Inactive

*** See attachments for the complete detail. *** Request for Quotes DCO Energy Practice Group (EPG) Associate Director FT PSC 95332420Q0009 Amendment 1 Announcement Number: 95332420Q0009 Amendment 1 T... *** See attachments for the complete detail. *** Request for Quotes DCO Energy Practice Group (EPG) Associate Director FT PSC 95332420Q0009 Amendment 1 Announcement Number: 95332420Q0009 Amendment 1 Title: DCO Energy Practice Group (EPG) Associate Director (AD) Full-Time (FT) Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Position Information: One full-time, Personal Services Contractor (PSC). One Base year (2,087 hours per year), renewable for up to 4 Option years at the sole discretion of the government (a total of 10,435 hours over five years). Pay Band: Associate-Director-level Pay Band 3B ($46.48 – $73.46 per hour) https://www.mcc.gov/careers/pay-bands The PSCs may receive a pay supplement of up to 15% of the direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits. Closing Date for Questions: 2:00PM ET on 10 December 2019 (Tuesday) Questions must be submitted via email to leeae@mcc.gov Submission Deadline: 11:59PM ET on 15 December 2019 (Sunday) Quotes must be submitted via email to leeae@mcc.gov Position Security Level: Secret Clearance (Noncritical Sensitive/Moderate Risk (T-3)) Who May Be Considered: U.S. citizens. Duty Location: Principal place of performance in Washington, DC, USA and/or PSC's home of record. Type of Contract: Time-and-material (T&M) with 1 Base Year and 4 Option Year Periods. Multiple awards may result from this solicitation. Amendment 1: The purpose of Amendment 1 is to address the questions received from interested offerors. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged. Q. 1: Is the maximum end of the hourly rate inclusive of the 15 percent or is the 15 percent in addition to the maximum hourly rate (i.e. 1.15 x 73.46 = $84.25). The maximum hourly rate is 15% in addition to the Pay Band range noted in the RFQ. Q. 2: Typically in multi-year consulting contracts an increase to account for inflation, etc, is allowed. If this is not the case, shall I then assume that the hourly rate put forth in the financial quote needs to therefore take into account inflation and cost of living increases over the five year period? Unfortunately, because our policy treats PSCs similarly to MCC Full-Time Employees (FTEs), we cannot guarantee an annual pay increase. Instead, the PSCs are eligible for the same annual pay adjustment as MCC FTEs pending satisfactory performance and funding availability. We will be negotiating one rate for all five years. Then, as appropriate, we may adjust the rate on annual basis. Introduction and Background MCC’s mission is to provide grant assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in select developing countries with a demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. MCC’s partner countries enter into a five-year agreement (Compact) with MCC that includes a plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives. Our model is defined by core principles, of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results. Our values identify who we are and what is important to us. Our Values are CLEAR: Embrace Collaboration, Always Learn, Practice Excellence, Be Accountable and Respect individuals and ideas. MCC’s values define how we behave on a daily basis, both as individuals and as an institution, in pursuit of our mission. They guide how we make decisions, set priorities, address challenges, manage tradeoffs, recruit and develop staff, and work together with our country partners and stakeholders. This position is located in the Infrastructure, Environment and Private Sector (IEPS) Division, Department of Compact Operations (DCO), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Scope of Position This position will serve as a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) within Energy Practice Group (EPG) in Department of Compact Operations (DCO), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). DCO is responsible for developing and implementing MCC’s compact programs. The department ensures that MCC compacts are designed and implemented in compliance with agency standards for procurement, financial management, environmental and social performance, and gender integration. The PSC will report to and be supervised by the Practice Lead and Senior Director (PDS) for EPG. This position is not authorized to supervise any Federal employees. Personal Services Contract MCC is authorized to enter into a contract with an individual as a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) under the authority of Section 614(a) (8) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003. A personal services contract is different from non-personal services Government contract, which establishes an independent contract relationship. Under a non-personal services contract, the contractor or employees of the contractor are subject to the technical direction but not the supervision of the MCC. As defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.104, a personal services contract is characterized by the employer-employee relationship it creates between the Government and the contractor personnel. Thus, the PSC is subject to the relatively continuous technical direction, supervision, and control of the MCC. PSCs may be assigned inherently governmental duties (see FAR 7.502). By law and by the contract’s terms, the PSC is subject to most of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to the direct hire employee such as MCC regulations, conflict of interest, under some circumstances MCC authorized employment security clearances and financial disclosure. However, under the MCC personal services contract authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The following elements apply to this contract: Performance in Washington, D.C., US, MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required for outreach purposes), and/or at the PSC’s home of record. Principal tools and equipment furnished by the Government. Services are applied directly to the integral effort of agencies or an organizational subpart in furtherance of assigned function or mission. Comparable services, meeting comparable needs, are performed in the same or similar agencies using civil service personnel. The need for the type of service provided can reasonably be expected to last beyond 1 year. The inherent nature of the service, or the manner in which it is provided, reasonably requires directly or indirectly, Government direction or supervision of contractor employees in order to— Adequately protect the Government’s interest; Retain control of the function involved; or Retain full personal responsibility for the function supported in a duly authorized Federal officer or employee. Key Requirements Awardee must satisfy the following key requirements: U.S. citizenship. Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. Performance in Washington, DC USA, MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required for outreach purposes), and/or at the PSC’s home of record. Domestic and international travel will be required. Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (e.g., Office of Government Ethics “OGE Form-450” or similar statement) may be required. Active System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) registration (this is a free, Government website) and be listed as sole-proprietor. Designated and/or random drug testing required. Duties Major Duties and Responsibilities Performs a variety of assignments associated with the management and oversight of the design, development, and implementation of energy sector programs and projects in MCC Compacts, including both infrastructure and sector reforms. In particular, prepares plans for energy sector programs and projects in compact development and in implementation including overall power sector analysis, project scheduling, budgeting, change management, contract administration, and project controls. Works as part of multi-disciplinary country team consisting of a combination of MCC staff, consultants and contractors overseeing country programs involving energy projects. Works on multiple countries concurrently. Oversees projects in context of complex political, environmental, social, and health and safety contexts or other variables and unknowns affecting planning, design and operational criteria and often-present critical challenges with respect to costs and economics. Works with other sectors towards the optimal resolution of such challenges as well as satisfying the urgency or public interest of particular investments. Solutions to these projects often establish standards and are used as a model for future similar projects. Systematically, monitors and tracks and anticipates project challenges and pro-actively proposes options to address them, to the extent feasible, consistent with the combined needs of other sector specialists – and provides status reports to senior staff, with an emphasis on completion, integration, quality and cost risks. Participates in the design and development of Compacts, including, but not limited to: technical assessment of constraints analyses, concept papers, and proposals; collection and analysis of data and information to finalize proposals; coordination with consultants on feasibility assessments and on project appraisal; drafting portions of the internal investment memorandum and other decision documents, supporting such inputs with appropriate analyses and supporting studies. Works with MCC and host country MCA teams to develop project budgets for energy sector projects and related activities at the outset of the project as well as updated estimates of costs to complete and contingency requirements during the course of project implementation. Supports the development of implementation plans for Compact programs and projects using appropriate project management tools and tracks implementation progress, anticipating and identifying issues as they arise and concurrently developing optimal solutions with a view of sustainability. Reviews and comments on documents submitted in connection with MCC clearance of MCA procurement packages, work plans, and disbursement requests, making recommendations to EPG sector lead or IEPS management as may be appropriate, consistent with policies and procedures and technical best practice. Provides advice and guidance when technical interpretations, opinions, or decisions are solicited. Consultations involve assessment of engineering design, specifications, evaluations, construction scheduling, and related project risks as well as assessment of operational capabilities of contractors, supervisors and project management consultants supporting the MCA. Participates in oversight reviews of Compact operations to ascertain that energy sector projects and programs meet expectations against schedule and budget requirements; performance standards; environmental, health and safety requirements; objectives and indicators. Reports on project-related implementation risks, providing input to risk management plans and risk analyses for MCC management. Prepares relevant documentation and reports, and maintains the required databases during implementation of projects. Provides analysis and interpretation of country Compact performance data. Develops, consolidates, and/or prepares briefing and background materials on energy sector and integrated projects, issues and topics. Assists in the formulation of budgets for consultants to be hired by MCC, drafting scopes of work, serving on evaluation panels, issuance of technical directives, review and acceptance of consultant deliverables, tracking billings, in support of the COTR or Project Monitor or in the capacity of the Project Monitor. In context of the development of Compacts and their implementation, works closely with the in country counterparts and contributes to the exchange of information, co-learning, and constructive dialogue that is needed for the MCAs to fully understand MCC policies, standards, and requirements – while also considering local context, capacity and limitations. In the course of interaction with country counterparts, contributes to their capacity building, particularly in areas of project management and implementation. Throughout the Compact development and implementation cycle, contributes to gathering and consolidating of lessons learned resulting from the implementation of energy sector related investments and pro-actively shares these with the broader MCC staff, other MCA countries and broader stakeholders as necessary in order to position the MCC at the leading edge of the discipline in context of international development. Provides research and analysis on complex issues regarding the monitoring and evaluation of long-term energy sector projects and programs affiliated with country compacts. Provides independent analysis and interpretation of performance data, while considering different input from other team members. Identifies and makes recommendations regarding performance and specification compliance issues. Identifies and investigates complex problems and conflicts in assigned area of responsibility involving program and project requirements, objectives, interfaces, operations, or schedules. Provides analytical support to the Energy Practice Lead and the EPG on a variety of energy sector matters in support of EPG goals, preparation of conference presentations, briefers, and other such quick-turnaround activities. Performs other related duties as assigned. Travel MCC estimates that the incumbent may undertake 3-4 international trips annually. Supervisory Controls The PSC reports to the Senior Director/Practice Lead (Energy) who, along with the employee, develop a mutually acceptable project plan which typically includes identification of the work to be done, the scope of the work, and deadlines for its completion. Within the parameters of the approved project plan, the employee is responsible for planning and organizing the work, estimating costs, coordinating with staff and line management personnel, and conducting all phases of the project. The employee informs the supervisor(s) of potentially controversial findings, issues, or problems with widespread impact. Completed projects, evaluations, reports, or recommendations are reviewed by the supervisor for compatibility with organizational goals, guidelines, and effectiveness in achieving intended objectives. Guidelines Guidelines consist of general administrative policies, and program, management and organizational theories which require considerable adaptation and/or interpretation for application to issues and problems studied. Policies and precedent studies provide a basic outline of results desired, but do not go into detail as to the methods used to accomplish the project. Within the context of broad regulatory and procedural guidelines, the employee refines or develops more specific guidelines, such as implementing new or revised processes, methods and procedures. Complexity The employee analyzes interrelated issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of substantive mission-oriented energy sector. The incumbent develops detailed plans and objectives for the implementation and administration of programs, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Decisions concerning planning, organizing, and conducting studies are complicated by conditions, such as conflicting program goals and objectives. Options, recommendations, and conclusions take into account uncertainties about the data and other variables which affect long-range program performance. Scope and Effect The purpose of the work is to analyze and evaluate major aspects of substantive, mission-oriented programs. The employee evaluates the effectiveness of energy sector programs and operations and identifies and resolves problems and copes with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal MCC objectives. The employee provides input to the development of procedures or guidelines for the conduct of program operations, or new criteria for measuring program accomplishments. Study reports contain findings and recommendations of major significance to management officials, and often serve as the basis for new administrative systems, programs and practices. Personal Contacts/Purpose of Contacts Personal contacts include individuals and groups at all levels of the Corporation, representatives from other Federal agencies/organizations, MCAs, contractors, and the general public. The purpose of contacts is to influence, motivate, persuade or negotiate with others who may hold different points of views in order to influence managers or other officials to accept recommendations or to obtain the desired effect. Physical Demands The work is primarily sedentary, although some walking, bending, or carrying of light items may be involved. Frequent travel may be required. Work Environment Work is performed in an office setting, although there is an expectation of work in the field. Deliverables Deliverables are associated with the tasks identified in Section 5. Duties to include reports as required by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The PSCs will submit biweekly timesheets on a schedule and format determined by MCC. Timesheets will include a list of hours worked per compact or country program, along with a brief description of the tasks undertaken for each program during the pay period. The PSCs also will produce reports and analyses as requested by MCC. Qualifications Offerors must meet all the Required Qualifications described below by the closing date of this announcement. Desired Qualifications are not required but preferred and will only be considered once all Required Qualifications are met. Offerors must demonstrate that they possess the following: Required Qualifications: At least a graduate degree (or its equivalent) in a relevant discipline, e.g. engineering, energy policy, business or related field. Knowledge of best practices in developing and implementing energy projects (whether enabling environment or infrastructure). – Ability to integrate, and sufficient familiarity with, environmental, social, political, and economic factors relevant to energy projects to provide guidance and develop optimal and integrated solutions to challenges arising in the development and implementation of energy projects in low or lower middle income countries. Mastery of the concepts and best practices of project management as they relate to development and implementation of energy projects in low income or lower middle income countries. Knowledge of core principles, practices, and techniques for monitoring and resolving issues associated with complex, multi-year energy projects in low or lower middle income countries. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to work effectively with teams composed of staff of different levels -- some internal and others external to MCC --towards a common vision. Ability to effectively communicate energy sector principles and concepts (whether engineering, enabling environment related policies or other) to others including those who ae not specialists in energy projects. Strong oral presentation and written skills to develop comprehensive reports and to present and explain findings and recommendations to MCC management officials and other interested parties. Oral, reading, and written proficiency (at least Level 2 on Bio-Data Form) to work on energy projects in French-speaking countries. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of MCC specific procedures, guidelines and practices to work effectively with MCC’s country teams and Resident Country Missions, as well as with the members of MCC’s Energy Practice Group. Note: All experience must be well-documented on the resume and within the Quote Submission. All aspects of the Submission must specifically show how the offeror meets the qualifications required. Credit may be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. To receive credit, Submissions should clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week. Required Documentation Interested offerors must submit following required documents, including but not limited to: A completed and signed Bio-Data Form (Addendum 2) with proposed salary (see Subsection 12(c). Quote Submission Instructions to PSCs Candidates (Offerors) in regards to permissible signature types); A curriculum vitae or resume (limit 10 pages); A written narrative clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the qualification requirements (limit 5 pages); and At least 3 and no more than 5 professional references with current contact information. Desired Documentation: A cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight your suitability for this position. The cover letter is not considered as the required written narrative (bullet no. 4 above); and A copy of Transcript(s). Transcript(s) may be requested by MCC before award to validate the offeror’s successful education history. Compensation PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established requirements which apply in acquiring the personal services of experts or consultants in this manner (e.g., benefits, taxes, conflicts of interest). This is a full-time position for the DCO EPG Associate Director FT PSC and the maximum number of hours allowed is 2,087 hours per year for each position. Each contract will include four one-year option periods that may be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC. Overtime is not authorized on this contract. However, compensatory time (also called “credit hours”) may be authorized. The pay range for this position is Associate-Director-level Pay Band 3B ($46.48 – $73.46 per hour)) (https://www.mcc.gov/careers/pay-bands), inclusive of locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within this pay range based upon the successful offeror’s salary history, work experience and educational background. A salary above this pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. MCC issues W-2s to the PSCs. For U.S. citizens and legal resident aliens, MCC makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSCs. MCC withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax and state tax on behalf of the PSCs. The PSCs is not eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Benefits Under the MCC personal services contracting authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal Retirement Benefits and health and life insurance. As such, the PSCs is not eligible for participation in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System. Moreover, the PSCs is ineligible to receive Federal Health and Life Insurance or participate in the Federal Thrift Savings Plan. Notwithstanding the above, and if agreed upon by the Government and the PSCs before the award of a contract, the PSCs may receive a pay supplement of up to 15% (for full-time PSCs) of the employee’s direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits. Sick Leave A full-time PSC earns sick leave on the same basis as direct-hire MCC employees, that is, maximum four (4) hours for every biweekly pay period. Annual Leave A full-time PSC earns four, six, or eight hours of annual leave for each biweekly pay period depending on the number of years of previous federal government employment based upon determination made by MCC. Parking & Transit Subsidy A full-time PSC working at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC is eligible for parking or transit subsidy, subject to the availability of funds. The full-time PSC whose duty station is overseas is not eligible for this subsidy. Credit Hours A full-time PSC is eligible for credit hours (up to 24 hours earned) under the MCC Credit Hour Program. PSCs may not receive credit hours for time spent in travel status. The PSCs shall be compensated for the credit hour balance upon termination, subject to availability of funds. Travel Rules The PSCs is subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and MCC travel policies and procedures to the same extent as MCC direct-hire employees. Quote Submission Instructions to PSC Candidates (Offerors) In accordance with FAR 52.214-34 and 52.214-35, all submissions are to be in the English language and US Dollars. Submissions in other languages or monetary denominations will not be considered. This section is the basis for evaluating all Submissions. Offerors must separately address each listed qualification requirement and demonstrate how s/he meets each qualification under Section 7. Qualifications. Unless stated otherwise, all qualification elements will be weighted equally. Qualified individuals must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submission, either in “Active” or “Submitted” status. The approval of your record in SAM may take weeks and the Government cannot award a contract without an “Active” SAM registration. Offerors without a SAM registration (neither “Active” nor “Submitted”) at the close of the RFQ submission deadline may be rejected. MCC will extract pertinent representations and certifications from the offeror’s SAM account. Submissions shall be formatted to fit on 8 ½ x 11” paper. Suggested margins are 1” all around and the font should be Calibri or Times New Roman, no larger than 12-point. Hourly rates shall not be mentioned anywhere in your submission other than on the Bio-Data Form (Addendum 2). It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure that all pages are properly formatted to fit and that all information properly fits within the margins of each page. Qualified individuals must submit a completed and formally signed Bio-Data Form (Addendum 2). Typed signatures are not acceptable. Either physically sign or save the Bio-Data Form as a PDF and electronically sign it. Please ensure that you provide a current, valid e-mail address and telephone number for notification purposes. The Bio-Data Form must be fully completed including a proposed hourly rate & signed for the submission to be considered. A Bio-Data Form without a proposed hourly rate and/or signature may cause you to not be considered. Qualified individuals must submit a curriculum vitae or a resume, which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, and skills and abilities as they relate to the qualification elements. Resume must indicate: the earliest possible start date for the offeror; as well as formal title, and duration (start date / end date) for each listed position. Resume is limited to 10 pages and must not contain a photo or any salary information. Describe your experience and knowledge in regards to the qualification requirements in no more than five pages. Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is either relevant or directly related to the duties of this position as listed under Section 5. Duties. The responses should describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Cite specific examples where appropriate. Qualified individuals must submit at least three but no more than five professional references, who are not relatives or family members. Submitted references must include current information, as follows: Name of reference Offeror’s relationship to reference Title of reference at current job Reference current telephone number (work or personal) Reference e-mail address (work) At least one reference should be from direct supervisors (current or prior) who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge and experience in the relevant field. Preferably, the references should be from within the last 5 years of the applicant’s professional employment history. Submissions must be signed and received prior to the closing date and time specified above to be considered for this position. Only physically signed or electronic signature are permitted; typed signatures are not acceptable, e.g. “/s” or “[typed name of the offeror].” To ensure consideration of submissions for the intended position, please reference the position title and announcement number on the subject line of your submission email and on supporting documentation and any cover letter. Response Deadline Electronic submission is required. Mailed copies of any submission shall not be accepted. Electronic packages shall be submitted by e-mail to leeae@mcc.gov before the deadline stated on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Submission shall reference the position title and the announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail. MCC does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any submission. Offerors are responsible for submitting their package so as to reach the designated Government office by the closing date and time specified on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Submissions received after the closing date and time will not be considered, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was indeed received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in this announcement. Receipt of submissions in response to this announcement does not constitute an award commitment. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation of a submission. Any submission is at the sole risk of the offeror. Question Deadline Any questions regarding this announcement must be submitted in writing via email to MCCPSC@mcc.gov and leeae@mcc.gov before the submission deadline as given on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Selection Process Selection Process In order to be considered for the requirement, an offeror must at a minimum meet the Required Qualifications listed above in Section 7. Qualifications. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the offeror’s qualifications. In addition to the materials listed above, offerors are strongly encouraged to write a cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight their suitability for this position. The cover letter is not required and is not accepted as the required written narrative. All Submissions will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted, the offeror’s evidence of the above qualification requirements, performance in a potential discussion/negotiation session, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. Please note that for evaluation purposes, MCC will take into consideration your proposed labor rate and any requested pay supplement in lieu of fringe benefits. All submissions will receive one of three scores for each of the required and desired qualifications: Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds. MCC reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most qualified offerors and/or conduct a reference check on those individuals. Offerors are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments that are directly related to this requirement in order to verify specialized experience. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The U.S. Government and MCC are not obligated to make any award or pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this announcement. Award of this contract is contingent on availability of funds. MCC reserves the right to not award any contract as a result of this announcement. Evaluation Criteria All quotes will be evaluated based on the evaluation factors listed below. The following evaluation factors and sub-factors are listed in descending order of importance, starting with the most important: Technical Capability: Offerors must clearly demonstrate on the submitted CV or resume that she/he would satisfy the qualifications in accorda...