Disaster Operations Specialist – multiple positions

SOLICITATION NO: M/OP-03-494
ISSUANCE DATE: January 30, 2003
CLOSING DATE: April 14, 2003 - 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

Disaster Operations Specialist – multiple positions

Gentlemen/Ladies:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612 or SF-171.  Applications that are received without signature will not be considered for the position.

Questions may be directed to Jesse C. Freese 202-661-9366 or Heather Cameron 202-661-9369, or Fax at 240-465-0244 or via e-mail at dos@globalcorps.com. Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals.

Sincerely,

Rosella Marshall
Contracting Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OP-03-494
2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 30, 2003
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 14, 2003 - 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
4. POSITION TITLE: Disaster Operations Specialist – multiple positions
5. MARKET VALUE: $57,421 to $74,648 (please see note after qualifications)
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: March 3, 2003 – March 2, 2005
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC
8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

Please see below for:

(1)    Note Concerning Market Value

(2)    Important Note Concerning the Number of Contractors to be Hired and the Closing Date

 

Disaster Operations Specialist

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Disaster Operations Specialist (DOS) will be one member of a multi-person Enhanced Regional Team consisting of a Regional Coordinator, Information Officers, and Technical Specialists. Under the management of the Regional Coordinator, the DOS will work with the other Enhanced Regional Team members to manage foreign disaster relief and mitigation programs.

Duties and responsibilities are as follows. (Please note: Some responsibility will be assigned only after the DOS has demonstrated competency in basic USAID and OFDA procedures and policies for disaster response and mitigation. These more advanced duties pertain to external coordination, technical proficiency, and field deployment.)

Grant Portfolio Management:

Assume primary responsibility for the management of OFDA funded programs in assigned region of responsibility. In coordination with Regional Teams and TAG members:

• Interface with implementing organizations regarding project proposals submitted for OFDA funding to ensure proposals provide information required by OFDA's Grant Guidelines and to discuss the appropriateness to OFDA program objectives and budget line items;

 

• Coordinate interagency reviews proposals for relief programs in disaster stricken countries. This will include developing issues papers, preparing and distributing briefing packets for all invitees, determining the need for follow-up meetings, reporting on the outcome of the proposal review to US Government personnel in the field, and drafting official correspondence to PVO/NGOs, IOs and UN agencies;

 

• Prepare all documentation to expedite grant project approval. This will involve properly inputting data into the New Management System (NMS) for transmittal to the USAID Office of Procurement;

 

• Track program reports from grantees and ensure reports are received in a timely manner; read program reports to ensure that program objectives have been achieved; collate input from report for feedback to grantee, and share reports with Regional Team members, as appropriate;

 

·         Expedite the flow of programmatic and other documents through the clearance process; Perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the Regional Coordinator.

 

Disaster Mitigation and Response:

Assume responsibility for monitoring threatening and incipient disasters and reviewing, coordinating, administrating, and implementing emergency relief and rehabilitation programs in the assigned region of responsibility consistent with OFDA's regional/country strategy. In coordination with Regional Teams and TAG members:

• Review and monitor national disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness plans for assigned countries in collaboration with regional team;

 

• Share in the oversight and updating of OFDA's regional and country strategies for the region;

 

• Assure a timely and appropriate response to the Ambassador's disaster declaration, including reviewing Mission/Embassy recommendations for assistance, and prepare/clear appropriate guidance to the U.S. Mission/Embassy on resources and strategies to respond to the disaster situation;

 

• Coordinate with regional team and TAG members, USAID regional bureaus, other DCHA offices, the State Department, Department of Defense, other donor governments, United Nations agencies, PVOs/NGOs, and other international organizations to develop an inclusive US response to the declared disaster;

 

• Review the conceptual soundness, technical feasibility and budget for disaster assistance activities and emergency projects;

 

• Maintain contact with OFDA field representatives and the OFDA Regional Office to discuss implementation of activities and assessment of disaster mitigation program/needs;

 

• Recommend to the Regional Coordinator policy and program options consistent with US Government foreign policy objectives and provide effective and appropriate response to meet the needs of the disaster victims (or potential victims); and, Serve on or backstop DCHA/OFDA assessment teams and Disaster Assistance Response Teams

 

• (DARTs) to disaster sites when deemed necessary and follow up with appropriate reports and/or cables.

 

• Perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the Regional Coordinator.
  
  

Administrative:

In coordination with Regional Teams and TAG members:

• Maintain standardized office files for activities that are assigned as principle responsibilities;

 

• Review daily cable traffic and highlight important information for Regional Team;

 

• Attend team, office, and other meetings as assigned by the Regional Coordinator; when necessary prepare summaries of these meetings.

 

• As assigned by Regional Coordinator, develop and execute official documents, including but not limited to entries into the NMS, memos, cables, and information requests.

 

• Perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the Regional Coordinator.

