FBO: Federal Business Opportunities

SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-08-1889



ISSUANCE DATE: September 12, 2008

CLOSING DATE: October 14, 2008, 5:00 p.m. EDT



SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Program Operations Specialist - Finance Unit in Washington, DC.



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 Program Operations Specialist - Finance Unit 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: posfinance@globalcorps.com

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:

Kelly Tobin or Brett Burkhart

Telephone Number: (202) 661-9381 or (202) 661-9367

E-Mail Address: posfinance@globalcorps.com

Website: www.globalcorps.com

Facsímile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244



Sincerely,



Angela Fortune

Contracting Officer



Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Program Operations Specialist - Finance Unit



1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-08-1889



2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 12, 2008



3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: October 14, 2008 at 5:00 pm EDT



4. POSITION TITLE: Program Operations Specialist - Finance Unit



5. MARKET VALUE: GS-12 ($69,764 - $90,698 - includes locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.



6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, renewable up to five years



7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC



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



The Program Support Division (PS) provides innovative and timely solutions in the areas of finance, communications, administration and information technology to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Specifically, PS teams assist in staffing and recruitment and provide access to specialized resources through the award of contracts and grants; perform office-wide financial management and coordinate budget planning; provide specialized staff training; develop program related information products; and provide end-to-end Information and Communication Technology (ICT) support including for all OFDA staff in headquarters and the field.



The Finance Unit is part of the Program Support Division (PS) of the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). The core functions of the Finance Unit are external and internal budgeting, management of OFDA’s operating year budget, processing of financial transactions, and financial analysis and reporting. The Program Operations Specialist, in close coordination with the Finance Unit Leader, will help carry out these functions.



OBJECTIVE



The Program Support Division’s Finance Unit requires a Program Operations Specialist to strengthen its capability to provide prompt, effective services in the areas of budgeting, transaction processing, and financial analysis and reporting.



9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



As directed by the Finance Unit Leader, the Program Operations Specialist will assist in carrying out the core functions of the Finance Unit in support of DCHA/OFDA’s worldwide operations. The Program Operations Specialist will perform all the duties and responsibilities described below with limited guidance from and limited supervision of the Finance Unit Leader.



The duties and responsibilities include:



• Process financial transactions using DCHA/OFDA’s program management and reporting system and USAID’s financial accounting system, and reconcile data between the two systems to ensure accuracy;

• Manipulate and query the systems to produce standard reports and ad hoc reports, utilizing Microsoft Excel software as necessary;

• Support the planning and formulation of a complex office budget that includes both program and administrative expenses;

• Maintain budget and finance related records, and assist with the processing of payment vouchers;

• Coordinate and monitor DCHA/OFDA accruals processing on a quarterly basis and provide information and guidance as necessary to program teams;

• Monitor and track funds distributions, commitments, and obligations;

• Research and process de-obligations for unliquidated and unused funds;

• Conduct the day-to-day operation and maintenance of financial accounts; prepare associated financial statements and reports; ensure that statements required to be submitted by legislation are in compliance with laws and regulations affecting the expenditure of funds, control of the budget, and the status of obligations and expenditures;

• Draft various documents necessary to effect a response to declared disasters including, but not limited to, authorizations, assessments, reports (including financial/statistical graphics), and cables;

• Review financial reports and obligating documents to ensure that overseas resources are fully accounted for and utilized in accordance with the DCHA/OFDA mandate and consistent with the accounts/appropriations provided to DCHA/OFDA;

• Analyze budgets and develop budgetary information and, based on knowledge of the organizational budgetary priorities, draft annual and multi-year budget materials for federal budget;

• Prepare all budget documents submitted by divisions, and, once budgets are approved, manage their execution;

• Review language for the International Disaster Assistance (IDA) account’s annual and supplemental appropriations;

• Draft guidelines for use of various types of funds and set up systems to track them;

• Draft correspondence to respond to inquiries from Private Voluntary Organization/Non-Governmental Organization (PVO/NGO) partners, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Congress and the public as they relate to budget and financial issues;

• Prepare input for responses to inquiries from OFDA’s financial stakeholders including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the State Department’s Bureau for Foreign Assistance (F), DCHA’s Office of Policy, Programming and Monitoring (PPM), and Congress;

• Develop proficiency in all Agency corporate financial and budgetary management systems;

• Assist the office in inputting and reconciling program and financial data into the Agency’s budgetary system;

• Provide technical support to the development and maintenance of the DCHA/OFDA program management and reporting system; develop written procedures and guidelines for users; train users to operate and retrieve information from the database according to individual needs; design standardized and ad hoc reports, as needed;

• Update and maintain look-up tables in DCHA/OFDA's accounting system; recommend modifications to meet continuing DCHA/OFDA needs and to refine reporting capabilities of the system; participate in the ongoing database redesign, management, and evolution;

• Become certified and serve as a Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for grants, cooperative agreements and contracts under portfolio of responsibility;

• Serve on DARTs which will require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time;

• Serve as a member of the Washington-based RMT, which provides services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will be varied;

• Serve as DCHA/OFDA duty officer on a rotational basis.



SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The Program Operations Specialist works under the supervision of and reports directly to the Finance Unit Leader or her/his designee.



SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and tasks to be performed.



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 (preferably in finance or accounting) and at least five years of relevant work experience in a combination of finance, accounting, international relations, humanitarian assistance and/or a related field (preferably with the Federal Government)



OR



Master’s degree (preferably in finance or accounting) and at least four years of relevant work experience in a combination of finance, accounting, international relations, humanitarian assistance and/or a related field (preferably with the Federal Government)



OR



At least nine (9) years of work experience in a position culminating in the set of duties and responsibilities similar to those of this position





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. The applicant shall use the "Other Qualifications" section of the OF-612 to address the last four italicized Selection Factors listed below.)

• Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;

• Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation sheets submitted (NOTE: 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.

• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

• Basic understanding of financial accounting principles;

• Proficiency in the use of MS Excel;

• Knowledge of U.S. Government financial and information management systems, or systems of a similar nature;

• Knowledge of the Federal budget process.



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 Describe your experience using complex financial accounting systems, software, and databases to process transactions, manage data, and produce analytical reports.



QRF #2 Briefly discuss your knowledge of, and/or experience with, the Federal Government’s budgeting and financial procedures.



QRF #3 Describe your experience supporting the development, preparation, and execution of an organization’s budget.



QRF #4 Describe your experience with, and ability to maintain, flexibility in working as a part of a team in a fast-paced dynamic environment in which you have been required to multi-task, manage competing priorities, and meet aggressive deadlines.



QRF #5 Discuss an example of your ability to think quantitatively, relate to financial concepts, and complete tasks that require attention to detail.



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 – 10 points

QRF #2 – 10 points

QRF #3 – 10 points

QRF #4 – 10 points

QRF #5 – 10 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: posfinance@globalcorps.com



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 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).