Position Title: Deputy Manager for Operations/Deputy Team Leader for Operations (Multiple Positions) (Amended)
Solicitation Number: 720FDA19B00060
Salary Level: GS-14 Equivalent: $117,191 – $152,352
Issuance Date: May 22, 2019
Closing Date: Open/Continuous through May 20, 2020 with five (5) Review Periods closing on:
June 19, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
September 12, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
December 4, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
February 26, 2020 at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
May 20, 2020 at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
Closing Time: 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
NOTE: This solicitation has been amended to reflect an updated closing date of May 20, 2020 with five (5) subsequent review periods. All other requirement will remain unchanged.
Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Deputy Manager for Operations/Deputy Team Leader for Operations (DMO/DLO) under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the attached solicitation.
Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:
1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:
(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
(c) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
(d) U.S. Citizenship
(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (FedBizOps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).
Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.
2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.
3. USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS
AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.
NOTE: As of March 28, 2018, all new SAM.gov entity registrations will now require a signed notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity administrator for the entity associated with the DUNS number. Additional information on the format of the notarized letter and where to submit can be found via the below Federal Service Desk link:
https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b&
sysparm_search=kb0013183
Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs must be emailed to:
OFDA Recruitment Team
E-Mail Address: recruiter@ofda.gov
Website: www.OFDAjobs.net
Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to OFDA Recruitment Team via the information provided above.
Sincerely,
Renee Newton
Contracting Officer
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The DMO cadre is responsible for serving as OFDA’s leads for supporting operational response, both in Washington and the field. Intermittent with RMT service, the USPSC will be expected to serve on DARTs in the DLO role. The RMT DMO and DART DLO support day-to-day activities of the RMT and DART, respectively – including staffing, organization, communication, and disaster assistance resources – and supervise the Operations Section that comprises administration, communications and records, logistics, safety and security, military liaison, and when needed, Urban Search and Rescue coordination units. The DMO and DLO manage internal team issues, helping to solve or elevate problems that impact team efficiency. When not engaged on an active response, these staff will conduct scheduled rotations between the four teams within the Operations Division (Disaster Assistance Support Program, Military Liaison Team, Operations Support Team, and Overseas Administration) to acquire additional familiarity and provide backfill for staff working responses. This position will take the following actions:
Specifically:
● Open and maintain position task book (PTB) for RMT DMO and PTB addendum for DART DLO;
● Serve on RMTs in the DMO role and delegate, monitor, and assure completion of tasks assigned to the Operations Section Units (civil-military, logistics, safety and security, communications, and administration);
● Prepare written documentation required to manage the response including delegations of authority articulating response objectives of the RMTs and DARTs for approval by the RD. Also ensure that appropriate guidance is prepared on support mechanics (travel, visas, funding) required to deploy and support staff;
● Develop staffing plans for the DARTs and RMTs in consultation with the RM, DART leader(s), and OFDA’s senior staff. Recommend staffing and resource support alternatives that meet the objectives of USAID’s disaster management strategy;
● Make recommendations to the RD, RMs and DART leaders regarding DART and RMT staffing, rotation, and demobilization/transition;
● Track OFDA personnel and commodity resources committed to the response;
● Coordinate with other units within OFDA and USAID as well as other USG organizations to fulfill the response strategy;
● Work with DART leaders and US embassies and/or USAID missions to ensure that the DART receives all necessary support;
● Communicate with participating USG agencies and external organizations to coordinate response activities, in close coordination with the RMT Deputy Manager for Coordination;
● Develop operational contingency plans to help guide the response, as needed, in coordination with RMT and DART leadership and participating USG agencies;
● Work with the Communication and Records Coordinator to monitor documentation of significant actions and events;
● Collaborate with the OFDA Operations Center Manager to ensure the operations center is functioning properly to meet the RMT’s needs;
● Manage the demobilization/transition of DART and RMT staff: supervise the development of the Staff Demobilization/Transition Plan, working with the Deputy Manager for Planning; track plan progress and makes adjustments as needed;
● Participate in relevant trainings, division- or office-level rotations to provide necessary support and gain additional technical and operational knowledge;
● Obtain and maintain an active Classified network (CLASSNET) email account;
● Serve as the OFDA after-hours duty officer on a rotational basis, for approximately one week every six months;
● Serve on DARTs in the DLO role, which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time;
