Solicitation No 674-09-040.final.pdf

Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office

P O Box 43, Groenkloof, 0027 Tel: (012) 452-2000 Fax: (012) 460-3177 Web: http://southafrica.usaid.gov

Issuance Date: May 27, 2009 Questions due: June 9, 2009 @1600hrs [Pretoria Time] Closing Date and Time: June 26, 2009 @ 1600 hrs [Pretoria Time] Solicitation Number: 674-09-040

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT (PSC)-

PREVENTION ADVISOR - BOTSWANA

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified U.S.

citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) interested in providing the services described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications using the Evaluative Factors. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants shall submit their resumes/curriculum vitae and a brief appendix to the OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address these factors.

All applications shall be submitted by e-mail on or before the closing date and time specified in the solicitation. An application received after the closing date and time will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation pursuant to FAR Part 15.

Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications for their records. Applicants that submit their application by e-mail without an electronic signature must send a fax or scanned copy of the signature page in order for their application to be considered for this position.

Any questions regarding this solicitation shall be sent to the following individuals no later than 1600hrs [Pretoria Time], June 9, 2009:

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Martin Fischer Regional Contracting Officer e-mail: mafischer@usaid.gov Fax No. +27-12-460-3177 and

Hossana Agedew Regional Acquisition & Assistance Specialist E-mail: hagedew@usaid.gov Fax No. +27-12-460-3177

All submissions must be marked clearly with the solicitation number “674-09-040” and must be sent to proposals@usaid.gov with a copy to hagedew@usaid.gov.

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

Sincerely, [signed]

Martin Fischer Regional Contracting Officer

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1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 674-09-040

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 27, 2009

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 26, 2009; 1600hrs [Pretoria Time]

4. POSITION TITLE: Prevention Advisor - Botswana

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 (ranging from $70,615 to $91,801 per annum.) Final compensation will be based on candidate’s salary and work history, experience and educational background.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years from date of appointment with a preferable start date of August 1, 2009 and renewable up to five years.

Option to extend will depend upon the continuing need for the services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Gaborone, Botswana

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States (US) citizens or

U.S. Permanent Resident (non-U.S.

citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency) & Third Country National (TCN)

9. EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation will be done on a 100-point

Scale - - Education (10%), Experience (25%), Knowledge (25%), Abilities and Skills (40%)

10. SECURITY ACCESS: Employment Authorization

11. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

Botswana is among the most affected countries in the world, with a national adult HIV prevalence of 23.8% and approximately 300,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a country of 1.88 million. Botswana, as one of the 15 focus countries under PEPFAR, has a strong USG presence in HIV/AIDS. USAID has a field office in Gaborone that manages activities in the areas of trade and economic growth, and environment; however, until recently USAID did not have a presence to support its HIV/AIDS activities which were managed from the Regional HIV/AIDS Program Office

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[RHAP] in Pretoria. In 2007, USAID hired a Director to provide technical and programmatic oversight to the USAID activities in Botswana as the first step in providing appropriate in-country support for this portfolio which has been growing in size and complexity. This position will support the USAID Director in providing oversight and support for USAID/Botswana’s HIV/AIDS Prevention activities and coordination with other USG partners (State Department, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Defense and Peace Corps) and collaboration with the Government of Botswana and other bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors.

Specifically, USAID is supporting prevention efforts in the areas of abstinence, be faithful programs, condoms and other prevention activities, as well as prevention for positives. These activities will target the general population as well as most-at-risk populations (MARPS). A minimum package for prevention is employed in Botswana.

This is a set of interventions which, if implemented simultaneously with sufficient reach, intensity, and duration, has the potential to dramatically reduce further transmission of HIV in Botswana. The Government of Botswana (GOB) has made a commitment to achieving the goal of “Zero New Infections by 2016” and the Prevention Advisor will be charged with assisting the GOB in reaching the goals set out in the “National Operational Plan for Scaling up HIV Prevention in Botswana 2008-2010.”

