Global Energy Specialist Personal Services Contractor (PSC)
A. POSITION TITLES: Global Energy Specialist, Small and Medium Enterprise Finance (SMEF). OPIC anticipates awarding one (1) PSC contract from this solicitation.
B. POSITION INFORMATION: Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Three years, renewable up to a total of 4 years.
C. MARKET VALUE: GS-14, Equivalent $63.83 - $82.85 per hour. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history, and educational background.
D. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION POSITION: Washington, DC
E. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 24, 2019 at 9 AM EST
F. SECURITY ACCESS: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.
G. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens.
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
This position is located in a finance department of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). The work of the unit involves providing medium- to long-term funding through direct loans and loan guaranties as a compliment to private sector funding. OPIC's Small and Medium-Enterprise Financing is available for businesses sponsored by U.S. companies with annual revenues under $250 million and coordinates projects developed through OPIC's EON.
Incumbent(s) of this position serve as senior officer(s) managing the most complex, sensitive, or precedent-setting finance projects, and may perform this work in combination with senior manager duties that encompass program development and management for an issue/area (region or sector). Incumbent(s) are responsible for carrying out the full range of new project financings and undertake all tasks required to process transactions from initial screening through due diligence, negotiating and structuring, approval, documentation, closing and funding. Work involves coordinating major finance for international projects, including providing advice and staff support on planning, developing, implementing and evaluating issues related to credit, risk, and OPIC policy. At this level, incumbent(s) provides critical support that involves business development, analysis of issues, representing the agency when no need for agreements outside of already established parameters is expected, and negotiating with other U.S. agencies, private consultants, or foreign governments on language in documents to which the United States Government is or will be a signatory. Work may be conducted in any country and any sector (including housing, telecommunication and service industries, manufacturing, agribusiness, and on-lending to micro finance and banking institutions).
2. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
OPIC is authorized under Section 239(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, "to enter into limited-term contracts with nationals of the United States for personal services to carry out activities in the United States and abroad under subsection (d) and (e) of section 234" of the FAA.
Section 234(d) of the FAA authorizes OPIC to "initiate and support through financial participation, incentive grant, or otherwise, and on such terms and conditions as the Corporation may determine, the identification, assessment, surveying and promotion of private investment opportunities..."
Section 234(e) of the FAA authorizes OPIC to "administer and manage special projects and programs, including programs of financial and advisory support which provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings and intermediate financial and investment institutions and cooperatives and including the initiation of incentives, grants, and studies for renewable energy and other small business activities."
A. Definitions
i. Personal Services Contract means a contract which establishes an employer-employee relationship between OPIC and the Contractor for the performance of services personally by the contractor. The services may include general continuing services as well as specifically identifiable tasks.
ii. Employer-employee relationship means an employment relationship in which the employer supervises or has the power to supervise the performance of the work including, for example, the manner in which it is to be performed or controlled and the days of the week and the hours of the day in which it is to be performed.
3. KEY REQUIREMENTS
• U.S. citizenship.
• The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
• Performance at OPIC Headquarters in Washington, DC
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (i.e. Office of Government Ethics "OGE Form-450," or similar statement) may be required.
• Active and approved System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) registration and be listed as sole-proprietor.
4. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conducts in-depth analyses of new loan proposals to determine their financial, technical, economic, legal, marketing, and political feasibility. Performs in depth analyses of: the nature of the proposed business ventures; the financial statements provided by the sponsors; country related macroeconomic and microeconomic risks; risks related to project contractual obligations; the eligibility, financial standing and business background of the sponsor; and other related factors. Works with and modifies sponsor provided financial projections to assess logical model construction and adequacy of business case assumptions for the proposed OPIC financing. As necessary, as part of the due diligence process, creates financial models and conducts sensitivity analyses to test project assumptions and key economic drivers.
