SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Contracting Officer
- Notice Date
- 4/5/2010
- 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-00-10-00083-00
- Archive Date
- 5/11/2010
- Point of Contact
- Nafeesa Monali Hussain, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
nhussain@usaid.gov
(nhussain@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: 388-S-00-10-00083-00 ISSUANCE DATE: April 5, 2010 CLOSING DATE: April 26, 2010 at 4:30pm local time in Dhaka Bangladesh POSITION TITLE: Contracting Officer MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104 per annum). The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background. Candidate must be eligible to obtain a warrant. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dhaka, Bangladesh PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (renewable). Hiring subject to approval of the NSDD-38 for this position. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens SECURITY ACCESS LEVEL: Secret level DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Office Director/Supervisory Contracting Officer SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimum. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. •I. BACKGROUND: This position is located in the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), USAID/Bangladesh. USAID/Bangladesh executes programs and projects of a critical and highly specialized nature. The primary purpose of this position is to administer infrastructure and development programs USAID/Bangladesh more specifically in the Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance. These responsibilities include providing support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs in Bangladesh, including project planning, project design, implementation, and evaluation of programs. The incumbent serves as a Contracting Officer and reports directly to the Supervisory Contracting Officer while working as a part of a team in overall support of the Mission. This position will execute and administer procurements in support of assigned USAID/Bangladesh technical sector programs. The PSC will be responsible for planning, developing, soliciting, negotiating, managing, and advising on procurement and contract management in relation to the Mission's assistance programs. The PSC will participate in "cradle to grave" actions - from project design through negotiation, administration and close-out. The PSC will develop and execute procurement plans and provide contract management support to achieve program objectives. II. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION: The incumbent serves as a Contracting Officer in the Office of Acquisition & Assistance (OAA), USAID/Bangladesh. The employee is responsible for all pre-award and post-award functions involving highly complex negotiated procurements of significant importance to the Mission. The work includes support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs in Bangladesh, including procurement planning, activity design, solicitation, negotiation, award and implementation of programs. The Contracting Officer reports directly to the Office Director/Supervisory Contracting Officer. The PSC will provide contracting support to the assigned technical programs within the Mission's overall portfolio, more specifically the infrastructure programs and livelihoods reconstruction programs. III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Procurement Planning: Develops long-range plans for new or complex programs. Responsible for procurement planning activities for assigned technical office, which may include reviewing and clearing procurement plans and procurement documents and representing the Office of Acquisition and Assistance at program planning meetings. Develops acquisition plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions, or financial arrangements that serve as models for future major system acquisitions. Prepares and maintains current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keeps superiors informed of anticipated workload demands. As part of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance team, analyzes and collates approved annual procurement plans. Identifies within assigned sector programs those significant subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract, grant, cooperative agreement, Inter-Agency Agreement, or International Public Organization, or other appropriate mechanism. Acts as advisor to program officials in activity planning meetings, and advises program officials on the procurement instruments to be used. Design and Solicitation Processes: Collaborates in the development of evaluation criteria and assists in the preparation of statements of work. Develops objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and constructs on the contractual or assistance vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside polices, and similar considerations. Provides backstopping services to sectoral personnel by advising on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping responsibilities, and resolution of claims. Prepares solicitation documents. Performs detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals. Determines the competitive range and prepares defensible justifications when required. Conducts pre-proposal conferences with prospective contractors to arrive at a clear understanding of what is required under the proposed contract. Obtains appropriate data from business and technical officials. Issues necessary modifications to clarify questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or clarification of contract clauses or subcontracts. Explores new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at an equitable contract arrangement. In the absence of meaningful cost and price information, develops creative approaches to developing the necessary comparative data. Negotiation and Award: Serves as lead negotiator responsible for a significant program or for major procurements, which may include several types of instruments. Plans, leads, and coordinates the strategy for negotiations with contractors/grantees to develop the award price and terms. Prepares the award documents and recommends their execution. Negotiates Participating Agency Services Agreements (PASA) and Participating Agency Program Agreements (PAPA) in accordance with statutory and procedural regulations and general agreements with other Federal agencies. Negotiations include prices, terms, special conditions, and amendments. Coordinates PASAs and PAPAs with officials in participating Federal agencies and with Mission officials as necessary. Contract Compliance Monitoring and Administration: Conducts in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented contract actions requiring higher-level approval. Ensures that contract terms and conditions are met and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency's projects and programs. Recommends issuing cure or show-cause notices when the contractor is not in compliance. Conducts analysis and prepares required documentation for various contracting actions, including: incremental funding, rate and cost adjustments, redirection of effort, time extension, incorporation of change orders, stop work orders, cure notices or show cause letters, approval of progress payments, final payment to the contractor, and contract closeout. Evaluates the adequacy of the awardee's business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, insurance subcontracting and/or sub-granting procedures, and financial management. Ensures compliance with applicable cost principles, and Cost Accounting Standards and requirements. Performs work associated with the analysis of automated contracting systems, or with providing advice and guidance on contracting and procurement issues including procurement using small/disadvantaged businesses. Reviews grantee's procurement systems and procedures. In response to requests for review by grantees for the purpose of certifying their procurement system and procedures, conducts in-depth on-site evaluations of grantees contracts, contracting procedures, contract planning, competition, cost analysis, organizations, employee qualifications, procurement and contract administration systems, and similar functions. Interprets award provisions for awardees and for officials of the agency, and provides appropriate advice and guidance. Advises technical office counterparts and contractors /grantees/recipients on their administration responsibilities contained in the award. Anticipates problems and provides advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Terminates awards for the convenience of the Government or default by the awardee. The incumbent is responsible for the preparation of all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions. Negotiates termination claims settlement. Resolves audit findings on post-award audits. Responds to protests by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history. Works with USAID Legal Officers in proposing the Agency position, and Contracting Officer reports to support the Government defense on protests to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Other Duties: Recommends new or improved processes in a functional area of procurement, e.g., pre-award or price/cost analysis, including responsibility for formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation to subordinate contracting activities. Responds to protests by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history. Works with the Legal Officer in preparing the Agency's position and Contracting Officer reports to support the Government's defense on protests to the GAO. Provides ongoing technical advice and recommendations to both contracting and technical office personnel. Acts as a liaison to various offices. Recommends, develops, issues, and maintains contracting policies to ensure consistency in implementation. IV. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: Guidelines Policies and precedents are available but stated in general terms or are of limited use. Extensive searches of a wide range of regulations and policy circulars are frequently required. The PSC uses experienced judgment and initiative in applying principles underlying guidelines, in deviating from traditional techniques, or in researching trends and patterns to develop new approaches, criteria, or proposed policies. Complexity The work is characterized by breadth of planning, review, and coordination or depth of problem identification and analysis, stemming from the variety of the procurement functions or from unknowns, changes, or conflicts inherent to the issues. Work involves varied duties requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods which cover the full range of contracting and assistance activities in the assigned functional area(s) or contract reviews which reveal trends and common problems. Decisions involve responsiveness to continuing changes in programs or technological developments. Procurements typically require new or modified contract terms and conditions, funding arrangements, or policy interpretation throughout the pre-award and post award phases. The PSC develops data and recommends or initiates action to resolve a variety of problems under different award instruments such as contract awards and awards under assistance. Actions include factors not routinely encountered. Determining what needs to be done includes analysis of alternatives, adaptation, or modification of procedures, or resolution of incomplete or conflicting technical or contractor data. Scope and Effect The purpose of the work is to provide expertise as a specialist in a functional area of contracts and grants/cooperative agreements by furnishing advisory, planning, or reviewing services on specific problems, projects, or programs. The work affects a wide range of procurement and assistance activities such as the operation of procurement programs in various locations, the accomplishment of significant procurement of technical program goals, or the economic position of contractors or on their respective areas. Personal Contacts Personal contacts include a variety of specialists, managers, officials, or groups from outside the agency in a moderately unstructured setting where the purpose and extent of each contact is usually different, and the role and authority of each party is identified and developed during the course of the contact. Purpose of Contacts Contacts are to obtain agreement on previously determined goals and objectives through negotiation, persuasion, and advocacy. The individuals or groups may be uncooperative, have different negotiation objectives, or represent divergent interests. Physical Demands The work is sedentary. Work Environment The work is performed in an office setting. V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/SUPERVISION: The incumbent will be supervised by the Supervisory Contracting Officer. The Supervisory Contracting Officer sets the overall objectives of the work as well as the available resources. The PSC, in consultation with the Supervisory Contracting Officer, develops specific objectives and priorities. The PSC independently plans and carries out the work, selecting the approaches and techniques to be used, and informs the supervisor of progress and significant problems. Work is evaluated on the degree to which program and regulatory requirements are met. VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA: 1. Education: (15 points) A Bachelor's degree and 24 business credit hours in a relevant major listed below, is desired. However, relevant extensive work experience, if demonstrably successful, may be substituted or be given appropriate consideration. Relevant majors are business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management. Completion of courses leading to the Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting (FAC-C) (or its predecessor PMCP) is highly essential. 2. Experience: (30 points) Seven to ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in acquisition and assistance functions. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment in the full range of responsibilities: procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. Experience that demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration. Experience in leading teams and supervisory skills is desired. Experience in construction contracting is highly desired. 3. Knowledge: (35 points) Demonstrated knowledge of federal contracting (specifically construction contracting) and assistance principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts, grants and cooperative agreements for a variety of specialized equipment, services, and construction, or to conduct studies of problem areas and develop standard methods and operating procedures. Familiarity with business practices and market conditions applicable to program and technical requirements is required sufficient to evaluate such actions as bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and/or contractor performance. 4. Skills and Abilities: (20 points) Must be able to work independently in a highly demanding environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. The ability to plan, organize and manage complex negotiations and meetings is very important. Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently with little supervision; ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time is essential. Demonstrated ability to work collegially with technical officers, peers, and supervisors with good interpersonal skills and past performance in working effectively in a team environment is required. S/he must be able to adhere to high standards of professional conduct. Demonstrated ability to lead team and provide strategic advice on highly complex, time sensitive procurements. Must be able to communicate complex and difficult policy and programmatic issues understandably by knowledgeable laypersons without oversimplifying. Demonstrated ability to conduct contract negotiations. Demonstrated skills in managerial and coordinative activities sufficient to conduct a variety of contractual actions occurring concurrently, is essential. Excellent oral and written English communications skills and proven ability to produce technical documents are required. Versatility in the use of computers, especially Word and EXCEL is a must. VII. SELECTION FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) •· Applicant is a U.S. citizen/national (permanent resident); •· Completed and signed Federal Form OF-612 is submitted; •· Supplemental documents, especially a resume and/or additional information addressing the Evaluation criteria, is submitted; •· Ability to obtain a "Secret" level security clearance or employment authorization clearance, as provided by USAID; and •· Ability to obtain a Contracting/Agreement Officer warrant from USAID VIII. TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The term of the contract will be for two years with an option for extension subject to the availability of funds and the continued need for the position. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the EXO/Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the EXO/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 14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-14 band. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-14 equivalent, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-14 pay band. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, 5% Sunday Pay Differential and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance; and a Department of State medical clearance. 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. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health Insurance: 72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,266 for a contractor or $20,339 for a contractor with family). The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore hire 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 (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, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempted 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 EXO/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, EXO/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 date. 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 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/Dhaka 2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Nafeesa Monali Hussain, Human Resources Assistant, USA
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/BAN/388-S-00-10-00083-00/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Bangladesh, C/O american Embassy, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka. Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Record
- SN02113323-W 20100407/100405235346-fce326add8f818c497092a951746ceb1 (fbodaily.com)
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