Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 18-2006 USPSC Development Assistance Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Dushanbe, Tajikistan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-3272-50-76-34/35/36, or e-mail [email protected]. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 18/2006 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 18-2006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 07/05/2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 07/25/2006 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST 5. MARKET VALUE: $55,360 - $71,965 per annum (GS-12 equivalent) with 35% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asian Republics (USAID/CAR) is a regional USAID Mission with responsibility for the development and management of the U.S. Government’s assistance program for the five Central Asian Republics. This program is directed at supporting a program of policy reform, humanitarian assistance, economic recovery, democratic and social transition in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Tajikistan poses one of the most difficult development challenges in the region. This small isolated country was already the poorest of the republics when part of the Soviet Union, but civil war and economic collapse since independence have now reduced over 80% of the population to poverty. The country has begun to see a political and economic turnaround since peace accords were signed in 1997. Tajikistan is on the front line of pressing U.S. concerns in the region: narcotics trafficking and terrorism, Islamic extremism, democratic transition, economic reform, and management of region's vast water resources. USAID assistance to the country was initially focused on urgent humanitarian needs and supporting the peace process. Under the new assistance strategy for Central Asia, USAID is increasingly supporting the country’s longer-term development needs, while still meeting humanitarian needs. USAID/CAR Tajikistan Country Office is responsible for oversight and coordination of approximately $18 million annually assistance portfolio implemented through approximately 35 institutional contractors and international private voluntary organizations (PVOs), and for coordinating on behalf of the U.S. Ambassador a U.S. Department of Agriculture food aid program involving four U.S. PVOs and the United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP). B) Basic Function Under the overall direction of the USAID/CAR Regional Mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan and the direct supervision of the Tajikistan Country Officer, the incumbent participates in the conceptualization, design and overall management of USAID/CAR’s policy strategy/portfolio for all Mission’s strategic and cross-cutting objectives in Tajikistan. The incumbent serves as the Development Assistance Specialist and de facto Deputy Director in USAID/CAR/Tajikistan Country Office. In that position s/he is responsible for assisting in oversight and coordination of approximately $18 million annually assistance portfolio implemented through four institutional contractors and 20 international private voluntary organizations (PVOs). As a TCO Deputy Director the incumbent participates in supervision of 10 Foreign National Personal Services Contractor (FNPSC) employees. C) Scope of Work The Development Assistance Specialist is the alter ego of the Country Officer and assumes the responsibilities and authority of the Country Officer in his/her absence. This requires that the incumbent is fully familiar with all programs and activities, the issues and objectives involved, and the implementation partners and local counterparts. As needed, the Country Officer may delegate specific responsibilities or assignments to the Deputy, on either a short-term or long-term basis. The Deputy is required to travel frequently within Tajikistan to monitor USAID activities and to travel, as well, to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission office in Almaty, Kazakhstan to consult with Mission management and technical support office staff. Areas of responsibility for the position of deputy country officer include: 1) Assist the Country Officer and Country Office staff to achieve the desired outcomes of USAID/CAR’s program in Tajikistan in the most effective and efficient manner. 2) Provide advice, technical leadership, and coordination in developing and implementing USAID/CAR projects/activities in Tajikistan as well as monitoring the progress of these activities. 3) Serve as a liaison official for USG assistance with the Government of Tajikistan, the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, private voluntary organizations, and international donor organizations. 4) Through field observation, analysis, and consultation with host government and other local entities, identify needs for USAID assistance in areas consistent with NIS assistance program. Advise the Tajikistan Country Office and USAID/CAR’s Regional Office of these needs, and as required, develop concept papers outlining the potential USAID response. Incumbent keeps the Country Officer apprised of issues, problems, successes and solutions in the management of the country office and of USAID’s program in Tajikistan. 5) As a manager is responsible for coordinating and implementation of P.L. 480 Title II Food Aid Program and other Humanitarian Assistance Projects. 6) Assist the Country Officer to maintain effective liaison and communication between the USAID/CAR’s Regional Office in Almaty, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, USAID grantees and contractors, other donors, the Government of Tajikistan, and AID/Washington. 7) Serve in the absence of the Country Officer as a member of the U.S. Embassy/Dushanbe Country Team. D) Supervision Exercised When serving in the capacity of acting country officer, the deputy will assume full supervisory responsibility for the entire Tajikistan Country Office (10 FSNPSC employees). E) Supervision Received The incumbent will work directly under the supervision and technical guidance of the Senior U.S. Direct Hire Supervisory Program Officer (Tajikistan Country Officer) • Under broad guidance from the USDH Country Officer, work is performed with a high degree of independence. • When serving in the capacity of acting Country Officer the incumbent will report directly to the USAID/CAR Director or his/her designee; also as acting country officer the incumbent will be under parallel supervision from the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan. F) Level and Purpose of Contacts The incumbent actively engages in official personal contacts with a broad range of individuals and organizations in Tajikistan and beyond. The purpose of these contacts is to promote USAID’s development assistance objectives and to increase his/her understanding of the dynamics of Tajik society as they affect USAID’s programs. Contacts also serve to gain insights from the procedures, methodologies, and experiences from host country counterparts and implementing partners as they affect USAID’s implementation effectiveness. It is expected that personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following: • Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatuses; • Ministers and deputy ministers in Tajikistan; • U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan and other members of the Country Team; • Chiefs of Party of USAID-funded contracts and grants; • Senior officials and executives from U.S. headquarters of USAID-funded contracts and grants; • Institutional contractors, PVOs and NGOs; • Host Country officials responsible for assistance matters; • Representatives of international donors; • USAID/CAR Office Directors; • USAID/Washington representatives and • CODELs, STAFFdels G) Qualification Requirements This position requires a blend of qualities that include: broad development experience; proven management abilities; ability to work independently; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners. The ideal incumbent would have the following characteristics: • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, international business, or other relevant subject area. Master’s degree is preferred. Training (or experience) in relevant administrative policies and procedures is required. • General knowledge of the political, social, and economic characteristics of former-Soviet countries, preferably Central Asia. • Minimum five year of progressively responsible experience demonstrated knowledge and competency in the design and management of development programs/projects, and evaluation of projects to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. • Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation. At least one year of supervisory experience. • Familiarity with USG’s policies and priorities and means of delivering assistance in developing nations. • High-level proficiency in oral and written communications needed to report on the status of activities and projects; to establish and maintaining effective relations with all levels of people in former-Soviet countries; and, to represent USAID/CAR Tajikistan’s projects and strategies in professional meetings and conferences. • Hands-on experience with and knowledge of computer software and hardware. • Experience in Central Asian Republics and on NIS region. • Ability to work as a team member and effectively lead teams. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; balanced judgment; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners are essential. • Good Working Knowledge of Russian or Tajik (the local language spoken in Tajikistan). All of the above are elements contributing to success performance in this position H) OTHER REQUIREMENTS Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance. Must be able to obtain a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Minimum Level V (Native) English Language ability (written and spoken) is required. Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. I) EVALUATION CRITERIA Technical Knowledge and Experience: 30 points Managerial and Leadership Experience: 20 points Academic Qualifications: 15 points Language and Communication Skills: 15 points Relevant NIS Experience: 15 points Computer Skills: 5 points Total: 100 points 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Application for Federal Employment SF-171 including experience, salary history and references, and recent sample of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) July 25, 2006. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample (1-2 page essay) may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 3272 507612 ext. 6345, Email: [email protected] Fax: 7 3272 507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. Selection will be made by a Mission committee no later than August 11, 2006. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period from on or about September 17, 2006 to on or about September 16, 2008. The contract will be signed by August 25, 2006. On or about September 17, 2006, the incumbent shall proceed to Dushanbe, Tajikistan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, is located in the extreme west of the country, about a one-hour drive from the border with Uzbekistan. Dushanbe was formed in 1922, when three small settlements of 5,000 people were united. It became the capital when Tajikistan became an autonomous republic in 1924. The city lies in a sheltered river valley at 2,300 feet above sea level, below the Hissar Mountains. The Varzob and Kofarnihon Rivers flow through Dushanbe. Because of its sheltered location, Dushanbe is often spared the more extreme weather conditions prevalent elsewhere in the region. Winters are similar to those in Washington, DC, with cool, damp weather and occasional snow. Spring is generally mild and rainy, while Tajik summers are hot and dry, with temperatures in some areas well over 100 °F. Autumn weather is generally pleasant and dry. In all seasons, temperatures can vary considerably during the course of the day. Now a city of 700,000, Dushanbe in its center retains the atmosphere of its original planners in the 1920s — wide, tree-lined streets with mostly low-rise apartment houses and office buildings painted white or pastel colors. Although traffic has begun to pick up with increased availability of gasoline, it is still comparatively light. Because of the trees, walking or bicycle riding is pleasant much of the year. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission’s website www.usaid.kz Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

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