The U.S. Agency for International Development is contemplating award of seven (7), one-year, purchase orders for the services of qualified individuals to serve as development coaches for new entrant professionals (NEP). The primary purpose of each coach will be to assist these new entrants in defining and meeting career training goals prior to receiving their first overseas duty assignments within 4 to 24 months of hiring. Two new groups of NEPs are anticipated to come on board this year. Coaches shall participate with each new group of entrants in three-week orientation sessions. Coaches without prior NEP coach experience will be required to participate in a four-day supervisory/coach training program. The program will provide coaches with specific information on competency requirements, the development of individual development plans and mentoring and coaching techniques. Coaches with prior experience serving in this capacity may be called upon to assist in sharing their knowledge and experience with both new coaches and new entrants during both coach training and orientation session. Following each orientation, coaches shall provide direct counseling to an assisted group of new entrants to ensure their understanding of individual development training plans and skill competencies. This support is anticipated to occur in Washington, D.C. and may be required for up to 12 months after award. Qualified applicants will include, but not be limited to, former/retried Foreign Service Officers and Civil Service employees, with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of USAID, its overseas missions and Foreign Service career requirements. A solicitation providing greater detail on this opportunity is anticipated to be issued within approximately 15 calendar days from posting of this notice. The USAID will follow Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, in preparing the solicitation and the resulting orders. The performance period is anticipated to commence as early as mid March 2002 and be completed not later than April 2003. Recipients are responsible to ensure that the information is electronically received in its entirety; USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmissions or conversion processes. This is procurement opportunity is full and open competition. NAICS: 541990. Eraka Somers may be contacted to assist with submittal deliveries at 202-712-0931.

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