SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-WBG-2021-04 Dear Prospective …

Solicitation No. 294-WBG-2021-04

Accountant

{i)~§.!JQ !WEST BANK/GAZA SOLICITATION NUMBER: 294-WBG-2021-04 ISSUANCE DATE: May 28, 2021 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 11, 2021 Close of Business local (Jerusalem) time 16:30

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contractor (CCNPSC), USAID West Bank & Gaza Mission (WBG)

"ACCOUNTANT", based in Tel Aviv

Dear Prospective Offerers:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerers should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost inclmed in the preparation and submission of the offers.

USAID reserves the right to hire more than one candidate for this position.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attached 1.

U.S. Agency for International Development U.S. Embassy Branch Office 7J , Hayarkon Street Tel Aviv 6343229 [srael

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Sincerely,

2:\::be~;½ vy Contracting Officer

Tel: +(972)-3-511-4848 Fax: +(972)-3-511-4888 www.usaid.gov/wcst-bank-and-gaza

Solicitation No. 294-WBG-2021-04 Accountant

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 294-WBG-2021- 04

2. ISSUANCE DA TE: May 28, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 11, 2021 Close of Business local (Jerusalem) time 16:30.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/West Bank & Gaza Human Resources Office, email at [email protected] .

5. POSITION TITLE: ACCOUNTANT

6. MARKET VALUE: NIS 231,393 - NIS 347,093 equivalent to FSN-10 .

In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/WBG. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful offeror’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. This salary range is not inclusive of other benefits and allowances.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: CCNPSCs are contracts of a continuing nature and can be part of a series of sequential contracts, each not to exceed a five year limitation. This contract will be for an initial one (1) year base period, with four (4) one-year option periods, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and continuing need for the position. The contract is expected to commence upon receipt of security and medical clearances.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID West Bank & Gaza Mission, Tel Aviv Office (with occasional travel to the West Bank and the Mission’s office in Jerusalem).

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs) offerors. Cooperating Country National is an individual who is lawfully residing in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility access - CCN/Foreign Service National (FSN) Clearance

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mailto:[email protected]


11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1) GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT The Accountant serves as the principal point of contact and person responsible for reviewing, recording, analyzing, budgeting, evaluating, and reporting financial management information for Mission program-funded activities and administrative operations. The Accountant performs the following: Provides financial management information and advice to technical office teams, to the Program Office (PO), the Office of Contracts Management (OCM), the Executive Office (EXO), and the Director’s Office. Works closely with partners (contractors and grantees) to advise them on USAID and Mission financial policies and procedures, and with established USAID/Washington contacts [(Bureau and Chief Financial Office (CFO)], and with EXO staff in the formulation and maintenance of the three-year operating expenses (OE) budget. Maintains and periodically reviews, reconciles and balances technical program accounting records for unilateral grant and contract activities and operating expense accounting records, and prepares periodic and ad hoc reports based on these records. Verifies funds availability for all acquisition and assistance and administrative actions. Commits and obligates funds in the financial system, ensures appropriate accounting classification by object class and program area/element, reconciles expenditures accounts and provides financial information to Mission management. Reviews and reconciles disbursements with the Treasury and the U.S. Disbursing Officer in Bangkok each month and prepares journal vouchers to correct records as necessary. Assists with the close out of purchase orders, grants, contacts and cooperative agreements and de-obligates remaining funds. Serves as backup to the other Accountants and, may be assigned to back up the Chief Accountant.

2) STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED

The specific duties of the Accountant will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Accounting, Reporting and Analysis

Reviews and analyzes various obligation, commitment and disbursement documents such as bilateral (cash transfer) agreements, Modified Acquisition and Assistance Documents (MAARDS), contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, memorandums of understanding, inter-agency agreements, letters of agreement, purchase orders, travel authorizations, leases, statements of allowances, etc. Provides clearance pertaining to implementation of regulations and policies which includes forward funding and appropriate use of funds. Validates these documents for funds availability within amounts allowed and/or available, and provides the initial OFM clearance. Reviews proposed activity budgets for cost allowability, reasonableness, and accuracy. Assigns Expanded Object Class Codes (EOCCs) to all obligating documents. Establishes and maintains control sheets for the Mission’s various Miscellaneous Obligation Documents (MODs) to account for sub-commitments made under these obligations. Conducts quarterly reviews of unliquidated obligations (Section 1311 review) and takes appropriate action to deobligate funds no longer required. Monitors status of expired obligations and obligations nearing expiration. Executes the deobligation of funds during the contracts/grants closeout process. Advises CFO/Cash Management & Payment section in Washington concerning

