Assistance Specialist Closing Date

Location:

Clarks Summit, PA

Posted:

November 07, 2024

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Resume:

RESOLICITATION NUMBER: ********R*****-*

ISSUANCE DATE: 8/26/2024

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 9/09/2024/11:30 PM Nepal Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor

(CCNPSC - Local Compensation Plan) - Acquisition and Assistance Specialist Note: Previous experience with the USG, USAID, or on a USAID project is NOT required. USAID/Nepal is interested in diversifying its workforce to reflect the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and knowledge that exists across Nepal. USAID/Nepal values all relevant experiences regardless of where they were gained and encourages applicants to highlight in their application any knowledge and skills that adds value to the position advertised. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID/Nepal is an equal opportunity employer committed to a staff composition that reflects the social and ethnic diversity of Nepali society. We believe that social inclusion and diversity contribute to excellence. USAID/Nepal makes hiring decisions without regard for gender, gender identity, caste, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, age (if over 40), or sexual orientation. Applicants from ALL backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to apply: Please follow section IV below for instructions on how to submit the application for this position. Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the 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 offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in this solicitation. Sincerely,

Signature

Phillip M. Cherry

Contracting Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development Tel: 977-*-******* G.P.O. Box 295 Fax 977-*-*******

U.S. Embassy, Maharajgunj http://nepal.usaid.gov

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. RESOLICITATION NO.: 72036724R10008-1

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 8/26/2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 9/09/2024/11:30 PM Nepal Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/Nepal HR office, email at ************@*****.*** 5. POSITION TITLE: Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (Upto 2 Positions) 6. MARKET VALUE: The full performance level of this position is equivalent to FSN-11. However, if USAID’s evaluation does not result in an award at the full performance level, USAID may make an award to a selected CCN qualified at the closest next lower level, with contract options to place the contractor at each progressive level until the full performance level is reached.

The entry level of this position is equivalent to FSN-9, and the intermediate level of this position is equivalent to FSN-10.

In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Nepal final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the performance level. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (INCLUSIVE OF OPTIONS): Estimated to start o/a January 1, 2025, through o/a December 31, 2029 (depending on the security clearance process). Employment under this contract is of a continuing nature. Its duration is expected to be part of a series of sequential contracts; all contract clauses, provisions, and regulatory requirements concerning availability of funds and the specific duration of this contract shall apply. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kathmandu, Nepal with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Cooperating country national (CCN) - an individual who is a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility and computer access. 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

This position is established as an Acquisition and Assistance Specialist “Ladder” position, which includes positions at the FSN- 9, FSN-10, and the full performance level of FSN-11. At the full performance level, the CCNPSC will perform the following general duties: a. The Specialist (Full Performance Level/FPL) is responsible for providing professional level acquisition and assistance (A&A) support to Mission Technical Offices and DO Teams. USAID programs are diverse and multi-sectoral. The Specialist is required to guide designated Technical Offices, and/or DO Teams, through acquisition and assistance 72036724R10008-1

processes to support a variety of activities. These activities are implemented through complex A&A mechanisms, including but not limited to purchase orders, competitively negotiated contracts, task orders, cooperative agreements, Interagency Agreements (IAA), and sole source or limited competition awards, requiring the Specialist to be expert with regard to the full range of USAID instruments. The Specialist coordinates the development of A&A objectives for assigned portfolios, taking primary responsibility for all phases of the A&A process for complex actions. The Specialist performs complete A&A transactions for complex activities. The Specialist provides guidance and mentoring to junior-level staff, trainees, procurement technicians, and assistants on basic principles of USG and USAID acquisition, assistance, general A&A management, A&A policy direction, new/changed procurement policies, etc., as required. The Specialist is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the US, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy. b. The Specialist (FPL) must fully understand the USG laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing each type of A&A mechanism, and to apply these requirements to make recommendations to the supervisor regarding the appropriate instrument type for the situation at hand. The Specialist works independently in the selection of the appropriate A&A instrument types to meet the Mission’s needs, and accurately applies United States Government (USG) A&A laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing each type of instrument. The Specialist has an advanced knowledge of the procedures for acquisition of goods, for managing personal services and non-personal services contracting actions, and managing and awarding assistance agreements.

c. The Specialist (FPL) performs his/her assignments independently, seeking the guidance of the Contracting/Agreement Officer (CO/AO) for the most complex activities. The Specialist works directly with technical specialists/activity managers in DO Teams throughout the Mission, assisting in the preparation of annual A&A plans, clear and concise statements of work/statements of objectives/program descriptions, etc., and supporting documentation. The Specialist provides well supported guidance to technical specialists/activity managers pertaining to their A&A-related responsibilities and procedures. Specific duties include:

The Specialist works with the requiring office to develop evaluation criteria and determine the extent of advertising required. The Specialist prepares Requests for Proposal and Notices of Funding Opportunities for review by the CO/AO. The Specialist ensures compliance with FAR and AIDAR advertisement requirements, including publication of synopses and solicitations. The Specialist responds to offeror/applicant questions during the proposal submission phase; and, determines the need for, and prepares, clarifying amendments as required for solicitation documents. As necessary, the Specialist holds pre-bid or consultative meetings with potential partners to fully explain the Agency’s needs, and discusses solicitation documents. The Specialist evaluates applications and offers for responsiveness to particular solicitations, guides DO Teams in the review of the applications or proposals, and obtains reports and references, ensuring that any past performance of the offeror is relevant and of a high quality. The Specialist develops pre-negotiation cost objectives for approval by the CO/AO. The Specialist performs analysis of cost issues, considering economic conditions and factors of material, labor, and transportation costs; examines cost and pricing data submitted by offerors, to substantiate direct and indirect costs and profit; determines reasonableness of costs submitted; ensures data provided is consistent with USAID requirements on eligible geographic sources, and that salary structures are consistent with Agency policy; and, identifies circumstances that may require a waiver/deviation. The Specialist analyzes cost proposals and technical scores from technical evaluation committees; and, based on the analysis, makes a recommendation to the Contracting Officer to establish the competitive range.

The Specialist negotiates with potential awardees; documents negotiations in writing; recommends the selected contractor/recipient; and, prepares contract files to include making required certifications and determinations necessary for each A&A action. The Specialist leads pre-award assessment surveys of potential contractors or recipients, ensuring that offerors have adequate management, accounting, personnel, and procurement systems, and appropriate corporate leadership, resources, and quality control systems to satisfactorily carry out contracts, in order to ensure eligibility prior to an award being made. The Specialist prepares award documents that accurately reflect all discussions and provisions relevant to the type of award mechanism to be implemented. The Specialist organizes and conducts orientation meetings with selected contractors, to ensure that mobilization efforts will be conducted efficiently, and that all terms and conditions of A&A instruments are clear and well-understood by all parties. The Specialist provides support in debriefings to unsuccessful offerors.

ii. Post-Award Duties: The Specialist monitors performance as required by the terms and conditions of the award, through reviews of performance and reviews of financial reports. The Specialist administers the awards in his/her assigned developmental portfolio, monitoring funding levels and preparing incremental funding modifications; works with CO/AO and CORs/AORs to assure targets/milestones are set and being met (or that remedial action is taken), and that the overall goals of the activity are met. The Specialist ensures timely submission of technical progress reports, and works with the COR to develop Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs) that are consistent with implementation progress and performance; makes periodic visits to contractor work sites, and 72036724R10008-1

represents the Office at performance-related meetings; assists any client Missions to develop appropriate indicators for work plans and contract documents; ensures contractors are fully compliant with performance standards contained in the Contract, and seeks corrective action in cases of non-compliance; expedites Change Orders or revisions when circumstances require it; and, issues ‘show cause' or ‘cure notices,’ and/or recommends termination of contracts for default or for convenience, and negotiates termination settlements. The Specialist analyzes and takes action to resolve procurement system review and audit findings, such as cost items questioned or unresolved; supports recommendations with detailed analysis of each cost, category, or element as necessary; prepares necessary documents to resolve all aspects of audits, questioned or ineligible costs, and accounting issues; and, presents documentation to the CO/AO for signature. iii. Award Closeout: The Specialist reviews completed (after physical completion) contract files to determine that all contractual actions are satisfied, and that there are no pending administrative actions to be resolved; ensures that all file documents are signed, that there are no litigation actions pending, and that the contract is complete in every respect and ready to be closed; and, ensures that contracts nearing anniversaries or completion have a completed performance report from the COR/AOR, and submits reports to the Contractor for comment. The Specialist conducts closeout of acquisition and assistance awards (i.e., contracts, task orders, grants, cooperative agreements) after completion. This includes ensuring contract audits are conducted in a timely manner, preparing performance documentation, and resolving outstanding issues noted in audits.

Intermediate Level (FSN-10):

At the intermediate performance level, the CCN PSC will perform the following general duties: a. The Specialist (Intermediate Level/IL) is responsible for providing acquisition and assistance

(A&A) support to Mission Technical Offices and DO Teams. USAID programs are diverse and multi-sectoral. The Specialist is required to provide assistance with acquisition and assistance processes to designated Technical Offices, and/or DO Teams, and to support a variety of activities. These activities are implemented through complex A&A mechanisms, including but not limited to purchase orders, competitively negotiated contracts, task orders, cooperative agreements, Interagency Agreements (IAA), and sole source or limited competition awards, requiring the Specialist to become familiar with the full range of USAID instruments. Assignments are designed to provide more advanced experience with the intent that the Specialist will be responsible for all phases of the A&A process for complex actions in the future. The Specialist performs complete A&A transactions for activities involving moderate complexities. The Specialist is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the US, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

b. The Specialist (IL) must understand the USG laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing each type of A&A mechanism and apply these requirements to make recommendations to the supervisor or higher-level Specialist/Officer regarding the appropriate instrument type for the situation at hand. The Specialist is assigned work in such a manner as to enhance the 72036724R10008-1

knowledge and skills of the individual to work independently in the selection of the appropriate A&A instrument types to meet the Mission’s needs, and to accurately apply United States Government (USG) A&A laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing each type of instrument. The Specialist should have an operating knowledge of the procedures for acquisition of goods, for managing personal services and non-personal services contracting actions and managing and awarding assistance agreements.

c. The Specialist (IL) performs his/her assignments semi-independently, seeking the guidance of higher- level Specialists/Officers for more complex activities. The Specialist works directly with technical specialists/activity managers in DO Teams throughout the Mission, assisting in the preparation of annual A&A plans, clear and concise statements of work/statements of objectives/program descriptions, etc., and supporting documentation. The Specialist provides well supported guidance to technical specialists/activity managers pertaining to their A&A-related responsibilities and procedures.

Specific duties include:

i. Pre-Award Duties: The Specialist assists the Technical/DO Teams with A&A planning and advises on the selection of the appropriate A&A mechanisms to achieve program objectives. The Specialist collects and analyzes data and prepares and updates tracking tools in order to monitor pending actions; works with clients to assist in the preparation of justifications, waivers, deviations, and other necessary approvals, as needed; and, reviews GLAAS Requisitions (REQs) for completeness and clarity before endorsing them to higher-level Specialists/Officers. With limited assistance, the Specialist conducts pre-award activities for moderately complex competitive solicitations, assisting technical personnel in the preparation of required descriptions of proposed activities, including SOWs, specifications, and program descriptions. The Specialist advises on the adequacy of evaluation criteria and the extent of advertising required. The Specialist prepares Requests for Proposal and Notices of Funding Opportunities for review by higher-level Specialists/Officers. The Specialist, with assistance as necessary from higher-level Specialists/Officers, ensures compliance with FAR and AIDAR advertisement requirements, including publication of synopses and solicitations. The Specialist assists in the development of pre-negotiation cost objectives in conjunction with the CO/AO or higher-level Specialist; recommends the competitive range; negotiates with potential awardees with guidance from higher-level Specialists/Officers; documents negotiations in writing; assists in technical and cost evaluations; recommends the selected contractor and prepares contract files to include making required certifications and determinations necessary for each A&A action. The Specialist works with higher-level Specialists/Officers on pre-award assessment surveys of potential contractors or recipients in order to ensure eligibility prior to an award being made. The Specialist, with limited assistance, prepares award documents that accurately reflect all discussions and provisions relevant to the type of award mechanism to be implemented. ii. Post-Award Duties: The Specialist monitors performance as required by the terms and conditions of the award, through reviews of performance and reviews of financial reports. The Specialist administers the awards in his/her assigned developmental portfolio, monitoring funding levels and preparing incremental funding modifications; and, with assistance as needed from higher-level Specialists/Officers, works with CO/AO Teams/CORs/AORs to assure targets/milestones are set and being met (or that remedial action is taken), and that the overall 72036724R10008-1

goals of the program/project/activity are met. As assigned, the Specialist conducts site visits and attends meetings. The Specialist provides guidance to technical personnel, and assists in programmatic duties as required to avoid contractual/legal improprieties, seeking guidance from higher-level Specialists/Officers as required. The Specialist researches and makes recommendations to resolve issues that may arise during contract performance, including changes, work stoppages, disputes, implementation problems, defaults, cost overruns, unacceptable performance, and payment problems.

iii. Award Closeout: The Specialist conducts closeout of acquisition and assistance awards (i.e., contracts, task orders, grants, cooperative agreements) after completion. This includes ensuring contract audits are conducted in a timely manner, preparing performance documentation, and resolving outstanding issues noted in audits.

Entry Level (FSN-9):

At the entry performance level, the CCN PSC will perform the following general duties: a. The Specialist (Entry Level/EL) is responsible for providing basic acquisition and assistance

(A&A) support to Mission Technical Offices and DO Teams. USAID programs/projects/activities are diverse and multi-sectoral. These programs/projects/activities are implemented through complex A&A mechanisms, including but not limited to purchase orders, competitively negotiated contracts, task orders, cooperative agreements, Inter Agency Agreements (IAA), and sole source or limited competition awards, requiring the Specialist to become familiar with the full range of USAID instruments. Assignments are designed to provide diversified experience as a foundation for future responsibility. The Specialist performs complete A&A transactions for activities involving few complexities. The Specialist is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the US, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

b. The Specialist (EL) is assigned work in such a manner as to enhance the knowledge and skills of the individual to work independently in the selection of the appropriate A&A instrument types to meet the Mission’s needs, and to accurately apply United States Government (USG) A&A laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing each type of instrument. The developmental nature of the assignments provides exposure to the acquisition of goods and various types of services. The Specialist will become equally familiar with the procedures for acquisition of goods, for managing personal services and non-personal services contracting actions, and managing and awarding assistance agreements.

c. The Specialist (EL) performs assignments under the guidance of higher-level Specialists/Officers, and with technical specialists/activity managers in DO Teams throughout the Mission, assisting in the preparation of annual A&A plans, clear and concise statements of work/statements of objectives/program descriptions, and supporting documentation. The Specialist will develop the ability to provide well supported guidance to technical specialists/activity managers pertaining to their A&A-related responsibilities and procedures. Specific developmental duties include:

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i. Pre-Award Duties: The Specialist participates in meetings on A&A planning; collects and analyzes data, and prepares and updates tracking tools in order to monitor pending actions; works with clients to assist in the preparation of justifications, waivers, deviations, and other necessary approvals, as needed; and, reviews GLAAS Requisitions (REQs) for completeness and clarity before endorsing them to higher-level Specialists/Officers. The Specialist prepares solicitation documents in GLAAS, and electronically posts solicitations; and, works with higher-level Specialists/Officers to ensure compliance with FAR and AIDAR publicizing requirements, including publication of synopses and solicitations, as prescribed. The Specialist works with higher-level Specialists/Officers to prepare Requests for Proposal and Notices of Funding Opportunities. The Specialist assists higher-level Specialists/Officers in pre-award activities for competitive solicitations, and with pre-award assessment surveys of potential contractors or recipients, in order to ensure eligibility prior to an award being made. The Specialist directly performs simple procurement actions for supplies or services below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) that require limited use of negotiation techniques and analysis. ii. Post-Award Duties: The Specialist assists higher-level Specialists/Officers in monitoring performance as required by the terms and conditions of the award, through reviews of performance and reviews of financial reports. The Specialist administers the awards in the assigned developmental portfolio, monitoring funding levels and preparing incremental funding modifications; and, under the guidance of higher-level Specialists/Officers, works with CO/AO Teams/CORs/AORs to assure targets/milestones are set and being met (or that remedial action is taken), and that the overall goals of the program/project/activity are met. As assigned, the Specialist conducts site visits and attends meetings. The Specialist provides guidance to technical personnel, and assists in programmatic duties as required to avoid contractual/legal improprieties, seeking guidance from higher-level Specialists/Officers as required. The Specialist assists in researching and resolving issues that may arise during contract performance, including changes, work stoppages, disputes, implementation problems, defaults, cost overruns, unacceptable performance, and payment problems.

iii. Award Closeout: The Specialist assists in the closeout process for acquisition and assistance awards (i.e., contracts, task orders, grants, cooperative agreements) after completion. These include ensuring contract audits are conducted in a timely manner, preparing performance documentation, and resolving outstanding issues noted in audits. The Position Descriptions for each level are attachments to this solicitation. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Full Performance Level (FSN-11):

a. Education: Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree or the host-country equivalent of a four- year US college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) degree is required. Note: Additional education will NOT be substituted for Experience. b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in 72036724R10008-1

acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a position that requires closely related skills, such as program management, law, or financial management, is required. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of FSN responsibility in this or an occupation that requires similar skills, within a USG organization, the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization. S/he must have demonstrated experience fostering a work environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and that does not tolerate harassment, exclusion or inequality. Note: Additional experience will NOT be substituted for Education.

c. Post Entry Training: In order to qualify at the FSN-11 level, the Specialist must be certified at the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level Professional, and have additionally completed USAID Essential Elements in Assistance and CON 237 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) or equivalent. Additional FAC-C courses may be provided, in person or on-line, over a period of time as a part of the continuing requirement for all A&A professionals to complete a minimum of one-hundred (100) Continuous Learning Points for every two-year period. In addition, the Specialist may be provided with formal or on-the-job training to keep abreast of changes in the ADS, FAR, CFR, OAA-Intranet, the AIDAR, and Office and Mission operating and administrative procedures. Off-site formal training, if considered necessary, will be provided based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds. S/he must participate in diversity, equity and inclusion trainings. d. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) in written and spoken English and proficiency in both oral and written Nepali.

e. Job Knowledge: Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes is required. Professional level knowledge of USG A&A regulations and policies, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, simplified acquisition procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. A professional level of knowledge of host-country and regional markets pertaining to program/project/activity requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US/local market and pricing methods is required. S/he must demonstrate an understanding of and be able to explain diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, relate them to their work and how to incorporate these concepts into programming. S/he must have the ability to gain and apply knowledge of USG and GON context and policies on diversity, inclusion, and equity. f. Skills and Abilities: The ability to independently plan and administer complex A&A activities and provide A&A support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The ability to apply contracting and assistance regulations, procedures, and policies to complex acquisition and assistance programs, is required. Ability to manage the competition phase of new agreements and contracts and to perform cost or price analysis in both a competitive and non-competitive environment is required. Skill in solving practical problems relating to A&A is required. An ability to deal effectively with mid- to high-level representatives of the US,

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