Operations Consultant

Overview

RFQ closing date: June 13, 2024, at 5PM EST (evaluations and awards will be made after this date)

Background:

Creative Associates International, Inc. is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, governance, and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro DC area), Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Creative is soliciting offers for technical expertise in accordance with the qualifications listed below and Creative’s Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) Terms and Conditions available here. Creative intends to award one or more RCOA(s) for a one-year period, which may then be continuously renewed, under which work may be negotiated as needed using level of effort (LOE) or fixed-price performance-based work orders. Creative reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award as a result of this solicitation.

Instructions

1. Review this solicitation in full.
2. Complete the Application section of this solicitation and submit it to Creative.
3. Submit the following documentation with your application:

• Up-to-date CV
• Optional: Completed forms linked under the “Additional Information Section” below

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based on their qualifications and experience in comparison with the criteria listed under the Qualifications section below. Only applicants who can successfully demonstrate the Key Qualifications listed and, as a result, obtain the minimum required score may be considered for award.

Summary/General Capabilities:

Creative is looking for a consultant to support initiatives related to in-country or remote start-up, implementation, and/or close-out support for Creative. Specifically, the consultant may be utilized to support the technical implementation of existing programs as well as the development of proposals in need of the stated expertise. Creative furthermore is looking to identify consultants with experience in MENA, LAC, Africa, and/or Asia.

Responsibilities

Illustrative Tasks To Be Performed:

The tasks listed below are meant to cover the various types of work that may be negotiated with Creative for either programs or proposals.

Start-up

1. Identify prospective properties for field office(s) and personal residences in accordance with specifications provided by HQ Field Operations and project leadership; conduct property evaluations in collaboration with HQ field Operations and HQ Security using the provided Office Space Assessment Checklist.
2. Negotiate lease terms with landlord(s) in coordination with HQ Field Operations and facilitate lease execution.
3. Initiate field procurements by liaising with local vendors, establishing preferred vendor lists, collecting quotations, etc.
4. Support staff recruitment by facilitating local advertisements/newspaper postings, scheduling and/or participating in interviews, or other recruitment tasks as required.
5. Provide guidance on banking institutions and account-opening policies and procedures.
6. Coordinate transportation logistics for project leadership as requested.
7. Arrange meetings for project stakeholders as requested.
8. Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant.

Implementation

1. Support Management Systems Reviews and contribute to the completion of MSR templates, action plans and reports as applicable; liaise with field teams to implement action plans as applicable.
2. Train staff on USG rules and regulations, Creative’s Field Manual, and Operations-specific Procedures, Work Instructions, and Templates.
3. Serve as Acting DCOP-Operations, Operations Director, or Operations Manager while full-time staff are on vacation or during recruitment of full-time personnel.
4. Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant.

Close-out

1. Serve as Deputy Close-out Team Lead, providing in-country support for project close-out at the direction of the Creative Close-out Team Lead.
2. Oversee inventory disposition and office closure(s), assisting team to develop plans and coordinate with various stakeholders.
3. Assist with bank account closure process, as needed, ensuring required paperwork is submitted in a timely manner.
4. Lead or assist with file reviews and file inventorying, packing and shipping, based on File Management Plan.
5. Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant.

Illustrative Results and/or Deliverables:

Consultant may be responsible to complete or deliver the following items for either programs or proposals:

• Attending weekly start-up or close-out calls and providing updates.
• Providing daily updates to the HQ Field Operations Manager.
• Setting up the project SharePoint filing system and developing the file management plan.
• Developing Blanket Purchase Agreements with vendors for commonly procured items.
• Training staff on USG rules and regulations and Creative’s Field Manual.
• Support Management Systems Reviews and contribute to the completion of MSR templates, action plans and reports as applicable; liaise with field teams to implement action plans as applicable.
• Reviewing grant files for close-out and support the Grant Manager in resolving missing documentation; prepare tracker for missing documentation and oversee resolution of issues.
• Oversee inventory disposition and office closure(s) with signed handover letters.
• Submitting a detailed handover report with outstanding action items, challenges faced, and recommendations for future projects.

Qualifications

An overarching Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) will be issued based on the applicant’s qualifications that align with those listed below as well as those listed in the individual’s submitted CV. Work orders for specific Scopes of Work that require this experience may be negotiated and issued against the RCOA as needed and in accordance with the consultant’s availability.

Qualifications

Key Qualifications (required)

1. At least 7 years’ work experience with international development organization(s).
2. Specific experience with project start-up/logistics and/or close-out.
3. At least a bachelor’s degree. BA can be replaced by a high school diploma and 10 years’ experience.
4. Demonstrated negotiation skills.
5. Proven ability to lead teams, organize tasks, and communicate effectively.
6. Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations.
7. Ability to be flexible per changing demands and priorities.
8. Ability to travel on short notice for up to 6-8 weeks.
9. Fluency in oral and written communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Significant work experience in one or more regions (MENA, Africa, LAC and/or Asia).
2. Working proficiency in French, Spanish, and/or Arabic.
3. Previous work experience with Creative.

Other Matters

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Sr. Field Operations Manager.

Creative prefers to organize travel directly for consultants to ensure compliance with federal regulations and Creative policies and procedures. Please assume that all travel is coordinated by Creative staff unless otherwise negotiated at the Work Order level.

If applicable, Danger Pay is calculated in accordance with the Department of State’s published rates and paid on 80% of the consultant’s daily rate for days worked in danger pay-designated location unless otherwise negotiated at the Work Order level. Per diem rates are also based on those set by the Department of State.

Further management arrangements for the completion of specific assignments will be negotiated at the Work Order level.

Work Assignments:

Consultants with the requisite qualifications will be given a Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) which contains Creative’s general terms and conditions and establishes a consultant’s rate for a one-year period, after which rate increases may be negotiated when this agreement renews.

Specific assignments will be negotiated and agreed upon via Work Orders, as needed in line with the consultant’s availability, with specific scopes of work that are in line with the capabilities, tasks, and deliverables outlined above. The consultant will be required to submit a budget which must be vetted and approved by Creative for any specific work that will be contracted out via Work Orders.

Additional Information:

Please click on the links to download the Terms and Conditions, Annex A (Reps, Certs and Consents form) and W-8; W-9; and Vendor Information form, as applicable. The forms are provided for your information at this stage in the solicitation process. Completed forms will be required only if you have been selected for the consulting opportunity. However, you may complete, sign, and submit the forms as part of your response to this request.

Selection will be made on the basis of technical capability and rate reasonableness. Modifications to this solicitation, including closing date extensions, will be posted on the Creative website. Please check the website for updates. Please note that RCOAs lock in a consultant’s rate for one full year and this rate may not be re-negotiated again until the point of renewal.

NOTE:

*LOE-based Work Orders utilize a not to exceed ceiling price and number of work days which may not be exceeded without modification to the Work Order.

*Fixed-price based Work Orders establish the total price to be paid in portions upon completion of deliverables which may not be altered without modification to the Work Order. This type of WO may only be used for one-off opportunities.

APPLICATION SECTION

Consultant Name:

RFQ #:

Proposed Daily Rate:

Qualifications

Please place an “x” next to all qualifications listed that the applicant may claim and then list specific experience which speaks to that qualification in the “Explanation” column.

Qualifications

Place “x” if applicable

Explanation (required)

*At least 7 years’ work experience with international development organization(s)

*Specific experience with project start-up/logistics and/or close-out

*At least a bachelor’s degree. BA can be replaced by a high school diploma and 10 years’ experience

*Demonstrated negotiation skills

*Proven ability to lead teams, organize tasks, and communicate effectively

*Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations

*Ability to be flexible per changing demands and priorities

*Ability to travel on short notice for up to 6-8 weeks

*Fluency in oral and written communication skills in English

Significant work experience in one or more regions (MENA, Africa, LAC and/or Asia)

Working proficiency in French, Spanish, and/or Arabic

Previous work experience with Creative

*Indicates Key Qualifications

Technical Statement

Please provide a statement on your relevant experience and how your qualifications fulfill those required for this RFQ.

_____________________________ _____________________

Consultant Signature Date

Apply Here

PI241365384

How to apply

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