Acquisition and Assistance Specialist FSN-9/10/11 – (Multiple Vacancies) (Kabul, Afghanistan)

Job Description

Job Description:Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply GENERAL INFORMATION SOLICITATION NO.: 72030621R10012 ISSUANCE DATE: March 31, 2021 CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 15, 2021 no later than 4:30 PM Kabul time POINT OF CONTACT: E-mail at kblaidfsnjobs@usaid.gov POSITION TITLE: Acquisition and Assistance Specialist MARKET VALUE: The full performance level of this position is equivalent to FSN-11. However, if USAID’s evaluation does not result in an award at the full performance level, USAID may make an award to a CCN at a lower level with contract options to place the contractor at each progressive level until the full performance level is reached. The entry level of this position is equivalent to FSN-09 and the intermediate level of this position is equivalent to FSN-10. In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of U.S Embassy Afghanistan final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the performance level for which the CCNPSC is selected. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (INCLUSIVE OF OPTIONS): Five (5) years, estimated to start one (1) month following receipt of the Security Clearance. Employment contract issued under this solicitation is expected to be of a continuing nature. Its duration is expected to be part of a series of sequential contracts. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Cooperating Country National (CCN), meaning an individual who is a cooperation country (Afghanistan) citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Foreign Service National (FSN) Security Certification STATEMENT OF DUTIES The position is established as Acquisition and Assistance Specialist “Ladder” position, which includes positions at the FSN-09, FSN-10, and the full performance level of FSN-11. The incumbent is located in the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), USAID/Afghanistan. The function of the Office is to provide Acquisition and Assistance (procurement) support to Mission Technical Offices and to Assistance Objective (AO) Teams in the Mission and in any Regional Offices that may be supported by the Mission. The primary purpose of this position is to review and recommend approval or revision of requisitions in the Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS); review and recommend approval or revision of Scopes of Work (SOW); perform complex cost and price analysis; analyze proposals and/or quotes received; review contracts and contract modifications; analyze contractor-proposed budgets; recommend revisions to various contract provisions; write Memoranda of Negotiation; and, prepare other required documentation. The incumbent maintains up-to-date contract files, prepares Contractor Performance Reports (CPR), and supports award closeouts. As required, the incumbent provides guidance to the Mission on related administrative award modifications. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out day-to-day activities in an independent manner. The incumbent represents the full performance level of a career ladder, beginning at FSN-09, intermediate at FSN-10 and full performance level at FSN-11. Attainment of this grade level represents that the Specialist has successfully completed substantial training, met agreed-upon objectives and milestones, and has performed at the Fully Successful (or equivalent) level. At the FSN-11 level, it is anticipated that the incumbent plays a significant role in mentoring lower-level trainees, and others, by identifying knowledge gaps and training needs. At the full performance level, the CCNPSC will perform the following general duties: The incumbent provides professional-level procurement planning advice and guidance to USAID/Afghanistan Technical Offices, AO Teams, and any designated Regional clients, including advice on procurement policy and procedures in the design and implementation of Mission activities. The incumbent coordinates the development of procurement objectives for assigned portfolios in terms of potential implementing partner (IP) organizations, competitive issues, and socioeconomic issues, and identifies and constructs appropriate contract and/or grant instruments. Negotiations are to ensure acquisition plans are current, have appropriate milestones, and related schedules are adequate. The incumbent reviews GLAAS Requisitions (REQs) requesting acquisition/assistance for major and complex programs/projects/activities and/or services. The incumbent analyzes requirements, and determines instrument selection or procurement approach, if SOW/PWS/SOOs or other program descriptions are complete, and if the request meets FAR, ADS, AIDAR, and/or other Mission, Agency, or USG policies; ensures that necessary Mission clearances have been obtained, and that waivers and other supporting documentation are complete; recommends revisions regarding SOW/PWS/SOOs, budgets, classification of terms, reporting requirements, and any special conditions, and ensures that required performance indicators are developed and included in the initial Request for Proposal or Request for Application; and, develops solicitation documentation in accordance with all appropriate regulations, selects and includes correct required clauses, and transmits solicitations for proposal using Internet-based technology. The incumbent responds to offeror questions during the proposal submission phase; and determines the need for, and prepares, clarifying amendments as required for solicitation documents. As necessary, the incumbent holds pre-bid or consultative meetings with partners to fully explain the Agency and counterpart’s needs, and to discuss solicitation documents. The incumbent applies a high degree of judgment and analysis when deciding among and between competing and often conflicting regulations and objectives, where the activities involved include multi-million-dollar issues, often with significant political and/or legal implications. The incumbent