• Negotiates with key interested parties on OPIC loan terms, including collateral security and completion support, and policy requirements. Coordinates project financial plans and co-creditor arrangements with other creditors, such as development banks, IFC, Export-Import Bank, and commercial or investment banking institutions.
• Consults, as required, with recognized industry experts on the technical aspects of proposed projects. Obtains information through field visits, correspondence with officials of the host country, private firm representatives, U.S. AID and Embassy personnel and other sources needed to analyze applications for OPIC financing assistance.
• Prepares recommendations and required papers and correspondence. Presents loan proposals to the various approval committees. Reviews and comments on contracts, obtains appropriate agency clearances and obtains investor's signature and fee.
• Works with SMEF's Director of Business Development to develop new business opportunities. As required, advises representatives of private U.S. firms on OPIC' s loan guaranty programs, and other financing programs and initiatives.
• Incumbent(s) may also serve as senior manager(s) performing duties that encompass program development and management for an issue/area (region or sector), or assuming a leadership role in the conduct of new and/or unique project financings that fit OPIC program and strategic goals. Incumbent(s) provide the department with in-depth underwriting procedural expertise in business development activities and network with international finance institution leaders in order to promote OPIC objectives.
• Incumbent(s) represent OPIC externally at conferences as required, participating in interdepartmental activities such as Task Forces, advising representatives of private U.S. firms on the OPIC's loan guaranty programs, and other financing programs and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The supervisor provides administrative direction on assigned projects. Incumbent(s) independently plan the project, gather information, conduct negotiations and develop the structure for OPIC's financing participation. Incumbent(s) work with autonomy, consulting with the supervisor only with respect to negotiating parameters, interpretation of policy matters, and for guidance in dealing with controversial policy and complex project financing, when required. Completed work is reviewed for adherence to policy, and effectiveness of results, but work products rarely require substantive changes. Overall work performance is evaluated in terms of attainment of goals and objectives.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include basic legislation, broad agency policies, agency credit policies and procedures, and underwriting guidelines. Frequently there are no precedents to guide analysis in unusual, novel and sensitive situations. Incumbent(s) use considerable judgment to interpret and adapt existing policies and procedures and to develop new ways to analyze, develop, and present information, controversial subjects or novel approaches to project finance. The guidelines provide a framework but do not provide details in terms of methods used to accomplish assignments. Incumbent(s) use initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional banking methods or researching trends and patterns to develop new methods, criteria, or proposed new policies and/or guidelines to ensure the most effective and economical management of assigned tasks. The methods and procedures developed may serve as precedents for other officers.
COMPLEXITY
Incumbent(s) have lead responsibility for the most complex, sensitive, or precedent setting finance projects which may be any type of business, including infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, light and heavy manufacturing industries, wholesale and retail trade, extractive industries, transportation, trading and brokerage operation, financial institutions, hotels, development banks, fertilizer plants, or agricultural production, processing, marketing or distribution. Projects may be of extraordinary interest to policy makers at OPIC or elsewhere; have substantial precedent-setting value; and/or involve some unusually complex or sensitive issues. Incumbent(s) evaluate finance projects and coordinate the work of other professionals both within and outside OPIC. Management of projects includes varied duties requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods. Assignments are characterized by breadth and intensity of effort and involve several phases being pursued concurrently or sequentially with the support of others within or outside the organization. Decisions/recommendations made in connection with the financing of projects submitted for loan guaranties or direct loans are based on analysis of the technical, economic, legal, marketing, political, and financial feasibility of projects. The work requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new information.
SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of this position is to provide financing for U.S. businesses investing in emerging economies. The work has substantial impact on OPIC, on the client company and on the host country. The work implements Congressional and White House priorities and requirements and advances relationships and furthers the goals of U.S. interests while promoting improvements in business programs worldwide. The projects often establish precedents for future finance work.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are with representatives of business (foreign and domestic), high level officials of countries with emerging economies, officials of other government agencies, Embassy officials, and with all levels of OPIC employees.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
The purpose of the contacts are to counsel companies on project development and OPIC policies/practices; conduct preliminary and final negotiations and negotiate all technical points with the companies; represent Finance in discussions before the Investment Committee and Board; represent OPIC in significant matters, such as in meetings with Congressional staffs; develop and implement marketing strategy; and refer business leads to other departments and agencies.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is primarily sedentary. Some domestic and international travel is necessary; carrying reports or other paperwork may be required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed in an office setting; travel in foreign countries may require outdoor work to visit sites of potential or active projects and may involve primitive accommodations and means of travel.