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close-out of instruments financed through Letter of Credit. Reviews and posts quarterly estimates of accrued expenditures. Provides timely and accurate posting of program financial transactions in the financial system (PHOENIX) and supplementary control sheets, as applicable. Consider the exchange rate required for posting dollar amounts related to local currency transactions. Prepares and posts upward and downward adjustments, as necessary, to accommodate exchange rate fluctuations. Receives and records inter-agency charges (Interagency Payments and Collections, or IPACs) from other U.S. government agencies. Issues USAID/West Bank and Gaza IPACs and supporting documents to other agencies. Reviews and records General Receipts (collections) received from the sub-cashier in the financial system. Verifies that all transactions posted to the system are in conformance with the Foreign Assistance Framework, ensuring that correct program areas and program elements are used. Also, ensures that all transactions conform to agency guidance, Mission policy and procedures, and most importantly, applicable government regulations including the standardized regulations of the Department of State, applicable sections of the Foreign Affairs Manuals and Foreign Affairs Handbooks, and federal travel regulations. Establishes and maintains supporting records and documentation to support each accounting entry in the PHOENIX financial system. Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of all budget and accounting reports and ensures that all reporting requirements are met for USAID/W and internal Mission use.

2. Budget Formulation and Analysis

Formulates the three-year Mission Operating Expense and program support budget through solicitation of input from the Executive Office (EXO), the Program Office (PO) and the Director's Office. Compiles budget projections based on detailed forecasts and analyses of past expenditure activity, cost projections and planned human resources, procurement and infrastructure actions. Analyzes projected resource requirements against probable budget availability as provided by Washington. Supports formulated budget with justifications and documentation of projected expenses by object class category and fund account. Monitors and controls execution of the annual OE budget, notifying the Controller and other offices of budgetary constraints, and proposes solutions/adjustments based on mid-year and on-going reviews. Prepares sensitivity analyses and “what if” scenarios pertaining to budget projections. Upon formal notification of annual OE budget levels, executes and monitors the approved budget. On a continuing basis, reviews obligation records to determine whether additional operating expense resources are required. Prepares budget estimates in support of requests for quarterly budget allowances from Washington. Prepares periodic budget-versus-actual reports. Coordinates between EXO and OFM, to forecast expenditures through fiscal year end to verify sufficient availability of Mission budgetary resources.

3. Support to Technical Teams & Other Offices/Agencies

Assists the Cognizant Technical Officers (CTOs) and activity managers in preparing contract/grant budgets ranging from $50k to $15 million for new activities, as well as revised budgets for modifying current activities. Helps technical team members to financially monitor these activities. Reviews and analyses activity pipelines and advises CTOs of required actions. Assists CTOs in the preparation of their quarterly estimates of accrued expenditures for current activities, including documentation requirements. Provides CTOs with ad hoc and periodic reports and trains CTOs/activity managers on their use. Participates in the periodic technical

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office team meetings. Coordinates with the Program Office (PO) to ensure the accurate and timely posting of program budget allowances in the financial system. Tracks and monitors program budget once the Operating Year Budget is approved. Works closely with PO and the Office of Contracts Management (OCM) to ensure that program allowance, commitment and obligation records in the financial system reconcile with the records of their respective offices. Provides financial management guidance and support to other agencies and/or offices that are temporarily situated in the Mission ranging from support budget preparation to transaction processing/posting and financial reporting. Coordinates with the Executive Office (EXO) and OCM during the contract/grant closeout process. Liaises with other U.S. government agencies at post and in Washington, as well as accountants in other USAID missions to cooperate on recurring intra-agency and intra-mission transactions.

Advises PO and EXO on the preparation and maintenance of budget requests and supporting documentation. Assists EXO staff in the preparation of quarterly estimates of accrued expenditures for operating expense records, including documentation requirements. Serves as the primary OFM point of contact for Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) matters, liaising with EXO, Embassy and Consulate General counterparts. Supports EXO and PO in projecting ICASS support costs for the year. Coordinates with EXO procurement staff to track residential maintenance payments and ensure their deduction from subsequent rental payments. Coordinates with EXO logistics staff to track the security escort services costs and the amount and timing for amendments to the inter-agency agreements for this service. Liaises with Washington and other USAID missions regarding cost-sharing for US Direct Hire (USDH) transfers. Serves as point of contact for the FSN Separation Fund issues.

4. Reconciling and Posting of Disbursements/Collections

Performs the reconciliation between the Mission’s reported disbursements and those recorded by the US Disbursement Office in Bangkok and the U.S. Treasury. Researches reconciling items to resolve all discrepancies. Takes corrective action to resolve reconciling items in conjunction with the Chief Accountant. Prepares SF 1081s to transfer funds from one appropriation to another. Prepares journal vouchers to correct double postings or to correct other payments erroneously reported. Prepares SF 224 to reflect all disbursement transactions processed by the accounting station for the particular month. Prepares the 6653 reconciliation to verify that the Mission’s disbursements as reflected in the US Disbursement Office (USDO) reconciliation (1221) and the SF 224 with Treasury were prepared correctly. Receives and records inter-agency charges (Interagency Payments and Collections, or IPACs) from other U.S. government agencies. Issues USAID/West Bank & Gaza IPACs and supporting documents to other agencies. Reviews and records General Receipts (collections) received from the sub-cashier in the financial system.

5. Administrative responsibilities

In coordination with the Chief Accountant, documents policies and procedures governing the accounting function of the Office of Financial Management. Considers areas of possible enhancement of accounting operations and recommends improvements in efficiency and internal control. Reviews certain vouchers to ensure cash and credit card charges are posted to the correct funding documents. Also, helps to calculate and verify the allowances and entitlements for local and offshore USPSC employees. Performs the daily updates to the Mission’s financial reporting

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software (PARAGON). Serves as backup to the other Accountants. Serves as the backup to the Chief Accountant during his/her absence. In this capacity, s/he will be called upon to supervise the accountants and the voucher examiners. In addition, s/he will be required to review and approve payments cleared by the Supervisory Voucher Examiner. The job may be expected to perform work-related travel.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

3) SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS: Supervision or oversight over others : This position currently has no supervisory responsibility.

4) SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The job holder reports to the Chief Accountant, an CCNPSC, who assigns work primarily in terms of desired objectives, with occasional and limited specific guidance on constraints and limitations imposed by agency policy statements, laws and regulations. Occasionally receives assignments directly from the Mission Controller, particularly pertaining to special assignments and analytical exercises. Supervisors are available for consultation on an as-needed basis. Work is evaluated based primarily on accomplishments and for compliance with procedures and other guidance. Accuracy is assumed.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To be considered for the position, the following minimum qualifications must be met:

1. Education: A University degree (BS/BA) in accounting, finance or business administration is required.

2. Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and budgeting is required. This must include experience with one or more of the following: the U.S. Government, private sector, non-profit, international organization, or accounting/audit firm.

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3. Language Proficiency: English - level IV; Arabic - level III; Hebrew – level II (see detailed language level definitions below) are required. Language proficiency will be tested based on below levels

● English: Level IV - Fluent. High degree of proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Writing/editing skills, including the ability to convey technical information to general audiences.

● Arabic: Level III - Good working knowledge of written and spoken Arabic. Job holder will be able to read and understand, for example, regulations, instructions and related material concerning the field of work, and to prepare correspondence and standardized reports. Job holder will be able to communicate effectively with staff and members of the public in the language.

● Hebrew: Level II - Limited working knowledge is required in written and spoken Hebrew.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

A. EVALUATION FACTORS A pplicants who meet the minimum qualifications for education, work experience, and language proficiency will be evaluated on the following criteria: 1. Work Experience (30 Points) The candidate will be rated on his/her experience with accounting, and budgeting. This must include experience with one or more of the following: the U.S. Government, private sector, non-profit, international organization, or accounting/audit firm. Points granted within this range will be based on the applicability and level of the experience.

2. Job Knowledge (30 Points): The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of professional accounting principles, theory, practices, and terminology with regard to accounting. Familiarity with relevant U.S. Government financial management systems, policies and regulations, procedures, and requirements. Points granted within this range will be based on the applicability and level of the job knowledge.

3. Skills and Abilities (40 Points): ● Must demonstrate a high level of analytical and decision-making abilities. ● Must have sound judgment in the interpretation and application of appropriate regulations to

a wide variety of situations. ● Must be able to develop and analyze operating budgets. ● Must have strong interpersonal skills and maintain effective working relationships with

USAID staff as well as other personnel. ● Must be able to work in a fully automated/computerized environment.

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B. SELECTION PROCESS In order to be considered for the position, an applicant must submit a complete application package in accordance with the guidance provided in section IV of this solicitation. Applicants are required to include in their cover letter a brief narrative demonstrating how their education, experience, and skills address the evaluation criteria listed above .

After the closing date, applications will be initially screened to determine whether applicants have met the advertised minimum qualifications. Applications from candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be reviewed and evaluated by a technical committee in accordance with the evaluation and selection factors. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted .

Interviews and a writing exercise/test may be requested, either in person, virtually, or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants (based on the application review) OR not to interview any candidate. Language proficiency will be tested based on language levels defined above.

Professional references will be conducted at the discretion of the USAID for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant.

The final selected candidate must obtain required security and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time. Details on how to obtain both clearances will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

USAID reserves the right to hire more than one candidate for this position.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit all the required documents listed below enclosed with a cover letter referencing the solicitation number and position title, addressing all the vacancy announcement requirements and selection factors respectively. Otherwise, the application will be incomplete and shall not be considered . Offers must be submitted via email in WORD or PDF format only.

1. Cover Letter - a signed one page cover letter referencing the Solicitation number and position title. This letter must include a b rief narrative demonstrating how their education, experience, and skills address the vacancy announcement requirements and selection factors listed in this solicitation.

2. Recent curriculum vitae (CV) or resume

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3. Form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals” .

4. List three to five professional references , who are not relatives or friends, who have knowledge of your work performance. Make sure to include previous supervisors and their contact information.

2. Offers must be received electronically by the closing date of June 11, 2021 Close of Business local (Jerusalem) time 16:30 , as indicated in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Points of Contact in Section I, using the following contact and email address:

H uman Resources Office, USAID West Bank & Gaza E mail: [email protected]

3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

IMPORTANT NOTES: ● Incomplete application packages missing any of the above mentioned documents will NOT

be considered. ● Failure to address the minimum selection and/or evaluation factors may result in the offeror

not receiving further consideration. ● Only electronic submissions will be considered. Hard copies will not be accepted. ● Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. ● Nepotism /conflict of interest may result in disqualification of offerors depending on the

circumstances.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms as applicable. Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms .

1. Documents required for Health Certificate Medical History and Examination Form 2. Documents required for Security Clearance Procedure (Court certificate, Police

certificate, Birth Certificate, Copy of ID, Copy of Passport, recent picture) (SF-85)

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VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a CCNPSC is only authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS: ● Leave benefits (Annual Leave, Sick Leave, other authorized leave) ● Official holidays (U.S. and local) ● Local savings/retirement fund ● Education fund ● 13th-month bonus ● Vacation Bonus (Recuperation Pay/“Dmei Havra’a”): ● Holiday gift bonus ● Health Insurance (on a partially reimbursable basis) ● Severance payment upon separation

2. ALLOWANCES: ● Transportation allowance ● Meal allowance

VII. TAXES All Locally Employed staff (FSN/CCN) are required to pay income tax to the Government of Israel or the Palestinian Authority depending on their legal residency status. Income tax & Israeli national Insurance will be deducted from the gross salary based on the employee’s legal status and credit points according to Israeli local labor Laws.

LE Staff who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent resident aliens (green card holders) are also required to meet U.S. income tax obligations and to participate in the U.S. Social Security System.

I. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J , “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms . Pricing by

line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

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https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

https://www.usaid.gov/forms


LINE ITEMS

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Item No.

Supplies/Services (Description)

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Amount

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

1001 Option Period 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: TBD









3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins ( AAPDs/CIBs ) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “ Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, ” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635 . See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

5. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman . The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: [email protected] .

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: USAID is an equal opportunity employer, irrespective of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, transgender status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, and/or other non-merit factors. The USAID Policy Statement on Equal Employment Opportunity, Harassment, and Retaliation affirms the commitment to EEO for all USAID employees and applicants for employment.

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http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman