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USPSC Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA21R00080 

 

ISSUANCE DATE: August 24, 2021 

 

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: August 25, 2022, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) 

 

Dear Prospective Offerors: 

 

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Technical and Program Quality (TPQ), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal service as a Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the 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 offer, 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. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. 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. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification. 

 

(d) U.S. Citizenship 

 

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (beta.SAM.gov, BHA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.). 

 

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information must 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. USPSC Offeror 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. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.  

 

U.S. Agency for International Development 

 

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

 

Washington, DC 20523 

 

www.usaid.gov

 

720BHA21R00080 

 

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 offer materials have been received. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers. Your complete resume must be emailed to: 

 

TPQ Recruitment Team 

 

E-Mail Address: BHA.TPQRecruitment@usaid.gov 

 

Website: www.BHAjobs.net 

 

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to the TPQ Recruitment Team via the information provided above. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Digitally signed by  

 

Sonja Stroud Gooden  

 

Contracting Officer

 

INTRODUCTION 

 

The Office of Technical and Program Quality (TPQ) leads the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance's (BHA) efforts to ensure high quality programmatic and technical leadership, oversight, and guidance. TPQ captures, applies, and strengthens capacity in technical best practices and contextually appropriate programmatic approaches focused on all dimensions of BHA programming from humanitarian response and transition into longer-term resilience programming, as well as risk analysis and early warning. TPQ is responsible for providing policy, normative guidance, tools, facilitation, and capacity building to assist the Bureau in achieving optimal humanitarian outcomes through strategic design, consistent and effective performance monitoring, comprehensive and appropriate evaluation, and purposeful learning across the full spectrum of BHA responses and programming. The Office promotes USAID’s humanitarian voice through active participation and technical leadership in interagency and global fora, including leading the Bureau’s technical engagement with academia and thought leaders. TPQ designs, supports, and coordinates research to advance the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of BHA programming. TPQ leads BHA in meeting the increasing demand for technical support and guidance in all facets of the Bureau’s work as the geographic and topical areas of coverage expand, and as the Bureau seeks increased technical and programmatic standardization, integration, and oversight to meet Agency, Congressional, and other demands. 

 

The Risk Analysis Division (RAD) leads BHA technical efforts to provide early warning, effective mitigation, and appropriate response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. RAD supports decision-making through the provision of evidence of human vulnerabilities to crises and technical support to humanitarian actors. RAD staff and implementing partners possess expertise across a broad range of disciplines and specialties to develop solutions to address potential or actual humanitarian emergencies including: food security, disaster risk reduction (DRR), livelihoods, natural hazards (agro-climatological, hydro-meteorological, geological), data analytics, information management, markets and trade, health and nutrition, and shelter and settlements. RAD capacity building, institutional strengthening, outreach, and advocacy efforts will promote the uptake of best practices in risk assessment and early warning to prevent, mitigate, and recover from humanitarian crises around the world. 

 

The Natural Hazards and Disaster Risks Reduction (NHDRR) Team provides technical advice to ensure timely, efficient, and appropriate BHA assistance by analyzing, forecasting, and providing early warning of geological and hydrometeorological hazards—including earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, tsunamis, cyclones, droughts, floods, and severe weather events. The NHDRR Team leads BHA’s geological, hydrometeorological, and DRR activities to reduce exposure and vulnerability to natural disasters, strengthen early warning and early action, and increase preparedness for response and recovery. The NHDRR Team advances DRR through the coordination of USG participation in regional and global DRR events/platforms, increased understanding of risk, promotion of best practices and methods, strengthening DRR governance, capacity building, and improved global frameworks and implementation at all levels. 

 

OBJECTIVE 

 

BHA requires a Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor to provide technical advice and assistance for the analysis of hazard potential and risks to populations. This person will also be expected to provide expert advice on disaster response and risk reduction strategies for hydrometeorological disasters world-wide such as floods, droughts, tsunamis, windstorms, climate, dam breaks, and other climate, weather, and hydrology-related hazards. 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level: 

 

● Provide technical advice and assistance for the analysis and forecasts of hydrometeorological hazard potential and risks to populations to support BHA teams before, during and after disasters. 

 

● Work with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor to provide technical advice on disaster response and risk reduction strategies and implementation plans for hydrometeorological hazards such as floods, droughts, tsunamis, windstorms, climate variability, dam breaks, and other climate, weather, and hydrology-related hazards globally. 

 

● Work with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Advisor to coordinate the review of proposals, concept papers, and other documents submitted by various partners, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), universities, UN agencies, public international organizations (PIOs), and other organizations to ensure that proposed activities to ensure technical merits do not create additional risk and in line with technical practices and policies of BHA and USG. 

 

● Work with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor to design and carry out programs, projects, studies, or other related work and apply new developments in the hydrometeorology sector to BHA programming, as appropriate. 

 

● Provide technical advice, assessment, evaluation, and guidance in implementation of BHA projects in the hydrometeorology sector. 

 

● Work with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor to collaborate with BHA regional teams, USAID bureaus and missions, other U.S. federal agencies, international organizations (IOs), UN Agencies such as the World Meteorological Organization, national meteorological and hydrological services, national disaster management agencies, universities and research institutes, NGOs, private voluntary organizations (PVOs), and the private sector on hydrometeorological activities. 

 

● Work with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor to write handbooks, guidelines, funding documents, position papers, and promotional materials. ● Work with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor to prepare briefing materials, background documents, talking points, and other relevant documents for BHA and USAID. 

 

At the GS-14 Equivalent Level (If the PSC is promoted during contract performance): ● Independently provide technical advice and assistance for the analysis and forecasts of hydrometeorological hazard potential and risks to populations to support BHA teams before, during, and after disasters. 

