USAID Job Opening
SOLICITATION
NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-05-007
ISSUANCE DATE:
FIRST CUT-OFF:
CLOSING DATE: November 29, 2004 - 11:59 PM Local Time
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
SUBJECT:
Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) – Disaster Operations Specialist – MULTIPLE POSITIONS
The
United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from
Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:
1) SIGNED and completed federal form
OF-612 or SF-171
2) Cover Letter specifically addressing Quality Ranking
Factors (QRFs)
Applications
that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants are responsible for submitting materials
that are in accordance with the attached information at the place and time
specified. There will be no exceptions. Applicants should retain for their
records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.
Any
questions on this solicitation may be directed to:
Jesse C. Freese or Stephanie Paul
Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or
202-661-9369
E-Mail Address: dos@globalcorps.com
Website: www.globalcorps.com
Facsimile Number: 240-465-0244
All
applications should be submitted to:
GlobalCorps
Sincerely,
M.
E. Yearwood
Contracting
Officer
Disaster Operations Specialist – multiple positions
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-05-007
2. ISSUANCE DATE:
3. FIRST CUT-OFF:
4. CLOSING DATE/TIME:
5. POSITION TITLE: Disaster Operations Specialist
6. MARKET VALUE:
GS-11
($50,593 - $65,769) or GS-12 ($60,638 - $78,826) (see note
below concerning market value)
7. INITIAL PERIOD OF
PERFORMANCE: 2 years
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:
9. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret
10.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all
Disaster Operations
Specialist – Multiple Positions
BACKGROUND:
Disaster Operations
Specialists (DOS) play a central role in the US Government’s disaster response,
humanitarian assistance, and disaster risk management programs. Disaster Operations Specialists require
general expertise in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, and
are responsible for assisting in the development of response strategies, all
aspects of grant management for a humanitarian donor organization, and in the
preparation of talking points, information products, and briefing
material. Disaster Operations Specialists
work as a member of a team consisting of other Disaster Operations Specialists,
a Regional Coordinator, Information Officers, and Technical Specialists.
INTRODUCTION:
The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office
within USAID that is responsible for providing non-food humanitarian assistance
in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau
for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). OFDA is organized
into three divisions, under the management of the Office of the Director. The
Disaster Response and Mitigation (DRM ) Division is responsible
for coordinating with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies
and humanitarian assistance. DRM also devises,
coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and
human caused disaster situations. DRM hires sector specialists
to provide technical expertise in assessing the quality of disaster response. The
Program Support (PS ) Division provides programmatic and
administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement
planning, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for
OFDA’s Washington and field offices. The Operations (OPS ) Division develops and
manages logistical, operational, and technical 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 (SAR) Teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and
Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs).
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.
OBJECTIVE:
Each incumbent will manage a
portfolio consisting of one or more countries, working as part of a regionally
focused humanitarian response team to meet US Government humanitarian
assistance and disaster response objectives.
STATEMENT
OF WORK:
The incumbent will assist in
responding to humanitarian emergencies – natural, technological, and conflict
related disasters – as required, worldwide.
The Disaster Operations Specialist will manage all aspects of the
disaster response and disaster risk management program, including coordinating
reviews and analysis of grant proposals, preparation of documentation to
expedite grant project approval, and evaluation and monitoring of grant
activities, both from Washington and in the assigned region of
responsibility. The incumbent is
expected to make periodic trips to the assigned region of responsibility to
assess the situation and monitor grant activity. The incumbent is also responsible for deploying
on short notice to serve on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) and
Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMT), as required by OFDA.
