SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-08-1384 ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2008 CLOSING DATE: August 12, 2008, 5:00 p.m. EDT DEADLINE EXTENDED SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Principal Regional Advisor for Asia-Pacific Region in Bangkok, Thailand Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Principal Regional Advisor for Asia-Pacific Region under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: • Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in the "Applying" section. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "Applying" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. • Supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Leigh Carlson or Kelly Tobin Telephone Number: (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9381 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Sincerely, Yvonne Wilson Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Principal Regional Advisor for Asia-Pacific Region in Bangkok, Thailand 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-08-1384 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2008 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 12, 2008, 5:00 pm EDT DEADLINE EXTENDED 4. POSITION TITLE: Principal Regional Advisor for Asia-Pacific Region 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($81,093 - $105,420 - not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, renewable up to five years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND 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) and is organized into three divisions under the management of the Office of the Director (OD). The Program Support Division (PS) 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 Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) 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 Operations Division (OPS) 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 Teams (SAR), Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs). INTRODUCTION To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to disasters worldwide, OFDA has established five permanent regional offices and one sub-regional office. The regional offices are located in San Jose, Costa Rica; Bangkok, Thailand; Dakar, Senegal; Nairobi, Kenya; and Pretoria, South Africa. The Asia sub-regional office is in Kathmandu, Nepal. The OFDA/Asia offices cover the Asia–Pacific region, which includes twenty-six countries in South, Southeast, and East Asia and sixteen Pacific Island nations. This also includes the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which will soon receive disaster assistance from USAID, in transition from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The region of responsibility is comprised of rich and poor nations, and politically stable and failing states. It is a region of diverse cultures, languages, topographies, and disaster vulnerabilities. OBJECTIVE The Asia Regional Team requires the services of a Principal Regional Advisor (PRA) for the Asia-Pacific Region, based in its Bangkok, Thailand office. This position requires an experienced practitioner in disaster response, preparedness and disaster risk reduction activities. The incumbent is responsible for managing the Asia Regional Office and supervising its staff, development of the three-year Asia strategy, coordination of disaster response activities, and for the identification and formulation of disaster preparedness, mitigation and training programs primarily in the Asia region. The PRA will actively develop and coordinate preparedness, mitigation and training programs to increase the capability of host governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to respond and prepare for disasters in the affected region. Frequent travel within Asia and the Pacific region will be required. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Principal Regional Advisor's responsibilities will include the following: 1) Disaster Response - Working directly under the guidance and supervision of the Disaster Response Team Leader in OFDA/Washington (OFDA/W), the PRA will: • Serve as the DCHA/OFDA lead representative in Asia and the primary point of contact on OFDA -related matters in the region; • Manage the OFDA Asia Regional Office and supervise all office staff; • Travel to the scene of a disaster or potential disaster and conduct initial assessments of damages and needs; • Recommend appropriate relief assistance and emergency interventions in consultation with USAID/W; and provide timely reporting cables and other written analysis of all disaster, humanitarian and emergency events; • Coordinate and maintain close liaison with representatives of host government, donor governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, U.S. Embassy, and USAID missions to ensure efficient and coordinated disaster response activities; • Monitor OFDA-funded activities; • Coordinate the requests, receipt, distribution, tracking, and accounting of relief supplies provided by OFDA; • Facilitate and coordinate the arrival and departure of DARTs with the U.S. Mission and, as required, serve on DARTs when appropriate; • Maintain communications, while on travel, with the Asia Regional Office; • Under the guidance and supervision of the Disaster Response Team Leader, coordinate with OFDA/W and other OFDA Asia regional offices, and prepare information requirements and reports; • Become certified and serve as a Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for grants, cooperative agreements and contracts under portfolio of responsibility. 2) Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation - Working closely with OFDA/W and drawing on the skills and technical expertise within the office and available through inter- and intra-agency agreements, the PRA will assist representatives of host government organizations, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in the development of strong emergency and disaster preparedness/mitigation programs. Specifically, the incumbent, in collaboration with OFDA/W Asia team colleagues, will: • Prepare (and supervise the preparation of) regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness documentation on assigned countries; • Assist with the design, development, and implementation of strategies and integrated disaster assistance for OFDA, USAID, local governments, and other donors/organizations, as appropriate; • Advise regional officials, including host country authorities and other USAID officials on disaster, response, mitigation and risk reduction efforts, including the review of sector disaster response and DRM and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plans; • Provide support, as required, for other DRM and DRR initiatives in the assigned region as identified by the Asia Regional Office. Support may include assessment visits, project design/evaluation exercises and hazards/vulnerability/risk analysis; • In the area of mitigation, work with other agencies/organizations to identify critical disaster concerns affecting the region and countries, and develop projects/activities for addressing these; • Work with local and regional institutions and private/public sector organizations to incorporate mitigation into appropriate programs. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Principal Regional Advisor will work under the supervision of, and report directly to, the Disaster Response Team Leader. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Supervisory controls will be minimal. The Principal Regional Advisor is expected to act independently with little direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The Disaster Response Team Leader will provide direction in terms of broadly defined program goals and objectives. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field of, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field or country, and nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance in Asia; OR Master’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field of, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field or country, and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance in Asia. SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) • Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; • Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation sheets submitted; • All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements; • Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; • Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID; • Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; • Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) QRF #1 Demonstrated program development and/or management experience in the field of humanitarian assistance and/or disaster relief, preparedness, mitigation, disaster risk reduction and training. Demonstrated management experience to include overseeing and supervising a staff of varied nationalities and cultural backgrounds, and senior U.S. professionals, in emergency situations in foreign countries; QRF #2 Direct work experience with U.S. Government humanitarian agencies, such as USAID, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of State, or international humanitarian relief agencies responsible for funding and monitoring implementation of emergency relief activities; QRF #3 Ability to conduct programmatic and strategic analysis; to develop Asia specific programmatic multi-year strategies, which may include plans and assessments of the political, social and economic contexts of complex emergencies in which OFDA operations are conducted; and to develop frameworks for disaster response, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and mitigation activities; QRF #4 Diplomatic and interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with host governments, other donors, diplomatic missions, international and national non-governmental organizations, Department of State, Department of Defense, FEMA and Members of Congress, in order to represent DCHA/OFDA; and QRF #5 Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation of reports, briefings, and other communications. Ability to speak, read, or write an Asian language desirable. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: QRFs have been assigned the following points: QRF #1 – 15 points QRF #2 – 15 points QRF #3 – 10 points QRF #4 – 5 points QRF #5 – 5 points Interview Performance – 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A complete U.S. Government OF-612 form with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms, internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, at Federal offices, or at www.globalcorps.com). NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing the five (5) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation. 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. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20045 Via facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: [email protected] The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE: If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843). ** 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). ** 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 2 through 6 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) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation. 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 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 required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare 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. ATTACHMENT 1 ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10 PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0 . Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs. (b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.” (c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision). (d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met: (1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad; (2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and (3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition. (e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs. (f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism. (g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider. (h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

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