263-20-503 - Private Sector Engagement Advisor ..pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-20-503

ISSUANCE DATE: 12/10/2020

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 1/10/2021

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International

Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. 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 the preparation and submission of the offer.

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

1.

Sincerely, Brian Carney

Contracting Officer

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1A Nady El Etisalat Street (off Laselki) New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code11435

(2-02) 2522-7000 cairomedia@usaid.gov usaid.gov/egypt | #usaidegypt | @usaidegypt

ATTACHMENT 1 [263-20-503]

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 263-20-503

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 12/10/2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 1/10/2021 at 4:30 pm Cairo time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Human Resources Office, e-mail at usaidhr@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Private Sector Engagement Advisor – Program Office

6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977.00- $120,868.00 equivalent to GS- 14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with option to renew, estimated to start on June 2021.

“The base period will be for one year, estimated to start on June 2021. Based on

Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s).

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Cairo, Egypt with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

A. General Statement of Purpose:

With a Mission active portfolio of $670 million, USAID/Egypt manages one of the most complex and politically sensitive development programs in the world. U.S. foreign policy in Egypt advocates for a strong bilateral partnership that helps strengthen the Government of Egypt’s (GOE) security and stability, grow its economy, build democratic institutions, and invest in its own path to self-reliance. In order to ensure there are sustainable development outcomes from our programming, USAID/Egypt seeks to partner with and leverage the resources of the private sector to develop market-based approaches to the most pressing development challenges.

Egypt’s investment climate improved markedly in 2018. According to Bloomberg, Egypt is one of the

“hottest” emerging markets to watch in 2019. In recent debt auctions, foreign investors bought 30 percent of

Egyptian local-currency Treasury bills and more than half of longer-dated bonds, according to the Ministry of Finance. This is a clear sign of foreign investor confidence in the country’s economy. Increased investor confidence and the reactivation of Egypt’s interbank foreign exchange market have resulted in increased foreign portfolio investment and foreign reserves. USAID/ Egypt would like to capitalize on the positive economic growth forecasts by leveraging the private sector in supporting more inclusive economic development programming in Egypt.

The Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Advisor will support USAID/Egypt in working with private sector actors across all sectors to develop a strategy and engage with the private sector at a scale to sustain development progress through ongoing mechanisms and new designs and instruments. The PSE Advisor will support the Program Office and works directly under the supervision of the Program Office Director or his/her designee. The Program Office provides overarching strategic guidance to the Mission and programmatic advice to the Mission Front Office and the three technical offices. The Program Office manages the design and strategic direction of the Mission’s $670 million portfolio and the multi-million

Egyptian Pound local currency program account. The Program Office provides intellectual leadership and rigor in aligning USG policies and strategies through strategic planning, project design, program budget planning, monitoring, evaluations, reporting; donor coordination; Government of Egypt relations; and public outreach for the Mission. USAID/Egypt’s Program Office is composed of a team of 19, consisting of 3 U.S.

Direct Hires (USDH), 3 U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC), and 13 Foreign Service National (FSN) staff.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Management and Coordination (30%)

a. Work with the Program Office Director, or his/her designee, to develop and maintain a Mission Order and other policy guidance documents as necessary to outline the Mission’s strategic vision and standard operating procedures for engaging with the private sector.

b. Maintain and regularly update USAID/Egypt’s action plan to roll out and implement the Agency PSE

Policy.

c. Assist in coordinating an inter-office, cross-sectoral PSE working group convening relationship managers and other key stakeholders to guide implementation of the PSE action plan.

d. Act as point of contact on PSE for the Mission vis-à-vis the Agency, and participate actively in the

Agency community of practice. Maintain familiarity with policy imperatives, reforms, and examples of

PSE implementation throughout the Agency.

e. Support the oversight of a Private Sector Landscape Analysis (PSLA) to inform the Mission’s strategic approach to PSE that will feed into the upcoming Country Development Cooperation Strategy

(CDCS). ASDFCV

f. Provide substantive input to integrate PSE into the upcoming USAID/Egypt CDCS.

Alliance Building and Relationship Management (30%)

a. In close coordination with relevant technical teams, research, develop, and manage relationships with

Egyptian and American private sector actors. This entails identifying project specific needs and/or opportunities where public-private alliances could be leveraged to address development problems in

Egypt, and will require gaining familiarity with projects across multiple sectors.

b. Develop relationships with private businesses, corporations, foundations, NGOs, and other non-traditional development organizations through formal and informal outreach, personal contacts, and networking. Sustain close collaborative, professional relationships with key Egyptian business leaders, including but not limited to members of the American Chamber of Commerce.

c. Identify primary entities interested in partnering with USAID/Egypt and facilitate information sharing and partnership development between potential partners and relevant technical and support offices.

Coordinate with USAID/Egypt technical teams to identify potential partnering opportunities. Serve as conduit for information requests and expressions of interest of potential alliance partners that initiate contact with USAID/Egypt.

d. Work with other alliance representatives to construct alliances that require multi-country networking.

e. Coordinate initial outreach meetings with private sector entities and continuously maintain visibility on ongoing partnerships managed by relationship managers from other technical or support offices within the mission.

Capacity Building and Support (30%)

a. Mentor and coach the FSN PSE Specialist.

b. Mentor and coach alliance builders and relationship managers throughout the USAID/Egypt Mission.

c. Coordinate trainings, webinars, and workshops on PSE for Mission staff from both technical and support offices.

d. Create and manage tools to promote and support PSE by Mission staff.

e. Provide support and guidance to alliance builders and relationship managers to formalize partnerships, including assistance in compiling due diligence materials and drafting Memoranda of Understanding.

f. Act as the Mission’s overall resource person on the PSE policy, advising as requested on the implementing of this policy throughout the Program Cycle. This requires that the incumbent keep abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect overall program and budget activities within USAID/

Egypt, including but not limited to USAID’s program planning policies as set forth in the Agency’s

Automated Directives System (ADS), USAID’s PSE Policy and guidance, Mission Orders/Mission

Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents.

g. Lead or manage process of co-creation when the Mission chooses it as a modality to engage with the private sector.

Other Activities as Appropriate (10%)

From time to time, the incumbent may be required to perform other duties relevant to this position that are not specifically described above. Such additional duties as assigned by the Program Office Director or his/her designee are considered inherent to the position as well as the smooth functioning of a results-oriented USAID Mission.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision Received: The PSE Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the Supervisory

Program Officer or his/her designee. The immediate supervisor will review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies, and implementation of best practices & provide regular feedback to the incumbent. The incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence and should be able to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance and little or no follow-up. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated.

Available Guidelines: In instances not covered by written guidelines, the incumbent will use her/his professional, well-informed judgment with full knowledge and understanding of nature and goals of the position and of the program budget. The incumbent must use substantial judgment to interpret for

Mission staff Agency guidelines, requirements, and agency policy and is expected to be a resource for

Mission staff having questions about these guidelines.

Exercise of Judgment: Considerable judgment is required; the incumbent works with procurement-sensitive information and must be discrete in handling this information. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct. The incumbent will have frequent contact with presidents and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of multimillion dollar global corporations, and board members of international corporations and is expected to represent the Agency’s interests effectively in such fora.

Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Incumbent maintains day to day contacts with presidents and

CEOs of multimillion dollar international corporations, USAID/Washington key officials, and board members of international corporations, and is expected to represent the Agency’s interests effectively in such fora.

Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will not have a supervisory role.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

2. Supervisory Relationship: The PSE Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the

Supervisory Program Officer or his/her designee. The immediate supervisor will review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies, and implementation of best practices & provide regular feedback to the incumbent. The incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence and should be able to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance and little or no follow-up. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated.

3. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will not have a supervisory role.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a) Education (15 points): A Master's degree in the field of Economics, Business

Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Marketing, Communications, International Development, International Trade and Finance, Mergers and Acquisition, or related subject is required.

b) Prior Work Experience (20 points): The incumbent is required to have a minimum of seven (7) years of international development and corporate social responsibility work experience with increasingly responsible project management, project design, corporate social responsibility, and project/program development experience. Prior experience in corporate social responsibility working on building joint public-private sector programming from either the public or private sector is required. A thorough understanding of major problems frequently faced by transition economies and hands-on experience and knowledge of project development, management, and procurement policies, and procedures are preferred. Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating development activities are desirable. A sound, experience-based understanding of political, economic and development realities of Egypt would be a distinct advantage.

Knowledge from both the public and private sector side in building joint programs is highly desirable. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in analysis of markets and policies in Egypt. The incumbent must have a proven track record in developing and closing deals in between the public and private sector on specific activities that advance efforts on behalf of both sectors. This may entail experience marketing and brokering international business transactions with business leaders, international NGOs, high-wealth individuals, and senior foreign government officials and bringing such transactions to closure.

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.

Upon closing of the solicitation, a committee will convene to review the applications.

Applicants who meet the education & experience requirements, listed above in Section II, will be scored and ranked based on the following selection factors:

a. Education (15 points): A Master’s degree in the field of Economics, Business Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Marketing, Communications, International

Development, International Trade and Finance, Mergers and Acquisition, or related subject is required.

b. Prior Work Experience (20 points): The incumbent is required to have a minimum of seven (7) years of international development and corporate social responsibility work experience with increasingly responsible project management, project design, corporate social responsibility, and project/program development experience. Prior experience in corporate social responsibility working on building joint public-private sector programming from either the public or private sector is required. A thorough understanding of major problems frequently faced by transition economies and hands-on experience and knowledge of project development, management, and procurement policies, and procedures are preferred. Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating development activities are desirable. A sound, experience-based understanding of political, economic and development realities of Egypt would be a distinct advantage. Knowledge from both the public and private sector side in building joint programs is highly desirable. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in analysis of markets and policies in Egypt. The incumbent must have a proven track record in developing and closing deals in between the public and private sector on specific activities that advance efforts on behalf of both sectors. This may entail experience marketing and brokering international business transactions with business leaders, international

NGOs, high-wealth individuals, and senior foreign government officials and bringing such transactions to closure.

c. Language (10 points): Candidates must be fluent in English. Given the nature of the position, effective written and oral communications skills are critical to perform successfully in the position. Proficiency in spoken Egyptian Arabic would be an advantage, but is not required.

d. Knowledge (25 points): The incumbent must know how to link the public and private sector, preferably from inception to closing deals and implementation of them. The incumbent must be skilled in project monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and some knowledge in the planning https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far and budgeting processes. The incumbent should have thorough knowledge of the Government of

Egypt (GOE) national development priorities, policies and procedures as well as the corporate/private sector in Egypt The incumbent should understand international development in the context of a lower-middle income country. The incumbent should have private sector experience in developing and designing new program areas and/or corporate social responsibility.

e. Skills and Abilities (30 points): Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance is required. Strong interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain strong contacts with counterparts in the private sector as well as U.S. government legislation relating to development assistance and corporate social responsibility. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in analysis of development activities and policies. The following skills and abilities are also sought: strong quantitative and analytical skills, operational and management skills, computer skills including ease and skill in using word processing programs, email, databases and spreadsheets; manage more than one activity at a time in the performance of project/activity management; and the ability to conceptualize both strategically and programmatically. The Mission is seeking a self-starter to be responsive to client needs with the ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and adapt to the existing management team. In addition, the position will require an entrepreneurial, goal-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional bureaucratic problems in managing activities. The above responsibilities require the incumbent to demonstrate highly developed professional judgment and to provide technical direction and management oversight.

The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check.

Maximum Points Available: 100

Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Selection Factors Scoring Percentage

Education: 15

Prior Work Experience 20

Language 10

Knowledge 25

Skills and Abilities 30

Total 100

* As per details reflected under Qualifications above.

Other Requirements:

The incumbent must be:

1. A U.S. citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a "Facility Access" Security Clearance.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a State Department Medical Clearance for assignment to Cairo, Egypt.

Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Clearance will be provided.

4. Complete Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Training before arriving in Cairo.

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.

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

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. Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV /resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

5. Applicant should explain in a document how s/he would approach creating a community of practice for private sector engagement at a USAID Mission?

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

Shortlisted applicants are invited for tests and/or interviews during this time frame. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who are shortlisted for a position are contacted for an interview. Please do not contact HR for a status report on your application once your application has been acknowledged. Interviewed candidates will normally be advised of the outcome of the selection process after a period of about four weeks.

NOTE: Experience and education which exceed the requirements set forth in the position description but which are not directly related to or required in the performance of expected duties

WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS JUSTIFICATION FOR UPGRADING THE POSITION OR

DESIGNATED SALARY AS SET BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO or his/her designee 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/

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

2. Application for Federal Employment (AID 309-2)

3. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

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

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

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

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) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (USPSCs only)

*Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor's salary will be subject to employee's FICA and

Medicare contribution.

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 Differential (Chapter 500)

(b) Sunday Premium Pay, and

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

(d) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) when employees spend 4 hours or more anywhere

(e) in Egypt on official travel.

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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:

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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

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

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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor_

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.

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 .

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations