Program Officer (Multiple Positions) Worldwide

USAID/OFDA

Location:

(Worldwide)

Website:

www.globalcorps.com

Contact Information:

Matthew Sapp

Phone:

202-661-9381

Email:

programofficer@globalcorps.com

Description:

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-11-000028

ISSUANCE DATE: July 27, 2011 CLOSING DATE: July 27, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EDT Open and Continuous Announcement

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Program Officer (Multiple Positions) located Worldwide

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 Program Officer under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall 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 four (4) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned applications shall 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: programofficer@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:

Matthew Sapp or Amanda Kitch Telephone Number: (202) 661-9381 or (202) 661-9349 E-Mail Address: programofficer@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) Program Officer (Multiple Positions, Open and Continuous Announcement)

• 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-11-000028
• 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 27, 2011
• 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 27, 2012, 5:00 pm EDT

This announcement is open and continuous until July 27, 2012, although selections may be made in advance of that date.

NOTE: It is OFDA's intent to contract with multiple Personal Service Contractors (PSCs) under this solicitation. All applications received on or before the following dates:

August 29, 2011, 5:00pm EDT November 29, 2011, 5:00pm EST March 29, 2012, 5:00pm EDT July 27, 2012, 5:00pm EDT

will be reviewed for the number of available positions on that date.

A candidate not contracted with during an earlier period is required to reapply for additional positions available in subsequent review periods. Applications will be reviewed for all available positions under this solicitation subsequent to the date of receipt. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled.

• 4. POSITION TITLE: Program Officer
• 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-12 equivalent ($60,274 - $ 78,355 - 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.

In addition to base salary, standard allowances will be applied in accordance with Department of State regulations. The effective date and percentage rates shall be in accordance with the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR).

• 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year options
• 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide – Post assignments will be determined based upon applicants' qualifications and Agency needs.
• 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 including the United Nations 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 man-made 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 and one sub-regional office. The regional offices are located in San Jose, Costa Rica; Bangkok, Thailand; Dakar, Senegal; Nairobi, Kenya; Pretoria, South Africa, and Budapest, Hungary. OFDA also currently has active country programs in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti.

The regional offices are headed by Principal Regional Advisors (PRAs) who are supported by the Regional Advisors (RAs). The Program Officer's primary responsibility is to assist the PRAs or RAs with assessment and monitoring of existing or evolving crises, maintenance of partner relationship, and facilitation of award management activities. The Program Officer (PO) will also work closely with the Agreement Officer's Technical Representative (AOTR) for all assigned awards and the Regional Team, both of which are located in OFDA/Washington (OFDA/W). It is expected that the PO, under the guidance of the PRA or RA, will also coordinate closely with Embassy and USAID Mission staff where applicable.

OBJECTIVE

OFDA requires the services of Program Officers for its regional offices. It also requires Program Officers for offices that would subsequently be established to support OFDA's broadened program strategies or established offices where a PO vacancy may occur.

• 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The OFDA Program Officer will primarily assist with coordination and management of OFDA's humanitarian emergency efforts in the area of responsibility, under the direction of the PRA or RA. This position requires substantial daily coordination with several OFDA staff in-country and in Washington, D.C., as well as with representatives from other USAID offices, embassies and the humanitarian community, and therefore requires a highly collaborative work style. The Program Officer must be prepared to function effectively in a challenging and restrictive work environment and be willing to strictly adhere to U.S. Embassy security guidelines.

The Program Officer's responsibilities will include the following:

• Serve as the principal in-country point of contact for OFDA assistance awardees operating in the area of responsibility and advise the OFDA AOTR on award issues from development through implementation.
• In close coordination with the PRA, RA, Regional Coordinator (RC), and Disaster Operations Specialist (DOS), work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs), and United Nations (UN) agencies that are developing proposals for OFDA (including grant amendments and extensions). Ensure that draft proposals are in compliance with “OFDA's Guidelines for Unsolicited Proposals and Reporting.” Review concept papers and proposals, and provide recommendations/comments to OFDA for final funding determination.
• Participate, as requested by the PRA or RA, in a broad spectrum of assessments of emergency conditions and assist in the development of programmatic recommendations and implementation mechanisms for OFDA's response programs.
• Maintain regular contact with OFDA grantees, as well as other UN agencies, IOs, and NGOs. As requested by the PRA or RA, meet regularly with donors, host government officials, United States Government (USG) agencies, and others on humanitarian issues in order to explain, advocate for, and advance OFDA's priorities and to help coordinate USG and international humanitarian activities.
• In close coordination with the PRA or RA, travel frequently to assess, evaluate and monitor conditions at OFDA project sites and to make recommendations for interventions in the area of responsibility. Report to OFDA AOTR and the PRA or RA on the quality of the grantee's work, noting deficiencies, attributes and evolving operational conditions.
• Provide regular reporting, through official cables and other means, on issues related to the humanitarian situation in the area of responsibility. Provide overviews of patterns and trends in the humanitarian situation and keep the PRA or RA current on response issues. Provide regular reports on site visits, meetings, general atmospherics and other issues that impact humanitarian relief efforts. Assist the PRA or RA with the communication of this information to OFDA/W.
• Prepare agendas and briefings for official USG visitors interested in humanitarian issues.
• Assist in humanitarian assistance activities in the region of assignment; serve as a critical component of a USG disaster assessment team, DART, RMT, or backfill other staff members in the overseas office, in response to crisis situations.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Program Officer will report to the Principal Regional Advisor for the region of assignment and maintain close coordination with the Disaster Operations Specialist in Washington, D.C.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The supervisor will set overall objectives and will work with the Program Officer to determine deadlines and work priorities. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, 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 a specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field) and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, which must include at least one (1) year of on-the-ground international field experience working in humanitarian assistance. This experience must include one or more of the following: emergency relief operations; monitoring and evaluating humanitarian programs, or needs assessment or analysis.

OR

Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to a specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field) and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance, which must include at least one (1) year of on-the-ground international field experience working in humanitarian assistance. This experience must include one or more of the following: emergency relief operations; monitoring and evaluating humanitarian programs, or needs assessment or analysis.

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 #1 Describe your experience in monitoring incipient disaster situations, developing country strategies, and integrating disaster response, rehabilitation, and preparedness activities.
• QRF #2 Describe your experience in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating USG grants, cooperative agreements, proposals, and contracts. Demonstrate your knowledge of USG regulations as they relate to the above award stages.
• QRF #3 Describe your knowledge of and experience in coordinating relief, transition, and disaster risk reduction activities with host country governments, other USG agencies (such as the State Department, Department of Defense, and USAID Missions), UN and other international organizations, and non-governmental organizations involved in humanitarian response.
• QRF #4 Outline your unique experience and qualifications to evaluate, fund, and monitor USG humanitarian programs.

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 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 – 15 points
• QRF #2 – 15 points
• QRF #3 – 10 points
• QRF #4 – 10 points
• Interview Performance – 30 points
• Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 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, internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, 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 four (4) 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, DC 20045 Via facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: programofficer@globalcorps.com

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.

NOTE: If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE: 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://www.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 HANDICAP, 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).