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US Agency for International Development

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA22R00046

ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2022

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: August 26, 2022,12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Humanitarian and Management Operations (HBMO), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal service as a Contract/Senior Contract Specialist under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include:

(a) Offerors must notate on their resume whether they are applying for the GS-12, GS-13 or both positions.

(b)Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(e) U.S. Citizenship

(f) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (beta.SAM.gov, BHA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation GS-12/13 Tandem Equivalent Level. This information must be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

NOTE REGARDING ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

The contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.

NOTE REGARDING UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) NUMBERS

AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

NOTE: As of March 28, 2018, all new SAM.gov entity registrations will now require a signed notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity administrator for the entity associated with the DUNS number. Additional information on the format of the notarized letter and where to submit can be found via the below Federal Service Desk link:

https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b&sysparm_search=kb0013183

Instructions to obtain a UEI can be found via the SAM.gov link.

Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers. Your complete resume must be emailed to:

HBMO Recruitment Team

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

Website: www.BHAjobs.net

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to the HMBO Recruitment Team via the information provided above.

Sincerely,

Sonja Stroud-Gooden

Contracting Officer

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist will perform the following duties:

At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

The Contract Specialist’s tasks will require input, guidance, and direction from the OAA Supervisory Contracting Officer/Branch Chief and Senior Contract Specialist.

Contract Compliance Review

Review contracts and other contractual documents.
Monitor all acquisition strategy, documents, and instruments for a variety of highly specialized, complex, and unique contracts of BHA’s diverse acquisition portfolio.
Support Contracting Officer (CO) and Senior Contract Specialist by providing contract administration services to ensure terms and conditions are complied with and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency’s projects and programs. Responsibilities typically include:
- Periodic site visits, review of changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout for CO review and approval.
- Advise technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in their award documents.
- Evaluate the adequacy of the contractor’s business management systems in areas such as personnel compensation, subcontracting procedures, and financial management.
- Ensure the contractors and award recipient’s compliance with applicable Cost Accounting Standards or other cost principles and requirements.
Assist in the preparation of termination of contracts for the convenience of the Government or default by the contractor for the review and approval by the CO. Prepare all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions by the CO; negotiate termination claims.
Assist the CO and Senior Contract Specialist in resolving audit findings on post-award audits.
Assist in the drafting of the CO responses to protests by researching, analyzing, and developing necessary documentation and history.
Assist the CO and Senior Contract Specialist in working with the Agency’s Office of General Counsel (GC) prepare the Agency’s position and CO reports, to support the USG’s defense on protests to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Conduct in-depth on-site evaluations of contracts, contracting procedures, contract planning, competition, cost analysis, organizations, employee qualifications, procurement and contract administration systems, and similar functions and make recommendations to the CO.
Ensure compliance with requirements for all phases within the acquisition lifecycle. Reviews include all types of contracts (fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee, incentive provisions, escalation provisions, etc.) for the procurement of major systems, research and development, equipment, construction, services, and supplies.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Contractor’s Performance

Perform contract administration activities for procurements involving long-term, extensive technical service contracts and/or cost type contracts. Contract types vary with the complexity of the acquisition and the best interests of the Government, ranging from firm-fixed-price through cost-plus-fixed-fee types.
Assist in the review and monitoring of contractor’s performance on contract, regulatory and statutory provisions through telephone conversations, correspondence, reports, vouchers, and visits.
Assist in the monitoring of contract performance, in reviewing for approval of progress payments, reviewing and providing recommendations on contractor proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling, problems that have arisen and proposed solutions, verification of deliveries, and similar activities.
Prepare interpretations of contract provisions as applicable to contractors and provide appropriate advice and guidance to the CO and to other officials of the agency as appropriate.
Assist in conducting in-depth analyses of contractors’ financial and management systems and facilities to determine their compliance with USG or contractual requirements.

Procurement Program Planning Work

Stay up to date on federal and Agency-wide acquisition policies and procedures.
Assist in the development of new plans, schedules, or methods to accommodate changing program requirements for acquisition programs for new or complex programs with ability to multi-task within varying assignments. Responsible for procurement planning activities in BHA, which include reviewing project papers and representing OAA at program planning meetings and regular status meetings.
Within assigned major program(s), identify those significant subsystems, components, equipment, and services to be acquired by contract or by interagency agreement.
Assist in creating developing objectives for assigned program(s) such as for competition and price range; constructing the contractual vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, and set-aside policies.
Prepare and maintain current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keep OAA management informed of anticipated workload demands.
Advise BHA program officials in project planning meetings of appropriate procurement instruments to be used.
Assist BHA Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs)/Agreement Officer’s Representatives in drafting effective and contractible statements of work, in preparing evaluation criteria, proposal instructions, and other supporting documents for Request for Proposals (RFPs), Task Orders, and /or any other acquisition instruments.
Advise BHA field personnel during disaster responses on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims, as necessary.
Ensure that all information regarding the status of assigned procurement actions are in the Global Acquisition & Assistance System databases and/or current systems are up to date to monitor completion of work tasks.

Analyzing Sources of Items/Services Procured

Assist in developing new or innovative acquisition plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions, or financial arrangements that serve as models for future major acquisitions.
Be aware of and assess the market to locate new procurement sources and determine the availability of items or services with specialized requirements.
Perform detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals.
Assist the CO in determining competitive range and prepare defensible justifications when required.
Assist in obtaining the appropriate and relevant data from business and technical officials.
Assist in responding to questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or clarification of contract clauses or subcontracts.
Assist the CO and Senior Contract Specialist in exploring new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at equitable contract arrangements.

Negotiating Procurement of Products and Services Using a Variety of Contract Types

Assist in the planning of the negotiation strategy, in coordinating the strategy with the negotiation team, and in negotiating terms of the contract, which are conducted with contractors to develop contract prices and terms.
Assist in managing the acquisition process from inception through negotiation, award, administration, and close-out; recommend awards to the CO; prepare contractual instruments, including for PSCs, for signature of the CO; prepare memorandum of negotiation; organize and prepare pre- and post-award debriefs.
Assist in coordinating with BHA program teams on a variety of contract instruments requiring the development of new or modified evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and contractual arrangements.
Forecast labor and material costs when unknowns are involved; locate or develop sources, develop approaches for procurements lacking precedent, and resolve major differences in the interpretation of the statement of work (SOW) during discussions and negotiations.
Assist the CO in the negotiation process of executing Participating Agency Services Agreements (PASAs) and Resource Support Services Agreements (RSSAs) within delegated authority and in accordance with statutory and procedural regulations and general agreements with other Federal agencies. Negotiations include prices, terms, special conditions, and amendments. Coordinate PASAs and RSSAs with officials in participating Federal agencies and with Mission officials, as necessary.

Policy Research, Analysis, and Interpretation

Analyze a variety of contracting policy issues and problems and identify alternative courses of action.
Provide technical advice to BHA management, program staff, and COs on matters pertaining to contracting policies and procedures; provide advice upon request regarding specific situations or problems and upon receipt of changed procedures involving regulations, laws, and good business practices.

Other

Attend BHA trainings as necessary to better understand programmatic aspects of the office and how this translates into procurement requirements.
Assist in conducting brown bags and other informational sessions to educate BHA staff on changes in procurement policy or other relevant subject matter.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

The Senior Contract Specialist’s tasks will be primarily performed independently with minimal or little input, guidance, and direction from the OAA Supervisory Contracting Officer/Branch Chief or his/her designee.

Contract Compliance Review

Conduct reviews of complex, highly specialized and/or unique contracts, and relevant and supporting documentation.
Monitor all acquisition strategy, documents, and instruments for a variety of highly specialized, complex, and unique contracts of BHA’s diverse acquisition portfolio.
Support the CO by providing contract administration services to ensure terms and conditions are complied with and that the contractor delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Agency’s projects and programs. Responsibilities typically include:
- Periodic site visits, review of changes to incremental funding, preparation of rate and cost adjustments, redirection of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, preparation of stop work orders, preparation of cure notices or show cause letters, and contract closeout for CO review and approval.
- Advise technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in their award documents.
- Evaluate the adequacy of the contractor’s business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, subcontracting procedures, and financial management.
- Ensure the contractors and award recipient’s compliance with applicable Cost Accounting Standards or other cost principles and requirements.
Prepare termination of contracts for the convenience of the Government or default by the contractor for the review and approval by the CO. Prepare all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions by the CO. Negotiate termination claims.
Assist the CO in resolving audit findings on post-award audits.
Draft, for the CO, responses to protests by researching, analyzing, and developing necessary documentation and history.
Work with the Agency’s GC in preparing the Agency’s position, and CO reports, to support the Government’s defense on protests to the US GAO.
Conduct in-depth on-site evaluations of contracts, contracting procedures, contract planning, competition, cost analysis, organizations, employee qualifications, procurement, and contract administration systems and similar functions, and make recommendations to the CO.
Ensure compliance with requirements for all phases within the acquisition lifecycle. Reviews include all types of contracts (fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee, incentive provisions, escalation provisions, etc.) for the procurement of major systems, research and development, equipment, construction, services, and supplies.

Monitoring of Contractor’s Performance

Perform contract administration activities for significant, highly specialized procurements involving long-term, extensive technical service contracts and/or cost type contracts. Contract types vary with the complexity of the acquisition and the best interests of the Government, ranging from firm-fixed-price through cost-plus-fixed-fee types.
Independently review and monitor contractor’s performance on contract, regulatory, and statutory provisions through telephone conversations, correspondence, reports, vouchers, and visits.
Independently monitor status of contract performance, review for approval of progress payments, review and provide recommendations on contractor proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling, problems that have arisen and proposed solutions, verification of deliveries, and similar activities.
Prepare for the CO and other officials of the Agency, interpretations of contract provisions as applicable to contractors, and provide appropriate advice and guidance.
Conduct in-depth analyses of contractors’ financial and management systems and facilities for ability to perform and for compliance with Government or contractual requirements.
In consultation with M/OAA Supervisory Contracting Officer/Branch Chief, advise BHA CORs on issues arising during contractor performance to develop solutions related to contractor performance.

