SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-08-067 ISSUANCE DATE: November 13, 2007 CLOSING DATE: December 14, 2007, 5:00 p.m. EST SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) - Generalist (Multiple Positions) - Worldwide 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 Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) - Generalist (Multiple Positions) 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. * 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 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Facsimile: (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: Leigh Carlson or Yolanda Cunningham Telephone Number: (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9367 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Sincerely, Yvonne Wilson Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) - Generalist (Multiple Positions) 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/DOFDA-08-067 2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 13, 2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: December 14, 2007, 5:00 pm EST 4. POSITION TITLE: Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) - Generalist 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($79,115 - $102,848) - 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. Relocation to Washington, DC is not required and no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, renewable up to five years (see note below) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide (see note below) 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 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 under the management of the Office of the Director. The Program Support Division (PS) provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA's Washington and field offices. The Disaster Response and Mitigation Division (DRM) is responsible for coordinating with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and humanitarian assistance. DRM also devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. DRM hires sector specialists to provide technical expertise in assessing the quality of disaster response. The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical, operational, and technical 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), Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs). The RATS program is managed by the Overseas Administration Team (OAT) in the OFDA/OPS. This team maintains a database for all contracted RATS, providing information to the rest of the office on their availability, skills and previous OFDA experience. The OAT assists the program offices within OFDA in choosing the best qualified RATS for any specific task, and provides administrative and personnel support to existing RATS. Each RATS incumbent will provide enhancement to the OFDA team according to his/her skills. They will be considered part of OFDA-Washington resources that can be deployed worldwide. At times they may also be a resource for the DCHA Bureau. Foreign language ability in one or more major world languages is preferred. INTRODUCTION The Response Alternatives for Technical Services (RATS) is a program developed by the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to satisfy its growing need for surge capacity. In response to numerous disasters worldwide, it became clear that OFDA could not find, in a timely manner, adequate staff to cover all positions in the field and in Washington, and to backfill for permanent staff deploying to the field. OFDA's Senior Management Team (SMT) approved a program which would bring on board select candidates who could work on a part-time basis, for no more than 250 days per calendar year, and be deployed within hours to facilitate OFDA's response to disasters. RATS positions are contracted for an initial period of one year with the option to extend up to five years. OBJECTIVE The SMT has determined that OFDA needs to maintain a roster of 50 to 75 RATS to meet its surge capacity objectives. Each incumbent will be deployable to backfill Washington positions, to be assigned to field offices for staff enhancement, to serve on DARTs and RMTs as disaster response demands, and to assess critical situations as warranted. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES All RATS will be responsible for performing all or some of the tasks below; however, all work will be done in coordination with OFDA personnel. RATS are considered U.S. Government (USG) employees, and, as such, are required to further USG foreign policy objectives. RATS respond to humanitarian emergencies - natural, technological and conflict-related disasters - as required, worldwide. The contractor may serve in the OFDA Washington offices as staff enhancement when critical shortages of staff occur and on RMTs, which provide program, administrative, technical and logistics support to OFDA DARTs from Washington. The contractor may also be required to travel on short notice as a critical component of a USG disaster assessment team or a DART or to backfill staff members in OFDA regional or program offices overseas. The RATS - Generalist's responsibilities will include the following: * Conduct initial assessments of the vulnerable population and recommend appropriate relief activities. Facilitate and coordinate actual USG emergency response activities with the USAID Mission, with other donor agencies, and with the U.S. Embassy; * Liaise with other responders, i.e., government agencies, international organizations or private voluntary organizations. Determine the capacity of the affected community and ensure that adequate resources are available to the international response effort. Brief host governments, the U.S. Military, U.S. Embassy and USAID Mission, as necessary; * Coordinate and manage oversight of OFDA-funded activities to ensure the proper use of OFDA program funds. Monitor financial statements from the grantee(s) and the timeliness and quality of response(s); * Identify disaster mitigation measures where appropriate that could be linked to disaster response activities. Review mitigation principles and recommend course(s) of action to OFDA/Washington staff; * Develop various types of country/regional strategies for field offices, DARTs and assessment teams. Provide briefings and written reports as required; * Conduct personnel-related activities, property management, safety and security assessments, supply management, contracting services, leasing, travel, and records management, as needed and when tasked; * Coordinate delivery of relief supplies provided by OFDA. Ensure that distribution is carried out in accordance