Credence is recruiting for Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Senior Specialist(s) to provide A&A services requiring significant experience in drafting original documents, interacting with industry, and providing guidance to USAID for integrated A&A support to USAID to ensure the timely execution of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, and other agreements to implement effective programs.
The A&A Senior should be knowledgeable regarding all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, including but not limited to:
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including but not limited to 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 700, 22 CFR 211, 22 CFR 216, and 22 CFR 228;
USAID Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) policies and directives, including:
Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs)
Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs)
Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs)
Administrative Memoranda (OPAM)
USAID standard provisions for Public International Organizations (PIOs) and non- governmental organizations (NGOs)
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Responsibilities
Ensure that all documentation for acquisition and assistance actions is processed in compliance with required timeframes [e.g. USAID’s Procurement Acquisition Lead Time (PALT)requirements in the USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 300.3.5].
Assist in developing and drafting requirements documents such as Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS) and Statements of Objectives (SOO) and resultant solicitations.
Provide support for engagement with industry, including but not limited to assisting with pre-proposal conferences, industry day events, local partner engagement and co-creation workshops.
Assist with the technical evaluation process, including but not limited to: coordinating schedules for technical evaluation committee (TEC) meetings, assisting with document management and control, and reviewing TEC memos prior to OAA submission.
Assist USAID technical offices in responding to offeror questions before submitting responses to OAA.
Review documents for USAID Contracting Officers, Directors, and Deputy Directors to review, approve, and/or obligate (e.g. technical evaluation committee memos, source selection documentation, etc.).
Prepare obligation documents for final approval and obligation by the Contracting Officer.
Provide advice on compliance with policy and regulations for awards funded with the Community Development Funds (CDF), International Disaster Assistance (IDA), and Title II accounts, and other accounts at the Government’s request.
Assist in drafting and updating USAID’s assistance award policy guidance and process documents, training materials, and templates for a range of award instruments.
Assist in reviewing USAID’s assistance award management processes and procedures for a range of award instruments to ensure consistency and making recommendations for changes as needed.
As required, develop or revise templates associated with the administration of grants and cooperative agreements, including but not limited to: formal memos and letters, modifications, award documents, waivers, and closeout documentation.
Assist in developing and drafting program descriptions, to include merit review criteria and instructions for cost and technical applications.
Participate in the review of concept papers, applications, budgets, and award conditions in accordance with current Federal and Agency regulations, policies, and guidance (e.g. participating in merit review committee kick-off meetings, assisting with cost analysis, etc.).
Draft suggested specific award conditions based on pre-award risk assessment findings (in consultation with the designated Agreement Officer (AO), General Counsel and the audit support staff).
Assist in the drafting of selection committee documents, including but not limited to: issues letters, selection committee memo, negotiation memos, and successful applicant and unsuccessful applicant memos.
Review documents for USAID AOs, Directors, and Deputy Directors to review, approve, and/or obligate.
Prepare obligation documents, for clearance by the General Counsel (if necessary) and the final approval and obligation by the AO and Office Director with delegated authority per ADS 103.
Support USAID in the administration of awards, including analyzing data, reviewing documentation, and providing recommendations to USAID staff and the AO on issues, required approvals, modifications, and audit findings.
Mentor and coach A&A Mid-level Specialists.
Travel internationally and/or domestically, as necessary (<5% time).
Other duties as assigned in support of the overall advancement of the acquisition and assistance lifecycle of activities.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
PhD with 4+ years, MS with 6 years, BS with 8 years or HS with 12 years of relevant experience with processing the full lifecycle of Federal Government A&A processes and policies
Exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent communications skills – written and verbal.
Required to have at least US permanent residency with the ability to obtain and maintain Facility Access or have US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
Other Qualifications and Requirements
Familiarity with standard business software such as Google and Microsoft programs.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a large team.
Experience with pricing and cost analysis.
Relevant A&A training and certifications.
Competencies/Performance Criteria
Innovation: Takes initiative to propose new ideas/approaches and demonstrates ability to find new and better ways to accomplish work.
Customer Service: Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedures to solve customer problems, understands program products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
Accountability: Takes ownership of work responsibilities and holds high standards. Keeps commitments and takes appropriate actions to ensure obligations are met. Pursues efficiency and effectiveness and adheres to organization policies and procedures.
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates ability to work in cooperation with others and communicates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, clients, and other stakeholders.
Continual Learning: Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues professional development that is aligned with organizational role, contribution, and goals. Proactively shares knowledge with others to foster learning across the organization.