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. The
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 Technical
Assistance Group (TAG) members:
- Interfaces 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;
- Coordinates interagency reviews of 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 Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs)/ Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs), International Organizations (IOs) and United Nations
(UN) agencies;
- Prepares 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 Acquisition and Assistance
(OAA);
- Tracks 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;
·
Expedites the flow of programmatic and other documents through the
clearance process;
·
Performs 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:
- Reviews and monitors national disaster prevention, mitigation and
preparedness plans for assigned countries in collaboration with regional
team;
- Shares in the oversight and updating of OFDA's regional and
country strategies for the region;
- Assures 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;
- Coordinates 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;
- Reviews the conceptual soundness, technical feasibility and budget
for disaster assistance activities and emergency projects;
- Maintains contact with OFDA field representatives and the OFDA
Regional Office to discuss implementation of activities and assessment of
disaster mitigation program/needs;
- Recommends 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);
- Serves on or backstops DCHA/OFDA assessment teams and Disaster
Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) to disaster sites when deemed necessary
and follows up with appropriate reports and/or cables;
- Performs other duties and responsibilities, as
assigned by the Regional Coordinator.
Administrative:
In coordination with Regional Teams and TAG members:
- Maintains standardized office files for activities that are
assigned as principle responsibilities;
- Reviews daily cable traffic and highlight important information
for regional team;
- Attends team, office, and other meetings as assigned by the
Regional Coordinator; when necessary prepare summaries of these meetings.
- As assigned by the Regional Coordinator, develops and executes
official documents, including but not limited to entries into the NMS,
memos, cables, and information requests;
- Performs other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the
Regional Coordinator.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The
incumbent will take direction from and report to the Regional Coordinator for
the assigned region of responsibility.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Incumbent is
expected to take initiative, act independently, and perform with minimal
direction in responding to humanitarian emergencies as part of a high tempo
office environment.
BASIC
REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTIVE FACTORS: Candidates not
meeting all of the basic qualifications and selective factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.
- 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 the United States
Government (USG), Private Voluntary 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 the 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 (QRFs): (Determines
the ranking of qualified candidates in comparison to other applicants)
QRF #1 Knowledge
of and experience in dealing with foreign governments, the US Government, and
international organizations to develop
QRF #2 Knowledge
and experience of the assigned region of responsibility monitoring incipient
disaster situations, developing country strategies, integrating disaster
response, rehabilitation, and preparedness.
QRF #3 Knowledge
and experience of USG policy and regulations for responses to natural disasters
and complex emergencies.
QRF #4 Experience
interfacing with private volunteer organizations and ensuring project proposals
meet required guidelines, tracking and reviewing program reports, and
coordinating interagency proposal reviews.
QRF #5 Ability
to review and negotiate grant proposals from private voluntary organizations
wishing to work in a disaster-stricken country.
QRF #6 Excellent
verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation
of briefing packets, reports, memos, cables, and other official documents.
BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the basic qualifications
and selection factors will be further evaluated based on the quality ranking
factors. As a result, applicants are required to submit a cover letter that
addresses each of the factors and describes specifically and accurately what
experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are
relevant. Also include the duration
of the activity, if relevant. Failure to address every factor may result in
your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience.
The above QRFs have been assigned the following points:
QRF #1 – 12 points
QRF #2 – 12 points
QRF #3 – 8 points
QRF #4 – 8
points
QRF #5 – 6
points
QRF #6 – 4 points
Total Points
- 50
(1)
NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE:
USAID’s
Contracting Information Bulletin (CIB) 98-11 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.” In this case,
the individual will be offered the position at the trainee level grade which is
at the GS-11 level.
(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 submitted
before the first cut-off on
This solicitation will close
on
WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified individuals are required to submit:
- A U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional
Form 612 (available at the USAID website,
http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet
http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices) or www.globalcorps.com
- Cover Letter specifically addressing each Quality
Ranking Factor (QRF)
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.
Via mail: GlobalCorps,
Via facsímile:
240-465-0244
Via email: dos@globalcorps.com
The most qualified
candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. It is
also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates
selected for an interview. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with
the interviews.
LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS
Forms outlined below can found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html.
1. Optional
Form 612 or Standard Form 171.
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). **
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians
Foreign Areas).
** Forms 2 through 5 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) PERTAINING TO PSCS
CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General
Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts.
Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/psccibs.html
to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.
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
Eligibility for 401(k)
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 not exempt from payment of
Federal 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.