5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Applied expert knowledge in all aspects of project finance and demonstrated skills in related areas such as corporate finance, accounting, credit analysis, management and operations, country political and economic issues, international investments, and commercial or investment banking.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, International Relations or similar preferred.
• Skill in applying business knowledge to project structuring and development of loan terms.
• Knowledge of relevant political, economic, and environmental issues of a particular region to support international cooperative projects.
• Skill in analyzing and structuring complex international finance projects.
• In depth knowledge of OPIC's goals, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures related to international programs and all OPIC endeavors.
• Knowledge of the unique procedures and processes of various supporting government agencies, foreign countries and industry.
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of OPIC's finance program and strong knowledge of other OPIC programs.
• Skill in reviewing and developing legal documentation in the form of terms of reference, loan agreements, contracts, term agreements and other transaction related documents.
• Skill with various financial software applications to develop or modify spreadsheets for financial analyses.
• Ability to work independently to develop completed work without technical review.
• Applied knowledge of project management principles and methodologies, including coordinating the work with other professional employees, lawyers, and technical consultants and skill in program management and project planning, including strategic program planning and evaluation.
• Oral Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate orally including negotiating with affected parties such as agency customers or consultants and explaining technical information to a variety of audiences. Work also requires skill in coordinating work efforts, providing clear instructions and expectations, negotiating resolutions to issues, and presenting information to all levels of employees.
• Written Communication: Skill in preparing loan papers and correspondence which are explanatory, persuasive, or exploratory in nature for a variety of audiences.
• Planning and Analysis (Quantitative and Qualitative): Expert knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods and analytical skills to evaluate, perform and respond to a broad range of issues, data gathering and analysis, program or project evaluations, measurement studies, and other program-related issues.
OPIC will review your resume and supporting materials to ensure they meet the basic qualification requirements for the above position. OPIC will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and evaluate your relevant personal, educational, and/or work experiences as it relates to the specialized experience.
NOTE: All experience must be well-documented on the resume and within the application. All aspects of the application must specifically show how the candidate meets the qualifications required. Credit may be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. To receive credit, applications must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week.
6. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Qualified individuals must submit:
• A written narrative of up to five pages clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the qualification requirements.
• Applicant's current resume to be included as an attachment.
• College Transcripts (may be "unofficial" for application purposes). Applicants should remove all Personally Identifiable Informational (PII) such a date of birth, Social Security Number, etc. from their college transcripts.
• No less than three and no more than five professional references including phone and email contact information.
All applications should be submitted electronically to:
Emily McLaughlin
Contracting Officer
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Emily.McLaughlin@opic.gov
To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application. The highest ranking applications may be selected for an interview, in person or by telephone. Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time but prior to Friday, May 24, 2019 at 9 AM EST, unless revised. See Section 7 for detailed instructions.
7. INSTRUCTIONS TO PSC CANDIDATES
In accordance with FAR 52.214-34 & 52.214-35, all applications are to be in the English language and US Dollars. Applications in other languages or monetary denominations shall not be considered.
The QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED (Section 5) are the basis for evaluating all applications. Candidates must separately address each listed qualification requirement and demonstrate how s/he meets each. Unless stated otherwise, all qualification elements will be weighted equally.
A. Qualified individuals must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submission. Candidates without a SAM registration may be rejected.
B. Applications shall be formatted to fit on 8 ½ x 11 paper only. Suggested margins are 1" x 1". Font to be TIMES NEW ROMAN no larger than 12 int. Hourly rates shall not be mentioned anywhere in your application.
C. Describe your experience and knowledge in regards to the qualification requirements in no more than five pages. Clearly demonstrate how your prior experience is either relevant or directly related to the duties of this position as listed under MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Section 4). The responses should describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Cite specific examples where appropriate.
D. Qualified individuals must submit no fewer than three and no more than five professional references, who are not relatives or family members. Submitted references MUST include current information, as follows:
• Name of reference
• Candidate's relationship to reference
• Title of reference at current job
• Reference current telephone number (work or personal)
• Reference e-mail address (work)
8. RESPONSE DEADLINE
Electronic submission is required. Mailed copies of any application shall not be accepted. Electronic applications shall be submitted by e-mail per Section 6 before the deadline stated on page 1 of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Application shall reference the position title AND the announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail.
OPIC does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application. Candidates are responsible for submitting their application so as to reach the designated Government office by the closing date and time specified on page one (1) of this Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was indeed received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in this announcement. Receipt of applications in response to this announcement does not constitute an award commitment. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation of an application. Any application is at the sole risk of the Candidate.
9. SELECTION PROCESS
In order to be considered for the requirement, a candidate must meet the qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation in accordance with the Required Qualifications.
All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted, the Candidate's evidence of the above qualification requirements, performance in a potential discussion/negotiation session, if conducted, and information provided by references, if contacted. Please note that for evaluation purposes, OPIC will take into consideration your proposed labor rate and any requested pay supplement in lieu of fringe benefits. All applications will receive one of three scores for each of the required and desired qualifications: Does Not Meet, Meets, or Exceeds. OPIC reserves the right to conduct interviews with only the most qualified candidates and/or conduct a reference check on those individuals.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to ensure the work history portion thoroughly documents the duties, responsibilities and accomplishments that are directly related to this requirement in order to verify specialized experience. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. OPIC is not obligated to make any award or pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of an application in response to this announcement. Award of this contract is contingent on availability of funds. OPIC reserves the right to not award any contract as a result of this announcement.
10. COMPENSATION
PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established requirements which apply in acquiring the personal services of experts or consultants in this manner (e.g., benefits, taxes, conflicts of interest).
This is a full-time position for a Global Energy Specialist. The contract will have a maximum period of performance of 4 years if extended. Extension periods are to be determined at the sole discretion of OPIC.
Overtime is NOT authorized on this contract.
The pay range for this position is $63.83 - $82.95 per hour (GS 14 equivalent) per hour. Final compensation will be negotiated within this pay range based upon the successful candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background. A salary above this pay range will NOT be entertained or negotiated.
OPIC issues W-2s to PSCs and makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSC. OPIC withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax and state tax on behalf of the PSC. The PSC is not eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.
11. BENEFITS
Under the OPIC personal services contracting authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal Retirement Benefits and health and life insurance. As such, the PSC is not eligible for participation in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System. Moreover, the PSC is ineligible to receive Federal Health and Life Insurance or participate in the Federal Thrift Savings Plan.
Notwithstanding the above and if agreed upon between the Government and the PSC before the award of a contract, the PSC may receive a pay supplement in addition to the employee's direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits.
12. TRAVEL
PSCs are subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and OPIC travel policies and procedures to the same extent as OPIC direct-hire employees.
13. CONTRACT AWARD
This contract shall be awarded solely to an individual, not to a firm. The individual must have an active DUNS # and a fully approved and active record in the System for Award Management (SAM). The approval of your record in SAM may take a few weeks. Therefore, you must be registered in SAM before submission.
14. ADDENDA
Addendum 1: PSC Draft Contract Body
Note: The PSC draft contract body includes required federal contract clauses and OPIC Terms and Conditions. Please review carefully before submitting an application for this position.
Emily McLaughlin, Contracting Officer, Email Emily.McLaughlin@opic.gov
