SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC - Regional Information Officer - Nairobi, Kenya - OF612 forms - Solicitation
- Notice Date
- 9/13/2012
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 921190
— Other General Government Support
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 7.10-006, Washington, District of Columbia, 20523, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- SOL-OFDA-12-000029
- Archive Date
- 10/30/2012
- Point of Contact
- Allison E. Moses, Phone: 2026619366, Laura Unterholzner, Phone: 202-661-9334
- E-Mail Address
-
amoses@usaid.gov, lunterholzner@usaid.gov
(amoses@usaid.gov, lunterholzner@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Solicitation for SOL-OFDA-12-000029 OF-612 Continuation Sheet OF-612 Form SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-12-000029 ISSUANCE DATE: September 13, 2012 CLOSING DATE: October 15, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Regional Information Officer for the East and Central Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya. Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Regional Information Officer under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: •Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in the "Applying" section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "Applying" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. •Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: rionairobi@globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Allison Moses or Laura Unterholzner Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or (202) 661-9334 E-Mail Address: rionairobi@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Sincerely, Lance Butler III Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Regional Information Officer for the East and Central Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya. 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-12-000029 2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 13, 2012 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: October 15, 2012 at 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Information Officer 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-11 equivalent ($50,287- $65,371 - not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with four (4) option years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya There may be an initial training program in Washington, D.C. for three months, which will include formal classroom training and on-the-job training; and may include security training. After completion of Washington training, the Regional Information Officer will be assigned to the place of performance. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into three divisions. The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs) including the United Nations (UN) agencies, and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. This division also oversees OFDA's non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction. DRM also coordinates with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. DRM devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human-caused disaster situations. It encompasses a group of technical sector specialists who provide expert capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and disaster risk reduction activities. The Program Support Division (PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning and guidance, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA's Washington and field offices. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical and operational support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), coordinating and supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and the Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs) as needed. INTRODUCTION To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to disasters worldwide, OFDA has established six permanent regional offices in the following locations: Budapest, Hungary; San Jose, Costa Rica; Nairobi, Kenya; Dakar, Senegal; Pretoria, South Africa; and Bangkok, Thailand. The sub regional offices are in Almaty, Kazakhstan and in Cairo, Egypt. The regional offices are headed by Principal Regional Advisors (PRAs) who report to the Disaster Response Division Leader in Washington. OFDA's East and Central Africa Regional Office (ECARO), located in Nairobi, Kenya, also includes multiple Regional Advisors, Program Officers, and administrative staff. Within this region, OFDA maintains country offices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Staff from the regional and country offices coordinate with OFDA/Washington on all disaster response activities, determine program priorities, and identify and formulate disaster preparedness, mitigation, and training programs for their respective regions. The Regional Information Officer will be based in the Nairobi office, and will work in conjunction with OFDA's Information Support Unit (ISU) to support information and reporting needs throughout the region. OBJECTIVE OFDA requires the services of one Regional Information Officer in Nairobi, Kenya, to facilitate regular reporting on emergency conditions, response activities, and analysis from the regional office as well as from country offices within the region. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The OFDA Regional Information Officer will primarily provide full time information support to OFDA's ECARO, located in Nairobi, Kenya. The Regional Information Officer will collaborate closely with Information Officers on the East and Central Africa team based in Washington, D.C. or on temporary duty within the region to ensure that information is provided and shared in a timely manner, and that OFDA's information needs are met. When needed, the Regional Information Officer may also travel to other countries in the region to provide information support. Duties will include collecting, synthesizing, and analyzing information pertaining to humanitarian emergencies and response efforts in the region, and drawing upon that information to produce internal U.S. Government (USG) reports, cables, and success stories or regional newsletters, as well as other duties as directed by the PRA. This position requires substantial daily coordination with the ISU and several OFDA staff members based in offices throughout the region, as well as with representatives from other USAID offices, Embassy staff, and the humanitarian community, and therefore requires a highly collaborative work style. The Regional Information Officer must be prepared to function effectively in a challenging, dynamic, fast-paced work environment, and be willing to strictly adhere to U.S. Embassy security guidelines. The incumbent may be required to serve as a critical component of a USG disaster assessment team, DART, Washington, D.C.-based RMT, or to backfill other staff members in the overseas office. The Regional Information Officer's responsibilities will include the following: •Attend humanitarian cluster meetings and collaborate closely with information counterparts from UN agencies and NGOs to ensure that all relevant humanitarian information is obtained and incorporated into USAID/OFDA field products, including official cables, and is provided to Washington, D.C.