Procurement Program Planning Work

Develop new plans, schedules, or methods to accommodate changing program requirements for acquisition strategies for new or complex programs with ability to multi-task within varying assignments. Responsible for procurement planning activities in BHA, which may include reviewing project papers and representing M/OAA at program planning meetings and regular status meetings.
Identify, within assigned major program(s), those significant subsystems, components, equipment, and services to be acquired by contract or by interagency agreement.
Develop objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range, and construct the contractual vehicle, which includes the use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside policies, and similar considerations.
Prepare and maintain current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and keep M/OAA management informed of anticipated workload demands.
Anticipate problems and provide advice to BHA project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required to ensure they are met. When designated by the CO as his/her designated representative, serve on project review committee(s) in an advisory capacity.
In project planning meetings, advise BHA program officials of the procurement instruments to be used and assist BHA CORs in drafting effective SOWs, evaluation criteria, proposal instructions, and other supporting documents for RFPs, Task Order, and/or any other acquisition instruments.
Provide guidance to new BHA project/technical staff on USAID regulations, Automated Directive System, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and USAID Acquisition Regulation requirements.
Direct and lead Contract Specialists assigned to the project(s) within the area of responsibility by reviewing their work and providing on-the-job training.
Provide services to BHA field personnel during disaster responses by advising on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, and resolution of claims.
Prepare solicitation documents.

Analyzing Sources for the Items/Services Procured

Develop new or innovative acquisition plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions or financial arrangements that serve as models for future major acquisitions.
Survey the market to locate new procurement sources and determine availability of items or services with specialized requirements.
Perform detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals.
Assist the CO in determining the competitive range and prepare defensible justifications when required.
In coordination with BHA program staff, conduct pre-proposal conferences with prospective contractors to arrive at a clear understanding of what is required under the proposed contract.
Obtain appropriate data from business and technical officials.
Draft necessary modifications to clarify questions concerning such topics as specification changes, language ambiguities, or clarification of contract clauses or subcontracts.
Explore new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at an equitable contract arrangement.
In the absence of meaningful cost and price information, develop creative approaches to developing the necessary comparative data.

Negotiating Procurement of Products and Services Using a Variety of Contract Types

Serve as lead negotiator responsible for a significant program or for major acquisition procurements.
Plan the negotiation strategy, coordinate the strategy with the negotiation team, and lead the negotiations which are conducted with contractors to develop the contact prices and terms.
Manage the acquisition process from inception through negotiation, award, administration, and close-out; make awards recommendation to the CO; prepare contractual instruments, including for PSCs, for signature of the CO; prepare the memorandum of negotiation; organize and prepare pre- and post-award debriefs.
Coordinate with BHA program teams on a variety of contracts instruments requiring the development of new or modified evaluation criteria, reporting requirements, and contractual arrangements.
Forecast labor and material costs when unknowns are involved, locating or developing sources, developing approaches for procurements lacking precedent, and resolving major differences in the interpretation of the SOW during discussions and negotiations.
Negotiate and assist the CO in executing PASAs and RSSAs within delegated authority and in accordance with statutory and procedural regulations and general agreements with other Federal agencies. Negotiations include prices, terms, special conditions, and amendments. Coordinate PASAs and RSSAs with officials in participating Federal agencies and with Mission officials, as necessary.

Policy Research, Analysis, and Interpretation

Analyze a variety of contracting policy issues and problems and identify alternative courses of action.
Provide technical advice to BHA management and program staff and COs on matters pertaining to contracting policies and procedures and provide advice upon request regarding specific situations or problems and upon receipt of changed procedures involving regulations, laws, and good business practices.
Provide guidance and review of debrief letters.

Other

Attend BHA trainings as necessary to better understand programmatic aspects of the office and how this translates into procurement requirements.
Conduct brown bags and other informational sessions to educate BHA staff on changes in procurement policy or other relevant subject matter.
As needed, may serve on temporary detail within the Bureau. Duties performed while in detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition functions.

Master’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition functions.

HS Diploma plus a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition functions.

Master’s degree with significant study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, and materials management) and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition functions.

HS Diploma plus a minimum of eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience working in acquisition and assistance.

AND

Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

SELECTION FACTORS

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.
Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.
Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
Professional experience planning for or responding to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive (CBRNE) event, if applicable.

**BASIS OF RATING:**Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

Offerors are required to address each factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains 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 factors and/or Offeror Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. BHA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. BHA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process.

How to apply

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (beta.SAM.gov, BHA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

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