SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer
- Notice Date
- 1/12/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388-S-00-10-00040-00
- Archive Date
- 3/4/2010
- Point of Contact
- Abdus Sobhan Khan, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
skhan@usaid.gov
(skhan@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: 388-S-00-09-00018-00 ISSUANCE DATE: January 13, 2010 CLOSING DATE: February 17, 2010 POSITION TITLE: Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer MARKET VALUE: $98,156 - $127,604 (GS-15). Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Office Director, Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (OFDHA) SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimum. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years. The Personal Services Contract may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SECURITY CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizens: Secret Level Employment Authorization for US Residents and Third Country Nationals AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, US Resident Aliens, Permanent Residents, Green Card Holders, or Third Country Nationals SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) FOR CYCLONE SIDR RECONSTRUCTION ENGINEER A. OVERVIEW: On November 16, 2007, Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh damaging thousands of schools and much infrastructure. The USAID Administrator announced the U.S. Government's pledge of $75 million for cyclone relief and reconstruction programs, much of which is to be channeled through USAID/Bangladesh. The reconstruction and livelihoods' package will have a major component related to building school/cyclone shelter facilities in 11 cyclone Sidr affected districts in Southern Bangladesh. The Reconstruction Engineer will serve as the chief engineering officer on the ground and activity manager for the USAID-financed school/cyclone shelter reconstruction portfolio. The Bangladesh Cyclone Reconstruction and Recovery Program aims to build improved school/cyclone shelter facilities in 11 cyclone impacted districts of Southern Bangladesh. This may include: Design/build new turn-key school/cyclone shelters as determined in consultation with USAID, the GOB and local communities. Perhaps as many as 100 such structures will be built in the cyclone impacted districts of Southern Bangladesh. USAID/Bangladesh seeks to contract with an experienced Reconstruction Engineer who will have principal responsibility for this Program. The Reconstruction Engineer's major duty will be to serve as Cognizant Technical Officer's Representative (COTR). As COTR, he/she will be responsible for managing USAID/Bangladesh's reconstruction program being implemented in southern Bangladesh. The incumbent may oversee an Architectural and Engineering firm as well as an international construction contractor responsible for implementing the shelter activities through Bangladeshi construction firms. The incumbent will monitor how well the contractor(s) is progressing towards achieving the contract's purpose and will be responsible for providing technical direction to the contractor(s) on behalf of the Contracting Officer, critical to ensuring good contract performance. The overriding concern will be maintaining quality control over construction activities and outcomes. The incumbent will be responsible for recruiting and supervising sufficient engineering staff to oversee this program. As part of this duty, the incumbent will also provide expert technical advice to USAID, the Government of Bangladesh, and other USAID partners on cyclone reconstruction issues, and will serve as a key member of the USAID/Bangladesh team. The incumbent will reside in Dhaka, Bangladesh and should expect frequent travel for program oversight. B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will serve as Cognizant Technical Officer's Representative (COTR) for the school/cyclone shelter construction contract(s) and as program manager. This will include the following tasks: •a) Technical Oversight : Supervise, manage and provide technical direction to contractor(s), including evaluating detailed engineering designs, plans and cost estimates for assigned programs and activities; analyzing and evaluating designs, drawings, specifications, schedules and equipment requirements; overseeing formal evaluation of contractor performance, contract administration and enforcement, procurement of goods and services, project coordination and scheduling, and compliance with USG and USAID regulations like the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Agency environmental regulations (CFR 216). Other responsiblities include, participating/overseeing in master planning processes regarding setting of infrastructure activities, taking into account population distribution patterns, geographic/geologic features, security and cultural concerns, and the location of other USAID activities like health services improvement and livelihoods generation. Further, the incumbent is responsible for Identifying building guidelines and codes for cyclone wind resistance, and swampy soils, modifying them for application to Bangladesh, and ensuring they are followed by contractors, as well as assessing risks from other types of natural disasters and implementing appropriate policies and standards and supervising and coordinating any short-term consultancies. •b) Program Management : Provide management for the full range of activities described in this statement of work, including supervising staff, submitting status and other reports and memoranda to the Mission management, regarding progress and performance, problems and corrective actions, and general oversight (trip and site visit reports, and memoranda of conversations). Reports shall be of sufficient scope so as to be useful to USAID in fully monitoring the progress of contract administration and reviewing contractor performance. Where deficiencies are noted, corrective action will be recommended; participating and overseeing project implementation unit meetings and other technical meetings as required; briefing the FDHA Office Director on a regular basis and Front Office as necessary on progress and problems encountered in the program; providing creative solutions to construction and logistics problems faced because of technical constraints, politics, environment, social and economic factors, land tenure, and security. Write required reports relating to budget and reporting responsibilities of program management. These reports include an annual Operations Plan report, with a key issues section; various budget and procurement plan submissions. Participate in semi annual performance reviews of the program, review of obligations and quarterly accruals, participate in management control reviews as relate to the construction program. Prepare and deliver presentations to various audiences from members of Congress and Cabinet-level officials to Bangladeshi community groups. •c) Financial Management : Provide financial oversight for approximately $35 million, including but not limited to: budget oversight and monitoring, review of payment vouchers, response to audits and assessment of claims. •d) Contract Management : Keep the Contracting Officer informed on progress, proposed contract modifications to initiate corrective actions, validity of claims, analysis of change order requests and recommendations for approval/disapproval, analysis of proposals, and assessment of contract time extensions. •e) Compliance Oversight : Develop and implement standards and assessment tools that eliminate unacceptable results and produce an acceptable level of compliance to construction quality standards. This will include inspection of project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety and sanitation standards. •f) Program Coordination : Coordinate with Government of Bangladesh on issues related to identifying appropriate sites for construction of school/cyclone shelter facilities. The GOB will provide a list of potential sites for the school/cyclone shelter program. The incumbent is responsible for making recommendations for the final list of sites in consultation with A/E firm staff and the Office Director, Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (OFDHA). Lead meetings and liaise with senior Government of Bangladesh officials, international NGOs and other donor agencies on cyclone Sidr infrastructure activities. •g) Synergy with other USAID activities : Explore the potential for incorporating food/cash for work programs, and other livelihoods activities, into the construction programs. C. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: The candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in civil or architectural engineering with a strong background in and understanding of international development issues, particularly as they relate to infrastructure and policy development and capacity building in developing countries. A master's degree in civil engineering or equivalent discipline, and/or professional licensing or certifications are desirable. Experience: •a) Technical Expertise: A minimum of 7 - 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the following areas is required: design, construction supervision, bid preparation, cost estimating, operation and maintenance of large, complex facilities, and/or related project management. Public facilities (schools, hospitals, clinics, offices, industrial buildings and roads) construction experience is preferred. It is desired that the candidate have expertise in building to withstand cyclones and other natural disasters commonly experienced in swampy environments. Ideally, the candidate should have skills in addressing the complex logistical problems posed by construction in remote swampy regions. •b) Project Management Expertise: It is desired that the candidate have a minimum of 4 years of technical experience managing construction projects in foreign countries, preferably in developing or transitional countries. Experience in implementing development programs in Asia is highly desirable; particularly South Asia and Bangladesh. The candidate should have experience working with developing country governments at all levels (national, district, sub-district, municipality, and community), ideally on construction of publicly owned and managed infrastructure. •c) Contract Management Expertise: It is desired that the candidate have a minimum of 2 years of experience in contract and grant management of construction projects in foreign countries, preferably in developing or transitional countries. Experience in analyzing change order requests and contract modifications, proposal analysis and analysis of contract extension requests is highly desirable. Skills and Abilities: The candidate should possess good personal communication skills and a collaborative working style. He/she should have experience working in multilateral development programs, and with professionals and technical experts from other countries; Specific experience in Federal (U.S. Government) construction project management is highly desirable; Knowledge of A-E and construction contracting with in-depth experience administering change orders in A-E and construction contracts is highly desirable; and Experience in resolving issues related to construction projects is highly desirable. Languages: The candidate must be fluent in English, have strong technical writing and communication skills. Bangla language ability is desirable. D. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Selection will be based on the following criteria (100 points total). Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated based on evaluation factors. Applicants are required to address each of the evaluation criteria 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, the last four digits of your social security number and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the minimum qualifications and/or evaluation factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. Evaluation factors will be used to establish a preliminary rating of candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Highly rated candidates may be asked to submit written responses to a series of questions to further evaluate their technical and written communication skills. Highly rated candidates may be interviewed and reference checks will be conducted, after which time final ratings will be established. In their responses to each of the following criteria, applicants should make sure to address the required and desirable qualifications mentioned in the previous section, giving extra attention to describing experience in developing countries. 1. Technical Skills: (40 Points) A bachelor's degree in civil or architectural engineering. A post graduate degree in structural engineering or construction management is highly desirable. A professional engineering license/registration is highly desirable Additional education and relevant training will be considered. Demonstrated experience in initiating, developing and implementing infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, commercial and/or industrial buildings, roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, etc. Demonstrated experience in the design, construction, quality control, and project management of infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, commercial and/or industrial buildings, roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, and other structural facilities. 2. Management Skills: (30 Points) Demonstrated construction and program management skills including experience in program, contract and grants administration and management. Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently manage/supervise resources (staff equipment, budget). Experience in acting as "owner representative" on design and construction projects including evaluating and advising on the negotiation of change orders. Extensive field experience in developing countries accomplishing these tasks is preferred. 3. Interpersonal Skills: (15 Points) Prior experience and demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a variety of people with different backgrounds and interests including senior officials of host governments, international organizations, contractors, and local nationals. Ability to work collaboratively with senior host country officials and representatives of international organizations, donors, NGOs, other US Government officials, and USAID assistance providers. Experience in developing countries, post-conflict environment or emergency response situations is preferred. 4. Communication Skills (15 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations and briefings, written reporting and analysis, and information technology tools including soliciting information, defending proposals, and negotiating agreements, especially with people at high levels and in sensitive positions, as well as with customers and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and interests. E. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The Reconstruction Engineer will report directly to the Office Director of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance of USAID/Bangladesh. The incumbent will be responsible for the preparation of annual work plans and semi-annual reviews of progress on work objectives and trip reports covering purpose, pending issues/actions, and persons met, after each TDY. The incumbent is responsible for other USAID reporting requirements relating to infrastructure projects managed, as well as reports responding to ad hoc requests for information. F. SUPERVIOSRY CONTROL OVER POSITION: It is anticipated that the person filling this position will have a supervisory role. The position will entail supervision of Bangladeshi professional engineers and administrative staff as well as short-term technical consultants. The incumbent will work closely with Government of Bangladesh officials (Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Local Government Engineering Department) and play a lead role in USAID administration of construction activities, with an emphasis on monitoring implementation progress and the performance of the USAID financed Bangladeshi and U.S. construction supervision and construction services contractors. As a Personal Services Contractor, the incumbent does not have the authority to commit the Mission legally or contractually, nor to enter into any agreement for the purchase of goods and services. G. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work in the office is mostly sedentary; however the incumbent will be expected to travel to the field regularly. Travel to the field is physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads and sleeping in rudimentary conditions. H. TERM OF PERFORMANCE: The term of the contract will be for two years from on/about May 1, 2010 to on/about April 30, 2012 (unless otherwise agreed). Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, FICA, Sunday Differential (only for USPSC) and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. I. POSITION ELEMENTS: Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management. Authority to Make Commitments: No. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with local and international media, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, partners, implementers, and institutional contractors. Supervision Exercised: Yes, primarily FSN personnel and related contracts for communications services. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first six months of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. •J. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer shall perform the services for a period of two years, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received; the incumbent will be expected to proceed to Bangladesh to commence services. The SOW described has been classified at a U.S. Government GS-15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-15 equivalent level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirement for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-15 pay band. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-15 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differential and the benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change will be added. The current USAID/Bangladesh's Post Differential Allowance is 30%. USAID will provide housing and office support. If you have any other questions on the compensation or living conditions, please email the Contracting Officer, Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, at Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov Medical and Security Clearance: If a USPSC is selected, s/he must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance. The TCN candidate must be able to obtain a Security Certification for employment. The medical examination is to be conducted by the authorized physician at his/her post. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits. TCNPSC will also be authorized same benefits as an offshore USPSC's. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only). 100% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500). 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs. (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220)(5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance for dependents (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, consumables allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1. OF-612 or SF-171 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal. Applicant's detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, EXO Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh 2. Shefali Saha, HR Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh. 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, HR Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh 4. Nafeesa Monali Hussain, HR Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh
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- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Bangladesh
- Record
- SN02040913-W 20100114/100112235401-5e06835c58c077be87d5a3eb015be5be (fbodaily.com)
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