Senior Environmental Impact Analyst PSC
A. POSITION TITLES: Senior Environmental Impact Analyst, Office of Investment Policy (OIP). OPIC anticipates awarding up to one (1) PSC contracts from this solicitation.
B. POSITION INFORMATION: Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Two year, renewable up to a total of 5 years.
C. MARKET VALUE: GS-14, Equivalent $62.42 - $82.95 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, September 20, 2019 at NOON EST
F. SECURITY ACCESS: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
G. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens.
SECTION C
PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
This position is located in the Office of Investment Policy (OIP) of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Incumbents of this position conduct complex environmental assessments for projects under consideration for OPIC support in the area of debt finance, insurance, or equity finance. Incumbents also monitor previously approved projects for environmental compliance. Incumbents must possess a sound understanding of the technical aspects of projects as well as environmental and social impacts. Incumbents possess technical expertise in one of a number of disciplines necessary for a sound interdisciplinary approach to impact assessment (e.g., environmental engineering; ecology; geology;) as well as technical expertise in one or more of a number of sectors, including the following: extractive industries, energy production, water and water-based infrastructure, heavy industry and natural resource based industries
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
• Serves as program expert in one or more of the following areas:
o Extractive Industries: minerals exploration and mining; oil and gas exploration, development and production; related infrastructure including tailings disposal, product transport (pipelines); downstream processing, including refining and phase separation.
o Energy Production: thermal, geothermal, solar, wind and engine-driven power production; energy transmission; carbon credits modeling and trading; emissions control technology, including energy efficiency improvements, fuel specifications and pollution control technology..
o Water and Water-related Infrastructure: large- and small scale hydroelectric facilities; municipal water supply and distribution systems; wastewater treatment systems; marine-based industries including ports and marine transportations system and support industries.
o Heavy Industry: petrochemical, including plastics and pesticide manufacturing; cement; pulp and paper; hazardous and solid waste management;
o Natural Resources Based Industries: forestry, agriculture, ecotourism and fisheries; projects directly or indirectly impacting critical forest areas, including endangered or threatened species and critical habitats.
• Completes Environmental Analyses of OPIC-Assisted Projects:
o Identifies, collects and provides in-depth analysis of relevant data concerning the potential impact of proposed projects on the environment of the host country and globally. Relevant data can include international and U.S. guidelines, standards, legal and regulatory restrictions relating to environmental protection, public health and safety, and other country-specific environmental information.
o Provides guidance to prospective clients and other analysts regarding the appropriate content, procedures and format for conducting and presenting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Initial Environmental Audits, Environmental Management Plans, Major Hazard Assessments, Environmental Remediation Plans, Annual Environmental Reports, Occupational health and Safety Plans and Third-Party Audits. Drafts environmental sections of Investment Committee and Board papers.
o Based on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and discussions with clients on a technical level, prepares environmental impact statements, assessments, reviews or studies. Makes recommendations to OPIC management regarding project eligibility and conditionality on environmental grounds and specifies environmental conditions of default to be included in OPIC finance, insurance, and investment funds agreements.
o Monitors the actual environmental, health and safety impacts of previously approved OPIC projects through analysis of investor and third party monitoring reports and through site visits. Conducts desk and on-site monitoring investigations of environmentally sensitive projects on a regular basis. Compares actual environmental impact with original projections and prepares analytical reports outlining findings. Prepares reports identifying issues of non-compliance with OPIC contract conditions and makes recommendations for appropriate remediation.
o Solicits and responds to comments by NGO's and the public at large regarding the potential environmental impacts of prospective projects and the reported impact of existing OPIC-assisted projects.
o Performs other related duties as assigned. This includes, but is not limited to, participating in conferences, committees and/or other OPIC events as requested.
Guidelines
Guidelines consist of basic legislation, international and U.S. guidelines, standards, legal restrictions relating to public health or safety, or the environment, previous impact statements, assessments, reviews and studies as well as OPIC policies and procedures concerning the identification and assessment of environmental impacts. Frequently there are no precedents to guide the work. Incumbents use considerable judgment to interpret guidelines, to apply them or develop procedures to accomplish projects. Incumbents are recognized as a technical authority in the particular industry area for purposes of environmental assessment of OPIC-assisted projects worldwide. Incumbents are also a key resource for the development of new procedures and methodologies needed to fully assess the environmental impacts of OPIC's investments.
Complexity
Assignments include the performance of a broad range of professional duties involved in analyzing a wide variety of OPIC-sponsored finance, insurance, and investment funds projects. Incumbents analyze and evaluate these projects for the environmental impact on the host country and globally. The work requires the gathering of a wide variety of complex, technical information to determine the nature and scope of the project, interpreting voluminous data and recommending appropriate courses of action. The work is complicated by the varying degrees of environmental information and regulations in the countries in which OPIC does business.
Scope and Effect
Assignments involve responsibility for managing and carrying out environmental assessment affecting OPIC's major programs. The work impacts on the ability of OPIC to meet its goals and objectives.
Personal Contacts
Contacts are with all levels of officials at OPIC, officials at other Federal agencies and with business representatives, officials from developing countries, and environmental groups. Many of the contacts are outside of the office and issues and problems often cannot be anticipated.
Purpose of Contacts
The purpose of the contacts is to plan and coordinate work, gather information, and resolve problems. Incumbents must show discretion and use appropriate judgment in approaching clients to ensure that projects comply with established policies and contractual agreements. Incumbents must establish a rapport with clients and other contacts to gain maximum information on projects or industries.
Physical Demands
The work is sedentary, although travel to developing countries is necessary to examine the interim development of projects and assess conformity to contractual obligations.
Working Environment
The day to day work is performed in an office. Travel to emerging markets may involve high risks and possible exposure to dangerous situations and may include primitive accommodations and means of travel.
Telework
OPIC has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
C.3 SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The incumbent reports to the Managing Director of the Office of Investment Policy (OIP). The incumbent plans, designs and carries out activities within OIP with significant day-to-day independence, consulting with supervisor on matters relating to negotiating parameters, interpretation of policy matters, and for guidance dealing with controversial policy issues. Completed work is reviewed for adherence to policy and to assure that program objectives are met.
5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
o Expert knowledge of the procedures, techniques and methods utilized in conducting environmental assessments of proposed and on-going OPIC-assisted projects in a wide range of technically complex industry sectors in order to serve as a technical expert in a particular environmental area.
o Expert knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply international, foreign and U.S. Government environmental policies, laws, regulations and standards to identify and assess environmental impacts of OPIC projects.
o Knowledge of international business conditions, including economic and political factors affecting foreign direct investment decisions and operating conditions in developing countries in order to participate in research projects on subjects of particular interest to the Corporation.
o Ability to deal effectively with representatives of domestic and foreign governments, U.S. industry and environmental groups.
o DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
o A Master's Degree in related field preferred
We will review your resume and supporting materials to ensure they meet the basic qualification requirements for the above positions. We 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:
Keron White
Contracting Officer
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Keron.White@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, September 20, 2019 at NOON 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 various positions as stated on page 3. The contract will have a maximum period of performance of 5 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 GS-14, Equivalent $62.42 - $82.95 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.
Keron White, Contracting Officer, Phone 202)357-3960, Email keron.white@opic.gov
