DESCRIPTION: This is a combined synopsis/proposal for the recruitment of qualified applicants interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) Services as described herein and as supplemented with additional information prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 12.6. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Proposals are being requested and a written solicitation shall not be issued. This requirement is being issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) and the solicitation number is ADF-09-R-054. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Regulations. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is: • 813200 - Grant making and Giving Services CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference - F.A.R. Clause 52.252-1 (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The Offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the Offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the Offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at these addresses: • http://farsite.hill.af.mil, • http://www.acqnet.gov, or • http://www.arnet.gov/far Clauses Incorporated by Reference - F.A.R. Clause 52.252-2 (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at these addresses: • http://farsite.hill.af.mil, • http://www.acqnet.gov, or • http://www.arnet.gov/far Authorized Deviations in Provisions - F.A.R. Clause 52.252-5 (Apr 1984), is incorporated herein by reference. Authorized Deviations in Clauses - F.A.R. Clause 52.252-6 (Apr 1984), is incorporated herein by reference. The provisions at Federal Acquisition Regulation (F.A.R.) Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (Jun 2008), are not applicable to this requirement. The Provisions at F.A.R. Clause 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items (Jan 1999), is not being utilized; however, see the attached scope of work for the evaluation procedures that will be utilized. The Provisions at F.A.R. Clause 52.212-3 Offer Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Jun 2008), are not applicable to this requirement. The Provisions at F.A.R. Clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (Feb 2007), are not applicable to this requirement as this requirement is for personal services. The provisions at F.A.R. Clause 52.212-5 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Jun 2008) APPLIES to this requirement. Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision with their offers. The full text of Clause 52.212-5 may be accessed electronically at these addresses: o http://farsite.hill.af.mil, o http://www.acqnet.gov, or o http://www.arnet.gov/far The Provisions at F.A.R. Clause 52.203-6 - Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sep 2006), is incorporated herein by reference. Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) - F.A.R. Clause 52.217-8 and Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) - F.A.R. Clause 52.217-9 (60 calendar days and 30 calendar days respectively shall be inserted), and is incorporated herein by reference. Definitions (Jul 2004) - F.A.R. Clause 52.202-1, is incorporated herein by reference. Gratuities (Apr 1984) - F.A.R. Clause 52.203-3, is incorporated herein by reference. Covenant Against Contingent Fees - F.A.R. Clause 52.203-5 (Apr 1984), is incorporated herein by reference. Anti-Kickback Procedures (Jul 1995) - F.A.R. Clause 52.203-7, is incorporated herein by reference. Prohibition on Obtaining Cost or Pricing Data (10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C. 254b) - F.A.R. Clause 15.403-1, is incorporated herein by reference. Amendments to Invitations for Bids (Dec 1989) - F.A.R. Clause 52.214-3, is incorporated herein by reference. False Statements in Bids (Apr 1984) - F.A.R. Clause 52.214-4, is incorporated herein by reference. Submission of Bids (Mar 1997) - F.A.R. Clause 52.214-5, is incorporated herein by reference. Explanation to Prospective Bidders (Apr 1984) - F.A.R. Clause 52.214-6, is incorporated herein by reference. Late Submissions, modifications, and withdrawals of bids (Nov 1999) - F.A.R. Clause 52.214-7, is incorporated herein by reference. Contract Award - Sealed Bidding (Jul 1990) - F.A.R. Clause 52.214-10, is incorporated herein by reference. Limitation of Government Liability (Apr 1984) - F.A.R. Clause 52.216-24, is incorporated herein by reference. Buy American Act - F.A.R. Clause 25.001 is incorporated herein by reference. Prohibited Sources - F.A.R. SubPart 25.700 is incorporated herein by reference. Contracts performed Outside of the United States - FAR Subpart 25.3 is incorporated herein by reference. Combating Trafficking in Persons - F.A.R. Clause 22.1705(a) is incorporated herein by reference. Combating Trafficking in Persons (Aug 2007) - F.A.R. Clause 52.222-50 is incorporated herein by reference. Contractor personnel, although not Government employees, shall comply with Executive Order 11222, May 8, 1965, "Prescribing Standards of Ethical Conduct for Government Officers and Employees," and shall comply with ADF regulations implementing this Executive Order. SCOPE OF WORK - GRANT SPECIALIST I BACKGROUND The African Development Foundation (ADF) is an independent corporation of the United States Government. Its mandate is to foster community-based development in Africa. ADF programs focus on: • Responding to the priority needs of grassroots communities and marginalized groups; • Assisting indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in profitable and sustainable local, regional, and international trade; and • Documenting, promoting, and disseminating best practices related to community based participatory development and to enterprise development. ADF provides conventional grants to non-governmental organizations and community reinvestment grants to indigenously owned businesses in African countries. II INTRODUCTION This position is a Personal Services Contract (PSC) designation located in the U.S. African Development Foundation (ADF) Field Operation Division. The Field Operation Division is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of ADF's representation and program development overseas, internal review and approval of proposed country strategies, programs and projects. The Division is comprised of Regional Program Coordinators (RPCs), Portfolio Analysts (PAs) based at ADF's headquarters, Country Program Coordinators (CPCs), and Implementing Partners (IPs) located in Africa. The Field Operation Division: • Organizes and oversees the development and implementation of ADF country strategies; • Engages in outreach in the countries where ADF operates; • Identifies, screens, and selects organizations that might benefit from ADF support; • Ensures compliance by applicants, grantees and contractors with all ADF policies and program guidelines pertaining to project development and approval; • Works with strategic partners, U.S. government agencies, host governments, donors and development organizations to promote and expand ADF programs, and to leverage additional funding. III GENERAL REQUIREMENT The incumbent serves as a Grant Specialist on the Regional Field Team in the Field Operations Division. Under the direction of the RPC, the Grant Specialist will perform the following duties: Specific Task Requirements: • Maintain and update the grants management database for disbursement requests, budget shifts, performance data, financial reports, and closeouts. • Ensure all documents filed are in both hard copy files and the agency electronic network. • Provide initial quality review of all documents coming from Partner and Country Field Offices. • Update and maintain external Country Briefing Sheets. • Update and maintain project level information for ADF web pages. • Reviews grant disbursements for compliance and accuracy. (Requires up-to-date knowledge and understanding of project performance and reference to the grant budget). • Work closely with the Business Operations Unit (BOU) on all grant documentation for project development and implementation. • Track, analyze and organize a variety of country level information for decision-making purposes. • Assist in the closeout process of completed projects, ensure that all pending issues are resolved, and necessary information entered in the database. • Assist in grant reviews and processing grant time and budget amendments. • Assist the RPC with the preparation of grant approval packages. • Perform quality assurance reviews on grant documents, and ensure completeness of approval packages. • Perform sector level reviews to identify and document crosscutting issues and best practices. • Perform other duties as assigned. IV DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS • At least three (3) years of relevant recent experience related to African grassroots economic development and a bachelor's degree in business, engineering and/or economics • Ability to communicate in English - orally and in writing • Ability to read and communicate in French • Skills and abilities in the use of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint • Ability to prepare Excel spreadsheets utilizing advanced MS functions to organize, collate, and present data • Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail, and accurately track and review project and funding data • Ability to determine compliance with ADF requirements, policies, and adherence to budget parameters based on conclusions drawn from data V BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: • Employee's FICA contribution; • Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance; • Pay Comparability Adjustment; • Eligibility for Worker's Compensation; • Annual and sick leave; AND • Any other negotiated benefits allowable under F.A.R. subpart 31 ADF Personal Service Contractors are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes. The Contractor shall ensure that all his/her taxes and other legal obligations associated with performance under this contract are satisfied. VI LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC's The forms outlined below may be required and shall be completed only upon the notice from the Contracting Officer than an applicant is the successful candidate for the position: • Certify ability and willingness to travel and visit remote locations under harsh climate conditions with limited health care facilities; • Certify ability to meet the requirements of a background investigation to be conducted by ADF VII INQUIRIES Questions concerning the solicitation should be sent to
[email protected] no later than Thrusday, March 12, 2009. Responses to questions will be posted on the Fedbizopps as an Amendment to the solicitation. VIII POINT OF CONTACT Christina Kurant, Contract Specialist E-mail:
[email protected] Phone: (202)673-3916 Ext. 175 IX EVALUATION CRITERIA Evaluation Factors for Award Phase 1: Desired Qualifications Phase 2: Technical Evaluation Factors Phase 3: Interviews PHASE 1: Mandatory Qualifications Please submit your responses to the three (3) Desired Qualifications stated below. As needed, Offerors shall cite the entity(ies) and location(s), period of service(s) and description of the service(s) provided that demonstrates the ability to provide the services identified in each of the factors. Desired Qualification: 1. At least three (3) years of relevant recent experience related to African grassroots economic development (ADF reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the Offeror's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.) 2. Fluency in English and French - Both written and oral communication 3. Ability to track, analyze, organize, and present analysis summaries on a variety of country level information in MS Word and Excel for decision-making purposes Applicants who satisfy the desired qualification requirements will be selected to pass to Phase 2 PHASE 2: Technical Qualifications: Please provide your responses to the four (4) Technical Qualifications cited below: Offerors shall cit the entity(ies) and location(s), period of service(s), and description of the service(s) provided that demonstrates the ability to provide the services identified in each factor. Technical Qualifications 1. Knowledge of U.S. Government policies and procedures on grant management and administration (20 points) 2. Demonstrated knowledge of experience of grassroots development issues in Africa particularly affecting small producer groups and micro enterprise (30 points) 3. Demonstrated ability to develop and analyze technical excel spreadsheets to (1) track budget and funding data, (2) draw conclusions from this data to identify compliance with ADF requirements and adherence to budged parameters; (3) present results in an orderly and concise manner (30 points) 4. Demonstrated ability to review and revise financial analyses using standardized software (such as Business Plan Pro) and perform other analyses related to project proposals. This includes evaluating business plans, and financial statements and identifying potential business problems affecting project viability (20 points) Applicants who pass the technical evaluation factors will pass to Phase 3 PHASE 3: Interviews Based on Phase 1 and Phase 2 results, the top ranking candidates will be contacted for interviews. Interviews may be conducted in person or by telephone. ADF shall not reimburse interview costs. In Phase 3, candidates will be evaluated based on the following: • Written and verbal English communication skills and fluency in French, as applicable • Work experience as it relates to the Statement of Work X INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICE TO OFFERORS Proposal Submission: A COMPLETE APPLICATION CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING: 1. Three (3) past performance references. The Offerors shall include complete contact information for all references to include phone numbers and e-mail addresses. (ADF reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation) 2. Qualified individuals are requested to submit a resume, the resume shall contain at a minimum: • PERSONAL INFORMATION: Full name, mailing address, e-mail address, day and evening phone numbers, country of citizenship. • EDUCATION: Name of schools attended (primary, secondary and colleges or universities, locations, dates, type of degrees received and major • WORK EXPERIENCE: Provide the following for paid and unpaid work experience related to the jobs for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions): Job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, superiors name and phone number, start and end dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. • OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, including job-related skills, such as languages, computer skills. 3. Responses to Mandatory Qualifications and Technical Evaluation Factors Applicants who fail to submit a complete proposal shall not be considered. The Offerors assume the full responsibility for ensuring that offers and references are received at the place as delineated herein and by 3:00 PM EST on THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2009. All offers shall be closed and sealed and shall be fully identified on the sealed envelope if delivered via third party carrier or hand delivered. When the proposals are hand-carried or sent by courier service, the address for offers is: African Development Foundation ATTN: Christina Kurant, Contract Specialist 1400 I Street, N.W. - 10th Floor, Suite 1000 Washington, D.C. 20005. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your proposal, and as the subject line in any cover letter. All proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope with the solicitation number cited on the outside of the envelope for identification purposes. Late applications will not be accepted and will be handled in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (F.A.R.) Subpart 15.412. No telephonic or facsimile submissions shall be accepted. Interested offerors may register at http://www.fedbizopps.gov to receive notification when the solicitation and any amendments are issued and available for downloading. Please note that the General Services Administration provides the notification service as a convenience and does not guarantee that notifications will be received by all persons on the mailing list. Therefore, we recommend that you monitor the Fedbizopps site for all information relevant to desired acquisitions. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The contract consists of a base period and four (4) option years XI METHOD OF AWARD ADF anticipates awarding one personal service contracts as result of the solicitation. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded because of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by ADF to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of the proposal. Award shall be made based on the best overall value to the Government. The Contracting Officer (CO) shall use the technical merits of each proposal to determine the successful Offeror.