1. SOL - 720BHA23R00046 - Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA23R00046

ISSUANCE DATE: August 15, 2023 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 28, 2024, 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) 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. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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

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

Sincerely, Ousay Wahaj Supervisory Contracting Officer Office of Acquisition & Assistance

(M/OAA/BHA-CPS/PSC)

U.S. Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523 www.usaid.gov

720BHA23R00046

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720BHA23R00046

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 15, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 28, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

This solicitation is open and continuous until June 28, 2024. The following are the closing dates for each review period:

October 3, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time January 3, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time March 26, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time June 28, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Offerors not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for positions available in subsequent review periods. A review period may be canceled at the Contracting Officer’s discretion.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: TPQ Recruitment Team, BHA.TPQRecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor (DRR)

6. MARKET VALUE: This position can be filled at either the GS-13 ($84,546 - $109,908) or GS-14 ($99,908 - $129,878) equivalent level, without locality.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-13 will be considered for the GS-13 level positions. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-14 will be considered for the GS-14 level only.

Offerors selected at the GS-13 may have an opportunity for advancement to the GS-14 equivalent after at least two years at the GS-13 level if the individual receives a recommendation from the supervisor for advancement along with an Exceeds Fully Successful performance evaluation. Advancement to the GS-14 level is not guaranteed.

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Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Remote

This position has been designated as suitable for remote work. The contractor will be authorized to perform the services under this contract from an alternative worksite. For PSCs authorized to remote work, the alternative worksite determines the locality pay for compensation purposes.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, tentatively 145 day estimated start date from closing

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens Only

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT

The Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) requires the services of a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Advisor to work with the Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction (NHDRR) Team within the Office of Technical and Program Quality’s (TPQ’s) Risk Analysis Division to integrate DRR activities into BHA-supported response, early recovery, and risk reduction and resilience programs. The DRR Advisor will assist the NHDRR Team with meeting its objectives of providing technical expertise to guide the design, implementation, and monitoring of quality DRR programming. The Advisor will ensure that DRR activities are in line with BHA’s mandate, guidance, and technical best practices.

The DRR Advisor will contribute to a significant expansion of BHA’s support and technical leadership related to DRR. The Advisor will be responsible for technical guidance, interagency coordination, program strategy support, and program management related to DRR.

The team seeks a highly motivated professional with experience implementing humanitarian response, early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience programs. The team seeks an individual with substantial professional experience related to DRR who has been part of teams responding to humanitarian crises. The ideal candidate will be a highly effective team member; technically

3 | Page highly qualified; will be motivated, organized, and diplomatic; and will be able to manage stress well.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED

At all GS levels:

Disaster Response Support

● Sign up for and serve 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 on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

● As needed, may serve on temporary details within the Bureau 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.

Program Management

● 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 agreements or contracts; 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 Performance Assessment Review System (CPARS). 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 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and USAID policy. AOR/CORs are responsible for all related requirements in the COR designation letter and the AOR designation letter.

Team Culture

● Consistently model behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment free of discrimination, bias, unfairness, exclusion, offensive behaviors and harassment of any kind.

● Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and professional work environment by demonstrating partnership and teamwork to accomplish team, division, office, and Bureau objectives.

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● Participate in workplace efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, including those related to Bureau and TPQ programs, partners, staffing, professional development, and other key areas.

● Attend and actively participate in personal-development activities, such as anti-harassment and diversity training opportunities, brown bag sessions, working groups, and/or focus group discussions.

At the GS-13 level:

Technical Guidance

● Provide advice to BHA teams to assess gaps and needs, and support planning, implementing, and monitoring of DRR interventions at national, local, and community levels.

● Coordinate with and assist BHA’s technical experts in various sectors in integrating cross-cutting issues related to DRR in BHA’s work.

● Review DRR-related funding applications to BHA for appropriateness in relation to BHA’s mandate, technical merits and effectiveness, as well as identify areas where DRR interventions can build upon ongoing disaster response and/or resilience programming.

● Develop activities and training to promote DRR within BHA and highlight DRR for other USAID bureaus.

● Provide technical assistance on various DRR activities within the following areas: local risk management and preparedness; community-based DRR activities, capacity building/training; community awareness/mobilization; public/private partnerships; DRR strategy, policy, implementation, and advocacy as well as integration of DRR within education and research programs; early action to early warnings; international DRR frameworks, coordination with partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in DRR related issues and other forms of risk management.

Communication

● Prepare evidence and other reports and documents, as tasked by the NHDRR Team Lead, to illustrate the impact of DRR and underscore the importance of continued funding for DRR-related interventions; this may include talking points and other related information products and documents.

● 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 in international meetings or press releases.

At the GS-14 level: (If the PSC is promoted during contract performance)

Technical Guidance

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● Coordinate DRR Advisors’ advice to BHA teams to assess gaps and needs and support planning, implementing, and monitoring for DRR interventions at national, local, and community levels.

● Lead the team’s efforts to assist BHA’s technical experts, from DRR-related sector(s) such as natural hazards, shelter, food security, or Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), in integrating cross-cutting issues related to DRR in BHA’s work.

● Lead the DRR Advisors’ review of DRR-related funding applications to BHA for appropriateness in relation to BHA’s mandate, technical merits and effectiveness, as well as identify areas where DRR interventions can build upon ongoing disaster response and/or resilience programming.

● Lead the development of activities and training to promote DRR within BHA and highlight DRR for other USAID bureaus.

● Coordinate the team’s technical assistance on various DRR activities within the following areas: local risk management and preparedness; community-based DRR activities, capacity building/training; community awareness/mobilization; public/private partnerships; DRR strategy, policy, implementation, and advocacy as well as integration of DRR within education and research programs; early action to early warnings; international DRR frameworks, coordination with partners and NGOs in DRR related issues and other forms of risk management.

● Coordinate the NHDRR Team’s DRR activities to ensure assistance is comprehensive and strategic.

● Represent BHA within DRR-focused coordination fora external to the US Government (USG), as assigned by the NHDRR Team Lead or their designee.

● Lead advocacy efforts related to mainstreaming DRR into USAID-supported development initiatives; and manage the production and dissemination of both regular and occasional reports on BHA DRR activities.

● Develop strategies and implementation plans for DRR to guide BHA programs to prevent new disaster risks and reduce existing ones. As appropriate, apply new developments in DRR to BHA programming.

Communication

● Develop the team’s DRR communication plan and coordinate the preparation of evidence and other deliverables, as tasked by the NHDRR Team Lead or their designee, to illustrate the impact of DRR and underscore the importance of continued funding for DRR related interventions; this may include talking points and other related products and documents.

● Coordinate the preparation of briefing materials, background documents, talking points and other relevant documents for BHA and USAID as needed for various purposes such as Congressional testimony, speeches in international meetings or press releases.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The USPSC will take direction from and will report to the NHDRR Team Lead or their designee.

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SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

At the GS-13 equivalent level:

The supervisor sets overall objectives. USPSC and supervisor together develop deadlines, projects and work to be done. The USPSC independently plans, designs, and carries out project, studies, and programs. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements, or expected results. Technical problems are generally resolved without reference to supervisors.

At the GS-14 equivalent level:

The supervisor provides administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. USPSC independently plans, designs and carries out project, studies, and programs.

Results of the work are considered technically authoritative. There is no higher level official technically responsible for administering the program/project.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

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.)

At the GS-13 Level:

High School Diploma and at least eleven (11) years of experience working in government, a large organization, or a business setting, with responsibilities related to working in humanitarian assistance or DRR.

OR

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including:

disaster management, humanitarian assistance, natural sciences, social sciences, or other related fields), plus a minimum of seven (7) years of experience working in humanitarian assistance or DRR.

OR

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Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including: disaster management, humanitarian assistance, natural sciences, social sciences, or other related fields), plus a minimum of five (5) years of experience working in humanitarian assistance or DRR.

At the GS-14 Level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including:

disaster management, humanitarian assistance, natural sciences, social sciences, or other related fields), plus a minimum of nine (9) years of experience working in humanitarian assistance or DRR.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including: disaster management, humanitarian assistance, natural sciences, social sciences, or other related fields), plus a minimum of seven (7) years of experience working in humanitarian assistance or DRR.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

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 Section IV 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 may be accepted.

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● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a 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:

Matrix (30 points)

At the GS-13 Level:

Professional Experience (15 points)

● Demonstrated experience as a DRR advisor or implementer addressing issues including:

o Local disaster risk management and preparedness (2 points) o Community-based DRR activities (1 point) o DRR strategy, policy, implementation, or advocacy at national, local or community levels (1 point) o Integration of DRR within education and research programs or early action to early warnings. (1 point)

● Demonstrated experience working on projects related to humanitarian response, early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience. (5 points)

● Demonstrated experience working with multiple types of organizations, including humanitarian organizations, NGOs, Public International Organizations (PIOs), United Nations (UN), USG, or private sector. (5 points)

Skills and Abilities (15 points)

● Experience working with technical experts from DRR-related sector(s) such as natural hazards, shelter, food security, or Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). (5 points)

● Experience working as part of diverse teams including experience working on projects focused on at least two countries and working with at least three technical sectors such as natural hazards, shelter, food security, or WASH. (5 points)

● Experience assisting with the development of informational products about DRR-related activities, including factsheets, talking points, briefers, presentations, and papers. (5 points)

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At the GS-14 Level

Professional Experience (15 points)

● Demonstrated experience in a leadership role as a DRR advisor or Implementer in addressing issues including:

o Local disaster risk management and preparedness (2 points) o Community-based DRR activities (1 point) o DRR strategy, policy, implementation, and advocacy at national, local or community levels (1 point) o Integration of DRR within education or research programs, or early action to early warnings (1 point)

● Demonstrated experience leading projects related to humanitarian response, early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience. (5 points)

● Demonstrated experience working in a leadership role with multiple types of organizations, including humanitarian organizations, NGOs, PIOs, UN, USG, or private sector. (5 points)

Skills and Abilities (15 points)

● Experience working in a leadership role with technical experts from DRR-related sector(s) such as natural hazards, shelter, food security, or WASH to provide guidance and expertise on DRR programming. (5 points)

● Experience leading, managing, or coordinating diverse teams including experience working on projects focused on at least three countries and working with at least three technical sectors such as natural hazards, shelter, food security, or WASH. (5 points)

● Experience developing informational products about DRR-related activities including factsheets, talking points, briefers, presentations, and papers. (5 points)

Interview Performance (60 points)

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (10 points)

Offerors must provide their references to BHA upon request no later than seven (7) days from initial request. Failure to meet this requirement will lead to a score of zero (0) in this portion of the Offeror Rating System.

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.

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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 the future phase of the selection process.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

4. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include:

(a) Offerors must notate on their resume what GS level equivalent is being applied for.

Applicants may list more than one GS level on their resume.

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (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.

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Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

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.

5. NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret is required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. If Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.

6. NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained; the offer may be rescinded.

7. REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION: This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

Forms outlined below can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. Resume.

2. USPSC Offeror Form (AID 309-2)

3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **

5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **

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6. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

7. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **

** Forms 3 through 7 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an offeror is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(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)

(j) Danger Pay. (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

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

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

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1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S.

Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at:

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

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

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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Year 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: 497

- Accounting Info: [Insert from Phoenix]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with Contracto r

0002 Base Year 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: 497

- Accounting Info: [Insert from Phoenix]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with Contracto r

0003 Base Year 3 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: 497

- Accounting Info: [Insert from Phoenix]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with Contracto r

0004 Base Year 4 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: 497

- Accounting Info: [Insert from Phoenix]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with Contracto r

0005 Base Year 5 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award

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- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: 497

- Accounting Info: [Insert from Phoenix] after negotiatio ns with Contracto r

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at:

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

AAPD 06-10 – PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 1 to the solicitation.

AAPD 21-05 – Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors AAPD No. 21-05 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 2 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.222-50 – Revised Combating Trafficking in Persons FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 3 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application.

FAR Clause 52.204-27 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 4 to the solicitation.

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-services-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov

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APPENDIX 1

USPSC PROVISION “MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) MEDICAL

EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below.

The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 6 Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission

16 | Page http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0

Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.

In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 7 Officer that those

17 | Page insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

[End of Provision]

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APPENDIX 2

GP. 5 Leave and Holidays [Deviation (NOV 2021)]

(a) Annual Leave

(1) The contractor may accrue annual leave at the rate specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this clause as follows:

(i) If the contract period of performance is ninety (90) calendar days or more, and the contractor's performance is continuous for the contract period of performance, the contractor is entitled to accrue annual leave as of the start date of the contract.

(ii) If the contract period of performance is ninety (90) calendar days or more, and the contractor's performance is not continuous during the contract period of performance, the contractor is entitled to accrue annual leave only for each instance of continuous performance of ninety

(90) calendar days or more.

(iii) If the contract period of performance is less than ninety (90) calendar days, the contractor is not entitled to accrue annual leave.

(2) The rate at which the contractor will accrue annual leave is based on the contractor's time in service according to the table of this paragraph (a)(2). The accrual rates are based on a full-time, 40-hour workweek, which will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter workweek:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Rate 0 to 3 years 4 hours of leave for each 2-week period over 3, and up to 15 years 6 hours of AL for each 2-week period

(including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years 8 hours of AL for each 2-week period

(i) USAID will calculate the time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as—:

(A) An individual personal services contractor with USAID for any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory authority applicable to USAID;

and/or

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(B) A former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire civilian employee; and/or

(C) An honorable active duty member of the uniformed services based on the definition in 5 U.S.C. 2101(3).

(ii) In addition to the information certified by the contractor in their Offeror Information form, the contracting officer may require the contractor to furnish copies of previously executed contracts, and/or other evidence of previous service (e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214 or 215) to conduct the due diligence necessary to verify creditable previous service.

(3) Annual Leave is provided under this contract primarily for the purposes of providing the contractor necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the Supervisor, must develop an annual leave schedule early in the period of performance, taking into consideration the requirements of the position, the contractor's preference, and other factors. The maximum amount of annual leave that the contractor can carry over from one leave year to the next is limited to 240 hours. The contractor's unused annual leave balance in excess of the 240 hour maximum at the end of the last pay period of each leave year will be forfeited, unless the requirements of the position precluded the contractor from taking such leave. The contractor may be authorized to restore annual leave for exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. The restoration of annual leave may be approved only by the USAID Administrator, cognizant Assistant Administrator or Head of an Independent Office reporting directly to the USAID Administrator, and cannot be delegated further. Annual leave restored must be scheduled and used no later than either the end of the leave year two years after either—

(i) The end of the leave year two years after the date fixed by the approving official as the termination date of the exceptional circumstances beyond the contractor's control, which resulted in the forfeiture; or

(ii) The end of the contract.

(4) The contractor must use all accrued annual leave during the period of performance.

At the end of the contract, the contractor will forfeit any unused annual leave except where the requirements of the position precluded the contractor from taking annual leave. In this case, the contracting officer may authorize the following:

(i) The contractor to take annual leave during the concluding weeks of the contract, not to exceed the period of performance; or

(ii) Payment of a lump-sum for annual leave not taken based on a signed, written determination and findings (D&F) from the contractor's supervisor. The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking annual leave, and the contracting officer must find that the contractor did not cause, or have the ability to control, such facts and circumstances. This lump-sum payment must not

20 | Page exceed the number of days the contractor could have accrued during a twelve (12)-month period based on the contractor's accrual rate.

(5) The contractor may be granted advanced annual leave by the contracting officer when circumstances warrant. Advanced leave must be approved by the Mission Director, cognizant Assistant Administrator, or Head of an Independent Office reporting directly to the Administrator, as appropriate. In no case may the contracting officer grant advanced annual leave in excess of the amount the contractor can accrue in a twelve (12)-month period or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. At the end of the period of performance or at termination, the contractor must reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advanced annual leave provided to the contractor under the contract.

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID direct-hire employees. The contractor will accrue sick leave at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a maximum of thirteen (13) work-days per year based on a full-time, 40-hour workweek, and the rate of accrual will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter workweek. The contractor may carry over unused sick leave from year to year under the same contract, and to a new follow-on contract for the same work at the same place of performance. The contractor is not authorized to carry over sick leave to a new contract for a different position or at a different location. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave at the completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave. (1) The contractor may be granted home leave to be taken only in the U.S., its commonwealth, possessions, or territories, in one continuous period, under the following conditions:

(i) The contractor must complete twenty-four (24) continuous months of service abroad under this contract, and must not have taken more than thirty (30) workdays leave (annual, sick, or LWOP) in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories.

The required service abroad will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S.

(excluding any language training), travel time by the most direct route, and actual days abroad beginning on the date of arrival in the cooperating country. Any annual and sick leave taken abroad, excluding leave without pay (LWOP), will count toward the period of service abroad. Any days of annual and sick leave taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories will not be counted toward the required twenty-four (24) months of service abroad.

(ii) The contractor must agree to return immediately after completing home leave to continue performance for an additional—

(A) Two (2) years, or

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(B) Not less than one (1) year, if approved in writing by the Mission Director before the contractor departs on home leave.

(iii) If the contractor agrees to meet the conditions in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause above by returning to the same USAID Mission under this contract or a new contract, the contractor may be granted thirty (30) workdays of home leave.

(iv) If the contractor agrees to meet the continued performance conditions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause and will be relocating to a different USAID Mission under a new USAID personal services contract immediately following the completion of home leave, the contractor may be granted twenty (20) workdays of home leave. USAID will provide the contractor these twenty days of home leave under this contract, not under the new contract.

(v) If home leave eligibility is based on paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this clause, prior to departure on home leave, the contractor must submit to the contracting officer at the current Mission, a copy of the new contract with a special award condition in the contract Schedule indicating the contractor's obligation to fulfill the commitment for continued performance in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause.

(2) Notwithstanding the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause, the contractor may be granted advanced home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i) Granting of advanced home leave would serve in each case to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and

(ii) The contractor has served at least eighteen (18) months abroad, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) of this clause, at the same USAID Mission under this contract, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S.; and

(iii) The contractor agrees to return immediately to the same Mission to complete the time remaining to meet the twenty-four (24) month period of service required for home leave, which begins after the contractor returns from home leave, plus an additional—

(A) Two (2) years, or

(B) Not less than one (1) year, if approved by the Mission Director, under the current contract, or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission, before the contractor departs on home leave.

(3)(i) Home leave must be taken only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories. Any days spent in any other location will be charged to annual leave, or if the contractor does not have accrued annual leave to cover these days, the contractor will be placed on LWOP.

(ii) Travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the home leave authorized under this “Leave and Holidays” clause. Salary during travel to and from the U.S. for home leave will be limited to the time required for travel by the most direct and expeditious

22 | Page route. Additional home leave travel requirements are included in the “Travel and Transportation Expenses” clause of this contract.

(iii) Except for reasons beyond the contractor's control as determined by the contracting officer, the contractor must return abroad immediately after home leave to fulfill the additional required continued performance of services for any home leave provided under this contract, or else the contractor must reimburse USAID for the salary and benefits costs of home leave, travel and transportation, and any other payments related to home leave.

(iv) Unused home leave is not reimbursable under this contract.

(4) The contracting officer may authorize the contractor to spend no more than five (5) days in work status for consultation…