Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (Ladder)

Description

• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, FSN-09-11/ Equivalent
• 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 this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records
• USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the 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 offers
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in solicitation. Sincerely, David Hallengren Contracting Officer)

General Information

• Solicitation no: 72065624R100014 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications.
• Point of contact: Human Resources Section, email at Mission-Maputo- HR@usaid.gov
• Position title: Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (Ladder)
• Market value: The full performance level of this position is equivalent to FSN-11, which is between USD60,316.00- USD84,450.00. However, if USAID’s evaluation does not result in an award at the full performance level, USAID may make an award to a selected CCN qualified at the closest next 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, which is between USD 41,358.00 – USD57,891.00 and the intermediate level of this position is equivalent to FSN-10, which is between USD 49,082.00 – USD 68,717.00
• In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the performance level for which the CCNPSC is selected
• Period of performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about December 2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: December 2024 – December 2025
• Option Period 1: December 2025 – December 2029
• Place of performance: Maputo, Mozambique, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties
• Eligible offerors: Cooperating country national (CCN) - an individual who is a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country
• Security level required: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• Statement of duties: This position is established as Acquisition & Assistance Specialist “Ladder” position, which includes positions at the FSN-9, FSN-10, and the full performance level of FSN-11
• Physical demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Duties

• The Specialist (Full Performance Level/FPL) is responsible for providing professional level acquisition and assistance (A&A) support to Mission Technical Offices, DO Teams, and any designated regional clients. USAID programs are diverse and multi-sectoral
• The Specialist is required to guide designated Technical Offices, and/or DO Teams, through acquisition and assistance processes to support a variety of activities
• These activities are implemented through complex A&A mechanisms, including but not limited to purchase orders, competitively negotiated contracts, task orders, cooperative agreements, Interagency Agreements (IAA), and sole source or limited competition awards, requiring the Specialist to be expert with regard to the full range of USAID instruments
• The Specialist coordinates the development of A&A objectives for assigned portfolios, taking primary responsibility for all phases of the A&A process for complex actions
• The Specialist performs complete A&A transactions for complex activities
• The Specialist provides guidance and mentoring to junior-level staff, trainees, procurement technicians, and assistants on basic principles of USG and USAID acquisition, assistance, general A&A management, A&A policy direction, new/changed procurement policies, etc., as required
• The Specialist is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the US, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy
• The Specialist (FPL) must fully understand the USG laws, regulations,policies and procedures governing each type of A&A mechanism, and to apply these requirements to make recommendations to the supervisor regarding the appropriate instrument type for the situation at hand
• The Specialist works independently in the selection of the appropriate A&A instrument types to meet the Mission’s needs, and accurately applies United States Government (USG) A&A laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing each type of instrument
• The Specialist has an advanced knowledge of the procedures for acquisition of goods, for managing personal services and non-personal services contracting actions and managing and awarding assistance agreements
• The Specialist (FPL) performs his/her assignments independently, seeking the guidance of the Contracting/Agreement Officer (CO/AO) for the most complex activities
• The Specialist works directly with technical specialists/activity managers in DO Teams throughout the Mission and/or the Region, assisting in the preparation of annual A&A plans, clear and concise statements of work/statements of objectives/program descriptions, etc., and supporting documentation
• The Specialist provides well supported guidance to technical specialists/activity managers pertaining to their A&A-related responsibilities and procedures

Pre-Award Duties

• The Specialist assists the Technical/DO Teams with A&A planning and advises on the selection of the appropriate A&A mechanisms to achieve program objectives
• The Specialist collects and analyzes data and prepares and updates tracking tools in order to monitor pending actions; works with clients to assist in the preparation of justifications, waivers, deviations, and other necessary approvals, as needed; and reviews GLAAS Requisitions (REQs) for completeness and clarity before endorsing them to the CO/AO
• The Specialist conducts pre-award activities for highly complex competitive solicitations, assisting technical personnel in the preparation of required descriptions of proposed activities, including SOWs, specifications, and program descriptions
• The Specialist 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 Specialist works with the requiring office to develop evaluation criteria and determine the extent of advertising required. The Specialist prepares
• Requests for Proposal and Notices of Funding Opportunities for review by the CO/AO
• The Specialist ensures compliance with FAR and AIDAR advertisement requirements, including publication of synopses and solicitations
• The Specialist responds to offeror/applicant questions during the proposal submission phase; and determines the need for, and prepares, clarifying amendments as required for solicitation documents. As necessary, the Specialist holds pre-bid or consultative meetings with potential partners to fully explain the Agency’s needs and discusses solicitation documents
• The Specialist evaluates applications and offers for responsiveness to solicitations, guides DO Teams in the review of the applications or proposals, and obtains reports and references, ensuring that any past performance of the offeror is relevant and of a high quality
• The Specialist develops pre-negotiation cost objectives for approval by the CO/AO
• The Specialist 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/deviation
• The Specialist analyses cost proposals and technical scores from technical evaluation committees; and, based on the analysis, makes a recommendation to the Contracting Officer/Regional Contracting Officer to establish the competitive range
• The Specialist negotiates with potential awardees; documents negotiations in writing; recommends the selected contractor/recipient; and prepares contract files to include making required certifications and determinations necessary for each A&A action
• The Specialist leads pre-award assessment surveys of potential contractors or recipients, ensuring that offerors have adequate management, accounting, personnel, and procurement systems, and appropriate corporate leadership, resources, and quality control systems to satisfactorily carry out contracts, in order to ensure eligibility prior to an award being made
• The Specialist prepares award documents that accurately reflect all discussions and provisions relevant to the type of award mechanism to be implemented. The Specialist organizes and conducts orientation meetings with selected contractors, to ensure that mobilization efforts will be conducted efficiently, and that all terms and conditions of A&A instruments are clear and well-understood by all parties. The Specialist provides support in debriefings to unsuccessful offerors