 

● Expected to provide expert technical advice on disaster response and risk reduction strategies for natural and human-caused disasters world-wide such as floods, droughts, tsunamis, windstorms, climate, dam breaks, and other climate, weather and hydrology-related hazards. 

 

● Review proposals, concept papers, and other documents submitted by various partners, including NGOs, United Nations (UN) agencies, and other organizations to ensure that proposed activities do not create additional risk and are in line with best practices, policies of BHA and USG. 

 

● Provide expert technical advice, assessment, evaluation, and guidance to BHA projects and partners and may be responsible for leading teams or guiding and coordinating the work of other technical staff in the hydrometeorology sector. 

 

● Collaborate with BHA regional teams, USAID bureaus and missions, other U.S. Federal Agencies, IOs, UN Agencies such as the World Meteorological Organization, national meteorological and hydrological services, national disaster management agencies, universities and research institutes, NGOs, PVOs, and the private sector for hydrometeorological activities. 

 

● Represent BHA within hydrometeorological-focused coordination fora external to the USG as assigned by BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor. 

 

● In collaboration with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor, write handbooks, guidelines, funding documents, position papers, and promotional materials on behalf of BHA. 

 

● Assist the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor in developing strategies and implementation plans for hydrometeorology and water resources sectors to lessen impacts of hydrometeorological disasters/emergencies. As appropriate, apply new developments in the hydrometeorology sector to BHA programming. 

 

● In collaboration with the BHA Senior Hydrometeorological Hazard Advisor, work to prepare briefing materials, background documents, talking points, and other relevant documents for BHA and USAID as needed for various purposes such as Congressional testimony, speeches, and press releases. 

 

All GS Equivalent Levels: 

 

● Sign up for and serve as needed on Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), which provide services and support to Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will vary. 

 

● Serve as the BHA after-hours duty officer on a rotational basis for approximately one week every six months. 

 

● As needed, serve on DARTs, which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time. 

 

● As needed, may serve on temporary detail within the office to meet operational needs during staff shortages. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the scope of work provided. 

 

● Become certified and serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR), as assigned. The AOR/COR provides financial and programmatic oversight of all aspects of managing the agreement or contract; this includes but is not limited to reviewing invoices, requests for approvals, program/project deliverables (i.e. work plans, annual reports, month status reports), travel requests, key personnel requests, and financial/budget reports. They are responsible for drafting and submitting the annual contractor performance evaluation in Contract/Assistance Performance Assessment Review System. They prepare and review contract/assistance modifications documentation and assist the Contracting/Agreement Officer to ensure performance is compliant with the terms and conditions of the contract/agreement, the FAR, and USAID policy. AOR/CORs are responsible for all related requirements in the COR designation letter and the AOR designation 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.) 

 

For the GS-13 Equivalent Level: 

 

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, meteorology, hydrology, hydrometeorology, civil engineering, or a related field, plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in hydrometeorological early warning environments as it relates to disaster response and risk reduction, three (3) years of field experience (domestic or overseas) in operational meteorology or hydrology. 

 

OR 

 

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, meteorology, hydrology, hydrometeorology, civil engineering or related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in hydrometeorological early warning environments as it relates to disaster response and risk reduction, three (3) years of field experience (domestic or overseas) in operational meteorology or hydrology. 

 

For the GS-14 Equivalent Level: 

 

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, meteorology, hydrology, hydrometeorology, civil engineering or related field) plus nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience working in hydrometeorological early warning environments as it relates to disaster response and risk reduction, three (3) years of field experience (domestic or overseas) in operational meteorology or hydrology. 

 

OR 

 

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, meteorology, hydrology, hydrometeorology, civil engineering or related field plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in hydrometeorological early warning environments as it relates to disaster response and risk reduction, three (3) years of field experience (domestic or overseas) in operational meteorology or hydrology. 

 

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 Offeror 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. ● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.  

 

● Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance throughout the contract. 

 

● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). ● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. 

 

OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM 

 

The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows: 

 

Professional Experience (20 points) 

 

● Demonstrated experience as an operational hydrometeorologist including but not limited to: 

 

o Operational hydrometeorological early warning system 

 

o Hydrometeorological forecasting and data analysis and 

 

o Familiarity with US and other governments’ capacity on hydrometeorological models, forecasts, or early warning systems. 

 

● Demonstrated experience in assessing, designing or reviewing hydrometeorological programs. 

 

● Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity working with hydrometeorological organizations, USG, UN or private sector or others. 

 

Skills and Abilities (15 points) 

 

● Demonstrated experience in developing and communicating hydrometeorological information, forecast, or analysis to users at various levels such as governments, technical sectors, or communities to inform decisions. 

 

● Demonstrated ability to conduct monitoring of hydrometeorological programs ● Demonstrated ability to interact with national and local governments in the US, or other countries 

 

● Ability to develop evidence and studies illustrating impact of hydrometeorology programs to support increased investment in hydrometeorology programming. ● Ability to develop reports on activities in hydrometeorology and to produce talking points and other related products and documents for users with varying technical knowledge. 

 

Interview Performance (50 points) 

 

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (15 points) 

 

Total Possible Points: 100 

 

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. 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 factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards 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 Offeror Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. 

 

The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. BHA 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. BHA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process. 

 

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER 

 

Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 

 

1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, 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. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. 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. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification. 

 

(d) U.S. Citizenship 

 

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (beta.SAM.gov, BHA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.). 

 

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information must 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. USPSC Offeror 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. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.  

 

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. 

 

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. 

 

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your offer, and as the subject line in any email. 

 

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS 

 

Via email: BHA.TPQRecruitment@usaid.gov 

 

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