-------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
  **Date**:      01/15/2009

  **Subject**:   Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00018-00 for US/TCN Personal
                 Services Contractor -- Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer,
                 Dhaka, Bangladesh

  **Type**:      Personnel
  -------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

**Agency Notice Message**:

USAID/General Notice

PERSONNEL USAID/Bangladesh

01/15/2009

Subject: Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00018-00 for US/TCN Personal
Services

Contractor - Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer, Dhaka, Bangladesh

ISSUANCE DATE: January 15, 2009

CLOSING DATE: February 05, 2009

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from
qualified individuals interested in providing US/TCN PSC services as
described in the attached solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the
place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which
is available at the USAID website

<http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp>,

or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the
requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the
position) and applicant\'s CVs may also be included as an attachment.
Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions

will not be considered.

Applications should be submitted electronically to
<Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov> (attention to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting
Officer, Executive Office, USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh

This solicitation will remain open until February 05, 2009.

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:

Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2)
885-5500,

E-Mail Address: <pthomas@usaid.gov>

Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2)
885-5500, E-Mail Address: <ssaha@usaid.gov>

Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel:
(880-2) 885-5500, E-Mail Address: <skhan@usaid.gov>

SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-09-00018-00

ISSUANCE DATE: January 15, 2009

CLOSING DATE: February 05, 2009

OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS, U.S. RESIDENTS, GREEN CARD HOLDERS AND THIRD
COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCN)

SUBJECT:      USAID/ BANGLADESH\--SOLICITATION FOR US/TCN PERSONAL
SERVICES CONTRACTOR -- CYCLONE SIDR RECONSTRUCTION ENGINEER

Ladies/Gentlemen:\
\
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from
qualified individuals interested in providing personal services as
described in the attached solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the
place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which
is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp,
or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the
requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the
position) and applicant's CVs may also be included as an attachment.
Incomplete, unsigned applications, and late submissions will not be
considered.

Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Penelope A.
Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2) 885-5500,
E-mail: <pthomas@usaid.gov>.

The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical
clearances. The US Citizens should get USG Secret Level of clearance and
Third Country Nationals should be able to obtain employment
authorization. For medical clearances, the US Citizens should obtain
Department of State Medical Clearance; Third Country Nationals should
obtain a Post Medical Clearance issued by the U.S. Embassy Bangladesh
Health Unit.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures
which accompany their applications.

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there
will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership
or non-membership in an employee organization.

Sincerely,

Penelope A. Thomas

Contracting Officer

USAID/Bangladesh

Tel: (880-2) 885-5500

E-mail: <pthomas@usaid.gov>

\[Please see the Solicitation on the next page\]

ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBR: 388-S-00-09-00018-00

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 388-S-00-09-00018-00

ISSUANCE DATE: January 15, 2009

CLOSING DATE: February 05, 2009

POSITION TITLE: Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer

MARKET VALUE: \$98,156 -- \$127,604 (GS-15).

Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based
upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational
background.

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Office Director, Office of Food, Disaster and
Humanitarian Assistance (OFDHA)

SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimum. Incumbent is expected to act independently
with little direction.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years. The Personal Services Contract may

> be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory
> performance and availability of funds.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizens: Secret Level

Employment Authorization for US Residents and Third Country Nationals

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, US Resident Aliens, Permanent

Residents, Green Card Holders, or Third Country

> Nationals

**SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) FOR CYCLONE SIDR RECONSTRUCTION ENGINEER**

**A. OVERVIEW:**

On November 16, 2007, Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh damaging thousands
of schools and much infrastructure. The USAID Administrator announced
the U.S. Government's pledge of \$75 million for cyclone relief and
reconstruction programs, much of which is to be channeled through
USAID/Bangladesh. The reconstruction and livelihoods' package will have
a major component related to building school/cyclone shelter facilities
in 11 cyclone Sidr affected districts in Southern Bangladesh. The Senior
Engineer will serve as the chief engineering officer on the ground and
activity manager for the USAID-financed school/cyclone shelter
reconstruction portfolio.

The Bangladesh Cyclone Reconstruction and Recovery Program aims to build
improved school/cyclone shelter facilities in 11 cyclone impacted
districts of Southern Bangladesh. This may include:

Design/build new turn-key school/cyclone shelters as determined in
consultation with USAID, the GOB and local communities. Perhaps as many
as 100 such structures will be built in the cyclone impacted districts
of Southern Bangladesh.

The incumbent's major duty will be to serve as Cognizant Technical
Officer's Representative (COTR). As COTR, he/she will be responsible for
monitoring how well the contractor is progressing towards achieving the
contract\'s purpose and will be responsible for providing technical
direction to the contractor on behalf of the Contracting Officer,
critical to ensuring good contract performance. **The overriding concern
will be maintaining quality control over construction activities and
outcomes.**

As part of this duty, the incumbent will also provide expert technical
advice to USAID, the Government of Bangladesh, and other USAID partners
on cyclone reconstruction issues.