evaluates applications and offers for responsiveness to particular solicitations and documents the relative strengths and deficiencies of each proposal; guides AO Teams in the practice of ‘best value’ selection, and in performance-based technical approaches; and obtains reports and references, ensuring that past performance of the offeror is relevant and of a high quality. The incumbent ensures that offerors have adequate management, accounting, personnel, and procurement systems, and appropriate corporate leadership, resources, and quality control systems to satisfactorily carry out contracts. The incumbent requests audit reports or pre-award surveys from the Office of the Inspector General, and/or the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and obtains clearance from the Department of Labor and/or the Small Business Administration on a variety of EEO and workplace issues. The incumbent analyzes cost proposals and technical scores from technical evaluation committees; and based on the analysis, establishes the competitive range and presents documentation for signature to the Contracting Officer/Regional Contracting Officer. The incumbent performs analysis of cost issues, considering economic conditions and factors of material, labor, and transportation costs; examines cost and pricing data submitted by offerors, to substantiate direct and indirect costs and profit; determines reasonableness of costs submitted; ensures data provided is consistent with USAID requirements on eligible geographic sources, and that salary structures are consistent with Agency policy; and, identifies circumstances that may require a waiver.The Specialist coordinates issues of technical weakness and excessive cost with AO Teams prior to commencement of negotiation; and clarifies and, as necessary, instructs the members of the Team, host-country counterparts, and other Mission staff on the USAID procurement process. The incumbent designs the negotiation strategy, identifies areas subject to negotiation, and consults with technical specialists concerning data submitted by offerors; conducts extensive negotiations on cost and technical issues prior to contract award, presenting USAID issues of concern, and persuading offerors to upgrade technical deficiencies and reduce costs where appropriate; requests submission of Revised Final Proposals, and prepares appropriate contract or grant instruments for award; coordinates the last stages of selection with AO Teams and/or the technical evaluation committee(s); negotiates and awards grants and cooperative agreements with US-based and indigenous PVOs and NGOs, colleges and universities, and other non-profit organizations; analyzes transactions to ensure compliance with Agency cost-sharing and registration policies, as well as local laws governing status; and, coordinates contracting activities with other government agencies, frequently negotiating and drafting interagency agreements. The incumbent presents award decisions of ultimate contractor/recipient to the Contracting Officer/Regional Contracting Officer, with all the appropriate supporting documentation, including the development of appropriate performance indicators, in conjunction with AO teams; and, organizes and conducts orientation meetings with selected contractors, to ensure that mobilization efforts will be conducted efficiently, and that all terms and conditions of procurement instruments are clear and well-understood by all parties. The incumbent provides support debriefings to unsuccessful offerors. The incumbent monitors contractor performance in relation to the completion schedule required by the contract or assistance instrument; ensures timely submission of technical progress reports, making periodic visits to contractor work sites, and representing the Office at performance-related meetings held by other Mission Offices; assists any client Missions to develop appropriate indicators for work plans and contract documents; ensures contractors are fully compliant with performance standards contained in the Contract, and seeks corrective action in cases of non-compliance; expedites Change Orders or revisions when circumstances require; and, issues ‘show cause’ or ‘cure notices,’ and/or recommends termination of contracts for default or for convenience, and negotiates termination settlements. The incumbent analyzes, and takes action to resolve, audit findings, such as cost items questioned or unresolved; supports recommendations with detailed analysis of each cost, category, or element as necessary; prepares necessary documents to resolve all aspects of audits, questioned or ineligible costs, and accounting issues; and presents documentation to the Contracting Officer/Regional Contracting Officer for signature. The incumbent reviews completed (after full performance) contract files to determine that all contractual actions are satisfied, and that there are no pending administrative actions to be resolved; ensures that all file documents are signed, that there are no litigation actions pending, and that the contract is complete in every respect and ready to be closed; and, ensures that contracts nearing annual anniversaries or final completion have a completed performance report from the COR/AOR, and submits reports to the Contractor for comment. The incumbent provides guidance and mentoring to junior-level staff, trainees, procurement technicians, and file clerks on basic principles of USG and USAID acquisition, general procurement management, procurement policy direction, new/changed procurement policies, etc., as required. As required, the incumbent may be called upon to provide information and advice to the Contracting Officer/Regional Contracting Officer and/or the designee on critical procurement issues, or on the effect of new or revised USG, USAID, or host-country requirements. The incumbent attends key Mission meetings on behalf of the Office, as assigned. The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad (if required), to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Background