● Conduct scheduled rotations between the four teams within the Operations Division (Disaster Assistance Support Program, Military Liaison Team, Operations Support Team, and Overseas Administration) to acquire additional familiarity;
● Serve as backfill for staff working responses;
● Conduct analysis of lessons learned and best practices for humanitarian response;
● As needed, may serve on temporary details within the office, not to exceed six months. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP
The DMO cadre rests within OFDA’s Operations Division, but the USPSC will take direction from and report to the RMT Response Manager, DART Team Leader, or his/her designee for day-to-day activities of the RMT or DART. Additionally, the Operations Division’s Operations Support Team (OST) will be responsible for establishing the training requirements, providing onboarding supervision and overall coordination for the position within the cadre. The position may directly supervise a staff of seven or more people including, but not limited to, the Administrative Coordinator, Civil-Military Affairs Coordinator, Communications and Records Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator, Safety and Security Officer, and others as needed.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Supervisor provides administrative directions in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The USPSC independently plans, designs and carries out programs, projects, studies or other work. Results are considered authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change.
10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
11. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.
13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, administration, disaster management (or a related field) and at least (9) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, particularly working in the areas of administration, operations management, disaster management, emergency relief or humanitarian assistance.
OR
Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, administration, disaster management (or a related field) and at least (7) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, particularly working in the areas of administration, operations management, disaster management, emergency relief or humanitarian assistance.
OR
At least twelve (12) years of progressively responsible relevant experience working in particularly working in the areas of administration, operations management, disaster management, emergency relief or humanitarian assistance.
SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
· Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.
· Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
· USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
· Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted.
· Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
· Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.
· Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
· Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)
(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least. The evaluation of QRF responses will also take into consideration the quality of written responses. Aspects of written responses including, but not limited to typos, grammatical errors, spelling errors, and incomplete sentences will be factored into the evaluation process.)
QRF #1 Please describe your demonstrated experience working with multiple operational stakeholders across the U.S. Government interagency or within the humanitarian community to elicit their cooperation when developing an operational or strategic plan. This interaction should include technical experts, decision makers, and senior leaders. Additionally, comment on your experience engaging with and integrating the actions of a variety of specialized operational support functions, including civil-military, logistics, safety and security, and administrative coordination;
QRF #2 The Deputy Manager for Operations (DMO) is responsible for supervising up to seven (7) people with a wide variety of responsibilities. Please demonstrate your ability to lead a large and diverse team in a headquarters setting, including your experience in managing and training staff, as well as examples of how you empower, mentor, and foster staff development in an intensely busy environment. (Limit response to 500 words);
QRF #3 Please outline your experience leading a team focused on addressing time-limited, personnel-sensitive issues with high-stake results. Detail your demonstrated ability to manage several tasks at once and meet goals, as well as an experience that required your troubleshooting a challenge that occurred;
QRF #4 Please indicate your demonstrated knowledge of the humanitarian assistance and disaster response community, culture, and objectives, and sensitivity to the associated technical and political issues. In particular, describe your demonstrated experience operating effectively in this community, at both the field and headquarters levels; and
QRF #5 Please describe your ability to write clearly and prepare in-depth reports which may include the application of a variety of analytical techniques. In addition, comment on your demonstrated ability to conduct briefings and effective coordination at senior and working level.
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the QRF responses. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.
Offerors are required to address each of the QRFs in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, and/or education they have received as it pertains to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, and/or training.
The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. OFDA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process.
The Offeror Rating System is as Follows:
QRFs have been assigned the following points:
QRF #1 – 15 points
QRF #2 – 15 points
QRF #3 – 10 points
QRF #4 – 5 points
QRF #5 – 5 points
Interview Performance – 30 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points
Total Possible Points: 100