with USAID policies and regulations and with OFDA strategies; * Interpret USAID policies and apply them to OFDA activities as appropriate; * Determine availability of support resources including staff, equipment, storage, office space, and communications; identify the obligating authority for procurement of supplies, commodities and services; * Participate in appropriate training either as a participant and/or trainer; * Operate DART communications equipment and operate a four-wheel drive or standard-shift vehicle in cross-country conditions; * Provide expert advice to OFDA DARTs, RMTs, regional missions, and/or OFDA's Washington-based staff on humanitarian issues for populations at risk in conflict, disaster affected, or otherwise food-insecure areas; * Foster an effective team environment; guide and coordinate the work of other team members when serving as Response Manager, DART Leader, or other supervisory capacity; * Adhere strictly to Embassy and Mission security guidelines, coordinate all travel with the DART Leader, the DART Security Officer, the USAID Executive Officer (EXO) and/or the Washington-based RMT. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The incumbent will take direction from and report to the Overseas Administration Team (OAT) Leader or his/her designee, and that person designated as his/her supervisor in the Activation Memo. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in responding to administrative needs. 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 education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, human rights, economics, food policy, public health, gender studies, or a related field) plus nine (9) years relevant work experience with the USG, an international organization or a non-governmental organization, three (3) of which must include on-the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations or post-emergency rehabilitation; OR Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to international relations, law, human rights, economics, food policy, public health, gender studies, or related field) plus seven (7) years work experience with the USG, an international organization or a non-governmental organization, two (2) of which must include on-the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations or post-emergency rehabilitation; OR 12+ years working with a nongovernmental organization, international organization or the U.S. Government in humanitarian relief and response, three (3) of which must include on-the-ground field experience. 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 submitted; * Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; * Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; * 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 #1 - Describe your experience participating in on-the-ground disaster response efforts with relevant organizations involved in disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance, including U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, foreign governments and other donors. Experience to include conducting needs assessments, program development, and/or strategic planning; QRF #2 - Describe your knowledge of and experience with U.S. Government policy and regulations for responses to natural disasters and complex emergencies; QRF #3 - Provide specific examples of your ability to represent organizational interests and cultivate partnerships across organizational or cultural boundaries with (1) foreign governments, local authorities and beneficiaries, (2) international organizations, (3) international and local non-governmental organizations, and (4) U.S. Government agencies and other donors, especially as related to humanitarian assistance; QRF #4 - Describe your knowledge and understanding of U.S. Government international disaster relief programs, culture and management objectives; and QRF #5 - Provide specific examples of your ability to communicate complex concepts and recommendations in oral and written formats through the preparation and presentation of briefings, communications, field assessments, data collection, program evaluation and strategic and analytical reports on disaster or humanitarian issues. 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 QRF #2 - 10 QRF #3 - 10 QRF #4 - 9 QRF #5 - 6 Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - 20 points Total Possible Points: 100 NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services on a temporary, on-call, basis as a Response Alternatives for Technical Services. It is DCHA/OFDA's intent to contract for these services for a maximum of 250 days per calendar year. The level of effort anticipated under this contract will be provided within the terms of this contract at times mutually agreed to by DCHA/OFDA and the contractor. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, DCHA/OFDA will contact the contractor and provide the following information: 1.Date contractor is needed to report to DCHA/OFDA or assignment in the field 2.Duration of Assignment 3.Place of Performance The contractor will notify DCHA/OFDA within 24 hours of availability. At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a disaster may require the assignment to be extended (not to exceed 250 days). The Contractor shall notify OFDA at the time of commitment if their existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply assist DCHA/OFDA in recruiting a replacement. Subsequently, if the contractor agrees to an extension of the duration of a particular assignment, thereafter, the contractor will be required to give DCHA/OFDA 10 days notice for release from the assignment. APPLYING: 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 Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov or at Federal offices) or www.globalcorps.com. 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, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 Via facsimile: (202) 315-3803 or (240) 465-0244 Via email: [email protected] 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. 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) http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/citizen.portal 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. AAPD-06-12 - HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12) IMPLEMENTATION AAPD-06-12 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation. As directed in AAPD-06-12,the required reference to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-9, is also shown in Attachment 2. 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.

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