SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- USPSC USAID/CAR Regional Education Development Specialist (extended)
- Notice Date
- 9/10/2008
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 33-2008
- Response Due
- 9/19/2008
- Archive Date
- 10/4/2008
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana P Rossova,, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 17, Natalya N. Zubkova,, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 08/11/2008 CLOSING DATE: 09/19/2008 (Extended) Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT:Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 33-2008 USPSC REGIONAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST to be located in Almaty, Kazakhstan temporarily then moved to Dushanbe, Tajikistan as convenient to the USG. The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 33/2008 1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:33-2008 2.ISSUANCE DATE:08/11/2008 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:09/19/2008 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4.POSITION TITLE:REGIONAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 5.MARKET VALUE:$68,625 - $89,217 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value – salary history may be considered) 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:Two years (extension optional) 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, to be located in Almaty, Kazakhstan temporarily then moved to Dushanbe, Tajikistan as convenient to the USG. 8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, US Resident Aliens, Permanent Residents, or Third Country Nationals. 9. SECURITY ACCESS: U.S Citizens: Secret Level Third Country Nationals: Employment Authorization 10.JOB DESCRIPTION: A)Background The Regional USAID Mission for Central Asian Republics (USAID/CAR), with headquarters located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a mission with regional responsibility for the development and management of the U.S. Government’s assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. U.S. assistance is geared to assisting and strengthening reforms in the economic, health, education and political sectors in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. B) Basic Function: Under the supervision of the USAID/Central Asian Republics (CAR) Health and Education Director, serves as a professional Education Development Specialist and regional education team leader, performing responsibilities associated with delivering U.S. development assistance programs in the area of basic and higher education in Central Asia. Work is concentrated primarily in the area of assignment, but the incumbent is expected to participate in cross-cutting teams to support projects related to education system development within other program areas. The incumbent works in all areas of the sector, at the level described below, and specifically performs the following major duties and responsibilities. C) Major Duties and Responsibilities: a. Program/Project Development and Management Work60% Responsible for the conceptualization, design, documentation, and management of USAID CAR programs devoted to the development of basic and higher education in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, including identifying and implementing necessary actions related to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Exercises independent judgment and applies broad technical knowledge of formal and non-formal education and trends in preparing or assuring preparation of design and implementation documents, concept papers, briefing and decision memoranda, authorizations, and Congressional notifications. As the regional education team leader for USAID/CAR, assists the Mission in advancing the state-of-the-art of the formal and non-formal education development discipline, and in improving approaches in activity management. Develops and applies new program methods, approaches, and/or technology or extends, revises and adapts existing methodology to new and unusual situations. The social, cultural, economic, governmental, political, and other characteristics of the education programs/projects affect the success of the programs to such a degree that significant program activities must be specifically designed and modified to accommodate them. Designs and participates in education sector assessments, and provides technical leadership for regional and country-specific education strategic planning and portfolio reviews. Presents and defends positions, as required, before annual portfolio and closeout reviews. Provides guidance to technical offices, USAID mission management, USG country teams, and other groups, as required. Coordinates information and builds consensus among various organizations involved in the preparation and approval of various documents. Advises Mission Officers on the implications of assessment conclusions, concepts, and on approved strategies for the design and implementation of ongoing and future activities. Participates in USAID/Washington reviews of Mission program and project proposals which involve significant institutional policy issues, indicates strengths and weaknesses of proposals, and seeks to improve institutional arrangements and structures in order to promote growth and development. Provides analyses of the effectiveness of major policy reform and non-project assistance interventions and those of other development assistance agencies. Manages a variety of highly complex and typically multi-year contracts and grants/agreements, entailing the coordination of efforts and the resolution of conflicting and controversial high profile issues with a number of parties both within and outside the host governments and implementing partners. Exercises definitive technical authority regarding audit issues and disputes. Coordinates educational program efforts for the most difficult programs or projects that have unusually demanding social, economic, cultural, governmental, and political conditions requiring the planning, development, and evaluation of matters of general precedent, extensive controversy, or wide coordination. Develops a data base system to collect information related to program/project activities. Provides technical oversight of cognizant technical officers (CTOs) and activity managers responsible for monitoring and managing education activities at the country level. b. Geographic Area/Region-Wide Technical Resource40% Serves as USAID/CAR’s senior regional advisor on education, advising on and backstopping development assistance activities in the area of basic (primary and secondary) and higher education systems development. Provides leadership, direction and vision for regional education activities. Reviews and analyzes data; develops strategies, analytical models, and methodologies; and provides assistance and advice on education sector issues in Central Asia. Serves as a technical resource to the USAID Mission and USG country teams in CAR in the identification of critical education issues within the region. Develops plans and programs for technical assistance, capital assistance, and other activities in the area of assignment; participates in determining regional and country development objectives, based on cooperating country requests, perceived needs, U.S. policy, and determined priorities. Represents Mission interests on matters related to the sector at regional and country-specific conferences, technical seminars, and high-level policy meetings. Works with cooperating countries in CAR regarding specific interests in education development programs, including the development of national strategies appropriate to their individual circumstances. Ensures USAID education assistance is coordinated with other USG investments in education, and leads USAID/CAR coordination and collaboration with bilateral and multilateral donors involved in education activities. Acts as liaison with policy-level government officials for USAID/CAR to ensure that the Agency's –and broader USG- views and interests are promoted with respect to current and emerging education policy issues, and that those views are taken into consideration in bilateral policy development and implementation. Recommends human and financial resources needed to meet program objectives and fulfill management responsibilities related to education activities. Provides feedback on the performance of activity managers and specialists working on USAID education activities at the country level. Performs other duties as assigned. D) POSITION ELEMENTS: a. Knowledge Required by the Position - Mastery of education training program principles, development concepts, international best practices, pedagogical methods, and techniques to apply proven developments and theories to resolve major education challenges confronting CAR. Expert knowledge of USG, international, and host-government laws and regulations, documentation and reporting requirements, and legal/regulatory processes. b. Supervisory Controls - The supervisor sets the overall assignment objectives, program emphasis, and resources available. The Education Development Specialist and supervisor, in consultation, develop overall priorities and individual work objectives. The Education Development Specialist has the responsibility for independently planning and carrying out education development programs or projects; determining the approach to be taken and the methods to be used; resolving most of the conflicts that arise; coordinating the work with others as necessary; and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. The Specialist keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial or high-profile matters, and problems with far-reaching implications. Completed work is reviewed for conformance to overall requirements, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness in meeting work and program objectives. c. Guidelines - Administrative policies and precedents, ADS Chapters, mission orders, USAID special directives, foreign assistance program definitions, and technical references are generally applicable. The Education Development Specialist uses judgment, initiative and resourcefulness in interpreting guidelines and in developing and recommending new or substantially modified methods, guidance, or policies. d. Complexity - The work includes a wide variety of duties requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods applied to a broad range of activities in the five Central Asian republics. The geographic area of responsibility is quite broad, with significant differences in education priorities and environment. Decision-making relies on a continual assessment of very complex and diverse circumstances that involve major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, or interpretation resulting from such elements as continuing program changes, technological developments, new or unconventional methods, unique or controversial aspects of USAID activities, or conflicting interests or ideas (as between Mission or host-country requirements and recognized educational training practices). This work sometimes requires devising new methods and techniques to produce effective results or to implement advances in the state of the art; establishing criteria for administering or evaluating educational training programs; or developing policy guidance and procedural material for use by Mission, host-country, and/or NGO/PVO personnel. e. Scope and Effect - The purpose of the work is to plan and carry out a variety of important education development activities. The work involves establishing criteria (e.g., developing guidance or procedures for major activities); formulating projects; assessing program effectiveness; investigating or analyzing a variety of unusual conditions or questions; and providing advice and technical expertise to USAID/Washington, Mission personnel, host-country representatives, and others on specific functions or programs. Assignments typically involve education assistance problems that are particularly difficult, or that are systemic in nature. The work directly influences the effectiveness and acceptability of USAID development assistance and, frequently, the operation of other USG agencies or host-government institutions. f. Personal Contacts - The persons contacted by the Specialist include subject matter specialists, training officials, contractors, attorneys, host-country officials, representatives of other USG agencies, professional organizations, organized or ad hoc groups. This level may also include contacts with high-level Agency and local and national government officials - several managerial levels removed from the employee. g. Purpose of Contacts - At times the purpose of contacts is to influence, motivate, or persuade persons or groups who are typically skeptical, resistant, or uncooperative, and who must be approached skillfully to obtain the desired effect (e.g., negotiating policy milestones or timetables with government officials; influencing or persuading NGOs/PVOs to agree to use new or improved technologies about which there may be conflicting opinions; representing USAID as a member of an institutional committee on controversial topics; justifying the feasibility and desirability of plans or proposals that significantly affect NGO/PVO or host-government practices, such as financing reform, corrective action plans, or co-funding requirements for programs/projects. h. Physical Demands - The work is primarily sedentary, although some physical effort may be required, e.g., walking, standing, carrying light items such as manuals or briefcases, or driving or traveling by motor vehicle in rural areas with poor infrastructure. Required overnight travel may be as high as 40% of the time. i. Work Environment - The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, training rooms, and libraries. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. There may be occasional exposure to moderate risks or discomfort during program/project and country visits. E) MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: a. Academic qualifications - Master's degree in area related to education development assistance or in one of the social sciences (economic, public administration, political science, international affairs, public policy international development). b. Technical knowledge and management experience - Minimum six years of progressively responsible international experience in program management related to education systems development is required; experience specific to Central Asia is strongly preferred, although preference will also be given to those with experience in other post-Soviet republics or Central and Eastern Europe. Knowledge of political and social aspects of Central Asian countries -and their educational systems in particular- is very important. Preference will be given to those whose international experience includes strategic planning and analysis. Preference will also be given to individuals with knowledge of USAID procedures and systems for strategic planning, activity design, program monitoring and evaluation. c. Leadership skills - Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills are absolutely critical. Preference will be given to applicants that can demonstrate experience in effectively interacting with a broad range of internal and external partners and clients, such as project beneficiaries, international organizations, government officials, universities or institutes, contractors/grantees, and NGOs. d. Language and communication skills - Must be fluent in English (level IV or V) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing. Must have demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical pieces and make persuasive, logical oral presentations to high-level audiences. Proficiency in Russian (at least level III) is required, and knowledge of Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Turkmen or Tajik languages is desired. Computer proficiency (Windows, MS Office, etc.) is required. F) OTHER REQUIREMENTS a) Medical and Security Clearance - The selected applicant must be able to obtain a security clearance (US Citizens should obtain USG Secret Level and Third Country Nationals should obtain employment authorization); and a US Citizens should obtain Department of State Class I Medical Clearance and Third Country Nationals should obtain Medical Clearance by certified doctor. b) U.S. citizenship is not required, but will be given preference. c) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months. d) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary. e) Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. f) Must be willing to start the job in Almaty, Kazakhstan and relocate to Dushanbe, Tajikistan as convenient to the USG (moving expenses paid by USG). G) SELECTION CRITERIA: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Academic Qualifications: 20 points Technical Knowledge and Management Experience: 40 points Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: 15 points Language and Communication Skills: 25 points Total: 100 points 11. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history and references no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) September 19, 2008. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references (names and contact information) may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 727 2507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The incumbent shall proceed to Almaty, Kazakhstan or Dushanbe, Tajikistan (as directed) to commence performance of the duties specified. The duty post for this contract is Dushanbe, Tajikistan but will be temporarily located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission’s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.] [TCNPSCs WILL BE AUTHORIZED THE USUAL TCNPSC BENEFITS AS STIPULATED IN APPENDIX J OF THE AIDAR UNLESS ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES ARE AUTHORIZED BY THE MISSION DIRECTOR]: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: Almaty, Kazakhstan temporarily then moved to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Tajikistan
- Record
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