-based Information Officers in a timely manner. •Serve as one of the principal contact points for OFDA in the region for humanitarian reporting issues. Coordinate closely with both field and headquarters-based components of OFDA's Regional Team and maintain regular contact with development assistance colleagues in the USAID Mission and/or US Embassy. •Participate in humanitarian assessments, meetings with USAID/OFDA partners, and site visits, at the discretion of the PRA, in order to obtain information that will be reported to U.S. Embassy and USAID/OFDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. •Maintain regular contact with the humanitarian community and represent USAID and OFDA on humanitarian reporting issues, as directed by the PRA. This will include but is not limited to UN agencies, IOs, NGOs, USG personnel, donors, host government authorities, and others. •Frequent, short-term travel within the region to report on humanitarian conditions and OFDA responses both independently and as part of a larger team. •Assist in the preparation of agendas and briefings for official USG visitors interested in humanitarian issues. •Travel to Washington, D.C. as needed for training, consultations with the ISU or ECA team, or to complete a rotation within the ISU or on an RMT. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Regional Information Officer will take direction from and will report to OFDA's PRA for ECARO or his/her designee, based in Nairobi, Kenya, and maintain close coordination with OFDA's ISU in Washington, D.C. The ISU will provide appropriate training and quality control feedback to maintain a consistent standard for all OFDA information products. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The supervisor will set overall objectives and determine deadlines and work priorities. The Regional Information Officer will also communicate directly with the ISU regarding information requirements from the regional team in Washington, D.C. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, work closely with the entire ECARO and regional team based in Washington, D.C., and perform with moderate direction in responding to humanitarian emergencies as part of a fast-paced office environment. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, political science, or disaster management) and three (3) years of relevant work experience with the USG, PVO/NGO, IO or UN Agency. Such experience must have a humanitarian focus and include on-the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, or reporting on emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation. Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills. Excellent attention to detail and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and work well with others in a fast-paced environment. OR Master's Degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, political science, or disaster management) and two (2) years of relevant work experience with the USG, PVO/NGO, IO or UN Agency. Such experience must have a humanitarian focus and include on-the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, or reporting on emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation. Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills. Excellent attention to detail and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and work well with others in a fast-paced environment. 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; •Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation sheets submitted; •All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements. •Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; •Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID; •Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; •Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) QRF #1Describe your experience with drafting succinct humanitarian and/or USG reports. QRF #2Describe your field or field-related experience in detail. Based on the job description provided in the solicitation, how will your experience help you to succeed as an IO? QRF #3In 350 words or less, compose a brief providing the background and recent humanitarian trends for a current humanitarian emergency in East and Central Africa for a senior USG official traveling to the region. (Please include a word count at the end of the memo.) QRF #4Detail your demonstrated experience coordinating information management needs within the U.S. government and with foreign governments, UN and other IOs, and NGOs. QRF #5USAID teams are multicultural, with representatives from multiple offices, and often work under tight deadlines with competing pressures. Describe your experience working in a similar environment. What challenges did you face? How did you overcome them? BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will be required to complete a timed writing test in standard English. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory 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 they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection 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: QRFs have been assigned the following points: QRF #1 - 7 QRF #2 - 7 QRF #3 - 6 QRF #4 - 6 QRF #5 - 4 Interview Performance - 30 points Timed Writing Test - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - 10 points Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1.A complete U.S. Government OF-612 form with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, at Federal offices, or at www.globalcorps.com). NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. 2.A 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. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20045 Via facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: rionairobi@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. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process. NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, 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 (10/2003) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). ** 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). ** 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://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. 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 required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. ATTACHMENT 1 ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10 PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm. Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs. (b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. "MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES." (c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer's liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision). (d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met: (1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad; (2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and (3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition. (e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled "Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation." In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs. (f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor's invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism. (g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual's behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider. (h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).
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- Place of Performance
- Address: Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya
- Record
- SN02882005-W 20120915/120914001730-8061d5ac2d847f86360ce8c60cf0699b (fbodaily.com)
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