About USAID/Afghanistan:SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72030621R10012
ISSUANCE DATE: March 31, 2021
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 15, 2021 (4:30 PM) SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) Acquisition and Assistance Specialist FSN-9/10/11 – (Multiple Vacancies) Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the General Information section of the solicitation. Sincerely, Contracting Officer

Job Requirements

Job Requirements:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Full Performance Level (FSN-11): Education: Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) degree in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, organization, and management is required. NB: additional education may NOT be substituted for Experience. Prior Work Experience: As this position is part of a recognized and established career ladder, a minimum of two years of this experience must have been gained working in a USAID Contracting/A&A Office, with at least one year at the next lower, FSN-10, grade level. Language Proficiency: Level IV (Fluent) English and local language proficiency (if appropriate), both oral and written, is required. Familiarity with additional languages in Office-supported countries is desired. Intermediate Performance Level (FSN-10): Education: Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) degree in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, organization, and management is required. NB: additional education may NOT be substituted for Experience. Prior Work Experience: As this position is part of a recognized and established career ladder, a minimum of one year of this experience must have been gained working in a USAID Contracting/A&A Office at no less than the next lower grade level. Language Proficiency: Level IV (Fluent) English and local language proficiency (if appropriate), both oral and written, is required. Familiarity with additional languages in Office-supported countries is desired. Entry Level (FSN-09): Education: Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) degree in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and/or organization and management is required. NB: additional education may NOT be substituted for Experience. (Education requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position). Work Experience: Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a closely related field is required. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of FSN responsibility in this or a related occupation, within a USG organization the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization, in an English-language work environment. (Experience requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position). Language Proficiency: Level IV (Fluent) English and Level IV (Fluent) of Pashtu or Dari both oral and written, is required. Familiarity with additional languages in Office-supported countries is desired. (English language ability will be tested). Knowledge: Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required. An understanding of US Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition portfolio, and/or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, small purchase procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. A basic understanding of markets pertaining to program/project/activity requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US market and pricing methods is desirable. Skills and Abilities: The potential to acquire the ability to plan and administer acquisition activities and provide acquisition assistance and support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The potential to gain the ability to apply contracting regulations, procedures, and policies to individual acquisition and assistance programs is required. An ability to deal effectively with high-level representatives of the US and Regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments throughout the Region is required. Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Business suite is desired. Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, along with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail, are required.The ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict CONFIDENTIALITY, and meet all STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/ETHICS STANDARDS in accordance with US law throughout all phases of acquisition and assistance procurement processes. Demonstrated ability to work within and supervise a team, along with positive interpersonal skills are required, including demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate with tact and diplomacy with a variety of individuals from various backgrounds and technical skills in a complicated socio-political context. Ability to prepare and present analyses and recommendations clearly in both written and oral formats. Management skills are a must have. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. After the closing date for receipt of applications, applications will be reviewed for basic eligibility (quality check, submitted all required documents, meeting the set requirements, education and experience). Successful Applications will be forwarded to the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for review. The TEC will review and score the application based on the evaluation factors as described below. Successful candidates at this stage will be invited for an English Proficiency Test and Skills Test. Candidates with the best scores based on their application and skills test will be invited for interview Application 25 Points: Extent to which the applicant has the education or training required to satisfy position elements, and quality of experience or skills necessary to successfully perform the work. The application review will be weighted as follows: Experience (10 points), Job Knowledge and Skills (15 points). (See II. b, d, e.) Candidates with superior scores from the application review will be invited to complete an English test and skills test. Those that are determined successful in the English Test and Skills test will participate in an interview. English Proficiency Test (EPT) Pass/Fail (Level IV) Skills Test 25 Points: Candidates will have one hour to attend a written assessment. Questions will focus on the understanding of the terms of the acquisition and assistance; analytical skills on evaluating cost proposals, gauze the capacity of candidates work experience and judge the candidate integrity of the procurement process. Assessment will be graded on content (25 points). Interview 50 Points: Interview questions will revolve around the candidate’s propensity to:

Questions will be focus on skill and abilities of the candidate Ability to work in team Ability to demonstrate negotiation skills.

Total Possible Score: 100 Points References of the finalists will be checked prior to offering the position. Applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities. USAID/Afghanistan reserves the right to seek references from anyone who may be able to provide information about a candidate; reference checks are not limited to the names provided. A preponderance of negative references will likely disqualify a candidate from consideration. USAID/Afghanistan reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

Vacancy Number

72030621R10012

No. Of Jobs

Nationality

National

Gender

Any

Years of Experience

Three or more years of progressively responsible e

Duration

Five (5) years, estimated to start one (1) month following receipt of Security Clearance

Salary

As per organization salary scale

Submission Guideline

Submission Guideline:SUBMITTING AN OFFER Applicants are required to complete and submit a complete application package which must include all required documents (provided below) to AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov with a Subject line Acquisition and Assistance Specialist FSN-9/10/11 (72030621R10012). Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Complete the mandatory Google form application available on the following https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1meCUwBjOWFy5u0rLaOB0j_7UaReVlmtlM_8so267YH0/edit?usp=sharing Cover memo/email text that outlines how your qualifications and experience meet the selection criteria. Updated version of Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff (DS-174, dated 6/30/2022) https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds174.PDF (A copy of the DS-174 form can also be downloaded from ACBAR.org under this link http://www.acbar.org/applicationform. Applicants who are accessing this solicitation through jobs.af can download directly from the website); and A current resume or curriculum vitae. IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL FOUR ABOVE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. IF YOU OMIT ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, COVER PAGE, CV OR UPDATED DS-174 FORM, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please refer to below link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rkZ_Xgdql4Mq9vroj16fJibBYElRhN0b9PGdldAc-G0/edit?usp=sharing Note:

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. This vacancy is open only to Afghan Nationals. Applications with old DS-174 form will not be considered. Applications with insufficient, incomplete and inconsistent information to make a determination will not be considered. No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained. Applications submitted as .RAR and/or WinZip file will not be considered. Candidates who are applying for this position must fully meet the education requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified. At the time of application, candidates must also meet in full the experience requirement. There is no exception to these requirements. Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide educational documents such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in disqualification of their application from further consideration. The Agency retains the full right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD The Contracting Officer (CO) will provide instructions on how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award: Pre-employment Medical History and Examination Form; U.S. Embassy Kabul Security Certification Request; Appointment Affidavits Standard Form 61. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS:

Defined Contribution Plan (DCF) 12% of the base salary Premium Pay Leave Benefits (Annual, Sick, Maternity, Nursing, Hajj (Pilgrimage) and Special) Medical Benefits Death and Disability Benefits Retirement and other end of service benefits Travel and Temporary Duty (TDY) Benefits

ALLOWANCES (as applicable):

35% Unique Conditions of Work Allowance (UCWA) Transportation Allowance

TAXES Local Employee Staff (CCN) is responsible for paying local income taxes. The U.S Mission does not withhold year end local income tax payments. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing CCNPSC awards are available at these sources: USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below: Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations
Submission Email
AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov