Deadline Note

Preliminary Proposals are due October 23, 2006. Full proposals will be invited.

Synopsis

The sponsor provides funding to enable U.S. institutions to establish collaborative relationships with international groups or institutions in order to engender new knowledge and discoveries at the frontier and to promote the development of a globally-engaged, U.S. scientific and engineering workforce.

Deadline Note

Those selected to submit full applications must do so by December 12, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor will support projects furthering protection and clean up of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Deadline Note

Proposals are due October 23, 2006. Invited formal applications will be due April 2, 2007.

Synopsis

The sponsor is seeking applications from eligible applicants to identify and advance multi-state transportation corridor investments that can alleviate current or forecasted congestion. The sponsor will select up to five Corridors in need of investment.

Deadline Note

Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov in response to this announcement on or after September 15, 2006. The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is September 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is October 23, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsors offer support for proposals to develop high-impact, disruptive technologies for image-guided interventions. As defined here, image-guided interventions (IGI) integrate treatment with imaging technologies at the point of patient care. The long-term goal of the IGI initiative is to produce disruptive technologies that will replace current treatments with minimally invasive, image-guided interventions. A disruptive technology is a new technological innovation that displaces the existing dominant technology. Examples of disruptive technologies include minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that replace invasive surgery or low-cost image-guided interventions. This program will use the NIH Exploratory/Developmental (R21) grant mechanism.

Synopsis

A -- VISIBUILDING: ISR FOR BUILDING INTERIORS SOL BAA06-04 DUE 102406 NAICS: 541710 The VisiBuilding program is soliciting proposals due 4 January 2006 (initial selection). Point of Contact (POC): Dr. Edward J. Baranoski, Program Manager, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Special Projects Office (SPO), 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714; facsimile:703-524-2449; e-mail: visibuilding@darpa.mil (e-mail contact preferred). Objective: In support of the VisiBuilding program, DARPA/SPO is soliciting proposals from qualified corporations, research institutions, universities, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Department of Energy (DoE) laboratories under BAA06-04. The goal of the VisiBuilding program is to develop knowledge-deriving architectures for sensing people and objects in buildings. The program will address propagation and backscatter off urban structures, develop operational concepts for sensor position and utilization, and derive model-driven algorithms that best match hypothesized structural models with the actual sensed data. A key component of VisiBuilding will be how to make the technology operationally useful to support all stand-off sense-through-buildings concepts of operations (CONOPS), ranging from pre-mission planning to find which buildings should be searched, through detailed assessment of targeted structures for building layouts and behavioral analysis, live updates of building occupancy to support building raids, and finally post-mission analysis to find hidden objects or people. Sensor and exploitation architectures must provide: 1) a detailed understanding of the building structure to provide actionable information on building layouts,and provide reasonable floor plans of the structure, 2) detection and localization of anomalous quantities of materials within the building structure, and 3) detection and localization of people within a building. In order to be effective,VisiBuilding must demonstrate penetration and interpretation through at least two exterior-grade walls using standard building construction materials such as reinforced concrete, concrete block, brick, adobe, etc. Concrete and concrete block should be at least eight inches (20 cm) in thickness. Sensor architectures must be able to resolve wall positions to within 0.5 meters laterally and ceiling and floor locations within 0.5 meters vertically, with a 95 percent probability of correct localization. Similarly, they must be able to detect and localize non-structure related materials larger than 3 square meters in size beyond two walls. They must also be able to detect, resolve, and locate moving personnel within0.5 meters with a 99 percent probability of detection and 1 percent false alarmrate with a minimum detectable velocity of 0.5 meters/second. Sensor architectures should permit close-range stand-off from the building to be examined. Stand-off distances should at least be 10 meters, or on the order of street-level access or from neighboring structures. Ideally, sensor configurations should allow for discrete (perhaps covert) examination of the building structure through some combination of any or all of the following: small distributed hand-held or emplaced sensors, vehicle-borne sensors, and/or airborne or perching sensors. Sensor architectures will be an important facet of this development, but the key technology advances are expected in the areas of phenomenology, sensor architectures, and exploitation and model-based reconstruction algorithms. These three areas are tightly coupled, and the interdependencies between them should be represented in the proposals program and management plan. The program will be a multi-phase effort, with each phase constructed to advance the technology towards a full demonstration of capability. Phase I will be a twelve-month Concept Development andEvaluation effort to develop conceptual ideas in one or more sensor modes and configurations. The proposed architecture will be simulated and analyzed to show concept realism for penetrating deep within standard buildings. This will lead into a concept design review. The result of this phase will be concept design(s) and the estimated performance for the Phase II Sensor Demonstration System(s), and an updated execution plan and cost for the Phase II prototype design, development, and demonstration effort. The following descriptions of Phase II and III activities are notional. Any and all aspects of these phases are subject to change pending the outcome of Phase I (and Phase II results for Phase III). Selected performers may continue with Phase II, an eighteen month Sensor Demonstration System phase to develop the sensor and exploitation architecture and demonstrate its capability on two-story structures. This phase will require developing a fullsensor system and exploitation architecture meeting design objectives on selected building structures. Based upon the Phase II demonstration results and an updated form-fit prototype description, selected performers may continue Phase III for a fifteen month Advanced Prototype Development effort to develop a full prototype system that can sense and accurately model multi-story structures, including all necessary sensor communication and on-line processing. DARPA is soliciting proposals under this BAA for the full program. One or more awards are anticipated. Contractors are expected to develop full system architectures that address principal technical challenges in propagation phenomenology, sensor architectureconfiguration and concepts of operation, and model-based algorithms and processing architectures for reconstructing full building models from the sensed data. The contractor will have to address expected performance and develop an early proof-of-concept demonstration in Phase I that will directly address architecturalissues to be tackled in Phases II and III. The contractor will also identify critical technology developments required to enable the system concept. A Proposers Day Briefing will be held on 14 November 2005 to present the goals and structure of the VisiBuilding program to potential proposers. One-on-one meetings with the DARPA Program Manager and other members of the VisiBuilding Government Team will be available as well. This program will unclassified, although specific proposals incorporating classified technologies are also acceptable. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: Proposers must obtain the BAA06-04 Proposers Information Packet (PIP) which provides further technical and administrative detail for this BAA including the technologies of interest, evaluation criteria, funding processes, and format of proposals. Proposals not meeting the specified format described in the PIP may not be considered for award. The PIP is not classified and may be obtained from the FedBizOpps website. A table of important dates and milestones is provided in the PIP. These include a Proposers Day Briefing to be held 14 November 2005 at Booz Allen Hamilton, Newman Auditorium at 8283 Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102. Contact visibuilding@darpa.mil to attend the Proposers Day Briefing. The VisiBuilding program may include information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR 120-130, therefore contractors may be required to protect information pursuant to ITAR and are encouraged to consider this when proposing. Questions regarding this BAA or comments on the PIP may be e-mailed directly to visibuilding@darpa.mil. It is anticipated that contracts willbe awarded on or about 15 March 2006. The Government will not be liable for thecost of proposal preparation and submission. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with this announcement and the PIP. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. Proposers should be alert for any BAA amendments that may be published on the FedBizOpps website. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Each cost proposal shall contain a section satisfying the followingrequirements: awards made under this BAA are subject to the provisions of the FAR, subpart 9.5, Organizational Conflict of Interest. All Proposers and proposedsubcontractors must affirmatively state whether they are supporting any DARPA technical office(s) through an active contract or subcontract. All affirmations must state which office(s) the Proposer supports and identify the prime contract number(s). Affirmations shall be furnished at the time of proposal submission and the existence or potential existence of organization conflicts of interest, asthat term is defined in FAR 9.501, must be disclosed. This disclosure shall include a description of the action the Proposer has taken, or proposes to take, toavoid, neutralize, or mitigate such conflict. If the Proposer believes that no such conflict exists, then it shall so state in the section. It is the policy ofDARPA to treat all proposals as competitive information and to disclose the contents only for the purposes of evaluation. The Government intends to use non-Government personnel as special resources to assist with the logistics of administering the proposal evaluation and providing selected technical assistance relatedto proposal evaluation. These support personnel are restricted by their contracts from disclosing proposal information for any purpose and are required to signOrganizational Conflict of Interest Non-Disclosure Agreements. By submission ofits proposal, each Proposer agrees that proposal information may be disclosed to those selected contractors for the limited purpose stated above. Any information not intended for limited release to support contractors must be clearly marked and segregated from other submitted proposal material. Points of Contact: Dr. Edward J. Baranoski, DARPA/SPO Program Manager, e-mail: visibuilding@darpa.mil. Contractual POC: Jennifer Schoen, Contracting Officer, DARPA/CMO, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714. This BAA shall remain open for one (1) year from the date of publication on www.fedbizopps.gov. Although the Government may select proposals for award at any time during this period, it is anticipated that the majority of funding for this program will be committed during the initial selections. Proposers may submit a full proposal in accordance with the instruction provided in the Proposer Information Pamphlet (PIP) at any time while the BAA remains open. In order to be considered during the initial round of funding, proposals must be received by DARPA on or before 4:00 PM Eastern StandardTime, 4 January 2006. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that will be considered by DARPA. HistoricallyBlack Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions (MIs) and small disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of this research for exclusive competition among these entities. This BAA affords proposers the choice of submitting proposals for the award of a cooperative agreement, procurement contract, technology investment agreement, other transaction for prototype agreement, or such other appropriate award instrument. The government reserves the right to negotiate the type of award instrument determined appropriate under the circumstances. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The criteria to be used to evaluate and select proposals for this project are, in order of importance: (a) Scientific and Technical Merit; (b) Proposer Qualifications; and (c) Cost Realism. Each proposal will be evaluated on the merit and relevance of the specific proposal as it relates to the program rather than against other proposals for research in the same general area, since no common work statement exists.The Government reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of theproposals received in response to this BAA. The Government reserves the right to select for award, all, some, or none of the parts of a proposal from proposal respondents. Proposals may be selected and/or award decisions made without discussions or negotiations. CITE: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA06%2D04/listing.html Posted 10/25/05 (W-SN00920773). (0298)

Deadline Note

The deadlines for receipt of optional letters of intent are September 25, 2006, and December 29, 2006. The deadliness for receipt of full applications are October 24, 2006, and January 29, 2007. This program will expire on January 30, 2007.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for a one to two-year period of research experience for physicians in a residency program through supplements to existing sponsor grant awards. The program targets applicants who have demonstrated the potential for productive research in an area of interest to the candidate and of relevance to the mission of the sponsor. This PAR will use the NIH competitive supplement award mechanism.

Synopsis

A -- CONCEPTS FOR REDUCTION OF BIOLOGICAL MICROFOULING TO IMPROVE WATERSHEDDING FROM SUBMARINE PERISCOPE HEADWINDOWS SOL N66604-06-R-5749 DUE 102506NAICS: 541330 This is a sources sought notice that requires the submission of awhite paper for evaluation. The attachment that describes the problem statement, background, desired characteristics, etc. may be downloaded from our contractssite at http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/contract/. This synopsis is being posted to both the Federal Business Opportunities(FBO) page located at http://www.fbo.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce on Line(NECO) site located at https://www.neco.navy.mil. While it is understood that FBO is the single point of entry for posting of synopsis and solicitations to the internet, NECO is the alternative in case FBO is unavailable. Please feel free to use either site to access information posted by the Navy Sea Systems Command. Our department no longer issues solicitations or amendments in paper form. Instead, they may be accessed at our web site http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/contract/. We also provide electronic access in our Bid Room. CITE: http://www1.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N66604/N66604%2D06%2DR%2D5749/listing.html Posted 09/26/06 (W-SN01155023). (0269)

Deadline Note

Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov in response to this announcement on or after October 25, 2006.The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is November 24, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for grant applications to develop novel technologies that will substantially reduce the cost of genomic DNA sequencing. Current technologies are able to produce the sequence of a mammalian-sized genome of the desired data quality for $5 to $10 million; the goal of this initiative is to reduce costs by at least two orders of magnitude. As some technologies that have potential to achieve this goal are already in or near the commercial market, applications to this FOA will need to show clear advantage over current and emerging technologies. Applicants may propose to develop full-scale sequencing systems, or to investigate key components of such systems. This program will use the NIH Phased Innovation (R21/R33) award mechanism.

Deadline Note

The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is November 24, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for grant applications to develop novel technologies that will substantially reduce the cost of genomic DNA sequencing. Current technologies are able to produce the sequence of a mammalian-sized genome of the desired data quality for $5 to $10 million; the goal of this initiative is to reduce costs by at least two orders of magnitude. This program will use the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) mechanism.

Deadline Note

Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov in response to this announcement on or after October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is November 24, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for grant applications to develop novel technologies that will substantially reduce the cost of genomic DNA sequencing. Current technologies are able to produce the sequence of a mammalian-sized genome of the desired data quality for $5 to $10 million; the goal of this initiative is to reduce costs by at least two orders of magnitude. This program will use the NIH Exploratory/Developmental (R21) grant mechanism.

Deadline Note

The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is November 24, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for grant applications to develop novel technologies that will enable extremely low-cost DNA sequencing. Current technologies are able to produce the sequence of a mammalian-sized genome of the desired data quality for $5 to $10 million; the goal of this initiative is to reduce costs by at least four orders of magnitude, so that a mammalian-sized genome could be sequenced for approximately $1000. Applicants may propose to develop full-scale sequencing systems, or to investigate key components of such systems. Such independent proposals are an important path for pursuing novel, high risk/high pay-off ideas. This program will use the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) mechanism.

Deadline Note

Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov in response to this announcement on or after October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is November 24, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for grant applications to develop novel technologies that will enable extremely low-cost DNA sequencing. Current technologies are able to produce the sequence of a mammalian-sized genome of the desired data quality for $5 to $10 million; the goal of this initiative is to reduce costs by at least four orders of magnitude, so that a mammalian-sized genome could be sequenced for approximately $1000. Applicants may propose to develop full-scale sequencing systems, or to investigate key components of such systems. Such independent proposals are an important path for pursuing novel, high risk/high pay-off ideas. This program will use the NIH Exploratory/Developmental (R21) grant mechanism.

Deadline Note

Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov in response to this announcement on or after October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is November 24, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for Small Business Technology Transfer applications from small business concerns (SBCs) to develop novel technologies that will substantially reduce the cost of genomic DNA sequencing. Current technologies are able to produce the sequence of a mammalian-sized genome of the desired data quality for $5 to $10 million; the goal of this initiative is to reduce costs by at least four orders of magnitude, so that a mammalian-sized genome could be sequenced for approximately $1000. Applicants may propose to develop full-scale sequencing systems, or to investigate key components of such systems. Such independent proposals are an important path for pursuing novel, high risk/high pay-off ideas. This program will use the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR [R41/R42]) grant mechanisms.

Deadline Note

Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov in response to this announcement on or after October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of optional letters of intent is October 25, 2006. The deadline for receipt of full applications is November 24, 2006.

Synopsis

The sponsor offers support for Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications from small business concerns (SBCs) to develop novel technologies that will substantially reduce the cost of genomic DNA sequencing. Current technologies are able to produce the sequence of a mammalian-sized genome of the desired data quality for $5 to $10 million; the goal of this initiative is to reduce costs by at least two orders of magnitude. This program will use the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR [R41/R42]) grant mechanisms.

Deadline Note

Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov on or after December 19, 2005. The deadlines for receipt of standard AREA applications are: February 25, June 25 and October 25 annually. The deadlines for receipt of AIDS-related AREA applications are: January 2, May 1, and September 1 annually. This program will expire on January 3, 2009.

Synopsis

The sponsors provide support to stimulate research in educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced training for a significant number of the nation's research scientists but that have not been major recipients of National Institutes of Health support. The R15 award mechanism will be used.

Synopsis

A -- USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS SOLICITATION NO. 27-2006 - USPSC PROGRAM LIAISON MANAGER SOL 27-2006 DUE 102506 POP Personnel Office, USAID/CAR Almaty, 41 Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 050010 KAZAKHSTAN NAICS: 541990 ISSUANCE DATE: 09/28/2006 CLOSING DATE: 10/25/2006 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 27-2006 USPSC Program Liaison Manager, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Astana, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, PersonnelSpecialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-3272-50-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Margaret McCarthy, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 27/2006 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 27-2006 2.ISSUANCE DATE: 09/28/2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 10/25/2006 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: PROGRAM LIAISON MANAGER 5. MARKET VALUE: $65,832 - $85,578 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Astana, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background USAID?s Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government?s assistance programs in the five Central Asian Republics. The USAID/CAR portfolio focuses on promoting more effective and democratic governance; advancing economic reforms and expanding economic opportunities?to include energy, water and agricultural activities; and supporting social sector reforms, improving access to quality health and education services, and addressing the threat of infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Avian Flu). The USAID/CAR Mission is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with Country Offices in Tashkent, Dushanbe, Bishkek and Ashgabat. The USAID/CAR office in Almaty plays the dual role of Regional Headquarters and Country Office for Kazakhstan. To facilitate this latter role, USAID has established a staff presence in Astana, Kazakhstan. (Note: The U.S. Embassy will transferto Astana, which has been the official capital of Kazakhstan since 1998, in September 2006. The US has three strategic interests in Kazakhstan: Security interests to achieve regional stability; economic, democracy, and social reforms to attract and sustain foreign investment and to improve opportunities for the citizens of Kazakhstan to participate openly and effectively in civic life (all of which establish long-term stability); and the development of Central Asia?s very significant energy resources. Within this overall USG strategy, USAID assistance will focus on the goal of advancing democratic and market economic reforms. This focus will promote the development of sustainable social services and work on solidifying Kazakhstan?s role as an economic reform leader in Central Asia in order to broaden the benefits of Kazakhstan?s economic growth and energy resources to the other countries of Central Asia. USAID?s $20 million/year assistance program in Kazakhstan is expected to comprise the following elements: 1) Economic Sector: Increase Trade and Investment ? Assistance to help Kazakhstan to come into compliance with the WTO and increase its trade and transit volumes. Improve Economic Policy and the Business Environment ? Assistance for policy reforms to improve and increase transparency in government budget formulation, intergovernmental finance, and management of public expenditures. Assistance to broaden economicopportunities through improving the business environment and increasing access to business information, knowledge and skills. Assistance will also support development of electricity marketing mechanisms to facilitate regional power trade within Central Asia and specifically with South Asia power markets. Improve Private Sector Competitiveness ? Assistance will support small and medium enterprise development and growth, which is vital to diversification and broadening the benefits of economic growth. 2) Democracy Sector: Establish & Ensure Media Freedom & Freedom Of Information ? Encourage continued government respect for freedom ofassociation, religion and speech as well as for democratic dissent, and providelegal and other assistance to promote a supportive environment for independent media and civil society organizations. Protect Human Rights ? Encourage continued government respect for freedom of association, religion and speech as well as for democratic dissent. Strengthen Civil Society ? Cultivate local civic activism on key policy issues at the grassroots level; and facilitate coalition building among NGOs to become better advocates for national level policy reforms. Strengthen Democratic Political Parties ? Support Kazakhstan?s efforts to implement changes in the structure of its governing systems that increase accountability and transparency, such as direct elections for local government officials. 3) Social Sector: Address Other Health Vulnerabilities/Enhance Health Systems Capacity ? Ensure the institutionalization and sustainability of primary health care system reforms related to financing, family medicine, evidence-based medicine, and quality primary health care. Reduce Transmission and Impact of HIV/AIDS ? Technical assistance with implementation of HIV grants from the Global Fund (GFATM), strengthening HIV surveillance, and improving blood safety systems. Prevent and Control Infectious Diseases of Major Importance ? Assist the continued expansion of the DOTS program for TB control within the penitentiary system; maintain work to achieve global targets for treatment success and case detection in selected oblasts; continuation of the multi-drug resistant TB pilot program; improve surveillance systems; and strengthen Government?s ability to respond to emerging threats. Improve Child Survival, Health, and Nutrition ? Technical assistance to improve health services for integrated management of childhood illnesses, includingthe development of clinical practice guidelines based on international standards and provider training. Improve Maternal Health and Nutrition ? Pilot projects on safe motherhood to demonstrate WHO-recommended strategies for decreasing maternal morbidity and mortality. Reduce Unintended Pregnancy And Improve Healthy Reproductive Behavior ? Pilot projects on improving access to family planning counseling and commodities to decrease abortion rates. B. Basic Functions The Program Liaison Manager will act as the Mission Program Office representative and senior USAID staff member in Astana. The Program Office?s principal functions include: (a) strategy and program development processes; (b) monitoring and evaluationof program performance; (c) management of program budgets; (d) coordination of Mission reporting requirements; (e) liaison and coordination with other USG agencies and donors; and (f) preparation and dissemination of public information material. The incumbent will lead or contribute to Kazakhstan-specific tasks related to the above functions. Additionally, the incumbent will act as USAID?s working-level representative on the Embassy Country Team, providing two-way liaison between Embassy sections and USAID technical and support staff based in Almaty. Likewise, the incumbent will be the day-to-day interlocutor between Embassy leadership and USAID Mission Management. Through this interaction, the incumbent will ensure the timely and effective engagement of USAID/CAR staff and mobilization of USAID resources to influence and respond to USG foreign policy priorities in Kazakhstan. The Program Liaison Manager will play a similar role vis-à-vis Astana-based other donors, Kazakhstani counterparts, and USAID implementing partners/organizations. C. Major Duties and Responsibilities The Program Liaison Manager will have primary responsibility for cross-sector analysis, monitoring and reporting for USAID assistance programs in Kazakhstan. S/he will also be the primary interlocutor between USAID staff based in Almaty and the U.S. Embassy, Government of Kazakhstan agencies, private sector, non-governmental organizations andother donors based in Astana. As such, s/he will have to develop a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic and social landscape in Kazakhstan, establish relations with non-USAID entities across sectors, and understand the objectives, mechanisms and status of all USAID-funded interventions in Kazakhstan,in order to influence program design, facilitate program implementation, and represent USAID with Embassy staff/leadership and in public forums. Work requirements will include: 1) Program Office Functions:  Conduct analysis and undertake consultations with stakeholders to advise Mission Management on development priorities and programmatic options in Kazakhstan.  Coordinate country-level program monitoring and evaluation.  Coordinate inputs and analyses of USAID?s Kazakhstan budgets for Mission and Agency annual budget planning submissions.  Coordinate processes and prepare materials for cross-sectoranalyses, reporting and correspondence, to include materials required for USAID/CAR, USAID/Washington and State Department program reviews.  Based on development expertise and country perspective, contribute to Central Asian regional and Kazakhstan-specific project designs.  Prepare, compile and/or edit public information materials, and plan/coordinate the utilization of communications tools to influence policy and change behavior in support of USAID?s overarching and sectoral objectives in Kazakhstan.  Brief senior USG officialsand external audiences on USAID programs.  Identify issues, share information and provide analysis related to Kazakhstan that impact on USAID?s regional interests in Central Asia and/or other-country programs. 2) Program Implementation Support  In coordination with technical offices, engage Astana-based counterparts and implementers to assist in program monitoring, impact assessment, and consideration of programmatic options.  Represent technical offices at public events/meetings taking place in Astana or other convenient locations.  As requested, review and comment on project work plans, monitoring plans and reports for USAID activities in Kazakhstan.  Provide regular reports to the relevant technical office staff on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID-financed programs in Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on Astana-based implementing partners. 3) Embassy Country Team Based on an understanding of current political/economic analyses and day-to-dayengagement with Embassy staff, coordinate with USAID/CAR staff to maximize the contribution of USAID?s assistance programs to the USG?s policy priorities in Kazakhstan.  In consultation with relevant technical offices, keep the Embassy informed of the status of USAID programs, and identify opportunities for Embassy leadership to participate in USAID events.  Contribute to Embassy analytic/reporting requirements, and coordinate related taskings with Mission staff.  Represent USAID/CAR within the Embassy Country Team, providing analysis and recommendations on matters relevant to USAID, apprising Mission Management of emerging Embassy priorities and issues, and coordinating consultations and joint action of Mission staff?to include the Mission Director/Deputy Director?and the Embassy Front Office and Section Heads.  Act as the day-to-day point-of-contact between Embassy and Almaty-based staff for taskings/correspondence relevant to USAID/CAR.  Coordinate USAID involvement in official VIPvisits to Kazakhstan.  In coordination with the Public Affairs Section,identify and act on opportunities to provide greater awareness of USG assistance programs and promote USG policy priorities among targeted Kazakh audiences (including both the general public and government officials).  Participate on Embassy review and selection committees, to include for the Kazakhstan element of the regional Community Connections Program ($500K/year) 4) External Relationships  Establish and maintain relationships with GOK, other-donor, NGO,private sector organizations based on Astana.  Provide liaison between these organizations and relevant Almaty-based USAID staff for the purposes of information sharing, political and technical analysis, priority-setting, program coordination, and resource leveraging.  Specific to cross-sectoral dealings with the GOK, play a lead role in representing USAID (or arranging the involvement of the Front Office or other Almaty-based staff), preparing reports, drafting/clearing correspondence, clarifying/negotiating /facilitating compliance with GOK legal requirements, etc. (in coordination with the Regional Legal Advisor,and other appropriate Mission offices). 5) Miscellaneous  In consultation with Support Offices, coordinate USAID?s administrative and logistical requirements in Astana. D. POSITION ELEMENTS 1) Supervision Exercised Project Management Specialist FSN 9 Secretary/Administrative Assistant FSN-7 2) Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised by the Program Office Director, an FEOC position. S/he will coordinate directly with technical and support office directors and staff, and frequently consult with and receive guidance from the Mission Front Office. 3) Exercise of Judgment: While supervised by the Program Office Director, s/he will generally operate in Astana, 800 miles removed from the Mission headquarters, and therefore will be required to independently exercise informed judgment within the programmatic, procedural and policy frameworks establishedfor the USAID/CAR Mission. The incumbent will not have the authority to commit USAID resources, but s/he will have the responsibility of ensuring that staff and financial resources are mobilized to respond to the Embassy?s priorities and Kazakhstan?s development needs in a timely and effective manner. 4) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts:  USAID/CAR Mission Management and Technical/Support Office directors/staff  U.S. Embassy: Ambassador, DCM, Section Heads and staff  Government of Kazakhstan Officials, primarily at the Ministerial, Vice-Ministerial and working levels  Other Donor Agency Heads/staf  Local private sector and NGO representatives  Chiefs-of-Party and staff of USAID implementing organizations Contacts will be established and maintained through personal, telephonic and written interactions, as required to provide liaison between relevant USAID/CAR units/staff and Astana-based stakeholders, as well as to represent USAID in meetings and public events. E. MinimumQualification Requirements 1) Education and Experience: Bachelor?s in one of the social sciences, economics, business, management or other field relevant to international development. Relevant Masters degree is preferred. Minimum six yearsrelevant work experience. Relevant experience includes working on internationaldevelopment programs and issues, and establishing and maintaining contacts withsenior level host government officials. The incumbent?s work profile should reflect an ability to work in complex organizations, coordinating staff and resources within and across units. Prior experience with USAID is preferred; experiencewith other USG agencies and/or other development agencies would also be helpful. 2) Language Proficiency: Fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of Russian and/or Kazakh languages is also desirable. 3) Knowledge: An understanding of development issues in economic, social, and democracy sectors is essential. Knowledge of the political, social and economic environment inKazakhstan is important. Must have a comprehensive knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of the following: USG legislation relating to political and economic development assistance; USAID programming policies; regulations,procedures, and documentation; USAID management and administrative policies andprocedures. 4) Abilities and Skills: The incumbent must have ability to: obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data and to organize and present it in concise written and oral form; work as a team member to plan, develop, manage and evaluate complex programs; and, gather and disseminate useful information and advice in assigned areas. The incumbent must be able to independently establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the Kazakhstani Government and representatives of non-governmental organizations/private enterprises, in order to explain USAID programs and policies, and to interpret and transmit host-country government, non-governmental, and private sector perspectives to senior USAIDofficials. Computer skills and familiarity with word processing and spreadsheetprograms are required. F. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as requested. G. SELECTION CRITERIA: Development Knowledge/Experience 30 points Managerial and Leadership Experience 20 points Communications Skills 20 points Kazakhstan/Regional Knowledge/Experience 20 points Language Skills 10 points Total: 100 points References are required. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Application for Federal Employment SF-171 including experience, salary history and references, and recent sample of his/her written work no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time October 25, 2006. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ or Internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist PersonnelOffice USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 3272 507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.Almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 3272 507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Selection will be made by a Mission committee no later than November 3, 2006. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal-services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period starting no later than on/about December 17, 2006. The contract will be signed by November 10, 2006. No later than on/about December 17, 2006, the incumbent shall proceed to Astana, Kazakhstan to commence performance of the duties specified, subject to medical and security clearance. The duty post for this contract is Astana, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission?s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. **2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS 1843 Form). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86). **4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 4 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 4 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CITE: http://www1.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/27%2D2006/listing.html Posted 09/28/06 (W-SN01156710). (0271)

Synopsis

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is Australia's national nuclear R&D organisation and the centre of Australian nuclear expertise. Currently it is commissioning a new research reactor that is attracting strong interest from around the world. ANSTO is implementing a comprehensive strategy to strive for research excellence through the development of institutional research capability to capitalise on its superb facilities and high quality staff and to exploit the emerging opportunities that exist in nuclear science and technology. To implement this strategy ANSTO has created a challenging new role of Distinguished Researcher to build and lead a research effort and increase the excellence of its research. ANSTO is seeking applications from outstanding, internationally experienced researchers to fill up to three Distinguished Researcher positions.