The Prevention Advisor, who will be based in Gaborone, Botswana, is recruited, hired, and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional HIV-AIDS Program (RHAP) for Southern Africa (which is based in Pretoria, South Africa) through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan). Supervision of this position is assigned to the USAID Director in Botswana, and the incumbent will be a key player on the inter-Agency PEPFAR team.

The Prevention Advisor shall have 2 primary functions:

• Supporting the USAID Botswana program though project management and coordination of all prevention related activities, (including program planning and development, and grant/contract/agreement oversight) of USAID’s Prevention HIV/AIDS activities in Botswana; and

• Providing expert technical advice in the prevention of sexually transmitted HIV and ensuring that all prevention activities contribute to measureable results in accordance with agency regulations, PEPFAR technical guidance, and international standards for development.

B. Basic Function of the Position

The incumbent shall provide specialized technical information to a wide variety of senior program and technical specialists in the area of prevention. As the Prevention Advisor, the incumbent shall:

• Work on both implementation and as a subject matter specialist;

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• Serve as Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) and activity manager for implementation and research agreements focused on prevention;

• Monitor activities undertaken by implementing partners (IPs) implementing prevention programs/projects/activities, track progress against program descriptions, implementation plans, and work plans, assess progress and barriers to achievement, recommend action for improvement of modifications to address problems, and documents and highlights results.

• Take the lead in program evaluation, monitoring and reporting.

• Advocate and support continued research in the field of prevention through coordination with the GOB and in line with the Southern African Prevention Initiative currently under design.

• Participate on the National Prevention Technical Working Group and ensures that USAID activities are coordinated and integrated with national campaigns.

• Represent USAID and present at international conferences.

• Work in tandem with other PEPFAR Prevention, Treatment and Care

Technical Advisors who provide guidance to IPs on the HIV/AIDS care and prevention services that local NGOs deliver at community level.

• Ensure the incorporation of prevention activities across program areas (Palliative Care, Counseling and Testing, Gender, Male Circumcision, Capacity Building)

C. Major Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent shall have primary responsibility for the PEPFAR's prevention portfolio in Botswana, including:

1. Project Management (50%)

The Prevention Advisor serves as the Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) for two long-term regionally managed cooperative agreements and one research project, and will act as activity manager for one centrally managed project. In total, the incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day management of a $20 million portfolio. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for the approval of budgets, key personnel, sub-grants, etc. and monitoring and evaluating the portfolio for harmonization and synergies across partners. In these instances, the incumbent will be expected to exercise independent judgment that considers international best practices and to modify them as needed to fit the local context. Illustrative duties include:

• Providing technical and programmatic leadership on HIV sexual transmission prevention to the PEPFAR team and USAID/Botswana-supported projects valued at close to $20 million.

• Coordinating and adapting lessons learned, best practices, and gender analyses for prevention programs/projects/activities to further strengthen and expand interventions to achieve PEPFAR goals and to share lessons learned across the sector.

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• Maintaining a regular schedule of project site visits. Making recommendations for adjustments of organizational capacity development program/project activities, as appropriate.

• Reviewing performance reports to ensure that implementing partners are in compliance with host-government agreements, and with the performance expectations outlined in their work plan and in their Country Operational Plans (COPs), and that COPs adhere to OGAC guidance and international standards of best practice.

• Ensuring that IPs are in compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures, as well as conforming to current OGAC guidance and international standards of best practice.

2. Program Planning and Reporting (35%)

The role that the incumbent will play as Prevention Advisor requires professional mastery of both administration and management responsibilities as well as technical expertise. Illustrative duties include:

Preparing technical and program assistance documentation, such as

Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs) and Program Statements for acquisition and assistance actions, including new agreements, amendments, and incremental funding requests.

Drafting statements of work and illustrative budgets, preparing quarterly accrual estimates, and tracks funds for activities implemented by partner organizations related to assigned area of responsibility.

Serving as the subject matter expert on prevention and gender activities, including staying abreast of research and evidence pertaining to sexual behavior and HIV in the region and translating research into practice.

3. Technical Team Coordination (15%)

As this is a key position in a PEPFAR team, much of the work is subject to the uncertain and ever-changing guidance from OGAC regarding program implementation.

In addition, the rapidly-growing body of knowledge around technical issues relating to HIV programming requires continuous updating regarding the state of the art, and translating those changes into adaptations at the local level. The USAID team in Botswana is quite small in proportion to the scale of programming due to the non-presence nature of the program. Therefore, the Prevention Advisor will be required to respond to a wide and varying array of challenges on a day-to-day basis and must be prepared to multi-task at a high-level. The emergency nature of the PEPFAR program intensifies this effect. Furthermore, the renewed commitment from the USG in HIV/AIDS places prevention as a top priority area and thus will be revisited with new vigor cutting across multiple program areas and organizations. Illustrative duties include:

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Applying specific and in-depth knowledge of applicable USG laws, legislative directives, and regulations, particularly regarding the allowable use of PEPFAR funds according to most recent guidance.

Based on personal observations, assessment reports, performance statistics, and other available data, making technical and programmatic recommendations to the USAID/Botswana team.

12. POSITION ELEMENTS:

Medical and Security Clearances:

The individual shall be required to obtain a Department of State Medical Clearance and a USG Security Clearance. Prior to contract award, the incumbent is required to obtain an employment authorization.

Supervision Exercised and Received:

Overall program direction is set by the USAID Director, Botswana. Within that direction, the incumbent and the Director define long-term work to be accomplished and set medium to long-term goals. The incumbent is then responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the agreed upon work independently.

Available Guidelines:

Broad guidance is available both in the form of written guidelines (WHO, OGAC, ADS) and direction from the USAID director and the PEPFAR team, as well as from the GOB. A great degree of judgment is necessary to apply guidance to the local situation and to reconcile conflicting guidance.

Exercise of Judgment:

Considerable judgment is required in planning and evaluating the relevance and reliability of information; in organizing and presenting written data; in recommending terms of reference for new and continuing activities for funding; in resolving managerial, technical and/or operational problems encountered during program planning, management, monitoring and evaluation; and in determining the need for consultation with her/his superiors when circumstances require it.

Authority to make Commitments/Obligations:

The incumbent has no authority to make financial commitments. However, the incumbent shall provide technical and management expertise and makes recommendations to superiors as required.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:

In his/her technical role, the incumbent shall play a leadership role in establishing and maintaining senior professional contacts with government officials (Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Coordinating Agency, Ministry of Local Government, etc.). S/he will support the Director to coordinate USAID’s activities with senior management officials in other USG

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Illustrative duties include:

• Representing USAID in selected working groups (primarily focused prevention of sexually transmitted HIV) convened by the GOB and other donor partners, and providing input to ensure coordination between USAID-supported activities and other related activities in Botswana.

• Coordinating with GOB officials and other donor agencies (ACHAP, UNICEF, UNAIDS, World Bank, JICA, etc.) on special projects in the area of prevention and their implementation issues as related to HIV/AIDS and other Presidential Initiatives.

• Maintaining regular communication with counterparts in the Regional HIV/AIDS Program (RHAP) office in Pretoria and other relevant RHAP staff in the region.

Period of Performance

The incumbent shall provide the services described above for an initial two years with the possibility of extensions for three additional years. The option to extend will depend upon the continuing need for the services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

13. EVALUATION CRITERIA

In order to be considered for the position, applicants must submit an application in accordance with the guidance below in “Instructions to Applicants” section and must meet the Selective Factors listed below.

Evaluation factors will be used to establish a rating of candidates and selection will be based on obtaining high scores on the evaluation criteria below. (100 points total)

In an attachment to the application, applicants must address each of the evaluation criteria below separately, describing specifically and accurately their relevant education/training and experience to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address both the Selective and Evaluative Factors listed below. In addition, applicants should highlight make special note of relevant significant awards and achievements. Failure to address the evaluation factors may result in the applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent education, training, and experience.

Highly rated candidates may be interviewed and asked to submit written responses to a series of questions to further evaluate their written and verbal communication skills, after which time final ratings will be established.

A. SELECTIVE FACTORS (MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS)

1. Education: A master’s degree in public health, social sciences or other health care development related field is desirable.

2. Relevant Work Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in

HIV/AIDS prevention activities, especially experience working with local governments and organizations, particularly at the community level.

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Experience in conducting gender analyses within a prevention program is required.

USAID will conduct reference checks on applicants who meet ALL of the above qualifications as follows:

3. Past Performance – Reference checks will be made initially for all applicants who meet the minimum requirements of education and experience to assess the applicants’ abilities and past performance. Unfavorable feedback from at least one of the referees may disqualify the applicant from being further considered for this position.

Candidates who meet ALL of the above minimum requirements will then be evaluated according to the following criteria:

B. EVALUATION FACTORS

1. EDUCATION (10%)

A master’s degree in public health, social sciences or other health care development related field is desirable.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE (25%)

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in HIV/AIDS prevention activities, especially experience working with local governments and organizations, particularly at the community level.

Experience in conducting gender analyses within a prevention program.

Program design, strategic planning, and program management and implementation experience in a developing country context.

Experience working with international or donor-funded health programs.

3. KNOWLEDGE (25%)

Sound knowledge of the main technical and substantive issues related to HIV prevention, program/project development and public health, especially in southern Africa.

A good understanding of African social, cultural, and political contexts Familiarity with USAID programs, policies and regulations is highly desirable.

4. ABILITIES and SKILLS (40%)

Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy to establish and maintain a wide range of senior-level and working-level contacts with HIV/AIDS programs in governmental, non-governmental, and private-sector circles.

Proven ability to work effectively within team and interagency environments, and to mentor others.

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Strong management and analytical skills to strategize, develop, and implement effective USAID-supported HIV/AIDS programs

Strong financial management and administrative skills to track the performance of implementing partners

Proven ability to interpret regulatory directives and related guidance.

Proven ability to organize and present information and to draft clear, concise, and well-written documents.

Demonstrated computer literacy, including ease and skill in using word processing programs, email, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software; and familiarity with the worldwide web.

Excellent written and spoken English language communications skills.

Certification as Agreement/Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative

(AOTR/COTR).

14. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

A. List of REQUIRED Forms for PSCs

1. Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, on www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants that submit their application by e-mail without an electronic signature must send a fax or scanned copy of the signature page in order for their application to be considered for this position. Applicants shall submit resume/curriculum vitae and write a brief appendix to the OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address the Evaluative Factors listed above.

The following forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. A pre-requisite for employment is a medical clearance and completed background investigation that reflects one’s qualification for employment authorization.

2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843).

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

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

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

B. Qualified Individuals should note that:

1. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency or there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information.

2. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter and/or e-mail, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.

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C. References: Applicants shall submit names and contact details of three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities within the past five years. Reference checks will be made initially for all applicants who meet the minimum requirements of education and experience to assess the applicants’ abilities and past performance. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter and OF-612. Failure to provide names and up-to-date contact details for referees may disqualify the applicant from being considered further for evaluation. USAID reserves the right to obtain past performance information from any other sources as appropriate.

15. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. For TCNPSCs, these benefits and allowances will be provided subject to waiver approval by the Mission Director in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]

A. Benefits:

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave (only earned for actual work days)

B. Allowances:

Benefits and allowances are provided in accordance with the AIDAR which can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf.

C. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

16. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPD) AND CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

Please refer to the web site below to find the AAPDs and CIBS that apply to this contract. At the home page, please click on Personal Services Contracts.

http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html

[END OF SOLICITATION NO. 674-09-040]