Post-Award Duties

• The Specialist monitors performance as required by the terms and conditions of the award, through reviews of performance and reviews of financial reports
• The Specialist administers the awards in his/her assigned developmental portfolio, monitoring funding levels and preparing incremental funding modifications; works with CO/AO and CORs/AORs to assure targets/milestones are set and being met (or that remedial action is taken), and that the overall goals of the activity are met
• The Specialist ensures timely submission of technical progress reports, and works with the COR to develop Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs) that are consistent with implementation progress and performance; makes periodic visits to contractor work sites, and represents the Office at performance-related meetings; 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 it; and, issues ‘show cause' or ‘cure notices,’ and/or recommends termination of contracts for default or for convenience, and negotiates termination settlements
• The Specialist analyses and takes action to resolve procurement system review and 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 CO/AO for signature

Award Closeout

• The Specialist reviews completed (after physical completion) 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 anniversaries or completion have a completed performance report from the COR/AOR, and submits reports to the Contractor for comment
• The Specialist conducts closeout of acquisition and assistance awards (i.e., contracts, task orders, grants, cooperative agreements) after completion. This includes ensuring contract audits are conducted in a timely manner, preparing performance documentation, and resolving outstanding issues noted in audits

Requisites

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 is required. Note: Additional education will NOT be substituted for Experience
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a position that requires closely related skills, such as program management, law, or financial management, 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 an occupation that requires similar skills, within a USG organization, the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization. Note: Additional experience will NOT be substituted for Education
• Post Entry Training: In order to qualify at the FSN-11 level, the Specialist must be certified at the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level - 1 and have additionally completed USAID Essential Elements in Assistance and CON 237 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) or equivalent. FAC-C Level II & III courses may be provided, in person or on-line, over a period of time as a part of the continuing requirement for all A&A professionals to complete a minimum of eighty (80) Continuous Learning Points for every two-year period. In addition, the Specialist may be provided with formal or on-the-job training to keep abreast of changes in the ADS, FAR, CFR, OAA-Intranet, the AIDAR, and Office and Mission operating and administrative procedures. Off-site formal training, if considered necessary, will be provided based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (advanced professional proficiency, speaking and reading; see https://www.govtilr.org/) English and Portuguese both oral and written, is required (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes is required. Professional level knowledge of USG A&A regulations and policies, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, simplified acquisition procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. A professional level of knowledge of host-country and regional markets pertaining to program/project/activity requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US/local market and pricing methods is required
• Skills and Abilities: The ability to independently plan and administer complex A&A activities and provide A&A support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The ability to apply contracting and assistance regulations, procedures, and policies to complex acquisition and assistance programs, is required. Ability to manage the competition phase of new agreements and contracts and to perform cost or price analysis in both a competitive and non-competitive environment is required. Skill in solving practical problems relating to A&A is required. An ability to deal effectively with mid- to high-level representatives of the US, local, 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 required. 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 the A&A process, is required

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 is required. Note: Additional education will NOT be substituted for Experience
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a position that requires closely related skills, such as program management, law, or financial management, is required. One year of this experience must have been gained working at a Fully Successful level in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of FSN responsibility in this or an occupation that requires similar skills, within a USG organization, the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization. Note: Additional experience will NOT be substituted for Education
• Post Entry Training: Successful completion of all online courses required for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level I, USAID Essential Elements in Assistance, and CON 237 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) or equivalent. FAC-C Level I certification is not required to achieve the FSN -10 level, only that the required training has been completed in accordance with the ILTP. The Specialist will be provided additional formal and/or on-the-job training in the ADS, FAR, AIDAR, other CFR, and Mission and Office operating and administrative procedures. Training covering Assistance, Simplified Acquisition, and other formal and/or on-the-job training, as considered appropriate, will be provided based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds. The Specialist will have a formal Individual Learning and Training Plan (ILTP) of courses leading to successful completion of Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level I
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (advanced professional proficiency, speaking and reading; see https://www.govtilr.org/) English and Portuguese both oral and written, is required (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes is required. An understanding of USG A&A regulations and policies, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a moderately complex acquisition and assistance portfolio, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, simplified acquisition procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. A good knowledge of host-country and regional markets pertaining to activity requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US/local market and pricing methods, is required
• Skills and Abilities: The ability to semi-independently plan and administer A&A activities and provide A&A support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The ability to apply contracting and assistance regulations, procedures, and policies to acquisition and assistance programs involving moderate complexities, is required. The ability to manage the competition phase of new agreements and contracts of moderate complexity, and to perform cost or price analysis in both a competitive and non-competitive environment, is required. Skill in solving practical problems relating to A&A is required. An ability to deal effectively with mid- to high-level representatives of the US, local, 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 required. 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 the A&A process, is required

Entry Level (FSN- 9)

• 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 is required. Note: Additional education will NOT be substituted for Experience
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a position that requires closely related skills, such as program management, law, or financial management, 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 an occupation that requires similar skills, within a USG organization, the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization. Note: Additional experience will NOT be substituted for Education
• Post Entry Training: There are no specific pre-entry training requirements for this entry level position. The Specialist will be provided formal and/or on-the-job training in the ADS, FAR, AIDAR, other CFR, and Mission and Office operating and administrative procedures. Training covering Assistance, Simplified Acquisition, and other formal and/or on-the-job training, as considered appropriate, will be provided based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds. The Specialist will have a formal Individual Learning and Training Plan (ILTP) of courses leading to successful completion of Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level I. At a minimum, the ILTP must include all of the online courses required for FAC-C level I certification, USAID Essential Elements in Assistance, and CON 237 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) or the equivalent. It is not expected that FAC-C Level I certification will be obtained at the FSN-09 level, only that the required training has been completed in accordance with the ILTP
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (advanced professional proficiency, speaking and reading; see https://www.govtilr.org/) English and Portuguese both oral and written, is required (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required. An understanding of USG A&A regulations and policies, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio, and/or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, simplified acquisition procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types
• Skills and Abilities: The ability to plan and administer simple A&A activities and provide A&A support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The ability to apply contracting and assistance regulations, procedures, and policies to acquisition and assistance programs involving few complexities, is required. Skill in solving practical problems relating to A&A is required. An ability to deal effectively with mid-to high-level representatives of the US, local, 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 Office suite is required. 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 the A&A process, is required

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Eligible Offerors are required to submit a cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Offerors are required to provide names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate

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.
• The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.
• The following evaluation factors are established:
• Education: 10 points
• Prior Work Experience: 25 points
• Job Knowledge 30 points
• Skills and Abilities: 30 points
• Language Proficiency: 5 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points
• Per this scoring Job Knowledge and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience, Education and Language Proficiency.
• Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements.
• Only applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be considered
• Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience, knowledge, language proficiency, skills and abilities demonstrated in their application packages
• A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria
• Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for a language test
• Candidates successfully passing the language exam will be invited for an oral interview and may also be required to pass a written test. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• List of required forms prior to award: The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award: ITEM: 1)Conditional Selection Letter(Letter), Security Eligibility ( USAID SEC Requirements), Medical Clearances or Statements( Pre-Contract Expense letter; Dr.statement(s), Other Required Documents (HCTM; M/CIO), Negotiation Memo with Responsibility Determination(SAM and OFAC search screenshots)

Benefits and allowances

• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Usaid regulations, policies and contract clauses pertaining to PSCS
• USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC 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/ads/policy/300/aidar
• 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:
• LINE ITEMS
• Item No (A) SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)
• (B)QUANTITY
• (C)UNIT
• (D)UNIT PRICE
• (E)AMOUNT0001 Base Period – FSN-9 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: Cost
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT$ _TBD__$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
• 1001 Option Period 1 – FSN-10 (Attachment A) Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: Cost
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
• 2001 Option Period 1 – FSN-11 (Attachment B) Compensation, Fringe Benefits and
• Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: Cost
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1LOT$ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
• 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/resources_standards-of-conduct.
• PSC Ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the Agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman
• The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• Eeo/aa: the u.S. Mission is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of hiv/aids status