and field-based staff. You may also be involved in the strategic design of various OTI country programs or the development of management products and processes that respond to Office priorities. You are considered an expert in the field of political transitions, and have the demonstrated experience and skills to effectively support these programs. The work of the Transition Advisor/Senior Transition Advisor requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, you are willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. You are highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remain professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. You are willing and able to travel overseas (anywhere from two weeks to six months at a time), often on short notice. You place a premium on the building of positive relationships with their respective team both in Washington and in the field, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. You are a team player, able to prioritize and follow up on their own actions without prompting, while also assisting a busy supervisor to track and respond to incoming requests and routine tasks, filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. You are highly responsible, service oriented, organized, pay close attention to detail, and are able to receive and respond to constructive criticism in a professional manner. You are a strategic thinker, articulate innovative ideas, present solutions, and are a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. You are also committed to upholding USAID/OTI’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Vision and Values as outlined in the background. Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based Chief, Field Programs Division (FPD) or the Chief, Program Learning and Innovation Division (PLI), or the Chief, Operations and Management Division (OMD), or their designee, you will perform the following duties: At the GS-13 Transition Advisor level: Fill critical needs for program management and implementation as well as staffing gaps in the field and, at times, in Washington, DC; including but not limited to Deputy Team Lead and Deputy Country Representative positions; Provide technical support to OTI programs and teams. Examples of tasks may include: provision of ad hoc support to new OTI country program start-ups; participation in the conceptualization and design of program strategies and objectives in close coordination with a program Country Representative as well as other staff from OTI, USAID, the U.S. Department of State, and/or the implementing partner based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy; and support for the design and execution of programs that follow OTI’s quick impact programming model; Support efforts evaluating OTI programs or activities in the field; or related lines of programming implemented by other operating units within the Agency; review program budgets; assist in the selection of program implementers such as grantees, contractors, and personal services contractors; support monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, and improved business practices; analyze and report on current political developments and security concerns; assist with closeout activities; and provide on call technical assistance; Represent and articulate OTI’s mission, global programs, and business model to those within and outside USAID; Serve as a liaison with other CPS offices, other USAID Bureaus/Independent Offices (B/IOs), and other U.S. government agencies on program and policy direction; At the field level and under the direction of the Country Representative, orient, train and mentor implementing partner staff; explain expectations regarding the program’s activity cycle, program learning processes and other functions in support of OTI’s quick impact program model; In Washington, DC, and under the direction of a Team Leader, orient, train and mentor staff; support staff performance evaluation efforts, including recognizing good performance and addressing performance improvement; resolve complaints and approve requests for leave, timesheets, training, travel, program and operations, as needed; orient, train and mentor staff on OTI’s quick impact program model; and, Serve on temporary details within OTI, other USAID bureaus/offices, or other U.S. Government (USG) agencies under this scope of work for a period not to exceed six (6) months. Duties performed while on detail must be directly related to the scope of work, but may not be directly related to OTI programs or activities. Contracting Officer (CO) approval is required for the temporary detail. Any extension past the six (6) months requires CO approval. At the GS-14 Senior Transition Advisor level: Fill critical needs for program advisement, management and implementation as well as staffing gaps in the field and, at times, in Washington, DC; including but not limited to Country Representative positions, Team Leader positions, Deputy Team Leader positions and positions in OMD and PLI; Provide expert technical support to OTI programs and teams. Examples of tasks may include: act as OTI’s in-country Start-Up Manager for limited periods of time for new OTI country program start-ups; serve as the lead in conducting assessments for possible new country programs; conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with staff from OTI, USAID, the U.S. Department of State, and/or the implementing partner based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy; support for the design and execution of programs that follow OTI’s quick impact programming model; Provide advanced technical assistance with ongoing evaluations of OTI programs or activities in the field; or related lines of programming implemented by other operating units within the Agency; manage program budgets; supervise the implementation of OTI-financed activities, including overseeing and/or managing the selection of program implementers such as grantees, contractors, and personal services contractors; assist in selection of program implementers such as grantees, contractors, and personal services contractors; support monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, and improved business practices; analyze, synthesize and report on current political developments and security concerns; execute closeout activities; and provision of on-call technical assistance; Adroitly represent and articulate OTI’s mission, global programs, and business model to those within and outside USAID; Liaise with other CPS offices, other USAID Bureaus/Independent Offices (B/IOs), and other U.S. government agencies on program and policy direction; Stay abreast of innovations in the OTI model/approach and support application of innovation to OTI programs and elevate best practices/approaches/notable results for office and CPS bureau-wide learning; Supervise staff as delegated by the supervisor (e.g. Country Representatives, Deputy Country Representatives, etc.); Evaluate staff performance; recognize good performance; communicate where performance needs to be improved; resolve complaints; and approve leave requests and timesheets as well as training, travel and program and operations requests; Provide orientation, training, and collaborative mentoring for staff supervised; assign work, explain how duties are to be performed to meet expectations and communicate how the successful performance of those duties will be measured; and, Serve on temporary details within OTI, other USAID bureaus/offices, or other U.S. Government (USG) agencies under this scope of work for a period not to exceed six (6) months. Duties performed while on detail must be directly related to the scope of work, but may not be directly related to OTI programs or activities. Contracting Officer (CO) approval is required for the temporary detail. Any extension past the six (6) months requires CO approval. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Transition Advisor/Senior Transition Advisor will be supervised by the FPD Chief, the PLI Chief, or the OMD Chief, or their designee. They will also work under the general guidance and direction of the OTI Country Representative in the field. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: At the GS-13 level, the incumbent’s supervisor sets overall objectives. The incumbent and supervisor together develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done. The incumbent independently plans, designs, and carries out projects, studies, and programs. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements, or expected results. Technical problems are generally resolved without reference to supervisors. At the GS-14 level, the supervisor provides administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The incumbent independently plans, designs and carries out projects, studies, and programs. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative. There is no higher level official technically responsible for administering the program/project. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While in Washington, the work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. While traveling overseas, 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). WORK ENVIRONMENT: While in Washington, the work is generally performed in an office environment. While traveling overseas, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under “Submitting an Offer”) Education/Experience Required: At a minimum, the offeror must have: At the GS-13 Transition Advisor level: A Master’s degree with five (5) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor’s degree with seven (7) years of work experience; OR An Associate’s Degree with eight (8) years of work experience; OR A High School Diploma with nine (9) years of work experience; AND 2. Five (5) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, domestic or international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, political analysis, and/or human rights activities; AND One (1) year of overseas professional work experience; One (1) year of supervisory experience (including but not limited to mentoring, training, and guiding staff). At the GS-14 Senior Transition Advisor level: A Master’s degree with seven (7) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor’s degree with nine (9) years of work experience; OR An Associate’s Degree with ten (10) years of work experience; OR A High School Diploma with eleven (11) years of work experience; AND Six (6) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, domestic or international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, political analysis, and/or human rights activities; Two (2) years of overseas professional work experience; Three (3) years of supervisory experience with at least one direct report. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) 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. SELECTION FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Offeror 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 offerors in comparison to other offerors. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses will be rated using the point system described below. Failure to fully respond to each element of each Evaluation Factor will result in a reduction of points awarded. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Factor #1: Provide 1-2 examples of individual experience working independently and with minimal supervision on political transition, political reform, or similar complex programs in high pressure environments, especially in an international or diverse team setting. Factor #2: Provide 1-2 examples of individual experience using political analysis to inform programming policy, strategies, and objectives in politically fluid or conflict-prone environments. Factor #3: Demonstrated experience interacting with and representing organizations to U.S. Government agencies, donors, international organizations, and local counterparts, including host country governments and beneficiaries. BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors 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 Off...
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