USAID Job Opening
SOLICITATION
NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-04-2125
ISSUANCE DATE:
CLOSING DATE:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
SUBJECT:
Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) – Program Operations
Specialist
The
United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from U.S. Citizens interested in providing
PSC services as described in the attached solicitation.
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: ops@globalcorps.com
Website: www.globalcorps.com
All
applications should be submitted to:
GlobalCorps
Sincerely,
M.
E. Yearwood
Contracting
Officer
Program Operations Specialist
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-04-2125
2. ISSUANCE DATE:
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME:
4. POSITION TITLE: Program Operations Specialist
5. MARKET VALUE:
GS-11
($50,593 - $65,769) or GS-12 ($60,638 - $78,826) (see note below concerning market value)
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF
PERFORMANCE: Two years with option to
renew for up to five years
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:
8. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret
9.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Background:
The
Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) within the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) maintains three disaster response operations
centers to facilitate its response to disaster affected populations worldwide
(outside of the U.S.) in keeping with its congressional mandate: To save lives,
relieve suffering, mitigate the effects of disasters and lessen the economic
impact of disasters. In order to accomplish and execute this mission OFDA
requires the competent and capable management of these Operations Centers (OPSCENTERS).
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 Operations Division consists of
two teams, the Operations Support Team (OST) and the Field Support Team (FST):
The OST provides technical guidance and expertise in disaster
logistics, Search and Rescue (SAR), military liaison, Chemical, Biological,
Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response, and other sectors necessary to ensure
OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and
response to natural disasters and complex emergencies The FST provides
support for the OFDA field offices and personnel stationed overseas, maintains
the surge capacity staffing mechanisms, maintains and trains on the disaster
response systems such as the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and the
Response Management Team (RMT), coordinates with other agencies in the USG and
with some elements of the UN, and coordinates the Public Donations Information
and Outreach Project.
Objectives:
The
Program Operations Specialist maintains the readiness of three Office of U.S. Foreign
Disaster Assistance (OFDA) Operations Centers, two of which are located at
headquarters and the other at a remote location. The Program Operations
Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of their facility’s management. In
addition they are responsible for all aspects of coordination with DCHA/PPM/AMS
and OFDA’s Program Support Division to insure maintenance, readiness, and operability
of the various Operations Center tools available – to include but not limited
to the following: the video-teleconferencing system, the multiple projection
video system (including VHS, DVD, cable, computer presentation systems, and
in-house audio-video system capability), as well as 35mm slide projection,
overhead transparency projection, stand-alone video, printers, fax machines and
copiers and flipcharts/whiteboard use.
Statement
of Work:
This
position is in a fast-paced office with frequently changing priorities. The incumbent performs a variety of duties
and must possess the ability to multitask and move quickly from one task to
another. Good organizational skills,
attention to detail, and understanding systems, databases and authorities are
required.
Program
and Facilities Management
·
Assists the
Response Manager and team upon
·
Manages and
maintains the Operations Centers (OPSCENTER) schedule for meetings, when not
activated for a disaster response.
Coordinates and assists meeting organizers with access, operation of
equipment, etc.
·
Operates and
maintains Operations Centers equipment through
coordination with and the assistance of OFDA’s organic computer support and
communications section. Coordinates with outside equipment suppliers and
contractors as required. Coordinates
with USAID internal units such as DCHA/PPM/AMS, Information Resource Management
(M/IRM) for OPSCENTER requirements and to insure OPSCENTER preparedness and
readiness for response.
·
Maintains
Response Management Team (RMT) and Duty Officer Rosters. Works with Senior Management Team, and
Operations Support and Field Support Teams to staff these rosters.
·
Drafts and
maintains Duty Officer Policy for OFDA.
Insures management and oversight of the Duty Officer system, to include
training of Duty Officers, monitoring performance and working with Executive
Secretariat (ES), Security (SEC), Information Resource Management (M/IRM) and
Department of State Operations Center as required.
·
Drafts, maintains
and revises, as required, the Operations Center Procedural Continuity Guide.
·
Provides support
to Operations Division on grants and cooperative agreements as required by the
Operations Support Team (OST) Team Leader and Division Director, Operations.
·
Assists the OST
Team Leader as Security Custodian for classified computer systems, secure
telephone and facsimile equipment, and classified safes.
·
Obtains certification
as OFDA logistics detailer after a 45-day training period.
·
Participates on
Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) (Overseas field-based - not to exceed
90 day durations) and Response Management Teams (RMT) (Washington-based), as
Duty Officer.
Administrative
·
Performs
administrative functions, including but not limited to, drafting cables,
preparing travel authorizations, generating reports and maintaining division
files for the Operations Division.
·
Maintains
supplies for
·
Performs other
duties as assigned by Operations Division Director and Operations Support, Team
Leader.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Program Operations Specialist reports to the
DCHA/OFDA/Operations Support Team (OST) Leader or their designee.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Minimal. 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 years of relevant work experience and a
Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the
specialized field (including but not limited to International Relations
and Political Science, and Disaster Management).
OR
2 years of
relevant work experience and a Master’s degree with significant study in or
pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to International
Relations and Political Science, and Disaster Management).
- Demonstrated knowledge of multi-faceted high
technology environments.
- 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 the USAID and OFDA organizations, culture,
management objectives, and sensitivity to the technical and political issues
sufficient to advise OFDA Senior Management.
QRF#2 Knowledge
and experience of US Government and OFDA policy and regulations for responses
to natural disasters and complex emergencies.
QRF#3 Knowledge
of and experience in dealing with foreign governments, State Department,
Department of Defense, USAID regional offices, other US Government
organizations and international organizations.
QRF#4 Relevant work
experience in excess of the amount listed in the Basic Requirements and
Selective Factors section above.
QRF#5 Understanding
of multi-faceted high technology environments (video/teleconferencing, data,
audio, fax, satellite systems) and their required interfaces.
QRF#6 Demonstrated basic knowledge of financial
management sufficient to project operations center expenditures and funds.
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 – 10 points
QRF #2 – 10 points
QRF #3 – 10points
QRF #4 – 8 points
QRF #5 – 8 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.
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 facsimile: 240-465-0244
Via email: ops@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.