20220805 72066822R00015-USPSC_TCN Deputy Program Officer-fully executed.pdf

Solicitation Number: 72066822R00014 Issuance Date: August 5, 2022 Closing Date and Time: August 12, 2022, at 1700 Juba time

SUBJECT: Solicitation # 72066822R00015 for US Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) Deputy Program Officer.

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under the Contract 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.

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

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

Sincerely, Anthony R. Raneses Contracting Officer

Embassy of the United States in South Sudan Kololo Road, adjacent to the European Union's compound

Juba, South Sudan Telephone: +211.912.105.107

Website: https://www.usaid.gov/south-sudan

USPSC/TCNPSC Solicitation # 72066822R00015 Deputy Program Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066822R00014

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 5, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 12, 2022, at 1700 Juba time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Anthony R. Raneses at araneses@usaid.gov and Warran Bully at wabully@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Deputy Program Officer.

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 - $124,764, equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Juba, South Sudan, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

Overseas UPSCs and TCNPSCs not subject to the local compensation plan may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission Policy. In addition, telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on September 5, 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for one year option for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: September 5, 2022 – September 4, 2023 Option Period (OP) 1: September 5, 2023 – September 4, 2024

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to US citizens (including lawful permanent US residents) or Third Country Nationals.

Hiring Preference:

In order of preference, US Citizens (including lawful permanent US residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there is no qualified US Citizens (including lawful permanent US residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals (TCN) will be considered. References ADS 309.3.1.4 and 309.3.1.10.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSCs – Secret; TCNPSCs – Facility Access mailto:araneses@usaid.gov mailto:wabully@usaid.gov

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

(1) General Statement of the purpose of the Contract.

The Deputy Program Officer is the second in command of the USAID/South Sudan Program Office in Juba. The Program Office manages an extensive portfolio. The deputy will oversee the achievement of several office objectives, manage daily office functions, and supervise three FSN staff members (Program Assistant, MEL specialist, and gender and youth adviser). The deputy will serve as the alter ego for the supervisory program officer during his/her absence. Under the direction of the supervisory program officer, s/he supports the implementation of the agency's Program Cycle, management of office personnel, and relationship-building across the Mission's technical and support offices, Government of South Sudan (GoSS) counterparts, and implementing partners. The deputy program officer will join a dynamic Mission team and provide leadership and oversight in managing the Mission's roughly $90 million annual development assistance to South Sudan.

(2) Statement of Duties to be performed.

(a) Staff Management and Professional Development 25%

• Oversees professional development and capacity building of program office staff through training, mentoring, and coaching; Conducts annual performance reviews and evaluations to enhance performance.

• Supports all organizational development activities, such as retreat planning, facilitation, and team building; supports staff morale; Oversees all human resources-related issues, manages requests; liaises with the Executive Office to support staffing needs; advises the supervisory program officer on personnel matters.

• Facilitate and manages TDY support for Program Office objectives. Supervises and supports three Program Office staff members in support of overall Mission objectives (program assistant, gender and youth adviser, and MEL specialist). Supports onboarding of new Program Office staff members.

(b) Project/Activity Design and Implementation - 25%:

• Increases the knowledge of Mission staff on effective design policies and protocols; Ensures compliance with design standards, and ensures adequate planning.

• Encourages creativity and innovation in design thinking; Develops and socializes guidance in coordination with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) to ensure efficient and timely design processes.

• Establishes tracking systems to ensure timely completion of design milestones and resolution of bottlenecks; Increases the capacity of Program Office staff, technical teams, and support offices to plan and execute design processes through various methods, such as training and TDY support.

(c) Execution of the Program Cycle - 50%:

• Supports the supervisory program officer in executing all programming and operational duties; serves as the alter ego during his/her absence.

• Provides leadership of or support for various other Program Office workstreams, including, but not limited to, budget planning, design, performance management, communications, and donor coordination, as assigned by the supervisory program officer.

• Coordinates with staff in the completion of all annual reporting exercises, including the annual Operational Plan (OP), Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ), Performance Plan and Report (PPR), and Congressional Notifications (CN).

• Proofreads Program Office deliverables to ensure high-quality material, including reports, memos, or briefers. Supports the Program Office and Mission in various other tasks as assigned.

• Oversees compliance with agency policy and protocol; supports due diligence and proper documentation of Program Office decisions.

(3) Position Element:

• Post Entry Training: COR/AOR training, ethics training.

• Language Proficiency: English, Level IV

• Supervision Received: The Supervisory Program Office Director will supervise the incumbent.

• Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will supervise three FSN staff, the

Program Assistant, Gender and Youth Adviser, and MEL Specialist.

• Available Guidelines: The USAID ADS, Project & Activity Design Mission

Order, Delegation of Authority Mission Order, Evaluation Mission Order; the Federal Acquisitions Regulations Handbook and AIDAR; and host country laws.

• Exercise of Judgment: Professional-level judgment in planning and executing work. Substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. The incumbent will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant guidance case-by-case basis. The incumbent's use of initiative, discretion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and teamwork is expected to resolve challenges for which there are no clear or immediate solutions. If no formal guidance exists, the incumbent will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment.

• Authority to Make Commitments: Unless the incumbent fills a COR/AOR role, there is no authority to make commitments.

• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are maintained with all levels of Mission personnel and officials in the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), implementing partners, the private sector, and major donors. Contacts with other donors and NGOs are maintained to obtain and exchange information and coordinate development assistance efforts.

"If a third country national (TCN) is selected for an award, during the period of this Contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable."

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not pose undue physical demands.

[END SECTION I]

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: A master's degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Public Administration, or other discipline related to international development is required.

2. Work Experience: Minimum of ten years of experience working in the development or humanitarian assistance field, preferably with USAID, UN Agencies, or non-governmental operations.

[END SECTION II]

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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including a reference from individuals who have been specially identified by the Offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

"USAID policy specifies that US citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated http://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first, and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers."

EVALUATION FACTORS

Applicants who meet the minimum Education and Prior Work Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on the scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. Then, the highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

1. FACTOR ONE - 30%: Applicants must submit a summary statement of no more than one letter-size page, which describes how their relevant professional experience and education have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above. The Contracting Officer will establish a competitive range, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored.

2. FACTOR TWO - Education (10%): A master's degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Public Administration, or other discipline related to international development is required.

3. FACTOR THREE - Work Experience (20%): Minimum of 10 years of experience in the development or humanitarian assistance field, preferably with USAID, UN Agencies, or non-governmental operations.

4. FACTOR FOUR - Language Proficiency (5%): Level 4 English language proficiency is required. Incumbents must have excellent oral and written English communication skills and the ability to write Mission Notices and policies and make recommendations in the clear written and oral formats.

5. FACTOR FIVE - Knowledge (15%): Knowledge of the principles, concepts, techniques, and accepted procedures of resilience, program management, coordination, activity management, and reporting is required. This should include strong knowledge of the following:

• Detailed project management practices.

• Servant leadership practices and approaches.

• USAID planning and reporting exercises.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of design and procurement systems.

6. FACTOR SIX - SKILLS AND ABILITIES (20%): Must have the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with technical teams and support offices.

Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are required. The position-holder must be flexible, creative, and think quickly in various program office situations. S/he must be confident in resolving conflict and bottlenecks and coordinating closely with and working through backstops. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; develop and maintain an extensive range of contacts within the agency, interagency, and in the public and private sectors.

7. Interview Performance: 70 points, and Total Possible Points: 100 points.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. After the closing date for the receipt of applications, applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements, and a short list of applicants will be developed.

2. Following this initial review and shortlisting, a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them per the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Those applications from qualified applicants meeting the required minimum qualifications will be assessed based on the evaluation factors. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

3. USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

4. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered finalists. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter;

USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant's concurrence.

[END SECTION III]

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

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 https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offerors must also submit the following documents:

(i) Updated resume/CV

(ii) Cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the Offeror's technical knowledge, skills and abilities, and relevant experience.

3. 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.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms

4. Offeror submissions must reference the Solicitation number on all Offeror submitted documents.

5. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the Offeror's professional life, individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide all references' e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers.

6. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the Contractor does not meet this requirement the Contract may be terminated. *

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of EO 14042 in Section VIII below.

[END SECTION IV]

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:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Form)

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Position for National Security (SF-86), or

3. Questionnaire for non-Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-85)

4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

a. OF-306

[END SECTION V]

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS: (If applicable):

(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) Annual and Sick Leave

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) Post-Allowance (Section 220)

(b) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(c) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(d) Education Travel (Section 280)

(e) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(g) Danger Pay (Section 650)

[END SECTION VI]

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are required to pay income taxes of his/her country of origin.

[END SECTION VII]

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts with a US Citizen or a US Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at:

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

And Appendix J, "Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

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

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22- 01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause –

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands;

and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the Contractor must comply with the USAID's guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(END OF CLAUSE)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of EO 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the Contract is in a US state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, "Excluded State or Outlying Area"). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 is available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

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

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T (D)

UNIT

PRICE (E)

AMOUNT

(F) http://www.usaid.gov/forms

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award after

- Award Type: Cost negotiations

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] with

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s)

Contractor_ from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Award after

- Award Type: Cost negotiations

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] with

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

Contractor_

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

5. 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 US Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

6. PSC Ombudsman

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

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

[END SECTION VIII]

[END OF SOLICITATION]

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov