United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Closing date: 08 Apr 2010
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OFDA-10-000001
ISSUANCE DATE: March 25, 2010
CLOSING DATE: April 8, 2010, 5:00 p.m. EDT 
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a  Regional Advisor in Nairobi, Kenya
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 Regional Advisor 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: rakenya@globalcorps.com
FacsÃmile: (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:
Eleanor Henning or Paulo Couto 
Telephone Number: (202) 661-9334 or (202) 661-9316
E-Mail Address: rakenya@globalcorps.com
Website: www.globalcorps.com
FacsÃmile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244
Sincerely,
Lance Butler III
Contracting Officer
Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Regional Advisor  – Nairobi, Kenya
1.  SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-10-000001
2.  ISSUANCE DATE: March 25, 2010
3.  CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 8, 2010, 5:00  pm EDT
4.  POSITION TITLE: Regional Advisor
5.  MARKET VALUE:  GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104 - not eligible for locality  pay).  Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market  value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and  educational background.  
6.  PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:  Two years, renewable up to five years
7.  PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:  Nairobi, Kenya
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 emergency 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.   The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for  the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants  mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Private Voluntary  Organizations (PVOs), the United Nations agencies and to partners to  ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. This division  also oversees OFDA's non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction.  DRM also coordinates with other organizations and donors for the  provision of relief supplies and assistance. DRM devises, coordinates,  and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human  caused disaster situations with a focus on disaster risk reduction.  It  encompasses a group of technical sector specialists who provide expert  capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and disaster  risk reduction activities.  The Program Support Division (PS) provides  programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial  services, procurement planning and guidance, contracts and grants  administration, and communication support for OFDA’s Washington and  field offices.  The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages  logistical and operational 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), coordinating and  supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and the  Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs) as needed.
INTRODUCTION
To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to disasters worldwide,  OFDA has six permanent regional offices in the following locations:   Budapest, Hungary; San Jose, Costa Rica; Nairobi, Kenya; Dakar, Senegal;  Pretoria, South Africa; and Bangkok, Thailand.  The sub regional  offices are in Almaty, Kazakhstan and the Middle East.
The regional offices are headed by Principal Regional Advisors (PRAs)  who report to the Disaster Response Team Leader in Washington. PRAs  serve as the regional team leader for all response, preparedness and  disaster risk reduction activities. They primarily serve as the key  interlocutor with embassies and missions in the event of a disaster but  may also serve as the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) leader if  needed.  They are principally responsible for managing the regional  offices, monitoring all grants on humanitarian assistance program  implementation, overseeing the sub-regional offices, as appropriate,  supervising the office staff, and developing, in consultation with their  respective Washington-based Regional Coordinators , the multi-year  non-response program strategies for the their respective regions.  The  PRAs coordinate with OFDA/Washington on disaster response activities,  determine program priorities, and identify and formulate disaster  preparedness, mitigation and training programs for their respective  regions.  The Regional Advisors (RAs) reporting to the PRAs ensure that  OFDA’s objectives for disaster response and assistance, strategic  reporting and analysis are met. The RAs are responsible for monitoring  and reporting on OFDA-funded programs and activities, and formulating  disaster response, preparedness, mitigation and training programs for  the region.
OBJECTIVE
OFDA requires the services of a Regional Advisor (RA) in Nairobi, Kenya.
9.  CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This Regional Advisor position requires an individual who is able to  travel outside of the country where they are based, on short notice for  two to three weeks at a time, or longer, on occasion. The incumbent will  serve as the primary contact and liaison for on-going disaster  activities related to disaster response, preparedness, mitigation and  training programs.  The incumbent will work to increase the capability  of host governments, international organizations (IOs), and non  governmental organizations (NGOs) to respond and prepare for disasters  in the affected region. The Regional Advisor will be responsible for  disaster analysis, program monitoring, overseeing NGO partner  implementation, reporting to OFDA Washington, and liaising with USAID  Missions and U.S. Embassies. 
A) Disaster Response - Working directly under the guidance and  supervision of the respective Principal Regional Advisor, the incumbent  will:
•Travel to the scene of a disaster or potential disaster and assist in  initial assessments of damages and needs; determine appropriate relief  assistance and emergency interventions, in consultation with  OFDA/Washington and/or the Principal Regional Advisor; and provide  timely reporting cables and other written analysis of these events;
•Coordinate and liaise with representatives of host governments, donor  governments, IOs, NGOs, U.S. Embassies, and USAID Missions to facilitate  cooperation and coordination in disaster response activities;
•Monitor DCHA/OFDA-funded activities and report in accordance with OFDA  guidelines, policies, and requirements;
•Become certified and serve as an Agreement Officer’s Technical  Representative (AOTR) and Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative  (COTR) for grants, cooperative agreements and contracts;
•Serve as required as DART Team Leader or as a DART team member during  a  disaster response;
•Maintain regular communications with the regional (and/or sub-regional)  office in their area of responsibility and with OFDA/Washington;
•Prepare specific requested field information and subject reports, as  required by OFDA/Washington.
B) Disaster Preparedness - Working closely with OFDA/Washington and  drawing on the skills and technical expertise within the office and  available through inter- and intra-agency agreements, the incumbent will  assist representatives of host government organizations, IOs, and NGOs  in the development of strong emergency and disaster  preparedness/mitigation programs.
Specifically, the incumbent, in collaboration with OFDA  regional/sub-regional team colleagues, will:
•Assist with the design, development, and implementation of strategies  and integrated disaster assistance and response for OFDA, local  governments, and other donors/organizations as appropriate;
•Advise regional officials, including host country authorities and other  USAID and/or U.S. Embassy officials on OFDA’s efforts in disaster  response and management;
•Provide support for other OFDA initiatives in the assigned region as  identified by the incumbent’s respective Regional Office and/or  sub-regional team.  Support may include but is not limited to  assessment/evaluation visits, project design exercises and  hazards/vulnerability/risk analysis;
•Coordinate with other agencies/organizations to identify critical  disaster concerns affecting the region and countries and develop  projects/activities for addressing these;
•Work with representatives of local and regional institutions and  private/public sector organizations to incorporate preparedness and  mitigation into appropriate programs;
•Prepare regular strategic and analytical reports on current or  anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness  documentation on assigned countries.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The Regional Advisor will report directly to the Principal Regional  Advisor. However, for certain activities, the Regional Advisor will  coordinate tasks with the respective Regional Coordinator in  OFDA/Washington.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
Supervisory controls will be minimal. The Principal Regional Advisor  will provide direction in terms of broadly defined program goals and  objectives. The Regional Advisor is expected to act independently with  little direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of  independent judgment.
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 the education and experience factors are considered NOT  qualified for the position.)
Bachelor’s degree with study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field  of, but not limited to, international relations, development, economics,  food policy or a specific country; and nine (9) years of progressively  demonstrated experience in emergency relief, refugee and internally  displaced person (IDP) activities, development and/or disaster  preparedness programming and management, three (3) years of which must  be overseas. 
OR
Master’s degree with study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field  of, but not limited to, international relations, development, economics,  food policy or a specific  country; and seven (7) years of  progressively demonstrated experience with emergency relief, refugee and  internally displaced person (IDP) activities, development and/or  disaster preparedness programming and management, three (3) years of  which must be overseas. 
SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position.  Applicants who do not  meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the  position.)
•Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;
•Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 and OF-612 continuation  sheets submitted;
•All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per  week for all positions listed on the OF-612 to allow for adequate  evaluation of your related and direct experience.  Experience that  cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience  requirements.
•Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking  Factors (QRFs) submitted;
•Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by  USAID.
•Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;
•Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)
(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in  comparison to other applicants.  The factors are listed in priority  order from highest to least.)
QRF #1Please describe your demonstrated program development and/or  management experience in the field of humanitarian assistance, disaster  relief, preparedness, mitigation, and/or disaster risk reduction.
QRF #2Please describe your knowledge of and experience in dealing with  host country governments and local authorities, and coordinating relief  activities with other U.S. Government agencies (e.g. Department of  State, Department of Defense, USAID missions, and Embassies), United  Nations (UN),  international organizations, and non-governmental  organizations in providing humanitarian assistance.
QRF #3Please describe your demonstrated experience developing,  implementing and assessing disaster responses and plans, and developing  strategic plans for humanitarian assistance and disaster risk reduction.
QRF #4Please describe your demonstrated overseas field experience in  humanitarian assistance, refugee and IDP assistance, emergency relief  and/or development.
QRF #5Please describe your oral and written communication skills as  demonstrated through the preparation of reports, briefings, and other  communications used to inform strategic decision making.
BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience  requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on  scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses.  Those applicants  determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on  interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.
Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet  describing specifically and accurately what experience, training,  education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each  factor.  Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the  top of each additional page.  Failure to address the selection and/or  Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all  of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:
QRFs have been assigned the following points:
QRF #1 – 15 points
QRF #2 – 10 points
QRF #3 – 10 points
QRF #4 – 10 points
QRF #5 – 5 points
Interview Performance – 30 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points
Total Possible Points: 100
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) 
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html
LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs
Forms outlined below can found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do
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.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.
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).
How to apply
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/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 facsÃmile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 
Via email: rakenya@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:  If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within  six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.
Reference Code: RW_83VHZL-45