Construction Government Technical Monitor (GTM)
19. You have received this "Personal Services Contractor" (PSC) solicitation through the Department of State (DOS) Internet site. If you have any questions regarding this PSC, you may contact the DOS Official named in this solicitation. The Department is not responsible for any data and/or text not received when retrieving this document electronically. Amendments to solicitation documents generally contain information critical to the submission of an application.
Construction Government Technical Monitor (GTM)
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Issuance Date: 07/14/2014
Closing Date: 07/28/2014
SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-14-042-INL
SUBJECT
A solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
The United States Government (USG), represented by the DOS, seeks applications from US citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in this solicitation.
HOW TO APPLY
Offeror's proposals shall be in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation at the place and time specified. A proposal will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for consideration unless all required documents and information are included in the submission. Offerors shall ensure their resume demonstrates their possession of the minimum qualifications outlined in this Solicitation, as well as their ability to fulfill all required duties.
Proposals must include the following:
1) Form OF-612 (Completed and signed)
2) Resume
3) Three letters of reference OR three references, including contact information
Submit all proposals via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/Janette Dull
E-mail: DullJR@state.gov
Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Janette Dull
Email: DullJR@state.gov
INL will not accept late proposals unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal.
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-14-042-INL
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 07/14/2014
3. CLOSING DATE: 07/28/2014
4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST
5. POSITION TITLE: Construction: Government Technical Monitor
6. MARKET VALUE: $53,534- $97,022 (FS-04/03)
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award and four option years
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
8. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR:
The Government Technical Monitor (GTM) will be supporting the mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in the oversight of approximately $200 million in assistance in Haiti. The Contract Officer (CO) designates the GTM to serve as the "eyes and ears" of the CO at specific sites of contractor performance. The designated Contract Officer Representative (COR) carries out duties on behalf of the CO but reports to the INL Director at Post. The GTM is delegated authority by the CO to assist the COR.
All personnel deployed on INL missions are assigned to and report operationally and administratively to the INL Director at post. The programs at post are supported by INL Headquarters in Washington, DC, including the program office and resource management offices. INL Program Offices support respective field operations in various regions across the world in terms of program policy, budget formulation, strategic guidance and monitoring and evaluation. Within INL's Office of Resource Management (INL/RM), the Contract Administration Support Division (INL/RM/CAS) maintains liaison and coordination with contract oversight personnel by providing guidance on contract administrative policies, procedures, training and other support. CAS functions are carried out in strict coordination with the Acquisitions and Grants Support division (INL/RM/AGS.)
The GTM, together with the COR, obtains or prepares specifications to define the scope of work, estimates probable cost, solicits bids by advertisement or other correspondence, reviews responses and prepares summaries and analyses of bids. The GTM will submit these summaries and analyses, including a recommendation as to the best offer considering price, bidder's capability and reputation, and similar factors, to AQM, INL and/or the General Services Office (GSO). He/she acts as a construction expert on all matters related to the contract to ensure on-site supervision and oversight to the contractor as quality assurance. He/she analyzes performance under contracts, including costs, quality, adherence to delivery schedules, and other relevant factors.
Relationships:
Directly supervised by the INL COR in coordination with the INL Director, Deputy Director, INL Program Managers at Post and the CO. GTM is expected to work closely with the COR, but independently under established office guidelines as required. The GTM is delegated authority by the CO to assist the COR. The GTM's actions, decisions and recommendations are reviewed by the COR on the basis of demonstrated professional judgment, results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The GTMs perform some or all of the following duties:
1. Assist the COR as needed on defining project requirements and developing a Performance Work Statement (PWS), Statement of Work (SOW), Statement of Objectives (SOO), or specifications. Assists the CO and COR during discussions.
2. Draft appropriate justification for other than full and open competition acquisitions, if necessary.
3. Contributes to initiating, developing, and transmitting a complete Procurement Request Package (PRP) to the contracting office, with all required administrative approvals.
4. If serving as chairperson of a technical evaluation panel, participates in and directs the evaluation of technical proposals for procurement and provides recommendations to the CO.
5. Conduct or supervise inspection and testing of construction materials, and accepts work on behalf of the USG. Supervise, monitor and inspect construction projects to ensure quality control and compliance with the provisions of the contract(s) in a timely manner.
6. Assist in developing engineering specifications and drawings.
7. Participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects
8. Perform other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.
9. Reviews and documents performance in relation to original contract award amount and completion time, ensuring appropriate approvals. Monitors, prepares progress reports and updates plans and schedules. Reviews, monitors and reports the status of multiple contractor projects to ensure the results achieve the bureau's goals, in particular regarding technical progress and the expenditure of resources relating to the contract, including the review of contractor's 35%, 90% and 100% design submittals, requests for information, product submittals, shop drawings, and completion schedules.
10. Informs the CO in writing of any needed changes to the PWS or specifications. Informs the CO, in writing, or any performance or schedule failure by the contractor.
11. Inspect and review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes, and other regulations.
12. Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
13. Monitor the contractor's requisition of supplies and materials to complete construction projects.
14. Prepare and submit budget estimates and progress and cost tracking reports.
15. Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, and design professionals to discuss and resolve matters such as work procedures, complaints, and construction problems. Resolve technical issues arising under the contract, which fall within the scope of the GTM's authority, and refers to the CO any issues, which cannot be resolved without additional cost or time.
16. Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites, to ensure that proper procedures are being carried out.
17. Receives, reviews, and approves the contractors vouchers or invoices.
18. Verifies contractor statements regarding the development of patentable inventions, if required by the contract.
19. Ensures that the USG meets its contractual obligations to the contract, including providing USG furnished equipment and services and timely review and approval of documents if required.
20. Reviews contractor performance and deviations from the contract requirements through surveillance techniques, including direct observation at the contractor's work site. Reports incurred costs which are not appropriately chargeable to the contract (cost-type contracts only).
21. Assists in contract closeout by informing the contracting officer when the work has been completed and by completing contract closeout documentation.
22. Maintain project files.
Minimum Requirements:
A. Must be a U.S. citizen, and able to obtain/maintain a State Department Secret security and appropriate medical clearances.
B. B.A. Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management from an ABET accredited university.
C. A total of ten (10) year's construction management professional work experience, of which:
1) One year shall be equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service.
2) Overall, experience should demonstrate to the maximum extent possible:
i. At least four years' experience in construction administration or field supervision, including senior project management roles that involve strategic planning, project management using critical path methodology, resource management, quality control processes, and budgeting.
ii. At least four years' experience with Facility Management and/or maintain a FMA - Facility Management Administrator designation through the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI).
iii. Significant experience in modular design and construction, general design and construction, permanent infrastructure design/build projects or facilities management/operations.
iv. Significant experience in cost estimating. Technical maintenance skills, which includes knowledge of machines and tools, including their
designs, uses, repair, operation and maintenance.
v. Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
vi. An understanding of architecture and engineering principles sufficient to be able to investigate and provide information and guidance on the range of systems, processes and components inherent in the design and construction of new buildings, training facilities and related structures.
B. Training or experience in contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures.
1) A good working knowledge of general office procedures relevant to INL and a practical understanding of the USG role in foreign assistance, including understanding contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures. Experience serving as a GTM on construction contracts, preferably prison and police infrastructure.
C. Superior administrative and management skills. For example:
1) Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
2) Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
3) Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
4) Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
5) Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
6) High level knowledge of Microsoft Word, MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint and email programs.
D. Superior communication and interpersonal skills. For example:
1) Superior writing. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
2) Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy, and a high level of professional judgment in person-to-person contacts with host government officials and U.S. diplomats. Must be adept at dealing with personnel in mid and high level positions within and outside the USG and with GOH officials.
3) The ability to communicate information and ideas orally and through writing, including through detailed reports in English (and preferably French and/or Haitian Creole), so others will understand.
4) The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
5) The ability to provide timely and accurate guidance on USG regulations regarding procurement and contracting, respond in a timely manner to inquiries, and skilled in dealing with representatives of contractors or grantees hired by the USG to implement foreign assistance.
6) Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
7) Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience, at the 3/3 English level.
Specialized experience requirements will be judged based on the past performance of activities such as:
1. Reviewing, interpreting, and checking construction drawings, architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other specifications to ensure compliance, recognize errors, ambiguities, or omissions and provide corrective recommendations.
2. Inspecting construction techniques, procedures, standards, and materials to ensure construction is performed in accordance with applicable plans and specifications.
3. Applying quality control and quality assurance practices and procedures to construction projects, and applying test procedures and equipment.
4. Applying safety practices and procedures to construction projects.
5. Developing and applying construction scheduling techniques, monitoring project progress, identifying causes for delays, and developing and taking corrective action.
6. Managing financial elements of a construction project, such as monitoring construction project costs, reviewing and certifying contractor requests for progress payments, forecasting total construction costs, and managing budgets.
7. Analyzing pending contract change orders, potential or actual claims, and acceptable cost and time settlements.
8. Applying computer software to construction project management and fiscal control.
9. Recognizing impending problems, developing options for action, and recommending solutions.
10. Preparing and delivering presentations and reports on project status and recommendations.
11. Demonstrating effective verbal and written communications skills with technical and non-technical personnel.
12. Displaying effective leadership, team building and consensus building skills with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates.
13. Proven ability to complete the FSI Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) course within the first 120 days of assignment successfully.
As necessary, on the job training will be provided to allow the GTM to become familiar with USG regulations, INL-specific management requirements, and USG procurement regulations. Training in Ariba, travel manager, and the basic INL management course will be provided. Preference will be given to applicants already familiar with these systems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Environment: Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor setting with exposure to all types of weather and temperature conditions, and travel from site to site. Must have the ability to work in challenging and remote environments, with underdeveloped infrastructure and housing.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
• Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
• Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
FACTOR 1: Program Management 25 points
Experience in providing contractor oversight on high dollar contracts, ensuring contractor requirements are being fulfilled per the Statement of Work and other deliverables; evaluating and documenting contractor performance, especially through a well-developed Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Knowledge of Department of State INL programs and experience working programs or projects in foreign, difficult and underdeveloped environments.
FACTOR 2: Federal Acquisition 25 points
Comprehensive understanding of contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and State Department contracting policies and procedures (DOSAR). Demonstrated knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the CO, COR, and GTM.
FACTOR 3: Communication 25 points
Demonstrated ability to skilfully communicate with representatives of contractors or grantees hired by the USG to implement foreign assistance and execute a high level of professional judgment. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with INL leadership, advisors, counterparts, etc. while conducting daily activities.
FACTOR 4: Past Performance 25 points
Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under a contract. In conducting the evaluation, the Government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources.
Pre-Award Ethical Responsibilities of PSC (JUN 2011)
This solicitation may result in the award of one or more personal services contracts as defined in FAR 2.101. Prior to contract award, all offerors or quotes must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have a personal conflict of interest, such as a financial conflict, that would prevent them from either meeting the requirements of the clause entitled, "Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractors," or otherwise objectively performing their contractual duties upon contract award.
VETERAN'S PREFERANCE
Veteran's Preference is not applicable to this position.
COMPENSATION
For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the following:
• Entry-level salary is at Step 1 of the grade range assigned to solicitation
• Consideration given for experience relevant specifically to the solicitation requirements
• Level and extent of experience dictates the salary level within the grade range
BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES
AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
BENEFITS - IF APPLICABLE
• Employee's FICA Contribution
• Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance and MEDVAC
• Pay Comparability Adjustment
• Annual Increase
• Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
• Annual & Sick Leave
• 401K Plan
ALLOWANCES - IF APPLICABLE
• Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance
• Living Quarters Allowance
• Post Allowance
• Supplemental Post Allowance
• Separate Maintenance Allowance
• Education Allowance
• Education Travel
• Post Differential
• Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure
• Danger Pay
Janette R. Dull, Contract Specialist, Email DullJR@state.gov