The Senior Engineer will reside in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The incumbent
should expect frequent travel for program oversight.

**B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**

The incumbent will serve as Cognizant Technical Officer's Representative
(COTR) for the school/cyclone shelter construction contract(s) as well
as program management responsibilities. This will include the following
tasks:

a)  Supervise and provide technical direction to infrastructure
    contract(s), including formal evaluation of contractor performance,
    contract administration and enforcement, procurement of goods and
    services, project coordination and scheduling, and compliance with
    USG and USAID regulations like the Federal Acquisition Regulations
    (FAR) and Agency environmental regulations (CFR 216).

b)  Provide financial oversight for over \$35 million, including but not
    limited to: review of payment vouchers, response to audits and
    assessment of claims.

c)  Serve as the change order specialist on all cyclone reconstruction
    infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, responsible for evaluating,
    negotiating and approving/denying all requests for change in
    construction scopes of work in accordance with FAR procedures.

d)  Keep the Contracting Officer informed on progress, proposed contract
    modifications, validity of claims, analysis of proposals, and
    assessment of contract time extensions.

e)  Identify building guidelines and codes for cyclone wind resistance,
    and swampy soils, modify them for application to Bangladesh, and
    ensure they are followed by contractors. Assess risks from other
    types of natural disasters and implement appropriate policies and
    standards.

f)  Develop and implement standards and assessment tools that eliminate
    unacceptable results and produce an acceptable level of compliance
    to construction quality standards. This will include inspection of
    project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design
    specifications and safety and sanitation standards.

g)  Initiate corrective action to resolve deficiencies in the
    contractor\'s work.

h)  Provide creative solutions to construction and logistics problems
    faced because of technical constraints, politics, environment,
    social and economic factors, land tenure, and security.

i)  Coordinate with Government of Bangladesh on land issues related to
    the setting of school/cyclone shelter facilities. The GOB will
    provide a list of potential sites for the school/cyclone shelter
    program and this position will make recommendations for the final
    list of sites in consultation with A/E firm staff and the Office
    Director, Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance
    (OFDHA).

j)  Advise contractors in the development of detailed engineering
    designs, plans and cost estimates for assigned programs and
    activities. Review, evaluate, and make professional recommendations
    concerning the engineering feasibility of plans developed. Analyze
    and evaluate designs, drawings, specifications, schedules and
    equipment requirements.

k)  Participate in project implementation unit meetings and other
    technical meetings as required. Brief the Office Director at least
    once every two weeks and Front Office periodically on progress and
    problems encountered in the program.

l)  Participate in master planning processes regarding setting of
    infrastructure activities, taking into account population
    distribution patterns, geographic/geologic features, security and
    cultural concerns, and the location of other USAID reconstruction
    activities like health services improvement and livelihoods
    generation.

m)  Explore the potential for incorporating food/cash for work programs,
    and other livelihoods activities, into the construction programs.
    Write required reports relating to budget and reporting
    responsibilities of program management. These reports include an
    annual Operations Plan report, with a key issues section; various
    budget and procurement plan submissions, participate in semi annual
    performance reviews of the program, review of obligations and
    quarterly accruals, participate in management control reviews as
    relates to the construction program.

n)  Supervise and coordinate any short-term infrastructure
    consultancies.

o)  Lead meetings and liaise with senior Government of Bangladesh
    officials, international NGOs and other donor agencies on cyclone
    Sidr infrastructure activities.

p)  Prepare and deliver presentations to varying audiences from members
    of Congress and Cabinet-level officials to Bangladeshi community
    groups.

q)  Perform Activity Management Responsibilities to include supervision
    of the school/cyclone construction team of three FSN staff to
    include two FSN Engineers and one FSN budget analyst.

r)  Submit status and other reports and memoranda to the Mission
    management, regarding progress and performance, problems and
    corrective actions, and general oversight (trip and site visit
    reports, and memoranda of conversations). Reports shall be of
    sufficient scope so as to be useful to USAID in fully monitoring the
    progress of contract administration and reviewing contractor
    performance. Where deficiencies are noted, corrective action will be
    recommended.

**C. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:**

# **[Education:]{.smallcaps}**

The candidate should have a strong background in and understanding of
international development issues, particularly as they relate to
infrastructure development, policy development, and capacity building in
developing countries. A master's degree in civil engineering or
equivalent discipline, or equivalent professional certifications is
required, with additional degrees or licensing preferred. Registration
in the U.S. as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) is preferred. Post
graduate training and/or a master degree in a relevant discipline is
desirable.

# **[Experience:]{.smallcaps}**

a\) A minimum of 10 years of progressively more responsible experience
in the following areas is required: construction design, construction
supervision, operation and maintenance of large, complex facilities,
and/or related project management. Public facilities (schools,
hospitals, clinics, offices) construction experience is preferred and
other infrastructure construction is highly desirable.

b\) It is desired that the candidate have expertise in building to
withstand cyclones and other natural disasters commonly experienced in
swampy environments. Ideally, the candidate should have skills in
addressing the complex logistical problems posed by construction in
remote swampy regions.

c\) It is desired that the candidate have a minimum of 5 years of
technical experience managing contracts and grants in foreign countries,
preferably in developing or transitional countries. Experience in
implementing development programs in Asia is highly desirable;
particularly South Asia and Bangladesh. The candidate should have
experience working with developing country governments at all levels
(national, district, sub-district, municipality, and community), ideally
on construction of publicly owned and managed infrastructure.

1.  The candidate must have strong technical writing and communication
    skills. The candidate must be fluent in English. Bangla language
    ability is desirable;

2.  The candidate should possess good personal communication skills and
    collaborative working style. He/she should have experience working
    in multilateral development programs, and with professionals and
    technical experts from other countries;

3.  Specific experience in Federal (U.S. Government) construction
    project management is highly desirable;

4.  Knowledge of A-E and construction contracting with in-depth
    experience negotiating and administering change orders in A-E and
    construction contracts is highly desirable; and

5.  Experience in resolving issues related to construction projects is
    highly desirable.

# 

# **[Languages:]{.smallcaps}**

The candidate needs excellent English language skills, and a working
knowledge of Bangla is highly desirable.

**D. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA:**

Selection will be based on the following criteria (100 points total).

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated
based on evaluation factors. Applicants are required to address each of
the evaluation criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and
accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have
received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name,
the last four digits of your social security number and the announcement
number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the
minimum qualifications and/or evaluation factors may result in your not
receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education,
training and/or awards.

Evaluation factors will be used to establish a preliminary rating of
candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Highly rated candidates
may be asked to submit written responses to a series of questions to
further evaluate their written communication skills. Highly rated
candidates may be interviewed and reference checks will be conducted,
after which time final ratings will be established.

**In their responses to each of the following criteria, applicants
should make sure to address the required and desirable qualifications
mentioned in the previous section, giving extra attention to describing
experience in developing countries.**

**Practical Engineering Experience (35 points):** Mastery of and
experience in engineering design and construction of physical
infrastructure projects. Public facilities construction project
experience preferred. Experience in developing countries, post-conflict
environments or emergency response situations are preferred.
Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop and implement multiple
projects simultaneously is preferred.

**Construction and Architect-Engineer Project Management (35 points):**
Mastery of and experience in construction and engineering project and
contract management, with experience in acting as the "owner's engineer"
for both the public and private sectors preferred, including managing
performance-based and incentive-based contracts. Proven ability to
manage multiple projects simultaneously is preferred. Proven experience
assessing and negotiating change orders for construction and A-E
contracts preferred. Experience in developing countries, post-conflict
environments, or emergency response situations are preferred.

**Engineering Leadership (15 points):** Mastery of and experience in
applying engineering theories and new developments to problems not
amenable to traditional methods, and making decisions focusing on
engineering solutions to development problems that are economically,
socially, politically, and environmentally sustainable. Experience in
developing countries, post-conflict environments or emergency response
situations are preferred.

**Communication (15 points):** Mastery of and experience in oral and
written communication to prepare and present analyses, provide guidance,
solicit information, defend proposals, and negotiate agreements,
especially with people at high levels and in sensitive positions, as
well as with customers and stakeholders of infrastructure services from
all walks of life.

**E. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES:**

The Senior Engineer will report directly to the Office Director of Food,
Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance of USAID/Bangladesh. The incumbent
will be responsible for the preparation of annual work plans and
semi-annual reviews of progress on work objectives and trip reports
covering purpose, pending issues/actions, and persons met, after each
TDY.

**F. SUPERVIOSRY CONTROL OVER POSITION:**

It is anticipated that the person filling this position will have a
supervisory role. The position will entail supervision of Bangladeshi
professional engineers and administrative staff as well as short-term
technical consultants. The incumbent will work closely with Government
of Bangladesh officials (Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Local
Government Engineering Department) and play a lead role in USAID
administration of construction activities, with an emphasis on
monitoring implementation progress and the performance of the USAID
financed Bangladeshi and U.S. construction supervision and construction
services contractors. As a Personal Services Contractor, the incumbent
does not have the authority to commit the Mission legally or
contractually, nor to enter into any agreement for the purchase of goods
and services.

