TITLE: Disaster Training Advisor

 

ISSUANCE DATE:             June 11, 2001

CLOSING DATE:             June 26, 2001

 

Gentlemen/Ladies:

 

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

 

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Humanitarian Response (BHR), 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.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Kim Hupp

Contracting Officer

 

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER:         M/OP-01-1059

2. ISSUANCE DATE:                           June 11, 2001

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED

FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:    June 26, 2001

4. POSITION TITLE:              Disaster Training Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE:             $74,697 to $97,108

6. INITIAL PERIOD

OF PERFORMANCE:             Approximately July 16, 2001 to July 15, 2003

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:       Washington, DC

8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

 

Background

 

The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/BHR/OFDA), henceforth OFDA, directs training efforts towards external organizations, as well as, OFDA staff and collaborators, including the design and facilitation of workshops, retreats, and new staff orientation.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

The Disaster Training Advisor is the lead point of contact for all disaster related training, capacity building and institution building in preparation and response to emergencies world-wide.  The Officer will provide technical oversight of OFDA's internal and external Training. This includes coordination of all training conducted by the three OFDA Divisions, institutional contractors, and local capacity building through external training.

 

The position is located within and reports to the Office of the Director. Supervision and programmatic guidance is provided by the OFDA Deputy Director.  The individual serves as the focal point for training within OFDA, as well as represents OFDA within BHR, USAID and State, as needed.

 

Core Functional Areas of Responsibility

                                   

1.            Conduct an inventory of all internal and external training products developed and presented by BHR/OFDA against all mechanisms in which training is funded including, but not limited to:  institutional contracts, grants, PASA and RSSAs.  Identify and report to BHR/OFDA SMT instances of duplication, overlap, or inefficiencies created by obtaining training through multiple sources.

 

2.            Facilitate and participate as a technical expert in discussion(s) with BHR/OFDA SMT to develop and articulate OFDA-wide objectives for internal and external training, ensuring that training strategies developed fully support achievement of OFDA's strategic objective, support and forward regional strategies, and support and forward human resource development strategies.

 

3.            Develop a framework for new internal and external training programs based on demonstrated needs and clearly defined success indicators.  Subject all new and existing internal and external trainings to a make/buy analysis to determine if the needs are better met through existing training providers or if developing unique training programs better serve OFDA training strategies.

 

4.         Serve as focal point for all training conducted with funds from the International Disaster Assistance Account.  Contractor will be the central point of coordination for all stakeholders in training including OFDA Divisions, Training Providers, Training Developers, and participants.

 

5.         Provide technical direction and oversight to Institutional Contractors that develop and conduct internal and external training support services to/for BHR/OFDA.

 

6.            Develop mechanisms to capture evaluation data and feedback from all stakeholders as to BHR/OFDA internal and external training programs to ensure that training continues to be relevant (sensitive to the changing needs of BHR/OFDA); properly targeted (the people who most need training are the beneficiaries of BHR/OFDA training programs); properly timed (training effectiveness is reduced when training is not provided when needed...people forget); and remains practical (does not become too theoretical by not providing practical job skills).

 

7.            Coordinates a comprehensive program designed to improve the capacity of local first responders to maximize skills necessary to implement disaster response.

 

8.         Plans and presents specific briefings, lectures, and trainings on every aspect of BHR/OFDA. 

 

9.            Perform other duties as assigned including serving as a rotational duty officer, on disaster assistance response teams, and response management teams.

 

BASIS OF RATING:  Applicants who meet the basic qualifications and selective 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 all qualifications. Include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.  Failure to address the basic, selective and quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.                                                                      

 

Basic Qualifications and Selective Factors:

·        Graduate degree and 3 years experience in training or related specialized field

OR

7 years progressively responsible experience in training or related specialized field

OR

some combination thereof.

·        Three years experience in training program management or project development; specifically, planning, organizing, directing, designing and/or coordinating the management or development of training programs/projects requiring the support of others.

·        Demonstrated experience developing criteria for evaluating effectiveness of multiple training programs.

·        Demonstrated ability to work in a training environment with the diverse array of individuals and organizations involved in disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance, examples may include U.S. Government agencies (e.g., USAID, State, U.S. Department of Defense, etc.), international organizations, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies and/or host governments.

·        Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills as illustrated by the ability to design and present training.

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

·        U.S. Citizen

Quality Ranking Factors:

·        Experience in training program management surpassing the minimum required above.

·        Ability to explain and interpret policies and requirements to others.

·        Ability to perform in high stress environments of a highly dynamic nature as illustrated by work performed in disaster prone international areas.

·        Experience designing and/or adapting courses for various cultures in the international arena.

·        Ability to design and implement training in a results based framework such as that in USAID.

 

WHERE TO APPLY: 

Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004

Via facsimile: 240-465-0244

Via email: ofda@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 resume, OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or any other written format you choose (SF-171, Application for Federal Employment, is also acceptable).  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. Applications must be postmarked no later than the closing date of the announcement and received no later than 3 workdays after the closing date.                                                       

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

 

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.