ISSUANCE DATE: June 28, 2021 CLOSING DATE: July 27, 2021 CLOSING TIME: 12:00 Noon CAT DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: July 26, 2021 CLOSING TIME FOR QUESTIONS: 12:00 Noon CAT
Subject: Solicitation # 72061321R00006 Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Contracting Specialist (GS-12 or equivalent), USAID/Zimbabwe.
Ladies/Gentlemen:
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.
Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. To be considered for the position, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed under Minimum Qualifications in this solicitation. Completed application must be mailed to the submission address specified in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications in accordance with the Selection Criteria in this solicitation. Submission instructions can be found under “Instructions to Applicants.” Submissions will be accepted electronically only. Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications for their records.
• Completed and hand-signed federal form OF 309-2 (including OF 309-2 continuation sheets as needed). Incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered. The OF 309-2 can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF 309-2. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.
Any questions as well as submission of applications in response to this solicitation must be directed to: Sara Suliman E-mail: [email protected].
This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award all or none of the contracts contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds.
Sincerely,
Sara Suliman Acting Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Zimbabwe
2 Lorraine Drive, Westgate Telephone: +263 86 7701 1000 USAID (DOS) P.O. Box 6988, Harare Internet: zimbabwe.usaid.gov 2186 Harare Place Zimbabwe Washington DC 20521-2180
SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061321R00006
ISSUANCE DATE: June 28, 2021
CLOSING DATE: July 27, 2021, 12:00 Noon CAT
POSITION TITLE: Contracting Specialist
MARKET VALUE: GS-12 Annualized Equivalent Base ($66,829 - $86,881). The final compensation will be negotiated within the market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Harare, Zimbabwe
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with a one-year option period, maximum duration of contract three years subject to availability of funds and needs of the Mission; 40 hours per week.
STATEMENT OF WORK: As described below.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The work area is adequately well lighted, heated and ventilated. Temporary Duty (TDY) travel, however, may present instances of temporary environmental stress due to inadequate work conditions.
START DATE: o/a September 2021
SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Incumbent reports to the Supervisory Executive Officer
SECURITY ACCESS: Facility Access Clearance
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, with prior existing work permits in Zimbabwe or the established ability to work within the U.S. Mission. (U.S. Resident Hire)
I. BACKGROUND
The Contracting Specialist supports the Executive Office of USAID/Zimbabwe to provide contracting close-out and electronic filing verification support. The incumbent may interact with a wide range of Embassy staff; contractors, and other USAID personnel to carry out assigned responsibilities. The Contracting Specialist reports directly to the Supervisory Executive Officer while working as a part of the Executive Office team in overall support of the Mission.
II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as the Executive Office’s Contract Closeout and Administration Specialist, responsible for closing out all Personal Service Contracts and Purchase Orders for USAID/Zimbabwe. The Contracting Specialist will additionally audit Executive Office-controlled ASIST files and direct any necessary corrections or augmentations to files.
• Prepares procurement actions i.e., purchase orders (PO) and task orders from indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQs) for housing renovations, IT purchases and office retreats or similar. • Collects quotations from vendors, prepares the PO, negotiation memo and supporting documents, including ensuring that vendors’ SAM.gov registrations are active. • Makes small purchases for EXO using a purchase card up to a limit of $10,000. • Identifies expired or expiring contracts, independently reviews files, and follows up with the responsible staff or contractors on the confirmation of all deliverables, reports, payments, refunds/rebates, release of liability documents due to the US Government. Initiates closeout actions in accordance with the Agency’s closeout procedures, coordinates with the concerned offices to provide the required information requirements, analyzes and verifies the accuracy and completeness of the information and prepares and distributes Closeout Completion Statements. Completes the procedures for closing out awards in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), USAID Acquisition and Acquisition Policy Directives (AAPDs), applicable regulations on assistance (22 CFR 226), Mission Orders and USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS). • Reconciles and proposes deobligation requests. • Meets with contractors and recipients to resolve outstanding issues related to closeout. Makes an independent judgment to recommend to the Executive Officer (EXO) whether or not a Bill for Collection should be issued to the contractor/recipient. • Review current award and administration files, maintaining a close-out tracking system of all expired acquisition and assistance awards and showing the status of each close-out. Compiles and provides information and reports on all expired awards. Forwards all appropriate information to the Records Clerk to ensure the record retention period. • Prepares weekly reports for the EXO on the status of close-outs. • Approves FMO vouchers on behalf of EXO.
III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Selection factors determine basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.
The applicant must have: • U.S. Citizenship • Pre-existing permit to work in Zimbabwe or authority to work within the U.S. Mission in Zimbabwe • Ability to obtain facilities access security clearance, as provided by USAID • A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
IV. SELECTION CRITERIA:
Evaluation Criteria: • Technical Knowledge: (50 points) Knowledge of the principles and practices of USG contracting, proof of completed USG contracting courses and certifications, specific knowledge of USAID’s procedures as related to Personal Services Contracts and Purchase Orders under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, specific knowledge of FAR Part 4. • Skills and Abilities: (50 points) Attention to detail, research, analytical, organizational, and communications skills and ability to work effectively both individually and as a member of a team. Ability to plan, organize, use time effectively, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work within tight deadlines. Ability to influence relationships positively. Project management skills and the ability to take initiative working with the direction of management; taking ownership of projects, solving problems, and seeing projects through to completion.
Consideration and selection will be based on a panel review of the application against the Selection Criteria. The most qualified applicants will be selected from the evaluation criteria listed above.
Professional references and academic credentials may be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. References with their contact information should be provided in the application.
Please note that not all applicants will be contacted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to write a brief appendix to an OF 309-2 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the required Selection Factors and Criteria listed above.
IV. HOW TO APPLY
Qualified individuals are requested to submit:
• USAID Form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts) with handwritten signature (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/); • A resume must be attached to the AID 309-2. Resumes must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination of meeting experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. • A recent writing sample of not more than two pages.
In order to fully evaluate applications, resumes must include:
• Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. • Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. • Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. • A brief appendix or cover letter that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training address directly the evaluation criteria should be attached. • A scanned or emailed copy of transcripts or diploma for the highest degree attained. • Names and current contact information of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation. • Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.
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. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The U.S. Government will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.
VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave
THE FOLLOWING ALLOWANCES ARE NOT PAYABLE TO A RESIDENT HIRE US PSC: 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).
TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.
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.
USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:
1) USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at 2) https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf. 3) Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. 4) Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. 5) Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.
See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.