Inactive

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72C0T121R00003 ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 13, 2020, 1:00 PM EST (Deadline Extended) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor... SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72C0T121R00003 ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 13, 2020, 1:00 PM EST (Deadline Extended) 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 Country Representative/Senior Country Representative – Iraq under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. 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: (a) 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. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) 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-14 or GS-15. Offerors who would like to be considered for both the GS-14 and GS-15 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 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-14 and the GS-15 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. 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. USPSC Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete and sign the form. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Your complete resume and the AID309-2 form must be mailed or emailed to: Office of Transition Initiatives 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: 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 www.otijobs.net/#!guidance-for-applying/c1ggu. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: OTI Recruitment Team Telephone Number: (202) 836-7487 E-Mail Address: OTIjobs@usaid.gov Website: www.OTIjobs.net Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer 72C0T121R00003 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72C0T121R00003 2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2020 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 13, 2020, 1:00 pm Eastern Time (Deadline Extended) 4. POINT OF CONTACT: OTI Recruitment Team, (202)836-7487, e-mail at OTIjobs@usaid.gov. 5. POSITION TITLE: Country Representative/Senior Country Representative 6. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a “tandem” position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-14 ($92,977- $120,868 per annum) or GS-15 ($109,366- $142,180 per annum) equivalent level, non-locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the GS-14 or GS-15 equivalent levels based upon the selected candidate’s salary history, qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, and educational background as reported on AID-309-2. For selected candidates whose salary has been established on a Federal pay scale (i.e. General Schedule) or its equivalent, the base salary (not including locality pay) of their grade/step will be the basis of the salary negotiation. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Note: Offerors who submit an offer for the GS-15 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee, will not be considered for the GS-14 position if they have not submitted a separate offer for the GS-14 level. Similarly, offerors who apply for the GS-14 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-15 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted a separate offer for the GS-15 position. Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-14 and the GS-15 positions. The offer will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year option periods. START DATE: Within 45 days of receiving notification that required security and medical clearances have been obtained. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq 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. 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. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives Introduction The Country Representative is a member of the CPS/OTI Middle East Regional Team, reports to the OTI Regional Team Lead for the Middle East (ME) or designee, and is based in Iraq. The Country Representative’s principal responsibility will be development, oversight and management of CPS/OTI's Iraq country program. The incumbent will be called upon to represent OTI’s mission and programs to senior-level government officials, in-country visitors, senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors and local government officials. The OTI Iraq program supports the larger objectives of the U.S. Government with a focus on supporting conflict-affected minorities. In close coordination with State Department representatives and other USG actors, OTI’s rapid and targeted program addresses emerging issues and empowers local partners to leverage timely and locally driven activities that enhance engagement between government and citizens and promote norms of tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Country Representative/Senior Country Representative requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of an operational office, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent has a high level of integrity and attention to detail to ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. She or he places a premium on the building of positive relationships with his or her respective team both in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The Country Representative/Senior Country Representative is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based CPS/OTI Middle East Regional Team Leader or his/her designee, the Country Representative/Senior Country Representative – Iraq will perform the following duties: At the GS-14 Country Representative level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position Manage a high-profile program in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and provide programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to OTI’s implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to OTI’s program objectives and are within the partner’s scope; Conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with OTI staff, USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy, and local civil society officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy. Refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in-country, linked to neighboring country programs; Communicate and coordinate OTI’s in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, the U.S. Embassy and other donor organizations; Supervise, lead, build, and motivate a team comprised of USPSCs and numerous implementing partner staff in multiple locations in the country of performance. Design and review staffing plans to meet overall program objectives as well as recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of in-country OTI staff. Maintain staff morale in a difficult security and work environment; Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief OTI and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact; Analyze and report on current political developments and security concerns required to achieve OTI's program objectives; Travel extensively to low security areas of focus to monitor and assess political conditions, meet with potential grantees, and develop activity ideas; Provide recommendations to the Washington-based Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or the Regional Team Leader on implementing partner performance, the appropriateness of the partner’s scope to OTI’s country objectives, partner’s budgets, and modifications thereto; Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract, in accordance with the USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS); Ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, as well as monitoring and evaluation; Ensure that OTI’s programs and activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned are applied to ongoing or future activities; Ensure appropriate resource allocation among OTI field offices and implementing partners; Prepare and maintain OTI program budgets for field operations; Serve as OTI’s primary liaison with USAID Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, Host-Country Government Officials, UN Organizations, Indigenous and International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other pertinent organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; Prepare operational plans in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, and contingency and evacuation plans; Ensure that all OTI and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government; and, Articulate program strategy, as well as communicate and coordinate OTI’s in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, and other donor organizations; prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and periodic reports to the USAID Mission, OTI/Washington and other organizations as appropriate. At the GS-15 Senior Country Representative level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position Manage a high-profile program in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and provide programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to OTI’s implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to OTI’s program objectives and are within the partner’s scope; Assume the lead role in helping the Iraq Team and USG interagency partners understand the Iraq context and develop a USG assistance strategy for Iraq; Conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with OTI staff, USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy, and local civil society officials, based on a mastery of political analysis and U.S. Government policy. Refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in-country, linked to neighboring country programs; Communicate and coordinate OTI’s in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, the