Solicitation - Controller

FFIC SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066321R00002 ISSUANCE DATE: 10/26/2020 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 11/25/2020 SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) for Controller position. 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 Attached 1. Sincerely, Annmarie McGillicuddy Supervisory Executive Officer ATTACHMENT 1 72066321R00002 GENERAL INFORMATION SOLICITATION NO.: 72066321R00002 ISSUANCE D ATE: 10/26/2020 CLOSINGDATE/TIME FORRECEIPTOF OFFERS: 11/25/2020 (5:00pm Ethiopia’s local time.) POINT OF CONTACT: Annmarie McGillicuddy, Supervisory EXO and Fekadu Tamirate, HR Specialist , e-mail at [email protected]. POSITION TITLE: Controller MARKET VALUE: $109,366 to $ 142,180 equivalent to GS-15. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated . PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: For 12 months. Estimated to start on 1/30/2021. The base period will be 1/30/2021 –1/30/2022 estimated to start on 1/01/2021. Based on Base Period: 1/30/2021 –1/30/202 2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, and Resident Aliens. For USPSC: Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (“green card holder”); U.S. resident alien means a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING; Be able to obtain facility access authorization; Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested; Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access. The final selected candidates must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. STATEMENT OF DUTIES General Statement of Purpose of the Contract: USAID/Ethiopia has a FY 2020 program budget of $233 million, and approximately $4.5 million in Operating Expenses. Funding and staffing of 202 employees places USAID/Ethiopia in the large-sized Mission category. The funding of the Mission's programs, projects and activities are drawn from multiple sources. Separate accounting, control and payment mechanisms apply to each. The Controller must establish and ensure that all controls comply with the regulations and directives of the General Accounting Office, the Office of Management and Budget, the U.S. Treasury, and USAID, as well as with applicable statutes and generally accepted accounting principles and standards. These guidelines establish only broad parameters, which must in turn be interpreted and applied by the incumbent to program/project operations and the administration of operating expense allowances. The USAID/Ethiopia Controller administers the financial management program of the USAID/Ethiopia and African Union Mission and client Mission in Djibouti. This position requires an experienced contractor with demonstrated excellent skills in management, staff development, planning, implementation and in-depth knowledge and current experience in financial management of a USAID Mission. The Mission Controller directs the financial aspects of the Mission and reports to the Deputy Mission Director in carrying out the responsibilities summarized below. Statement of Duties to be Performed: Serve as Chief of the Office of Financial Management, administer the financial management program of USAID/Ethiopia, and exercise technical supervision and quality control over fiscal and accounting operations of the six technical office teams. As the Mission's Chief Financial Officer, provide expert technical advice on all matters relating to financial management. Represent the Mission externally in all Mission financial dealings. Is responsible to the Mission Director for all financial management activities of the Mission. Implement and manage these activities which include budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, and financial and progress reporting. Direct the day-to-day operations of the Office of Financial Management and, as a member of the Mission Director's senior management team, provide advice and guidance to Mission staff and the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) officials on financial management practices, procedures and reporting requirements, as well as on the financial soundness and status of USAID financial programs and activities. Provide the Mission with uniform guidance and procedures for financial management of all funds available to the Mission. Participate in the formulation and review of proposed programs and activities before submission to USAID/W and conduct reviews of financial performance relative thereto. Provide the Mission staff and Ethiopian officials with assistance and advice relative to financial management practices and procedures applicable to program implementation. Serve as advisor to the Mission Director regarding the financial implications of the provisions of existing or contemplated agreements. Provide advice and guidance to Mission and GoE officials on financial management practices, the financial implications of provisions of existing or contemplated loan and strategic objective agreements, on the effect and significance of exchange rate changes upon local currency payments, etc. Direct the maintenance of a comprehensive accounting system and provide necessary financial and statistical data to the Mission Director, the technical teams and other Mission staff. Develop and prescribe appropriate systems of internal controls pertaining to all aspects of disbursement and collection of monies, control of receipts and allotments under which they are financed, and provide guidance on financial management principles and standards for joint undertakings entered into with other donors. Review the implementation of activities and agreements from the financial management point of view to determine whether project objectives are met economically and efficiently and determine the effectiveness of implementation based on analysis of the use of funds for manpower, supplies, equipment, and facilities for USAID and cooperating country funding sources. Participate in the review of proposed contracts executed or approved for financing by the Mission. Participate with the Program Officer, the Supervisory Executive Officer and other concerned Mission personnel in the formulation, preparation, and review of Mission requests for program and operating expense funds, supply fiscal data and the cost factors needed for budget formulation and estimates. Provide advice, guidance, and supporting financial data to Mission officials concerned with the preparation of program, technical and capital assistance agreements and implementation orders. Provide advice on means and methods of financing, the interpretation of USAID accounting and financial reporting regulations, and contract reporting requirements. Serve as Mission liaison with the Inspector General and the focal point for audit activities including identifying requirements and developing plans, reviewing all audit and investigation reports from the IG and identifying actions to be taken in response to the findings and recommendations and assigning action for compliance and response. Also serve as liaison between U.S. banking institutions and the GoE through USAID/W. Responsible for the financial aspects of loan guarantee servicing during the formulation phase and in connection with loan guarantee implementation monitoring. Advise the Mission Director on the handling on loan guarantee defaults. Direct the operation of the Mission's automated payment tracking system and ensures compliance with provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, Foreign Service Travel Regulations, and other applicable payment guidance. Performs other miscellaneous related duties as assigned. Develop and establish financial systems, practices and procedures applicable to program implementation and operating expenses. Direct the maintenance of comprehensive accounting and payroll systems, oversee the preparation of program assistance and operating expenses budgets, supervise the voucher payment processes, payroll and cash management, and maintain a system for financial reporting of USAID programs. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable): Not required Supervisory Relationship: The incumbent directly reports the Deputy Mission Director. Work assignments are in the broadest terms and performance is evaluated in terms of accomplishments and compliance with laws and regulations. Supervisory Controls: Supervises and reviews work of a staff of twenty professional and technical personnel including one Chief Accountant, six Financial Analysts, five Voucher Examiners, two Accountants, one Accounting Systems Coordinator, three clerical staff, and provide mentoring and guidance for one mid-level Deputy Controller. Exercises full range of normal first- and second-level supervision. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Note: No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained, unless you are required to have more information about this solicitation. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Applications will be initially screened by the Human Resources Office to determine whether applicants have met the advertised minimum qualifications. A list of qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring office for further consideration and screening. EDUCATION: A Master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting or related field of study is required. Other related degrees with a minimum of 26 credit hours of accounting courses may be substituted for an MBA degree with approval by the Agency CFO. Certification as a CPA or other similar area of expertise is highly desirable. WORK EXPERIENCE: Prior eight to ten years of progressively responsible work in a USAID Controller Office is required. Professional experience in specialized USAID Phoenix financial management systems is strongly desired. 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 TEC will conduct interviews with all offerors in the competitive range and provide the final rating and ranking of the offerors based on the interview. The CO will consider findings from the reference checks as part of the responsibility determination. EDUCATION (10 points): A Master’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting or related field of study is required. Other related degrees with a minimum of 26 credit hours of accounting courses may be substituted for an MBA degree with approval by the Agency CFO. Certification as a CPA or other similar area of expertise is highly desirable. Additional evaluation points will be given to offerors who exceed the minimum requirement. EXPERIENCE (50 points): Prior eight to ten years of progressively responsible work in a USAID Controller Office is required. Professional experience in specialized USAID Phoenix financial management systems is strongly desired. Strong background and work experience in accounting and finance, with international organizations, managing a financial operation and overseeing financial activities including financial analysis, payments, local and US payrolls, and cashiering operations. Must be a USAID/CFO authorized certifying officer or have the ability to become authorized/reauthorized prior to assignment. Applicant must exhibit a thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology as well as the principles and accepted practices of governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. An understanding of how USAID projects are designed, developed, implemented, and evaluated is essential. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (25 POINTS): Demonstrated ability to exercise significant, independent professional judgment. Professional experience in governmental accounting and computer systems, including one or more of the following technical areas: Certifying Officer Experience, PC Operations with a preference for experience in Phoenix accounting system and knowledge of USAID Financial Management policies, regulations and procedures. A high level of analytical skills and sound judgment is required. Must be able to complete and present a great deal of detailed information in a concise and fully professional manner. A thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management is required. Must have a thorough understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operation in general. TEAMWORK/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS (15 POINTS): Demonstrated management ability, teamwork/interpersonal skills. Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues. Demonstrated ability to perform work within a team environment. Must be able to maintain effective working relations with American and LES staff in USAID and other USG agencies at post, host country officials, local banks, credit institutions, and local business organizations. Must have excellent interpersonal and training skills, and genuine interest in developing the abilities of LES staff. SUBMITTING AN OFFER For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted: Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2 ,“Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, “available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3 , and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. Letter of Application and current resume. Application must be submitted ONLY via [email protected] and the email subject must say –: 72066321R00002 - Controller . Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page. Please submit the application only once; and Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Ethiopia time 5 p.m. (Local Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Time). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86),or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) Finger Print Card (FD-258) BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual and Sick Leave ALLOWANCES (if applicable): Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) Post Allowance (Section 220) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education Allowance (Section 270) Education Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) TAXES USPSCs are required to pay federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable state income taxes. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC a wards are available at these sources: USAID Acquisition Regulation(AIDAR),Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contractclause“GeneralProvisions,” availableat https:// www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 availableat https:// www.usaid.gov/forms. LINE ITEMS ITEM NO (A) SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) QUANTITY (C) UNIT (D) UNIT PRICE (E) AMOUNT (F) 0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] - Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS] 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ Acquisition and 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 5CFR2635 . See https:// www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations. END OF SOLICITATION EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY : The U.S. Mission in Ethiopia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Ethiopia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.