### G. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work in the office is mostly sedentary but travel to the cyclone
affected areas requires USG Regional Security Officer's approval. Travel
to the field is physically demanding, including transport on unpaved
roads and sleeping in rudimentary conditions. Travel into the cyclone
affected areas will be closely coordinated with the U.S. Embassy.

**H. TERM OF PERFORMANCE:\
**

The term of the contract will be for two years from on/about May 1, 2009
to on/about April 30, 2011 (unless otherwise agreed). Within 2 weeks
after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances
have been received or, unless another date is specified by the
Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to
perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement
and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This
position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 15 level. The
actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending
on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition, the Mission
has a 30% Post Differential allowance, and FICA and federal income tax
will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good
education facilities.

**I.** **POSITION ELEMENTS:**

**Available Guidelines:** Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs

Handbook (FAH), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and

Mission Notices.

**Exercise of Judgment**: Projects assigned to incumbent include a
variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of
judgment, decision-making, and communications management.

**Authority to Make Commitments**: Yes for communications-related
services procured.

**Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts:** Personal contacts are with
local and international media, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington,
partners, implementers, and institutional contractors.

**Supervision Exercised:** Yes, primarily FSN personnel and related
contracts for communications services.

**Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties:** The first six months
of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is
expected to perform the full range of duties within this period.

J.  **TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS:**

The Cyclone Sidr Reconstruction Engineer shall perform the services for
a period of two years, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Within 2 weeks after
written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have
been received; the incumbent will be expected to proceed to Bangladesh
to commence services. The SOW described has been classified at a U.S.
Government GS-15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate
will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and
previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be
selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to
fully perform at the GS-15 equivalent level, or who in some other way
does not fully meet all requirement for the position. However, should
such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be
below the GS-15 pay band. If the successful candidate meets all the
requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the
GS-15 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differential and the
benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to
change will be added. The current USAID/Bangladesh's Post Differential
Allowance is 30%.

USAID will provide housing and office support. If you have any other
questions on the compensation or living conditions, please email the
Contracting Officer, Penelope A. Thomas, at <pthomas@usaid.gov>

**Medical and Security Clearance:** If a USPSC is selected, s/he must be
able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance and a Department of
State medical clearance. The TCN candidate must be able to obtain a
Security Certification for employment. The medical examination is to be
conducted by the authorized physician at his/her post.

**Benefits and Allowances:** As a matter of policy, and as appropriate,
an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is
normally authorized the following benefits. TCNPSC will also be
authorized same benefits as an offshore USPSC's.

**1. Benefits:**

> \(1\) Employee\'s FICA Contribution
>
> \(2\) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance \--50% of Health
> Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed \$7,750 for contractor with
> family; and \$3,410 for contractor only). 100% of Life Insurance
> Annual Premium (not to exceed \$500). 100% Medical Evaluation
> (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by
> Health Insurance.
>
> \(3\) Pay Comparability Adjustment\--Annual across the board salary
> increase for USG employees and USPSCs.
>
> \(4\) Eligibility for Worker\'s Compensation
>
> \(5\) Vacation & Sick Leave

**2. Allowances\* (If Applicable):** As a matter of policy, and as
appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following
allowances:

> \(1\) Post Differential (Section 500)
>
> \(2\) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
>
> \(3\) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
>
> \(4\) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220)
>
> \(5\) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
>
> \(6\) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)
>
> \(7\) Education Allowance (Section 270)
>
> \(8\) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
>
> \(9\) Educational Travel (Section 280)
>
> \* Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government
> Civilians Foreign Areas).

**3. Other Benefits:** Additional benefits are available for individuals
hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal
Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international
airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal
effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, consumables allowance, POV
Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational
allowances for dependent children.

**FEDERAL TAXES:** USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income
taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

**LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:**

For initial consideration:\
1. OF-612 or SF-171

>  

Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the
successful candidate:

2\. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)\
3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).\
4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)
(SF-86)\
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). \*\*(Available from the law enforcement
offices or in USAID/Washington).

The list of required PSC forms above can be found at:
[http://www.usaid.gov/forms/]{.underline}

**APPLICATION PROCESS:**

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612
which is available at the USAID website
<http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp> **,** or at Federal Offices.
Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612.
All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal.

Applicant's detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be
included.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

Attention: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer and be emailed to

<Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov>

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position,
please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the
subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be
selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing
time and date. Applications received after the closing date will not be
considered.

**ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO
PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC):**

AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy,
regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A
number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer
to the USAID website
<http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/> to
locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies
to PSCs and can be found at:
<http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf>

**[Points of Contact]{.underline}**

1\. Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail:
<pthomas@usaid.gov>

2\. Shefali Saha, HR Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail:
<ssaha@usaid.gov>

3\. Abdus Sobhan Khan, HR Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail:
<skhan@usaid.gov>