U.S. Embassy and other donor organizations; Expertly supervise, lead, build, and motivate a team comprised of multiple USPSCs, and numerous implementing partner staff, in multiple locations in the country of performance. Design and review staffing plans to meet overall program objectives as well as recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of in-country OTI staff. Maintain staff morale in a difficult security and work environment; Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief OTI and partner staff on high level analyses and their potential programmatic impact; Analyze, synthesize, and report on current political developments and security concerns required to achieve OTI's program objectives; Travel to low security areas of focus to monitor and assess political conditions, meet with potential grantees, and develop activity ideas; Provide high level and nuanced recommendations to the Washington-based Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or the Regional Team Leader on implementing partner performance, the appropriateness of the partner’s scope to OTI’s country objectives, partner’s budgets, and modifications thereto; Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract in accordance with the USAID’s Automated Directives System(ADS); Ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, as well as monitoring and evaluation; Ensure that OTI’s programs and activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned are applied to ongoing or future activities; Ensure appropriate resource allocation among OTI field offices and implementing partners; Prepare and maintain OTI program budgets for field operations; Assume the lead role in analyzing and reporting on current political developments and security concerns required to achieve OTI's program objectives; Serve as OTI’s primary liaison with USAID Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, Host-Country Government Officials, UN Organizations, Indigenous and International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other pertinent organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; Prepare operational plans in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, and contingency and evacuation plans; Ensure that all OTI and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government; and, Articulate program strategy, as well as communicate and coordinate OTI’s in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, and other donor organizations; prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and periodic reports to the USAID Mission, OTI/Washington and other organizations as appropriate. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Country Representative/Senior Country Representative will be supervised by the Washington-based CPS/OTI Regional Team Leader for the Middle East (ME) or his/her designee. The Country Representative/Senior Country Representative will also report to the USAID Mission Director for Iraq. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. Though this is a senior field-based position, the incumbent is expected to actively and proactively collaborate with OTI/Washington leadership, and to fully utilize, embrace, and become an expert on OTI systems and processes. Failure to adequately perform the scope of work above and/or failure to take direction from the supervisor may result in corrective actions, including denial of step or grade increases, extension of contract probationary periods, performance improvement plans, and/or termination for the convenience of USAID/OTI. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The supervisor will provide administrative directions in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The employee will independently plan, design and carry out programs, projects, studies or other work assignments. The employee’s work will be considered technically authoritative and normally accepted without significant change, and will be reviewed in terms of fulfillment of program objectives, influence on the overall program, or contribution to the advancement of the objective. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While in Iraq, the work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. However, the position also requires travel between the US embassy in Baghdad and the US consulate in Erbil. Travel may involve some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 13. WORK ENVIRONMENT: While in Iraq the work is primarily performed in an office setting. However, the position will require travel which may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. II. 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: The USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Country Representative/Senior Country Representative post is a senior-level position requiring supervisory management experience, the ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions and an in-depth knowledge of international relations in general and of the sub-region in particular. Familiarity with a wide range of issues is necessary, including, but not limited to, community development, economic development, stabilization, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy/governance, countering extremism and human rights. Excellent interpersonal, presentation and clear communication skills are necessary. Experience in contract/grant management is required. Prior work experience and/or managing program operations in civil conflicts are preferred. The successful candidate will possess excellent political analysis and reporting skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a highly stressful environment while exercising sound judgment in politically charged and challenging security environments. It is also essential that the incumbent demonstrate the ability to maintain staff morale in a difficult work environment. Strong team-building skills are essential. At a minimum, the offeror must have: At the GS-14 Country Representative level: A Master’s Degree with seven (7) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor’s Degree with nine (9) years of work experience; AND Minimum of six (6) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, stabilization programming, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; Two (2) years of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries; Three (3) years of supervisory experience (including mentoring, guiding, and/or training staff). At the GS-15 Senior Country Representative level: A Master’s Degree with ten (10) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor’s Degree with twelve (12) years of work experience; AND Minimum of eight (8) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in political transition, complex crises, community development, stabilization programming, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; Minimum of five (5) years of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries; Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience (including mentoring, guiding, and/or training staff). III. 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); Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. A USAID Secret level security clearance and Department of State medical clearance are 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. NOTE: The selected must obtain Department of State medical clearance within four months after offer acceptance. If medical clearance is not obtained within this period, the offer may be rescinded. Due to anticipated program needs, individuals should be able to travel to post within 60 days after a contract is awarded. 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 must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Evaluation Factors: Factor #1 Demonstrated experience leading programs in high visibility, high-pressure environments overseas in complex emergency or political crisis situations with minimal home office support. Experience must reflect effective team-building and strong partner collaboration and management. Factor #2 Demonstrated experience with the strategic design and management of programming, specifically experience in contract and/or grant management and leading the conceptualization, design, implementation, and monitoring of post-conflict, political transition, democracy-building, and/or stabilization programs. Factor #3 Demonstrated experience interacting with, and representing organizations to U.S. Government agencies, donors, international organizations, and local counterparts, including beneficiaries. Experience must reflect good judgment and understanding in determining how and with whom sensitive information is shared. 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 Offeror Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 – 25 Factor #2 – 25 Factor #3 – 20 Total Possible – 70 Points Interview Performance – 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The most qualified offerors may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, offers (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the offerors writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an offeror has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive offerors OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. OTI reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history. IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 4. Qualified offerors are required to submit: Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include: (a) 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. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. If you do not specify which grade level(s), your offer will be considered at the lower grade level. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for th...