SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC - Reserve Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) - Generalists (Multiple Positions Available) M/OAA/DCHA-DOFDA-06-1133
- Notice Date
- 5/4/2006
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Room 7.10-006, Washington, DC, 20523
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- M-OAA-DCHA-DOFDA-06-1133
- Response Due
- 6/5/2006
- Archive Date
- 6/20/2006
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-06-1133 ISSUANCE DATE: May 4, 2006 CLOSING DATE: June 5, 2006, 5:00PM EDT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) - Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) - Generalists (Multiple Positions Available) The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. CITIZENS ONLY interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1) Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612. 2) Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. No exceptions to the minimum document submission requirements will be allowed. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications that are incomplete or received without a handwritten signature and supplemental QRF document will not be considered for the position. Applicants are responsible for submitting materials that are in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. There will be no exceptions. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Mike Jones or Amy Feldman Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or (202) 661-9377 E-Mail Address: general@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 All applications should be submitted to: GlobalCorps 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 E-Mail Address: general@globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Sincerely, Ryan E. Johnson Contracting Officer 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-06-1133 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 4, 2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 5, 2006, 5:00 PM EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) ? Generalists (Multiple Positions Available) 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($77,793 - $101,130) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with option to extend for up to five years (see note below) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide (see note below) 8. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all U.S. Citizens POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) is a program developed by the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to satisfy its growing need for surge capacity. In response to numerous disasters worldwide, it became clear that OFDA could not find, in a timely manner, adequate staff to cover all positions in the field and in Washington, and to backfill for permanent staff deploying to the field. OFDA?s Senior Management Team (SMT) approved a program which would bring on board select candidates who could work on a part-time basis, for no more than 250 days per calendar year, and be deployed within hours to facilitate OFDA?s response to disasters. RATS positions are contracted for an initial period of one year with the option to extend up to five years. INTRODUCTION OFDA is the office within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that is responsible for providing non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). OFDA is organized into three divisions, under the management of the Office of the Director. The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (OFDA/DRM) is responsible for coordinating with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and humanitarian assistance. OFDA/DRM also devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. OFDA/DRM employs sector specialists to provide technical expertise in assessing the quality of disaster response. The Program Support Division (OFDA/PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA?s Washington and field offices. The Operations Division (OFDA/OPS) develops and manages logistical, operational, and technical support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OFDA/OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams, Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs). The RATS program is managed by the Overseas Administration Team (OAT) in the OFDA/OPS. This team maintains a database for all contracted RATS, providing information to the rest of the office on their availability, skills and previous OFDA experience. The OAT assists the program offices within OFDA in choosing the best qualified RATS for any specific task, and provides administrative and personnel support to existing RATS. Each RATS incumbent will provide enhancement to the OFDA team according to his/her skills. They will be considered part of OFDA/Washington resources that can be deployed worldwide. At times they may also be a resource for the DCHA Bureau. Foreign language ability in one or more major world languages is preferred. OBJECTIVES The SMT has determined that OFDA needs to maintain a roster of 50 to 75 RATS to meet its surge capacity objectives. Each incumbent will be deployable to backfill Washington positions, to be assigned to field offices for staff enhancement, to serve on DARTs and RMTs as disaster response demands, and to assess critical situations as warranted. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES All RATS will be responsible for performing all or some of the tasks below; however, all work will be done in coordination with OFDA personnel. RATS are considered U.S. Government (USG) employees, and, as such, are required to further USG foreign policy objectives. RATS respond to humanitarian emergencies - natural, technological and conflict-related disasters - as required, worldwide. The contractor may serve in the OFDA Washington offices as staff enhancement when critical shortages of staff occur and on RMTs, which provide program, administrative, technical and logistics support to OFDA DARTs from Washington. The contractor may also be required to travel on short notice as a critical component of a USG disaster assessment team or a DART or to backfill staff members in OFDA regional or program offices overseas. * Conduct initial assessments of the vulnerable population and recommend appropriate relief activities. Facilitate and coordinate actual USG emergency response activities with the USAID Mission, with other donor agencies, and with the U.S. Embassy; * Liaise with other responders, i.e., government agencies, international organizations or private voluntary organizations. Determine the capacity of the affected community and ensure that adequate resources are available to the international response effort. Brief host governments, the U.S. Military, U.S. Embassy and USAID Mission, as necessary; * Coordinate and manage oversight of OFDA-funded activities to ensure the proper use of OFDA program funds. Monitor financial statements from the grantee(s) and the timeliness and quality of response(s); * Identify disaster mitigation measures where appropriate that could be linked to disaster response activities. Review mitigation principles and recommend course(s) of action to OFDA/Washington staff; * Develop various types of country/regional strategies for field offices, DARTs and assessment teams. Provide briefings and written reports as required; * Conduct personnel-related activities, property management, safety and security assessments, supply management, contracting services, leasing, travel, and records management, as needed and when tasked; * Coordinate delivery of relief supplies provided by OFDA. Ensure that distribution is carried out in accordance with USAID policies and regulations and with OFDA strategies; * Interpret USAID policies and apply them to OFDA activities as appropriate; * Determine availability of support resources including staff, equipment, storage, office space, and communications; identify the obligating authority for procurement of supplies, commodities and services; * Participate in appropriate training either as a participant and/or trainer; * Operate DART communications equipment and operate a four-wheel drive or standard-shift vehicle in cross-country conditions; * Provide expert advice to OFDA DARTs, RMTs, regional missions, and/or OFDA?s Washington-based staff on humanitarian issues for populations at risk in conflict, disaster affected, or otherwise food-insecure areas; * Foster an effective team environment; guide and coordinate the work of other team members when serving as Response Manager, DART Leader, or other supervisory capacity; * Adhere strictly to Embassy and Mission security guidelines; coordinate all travel with the DART Leader, the DART Security Officer, the USAID Executive Officer (EXO) and/or the Washington-based RMT. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The incumbents will take direction from and report to the Overseas Administration Team (OAT) Leader or his/her designee, and that person designated as his/her supervisor in the Activation Memo. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in responding to needs. BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTIVE FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position) Candidates who do not meet all of the basic qualifications and selective factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor?s degree with significant study in or pertinent to humanitarian assistance (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, disaster management or a related field), and seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in international humanitarian assistance, including on-the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations or post-emergency rehabilitation; OR Master?s/advanced degree with significant study in or pertinent to humanitarian assistance (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, disaster management or a related field), and five (5) years of relevant professional experience in international humanitarian assistance, including on-the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations or post-emergency rehabilitation; OR Twenty years (20) years of relevant professional experience in international humanitarian assistance, including on-the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations or post-emergency rehabilitation; AND * U.S. Citizenship * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612; * Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs); * Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS: (Used with interview performance and reference check results to determine the ranking of qualified candidates in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in order of importance from highest to least.) QRF #1 Demonstrated experience participating in on-the-ground disaster response effort with relevant organizations involved in disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance, including U.S. Government agencies (e.g., USAID and State Department), international organizations, non-governmental organizations and United Nations (UN) agencies. Experience to include conducting needs assessments, program development, and/or strategic planning; QRF #2 Knowledge of and experience with U.S. Government policy and regulations for responses to natural disasters and complex emergencies; QRF #3 Knowledge of and experience in dealing with foreign governments, other U.S. Government agencies including the State Department, Department of Defense, USAID Regional Missions, as well as other international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and UN agencies involved in humanitarian response; QRF #4 Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of U.S. Government international disaster relief programs, culture and management objectives; QRF #5 Proven skill in oral and written communication in the preparation and presenting of analyses, field assessments, data collection and program evaluations. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Basic Requirements and Selective Factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs), interview performance, and satisfactory academic and professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: The QRFs listed above have been assigned the following points: QRF #1 - 15 points QRF #2 - 10 points QRF #3 - 10 points QRF #4 - 10 points QRF #5 - 5 points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Academic and Professional Reference Checks - 20 points Total Possible Points: 100 NOTE 1 - STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services on a temporary, on-call, basis as a Response Alternatives for Technical Services. It is DCHA/OFDA's intent to contract for these services for up to a maximum of 250 working days per calendar year. The level of effort anticipated under this contract will be provided within the terms of this contract at times mutually agreed to by DCHA/OFDA and the contractor. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, DCHA/OFDA will contact the contractor and provide the following information: 1. Date contractor is needed to report to DCHA/OFDA or assignment in the field 2. Duration of Assignment 3. Place of Performance The contractor will notify DCHA/OFDA within 24 hours of availability. At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a disaster may require the assignment to be extended (not to exceed 250 working days). The Contractor shall notify OFDA at the time of commitment if their existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply assist DCHA/OFDA in recruiting a replacement. Subsequently, if the contractor agrees to an extension of the duration of a particular assignment, thereafter, the contract will be required to give DCHA/OFDA 10 days notice for release from the assignment. WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY: Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov or at Federal offices) or www.globalcorps.com. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 Via facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: general@globalcorps.com The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a temporary secret security clearance and State Department Medical Clearance are not obtained within nine months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION 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 application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (6/99) http://www.arnet.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86). ** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).* (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Worldwide
- Record
- SN01040573-W 20060506/060504220059 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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