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the basic qualifications and selection factor(s) will be further evaluated based on the quality ranking factors listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

BASIC QUALIFICATION AND SELECTIVE FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Candidates not meeting the basic qualifications and selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position, however see NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE following the qualifications)

4 year college degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to International Relations and Political Science, and Disaster Management) and 4 years of relevant work experience with United States Government (USG), Private Volunteer Organizations (PVO)/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), International Organizations (IO) and/or United Nations (UN) Agencies, such experience to include responsibility in determining budget levels, selecting programs for funding, and managing and evaluating funded programs in a results type framework.

OR

Master’s Degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to International Relations, Political Science, and Disaster Management) and 2 years of relevant work experience with USG, PVO/NGO, IO or UN Agency, such experience to include responsibility in determining budget levels, selecting programs for funding, and managing and evaluating funded programs in a results type framework.

Work experience in international humanitarian assistance and/or disaster response.

Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance as provided by USAID.

US Citizenship.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS:
(Determines the ranking of qualified candidates in comparison to other applicants) The factors are listed in the order of importance from the highest to the least.

Knowledge of and experience in dealing with foreign governments, State Department, Department of Defense, USAID Regional Offices, other USG organizations and international organizations to develop U.S. responses to disasters and disaster preparedness activities and coordinate the responses with donors.

Knowledge and experience of the assigned region of responsibility monitoring incipient disaster situations, developing country strategies, integrating disaster response, rehabilitation, and preparedness.

Knowledge and experience of USG policy and regulations for responses to natural disasters and complex emergencies.

Experience interfacing with private volunteer organizations and ensuring project proposals meet required guidelines, tracking and reviewing program reports, and coordinating interagency proposal reviews.

Ability to review and negotiate grant proposals from private voluntary organizations wishing to work in a disaster-stricken country.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation of briefing packets, reports, memos, cables, and other official documents.

(1) NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE:

Individuals not warranting the proposed grade of the position, due to lack of qualifications, work experience, or for other appropriate reasons may be considered per CIB 98-11 which states in part: “If a preferred or acceptable candidate does not warrant the proposed grade of the position, due to lack of qualifications, work experience, or for other appropriate reasons, the Technical Officer can either rewrite the position to a lower grade or consider the use of a trainee level (one grade below), until such time as the incumbent can perform the duties and responsibilities of the position at the full performance level.” The trainee level grade has a market value of $47,910 to $62,287.

(2) IMPORTANT NOTE CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF CONTRACTORS TO BE HIRED AND THE CLOSING DATE

It is OFDA’s intent to contract with multiple Personal Service Contractors under this Solicitation. All applications, including those previously reviewed in relation to an earlier review period, received on or before the following dates:

 February 24, 2003

April 14, 2003

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

A candidate not contracted with during an earlier period need not 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.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004
Via facsimile: 240-465-0244
Via email: dos@globalcorps.com

FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER VACANCIES OR FOR INFORMATION ON THE STATUS OF THIS VACANCY, CALL (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9366

PLEASE READ ATTACHED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

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.

A Voluntary Background Survey can be obtained from the above listed contacts or on-line at http://www.usaid.gov/about/employment/idi79-2.pdf . The information from this survey is used to help insure that agency personnel practices meet the requirements of Federal law. Your responses are voluntary and not required.

I. How To Apply
A. Submit a signed OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or SF-171, Application for Federal Employment. You include a resume as an annex to either of these forms. You must include the following information regardless of which application form/format you choose:
1) The announcement number, title and grade and/or pay band of the position for which you are applying.
2) Personal Information
a) Full name, mailing address (including ZIP Code), home and work telephone numbers (including area code)
b) Social security number AND country of citizenship
c) Veterans' preference.
d) Competitive status.
e) Highest Federal civilian grade held, including job series and dates held.
3) Education
a) High school - name, city, state and ZIP Code (if known) and date you received diploma or GED.
b) Colleges and universities - name, city, state and ZIP Code (if known), major(s), type(s) of degree(s) received and date(s) received. If you did not receive a degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours.
4) Job-Related Work Experience (Paid and Nonpaid)
a) Job title (include series and grade if Federal) AND salary
b) Starting and ending dates (month and year) AND hours per week
c) Employer's name, address, and telephone number (including area code)
d) Supervisor's name and telephone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
e) Duties and accomplishments
5) Other Qualifications
a) Job-related training courses (title and year)
b) Job-related skills (i.e., other languages, computer hardware/software, communications equipment, etc.) c) Job-related certificates and licenses (current only).
d) Job-related honors, awards and special accomplishments (i.e., publications, Memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.). Give dates but do not send documents unless requested.

General Information
A. A separate application must be submitted for each announcement.
B. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed in time to get them to the destination by the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation.  
C. Applicants must be citizens of the United States. 

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

1. BENEFITS
Employer's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Increase
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave

Eligibility for 401(k)

2. 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).

3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives

01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs)

00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens

00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens

00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs

00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)

99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List

98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs

98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs

98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs

98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs

98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts

97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S.

97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less

97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination

96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract

96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave

94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs)

93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.
**2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).
**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).

NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.