| R -- Solicitation No. 79-2007 (extended) USPSC Cultural Affairs Advisor |
| Program Summary |
 |
| Title: |
R -- Solicitation No. 79-2007 (extended) USPSC Cultural Affairs Advisor |
| GovCB Opps ID : |
ADP12013072750001338 |
| Document Type: |
Sources Sought Notice |
| FSC Code: |
R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services
|
| Solicitation No.: |
79-2007-extended |
| Source: |
http://www1.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/79%2D2007%2Dextended/SynopsisR.html |
Place of
Performance: |
Address: Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Postal Code: 050010 Country: KAZAKHSTAN
|
Posted Date:
|
Jan 25, 2008 |
| Last Update: |
Jan 25, 2008 |
| Due Date: |
Feb 15, 2008 |
|
| Description |
|
General Information
| Document Type: |
Sources Sought Notice |
| Solicitation Number: |
79-2007-extended |
| Posted Date: |
Jan 25, 2008 |
| Original Response Date: |
Feb 15, 2008 |
| Current Response Date: |
Feb 15, 2008 |
| Original Archive Date: |
Mar 01, 2008 |
| Current Archive Date: |
Mar 01, 2008 |
| Classification Code: |
R -- Professional, administrative, and management support services |
| Naics Code: |
541990 -- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services |
Contracting Office Address
Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, DC, 20521-7030, UNITED STATES
Description
ISSUANCE DATE: 12/12/2007
CLOSING DATE: 02/15/2008 (extended)
Gentlemen/Ladies:
SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 79-2007 (amended)
USPSC Cultural Affairs Advisor, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) 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 Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36,
or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov.
Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals.
Sincerely,
Heather Armstrong
Contracting Officer
ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 79/2007 (amended)
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 79-2007 (amended)
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 12/12/2007
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED
FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 02/15/2008 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) (extended)
4. POSITION TITLE: CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISOR
5. MARKET VALUE: $66,951 - $87,039 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently)
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional)
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
8. JOB DESCRIPTION:
A) Background
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assists Central Asia?s five nations to pursue a stable economy and democracy. USAID works across the Central Asian Republics (CAR) to develop and improve health, education, job creation, energy, water supply and relations between people and government. USAID supports opportunities for citizens of these countries to fully participate in improving their governance, livelihoods and quality of life.
USAID's Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible, in close consultation with the five U.S. Ambassadors in the region, for the design and management of USAID assistance programs in five republics. The central office is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan with offices in Astana, Kazakhstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Osh, Kyrgyzstan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. USAID/CAR is responsible for approximately $80 million of assistance annually, with activities totaling $300 million in the areas of energy and environment, economics and finance, democracy and conflict mitigation, and health and education. The Mission works in partnership with over 120 grantee and contractor teams.
The USAID/CAR/Kyrgyzstan Country Office in is led by a Country Office Director, and includes a Deputy, two USPSCs and local national technical and administrative support staff managing a program with a budget of approximately $23 million in FY 2007. They oversee, with technical guidance and support from USAID/CAR, more than 50 in-country contractor/grantee teams. These teams work in a variety of development areas including education, agribusiness, fiscal reform, land reform, trans-boundary energy and water, agriculture, private sector development, local government reform, democracy, media, health, judicial reform, human rights, banking, credit, trade and investment, small and medium enterprise development, and civil society and NGO development. The assistance provided in these programs seeks to expand opportunities for participation, livelihood and quality of life for the citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic.
B) STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
1) Summary
The incumbent serves as the USAID/CAR Cultural Affairs Advisor. He/she will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, will focus on CAR, and may also provide services to embassies/USAID missions outside of Central Asia, in coordination with the Europe and Eurasia (E&E)/Asia; Bureaus. In coordination with relevant USAID and embassy staff, the Cultural Affairs Advisor will be responsible for engagement with religious communities and leaders for the overall purpose of mitigating the risks of religious conflict and extremism, through a multi-pronged approach that combines outreach, integration into broader USG programming, and opportunities for enhanced dialogues to improve the policy and regulatory framework for religious tolerance. S/he will conduct analyses and prepare regular and special reports on religious issues, including recommendations of how such issues can be alleviated by integration into, or creation of, USAID (or USG) development assistance programs or other reform efforts. The incumbent will identify evolving situations, conditions, and changes in the religious environment and attitudes, inclusion of religious communities, and religious tolerance / religious freedom in a country or sub-region so as to anticipate need for shifts in existing or planned programming to address those trends.
The Cultural Affairs Advisor interacts with government officials, religious scholars and leaders, local government officials and NGO leaders, as well as other people of influence in the region. In this role, the Cultural Affairs Advisor will establish contact and develop relationships with a broad array of U.S., international and regional NGOs, think tanks, and moderate religious institutions, and explore partnership opportunities related to religious issues. In addition, the Cultural Affairs Advisor will coordinate with other donors and international organizations on religious programs.
The Cultural Affairs Advisor will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, but it is expected that s/he will spend approximately 50% of her/his time in other countries of Central Asia, Europe/Eurasia or Asia, depending on needs and opportunities.
2) MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Serves as a cultural advisor to USAID and Embassy staff to identify opportunities, approaches and mechanisms to effectively engage religious leaders and involve religious communities with the primary goal of identifying feasible and tangible steps USAID and the USG can take to mitigate the risk of increased religious extremism through expanded outreach efforts, involvement in development programs, and an improved policy and legal framework for religious freedom and tolerance.
b) Provides regular, written analysis on the interplay of religious, state and social actors in the Central Asian region (and other countries where work is focused). The purpose of this analytical function is to: (i) understand trends in religious belief and practice; (ii) identify geographic and demographic areas potentially vulnerable to religious extremism where more intensive efforts may be useful; (iii) identify feasible and tangible steps USAID can take to address these risks; and (iv) advise USAID leadership on approaches to engaging and integrating religious leaders and religious communities into development programs. These reports will be provided on at least a quarterly basis, simultaneously to USAID/CAR and, as appropriate, to the E&E/Asia; Bureaus. Reports will also be shared with other relevant USAID missions/offices and embassies.
c) The Cultural Affairs Advisor may also, if appropriate opportunities arise and resources are available, organize events or manage activities related to the areas outlined in this position description. The Cultural Affairs Advisor will coordinate these activities/events with relevant USAID missions/offices and/or embassies and Washington points of contact, especially related to matters such as funding availability, procurement requirements, logistical support (e.g., in-country travel and translation) and management considerations.
d) Collaborates with embassies? front office, political and public affairs sections, as well as with senior officials in USAID/Washington and the State Department, to help ensure an integrated USG approach to engaging religious communities and mitigating the factors that relate to religious extremism.
e) Regularly reports on the performance of USAID religious activities and efforts to USAID and relevant Embassies. The Cultural Affairs Advisor may also support outreach related to ongoing USAID development programs, both in the region and through occasional consultation and outreach trips to the US, in coordination with other USAID staff, which will be included in this reporting.
f) Consistent with the overall USAID strategic approach and USG policy, incumbent independently cultivates / maintains contacts and dialogue with host country governmental and non-governmental religious leaders, organizations, and communities. These contacts will be used by the incumbent to effectively perform all of his/her functions as described above.
3) SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Day-to-day supervision will be provided by USAID/CAR/Kyrgyzstan Country Office Director in Bishkek. The USAID/CAR Mission Director, or his/her designee, will provide overall policy guidance for work in Central Asia. USAID/CAR will coordinate with the designated E&E; Bureau and/or Asia Bureau point(s) of contact related to work outside of Central Asia. Schedules and taskings will be coordinated among the three parties (Bishkek Country Officer and the USAID/CAR and E&E/Asia; designees). The Cultural Affairs Advisor will receive direction from other USAID/CAR Country Officers or other USAID missions related to country-specific services.
The Cultural Affairs Advisor has a high degree of independence to act within overall policy guidelines and has broad coordination, representation and analytical responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to use initiative and exercise discretion in dealing with Mission and Country Office personnel as well as with personnel at the U.S. Embassy, representatives from other donor organizations, and stakeholders.
C) QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
1) PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE:
Have a minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible experience working on religious affairs and inclusion issues, with strong preference(s) given to those who have worked in international development, have actual experience in Central Asia or predominantly Muslim countries, and have specific experience working with traditional religious communities and leaders of the Muslim world. It is highly desirable that at least two years? prior work experience will have been with a U.S. Government Agency, other international donor, research, or academic organization(s), and/or donor-funded contractor or grantee on directly related activities.
2) KNOWLEDGE:
Working knowledge of political, economic and social conditions, as well as historic issues, concepts and practices related to religion, state and society in Central Asia is required with a preference for similar knowledge of the broader E&E; and Asia regions and a strong preference for an understanding of development work.
3) SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
This position requires a unique blend of qualities to include: demonstrated leadership skills; the exceptional communications and interpersonal skills necessary to operate in an often hostile or at least suspicious environment; an ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; integrity; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; the ability to conceptualize - both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances. The ability to independently carry out analyses, develop policy recommendations, and identify programmatic opportunities and approaches is essential.
The incumbent must be a self-starter - able to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure as a team member in a culturally diverse team environment. In addition, the ability to be responsive to clients? needs and to adapt to the existing management team by being a good listener, a team-builder, and an articulate advocate of USAID?s goals is required. Command of software programs for e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics presentations is required.
4) LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English required. Level 3 (Good Working Knowledge) in both speaking and comprehension of a Central Asian language or Russian is required. Given the level of responsibility associated with this position and the suspicions local interlocutors have of the USG, written and oral communication skills must be exceptional. The incumbent is required to: 1) prepare specific status/progress reports, briefings, talking points, letters and other documents requiring no editorial changes prior to distribution; and 2) prepare and present oral briefings and/or training sessions.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and diplomacy are required to maintain excellent working relationships with the U.S. Embassy, all USAID Mission personnel, internal/external contacts, counterparts, shareholders, and clients. A proven ability to develop and maintain professional relations with the most senior-ranking host country stakeholders (i.e., central and regional religious leaders, regional NGO representatives, local international donor representatives, heads of local delegations, and other key stakeholders and partners) is required.
5) EDUCATION:
A Bachelor?s degree is required with strong preference given to those with an academic background in comparative religious studies, Islamic studies, Central Asian area studies or human rights. Although not essential, candidates with a Master?s degree in a related field or a juridical doctorate would also be given preference.
D) OTHER REQUIREMENTS
In addition, the successful candidate must also be: 1) an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET; 2) able to obtain Department of State Medical Clearance to serve in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for employee and all eligible dependents accompanying employee to post under a USAID Travel Authorization; 3) must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months and to begin work at post within two (2) weeks of receipt of final security and medical clearances; 4) available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) must be willing to travel throughout the Kyrgyzstan Republic, Central Asia and to other countries in the Europe/Eurasia and Asia regions.
E) EVALUATION FACTORS
The following evaluation factors are listed in their descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications that meet the Minimum Qualifications.
1) (40%) Experience working on religious affairs/inclusion issues with religious leaders and communities, preferably in an international context with actual experience in Central Asia and/or predominantly Muslim countries.
2) (15%) In depth knowledge of current political, economic and social dynamics in predominantly Muslim countries, and Central Asia in particular.
3) (10%) Demonstrated understanding of relevant overseas development programs in a high visibility, high-pressure environment, especially in Central Asia, preferably with some program management experience.
4) (10%) Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, displaying excellent interpersonal skills.
5) (10%) Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
6) (15%) Fluency in a Central Asian language (preferably Kyrgyz) and/or Russian.
9. HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history and references no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) February 15, 2008. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references (names and contact information) 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: 7 727 2507612 ext. 6345,
Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov
Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36
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 March 31, 2008.
In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief resume and attach it to the signed OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed above.
All applications will be evaluated and scored based on the application, documentation submitted with the application, and the evaluation factors. The evaluation committee may conduct interviews by phone or in person.
USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period starting no later than on/about May 25, 2008. No later than on/about May 25, 2008, the incumbent shall proceed to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
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. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission?s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/
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.
Point of Contact
Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, Phone 7 3272 50 76 17, Fax 7 3272 50 76 35, Email trossova@usaid.gov - Heather Armstrong, Supervisory Executive Officer, Phone 7 727 2507612 , Fax 7 727 2507634/35/36, Email harmstrong@usaid.gov
Place of Performance
| Address: |
Personnel Office
USAID/CAR Almaty
41 Kazibek Bi Street
Almaty, Kazakhstan
|
| Postal Code: |
050010 |
| Country: |
KAZAKHSTAN |
|
|
