DRG USPSC Sol 7200AA24R00022_DTCA Advisor_1.25.24.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00022

ISSUANCE DATE: January 31, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 1, 2024 at 4:30PM EST

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.

At USAID, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is a priority, and we are greater than the sum of our parts. When we integrate DEIA in our programs, policies, partnerships, and people (workforce), we are better able to understand and meet the needs of those we serve worldwide. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the 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, Mir Ershadullah Contracting Officer

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

Solicitation No. 7200AA24R00022 USPSC – Digital Technology and Civic Activism (DTCA) Advisor

Attachment 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA24R00022

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 31, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 1, 2024 at 4:30PM EST

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Casey Miskowski, email at cmiskowski@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Digital Technology and Civic Activism (DTCA) Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $139,395-$181,216 per year, equivalent to GS-14, assuming Washington, D.C.

Locality Pay

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. As this is a remote-eligible position, if the approved remote worksite is located outside of the DC Locality, compensation will be adjusted to the corresponding value as found in the GS Locality Pay Tables.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Washington with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions.

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. The alternative worksite is subject to approval. It must be based in the United States and allow the offeror to conform to the working hours of the local time zone of USAID/Washington.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, estimated to start on or about 07/01/24. Start date will be dependent on issuance of security clearance. The actual start date must be within 30 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for up to three additional years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: 07/01/2024-06/30/2026 Option Period 1: 07/01/2026-06/30/2027 Option Period 2: 07/01/2027-06/30/2028 Option Period 3: 07/01/2028-06/30/2029

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

As the technical home for USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) programs, DRG focuses on advocating for democratic governance, driving important research, and supporting over 90 field missions worldwide to develop and implement programs. USAID’s DRG sector includes support for good governance, rule of law, elections and political processes, civil society and media, human rights, and other DRG fields.

mailto:cmiskowski@usaid.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2024/general-schedule

USAID currently manages over $1.7 billion a year on a broad range of democracy programs covering justice, human rights, citizen security, civil society, media, local government, legislatures, constitutional reform, political parties, elections, anti-corruption, and anti-trafficking in persons. These efforts are critical to improve government effectiveness, accountability, transparency and legitimacy, and to ensure citizens are empowered to play a role in public affairs and the decisions that affect their daily lives. They also underpin the sustainability of the Agency’s socio-economic development sectors. The DRG Bureau leads the Agency in supporting overall efforts to advance democracy, human rights, and governance.

The DRG Bureau's annual budget is over $146 million, with a staff of over 90, comprised of U.S.

Direct Hires (USDHs), contractors, and Fellows. The DRG Bureau currently has eight technical Offices: Management and Cadre Support (MCS) Office, Anti-Corruption Center (ACC), Office of Civil Society, Labor, and Media (CLM), Office of Elections and Political Processes (EPP), Global Trends and Technology (GTT) Office, Office of Governance (GOV), Office of Justice, Rights, and Security (JRS), Office of Policy, Learning, and Integration (PLI), and the Program Office (PO). The DRG Bureau's goal is to promote peace, prosperity and freedom around the globe through self-reliant, citizen-responsive governance that respects human dignity and the rule of law.

The DRG Bureau achieves this through high quality support to USAID Missions, generating and disseminating knowledge on best practices, and providing leadership on DRG to the wider USG and the international development community.

DRG’s CLM Office provides technical leadership and support on civil society and media, including youth and labor issues. The CLM Office generates comparative knowledge on effective approaches for strengthening civil society and independent media; pilots state-of-the-art approaches to civil society and media support; strengthens the Agency’s DRG staff through training and technical support; conducts assessments, strategy and program designs, and evaluations; and designs and manages a targeted portfolio of global programs. The CLM Office promotes innovations in civil society, media, labor, and youth, as a means for addressing development challenges, and represents USAID in international processes, networks, and working groups.

The CLM Office seeks to expand technical knowledge and abilities on a wide-range of issues concerning technology and civic activism as they relate to our efforts to promote development outcomes for civil society, labor, media, and democratic systems. The DTCA Advisor will be a subject matter expert on technology and civic activism as they relate to USAID’s efforts to promote development outcomes for civil society, labor, media, and democratic systems, including but not limited to civic technology, information integrity, digital rights, digital safety, internet freedom and the development and use of rights-respecting technology and data. The Advisor must also be expert in understanding the impact of digital technologies on civic space, and in fostering open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems that advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights.

The Advisor will support the work of USAID field Missions and Washington Operating Units, other USG entities, and the broader DRG community. This position will advance the DRG Bureau’s efforts to address the gap in knowledge and capacities around Information and Communications Technologies, including social media, and in digital security issues. The DTCA Advisor is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches with little technical oversight, including leading or making significant contributions to research, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy, and will perform her/his duties under administrative direction from the CLM Deputy Director or their designate.

The DTCA Advisor will provide technical leadership and guidance to USAID field missions and Washington on how to adapt media programming to this changing environment.

This position is located in the DRG Bureau in Washington, DC and will include travel to and work in global majority countries in all regions. As a direct report to the CLM Deputy Director or their designate, the incumbent provides support to the CLM Office, other DRG Bureau offices, USAID

Missions and the Agency to advance thinking and approaches regarding digital technology and civic activism as they relate to civil society, labor, media, and democratic systems. The incumbent supports the implementation of CLM, DRG and Agency priorities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Program Planning and Design, Policy Development, and Management

1. Provide cutting edge technical support to Missions and Washington operating units on key issues regarding digital technology and civic activism, including the assessments, design of new activities, monitoring, learning and evaluation.

2. Advance USAID strategy to include supporting and advocating for inclusion of approaches informed by cutting-edge thinking on digital technology to enhance our efforts and improve democratic development outcomes.

3. Advise senior leaders in the DRG Bureau, Technical and Regional Bureaus and other USG leadership in the subject matter area.

4. Liaise with DRG Bureau sub-sector Teams, Offices, Regional Bureaus, the U.S.

Global Development Lab, the Global Engagement Center and other inter-agency partners as appropriate to inform and strengthen the DRG Bureau’s approaches regarding digital technology and civic activism as they relate to DRG issues.

5. Serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and Activity Manager as needed.

6. Serve as a subject matter expert on digital technology and civic activism to support policy development, as well as strategic planning and implementation.

b. Learning and Capacity-Building

1. Support incorporation of technical, contextual, and experiential approaches regarding digital technology and civic activism as they relate to DRG technical issues and programming with USAID Missions and across the DRG sector, the Agency and interagency.

2. Advance the DRG Bureau’s digital technology and civic activism research and learning agenda. This includes collating existing quantitative and qualitative data, identifying data gaps, and setting a strategy and implementation plan to fill them.

3. Manage, track, and report progress on the DRG Learning Agenda related to digital technology and civic activism and related issues;

4. Develop and conduct training, e-learning, workshops, and facilitated learning conversations as appropriate, and integrate other capacity building opportunities in the implementation of DRG programming.

c. Teamwork/Customer Service

1. Work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

2. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships within the office as well as with other offices, OUs and Missions;

3. Create collaborative and collegial environment; show sensitivity to others; and use balanced judgment.

d. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The DTCA Advisor will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to civic technology, information integrity, digital rights, digital safety, internet freedom and the development and use of rights-respecting technology and data and its related effects on the work of the CLM Office and the DRG Bureau. The incumbent is expected to have a firm grasp of digital technology and civic activism development and impact of digital technologies on civic space, and in fostering open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems that advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights; and relevant skills to craft and adapt development programs to address these emerging issues. The incumbent is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches including research, assessments, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy development. Under the direct supervision of the Civil Society, Labor and Media Deputy Office Director or their designee, the incumbent will exercise independent judgment while performing challenging work which is varied and wide-ranging. The incumbent will have wide latitude and decision making authority within their portfolio. The incumbent will receive minimal day-to-day technical guidance.

e. Knowledge level required: The DTCA Advisor will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to digital technology and civic activism and related effects on the work of the CLM Office and the DRG Bureau. The incumbent is expected to have a firm grasp of the transformation of the civic technology, information integrity, digital rights, digital safety, internet freedom and the development and use of rights-respecting technology and data; have experience in the areas of digital technology and civic activism development and understanding the impact of digital technologies on civic space, and in fostering open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems that advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights. The incumbent will be adept at assessing unique cultural and political contexts to develop and to adapt programming approaches appropriate to complex circumstances. USAID Missions will rely on the incumbent to provide guidance and solutions when competing interests, such as conflicting inter-agency priorities, local competing interests, or other possible conflicts among possible technical solutions arise. The incumbent will have a Master’s degree or higher degree with study in a pertinent field, such as: international development, civil society and media programming in global majority country contexts, data management, advanced technology and impacts on civic participation, internet management and internet security, civil liberties, and access to information.

f. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent’s supervisor is the CLM Deputy Director or her/his designee. The incumbent serves as a member of the CLM Office and, as appropriate, coordinates with other USAID operating units as a representative of the DRG Bureau and the Civil Society, Labor and Media Office. The Supervisor and the incumbent will develop a work plan that includes broad objectives. As a subject matter expert, the incumbent independently plans, designs and carries out activities, studies and programs/projects. The incumbent develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating work with others as necessary. The incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives and keeps their supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and of potentially controversial matters.

g. Performance Guidelines: Pertinent sources of information consist of the Foreign Assistance Act, the DRG Bureau Annual Report, the DRG Bureau’s Users Guide, the DRG Bureau Policy, the Department of State and USAID Joint Strategic Plan FY 2022-26, and USAID Agency and DRG Bureau rules and regulations. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of approaches to programming and inputs to strategy and policy development.

h. Level of complexity for work assignments: The incumbent undertakes a wide range of duties that require the exercise of judgment, the interpretation of policies and practices, and their relevance to a new problem or situation. The incumbent typically identifies and develops methods to resolve problems or cope with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal program goals and objectives. The incumbent is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches with little technical oversight, including research, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy. The incumbent will provide cutting edge technical support to Missions and Washington operating units on key issues regarding digital technology and civic activism as they relate to civil society, development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues, including the assessments, design of new activities, monitoring, learning and evaluation; serve as a subject matter expert on digital technology and civic activism as they relate to civil society, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/Final_State-USAID_FY_2022-2026_Joint_Strategic_Plan_29MAR2022.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/Final_State-USAID_FY_2022-2026_Joint_Strategic_Plan_29MAR2022.pdf development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues to support policy development, as well as strategic planning and implementation; advance USAID strategy to include supporting and advocating for inclusion of approaches informed by cutting-edge thinking on digital technology and civic activism to enhance the DRG Bureau’s efforts and improve democratic development outcomes; advise senior leaders in the DRG Bureau, Technical and Regional Bureaus and other USG leadership in the subject matter area; and liaise with DRG Bureau Offices, Regional Bureaus, the Innovation, Research and Technology (ITR) Hub, the Global Engagement Center and other inter-agency partners as appropriate to inform and strengthen the DRG Bureau’s approaches regarding digital technology and civic activism as they related to DRG issues. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

i. Scope and effect of the work performed: The DTCA Advisor contributes to the CLM research agenda as the recognized DRG Bureau subject matter expert on the impacts of digital technology and civic activism on democracy to advance knowledge and enhance the work of the CLM Office, the DRG Bureau, and the Missions that we serve. The incumbent will lead efforts regarding project design, implementation, monitoring, learning and evaluation. The incumbent’s work involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving critical problems, or developing new theories. The incumbent will guide office members to establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and contribute to analysis on the landscape impacting USAID’s work. The incumbent’s work outputs will support both Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community. Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming, will require the ability to lead while working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

j. Level and purpose of contacts: The DTCA Advisor maintains a continuous interchange with other senior officers in USAID, especially within the other Pillar Bureaus, regional bureaus, and missions, for information-sharing, identification of opportunities and constraints to cross-cutting programs, best practices, joint field support and trainings, as well as research platforms and monitoring and evaluation systems. The incumbent enhances and coordinates effective working relationships across sectorial lines, identifying important areas of interaction and impact between program areas and ensuring that programs are managed to gain the greatest possible benefit from such interactions. The incumbent independently handles complex program issues and provides authoritative guidance.

k. Supervision or oversight the position has over others: None

l. Travel requirements, if any, including an estimate of the number or frequency of trips and locations: The USPSC should expect to spend up to 20% of their time on TDY.

m. Support Items: The DTCA Advisor will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

● Master’s degree or higher degree (e.g. PhD) from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution with study in a pertinent field, such as: journalism, international development, civil society and media programming in global majority country contexts, civil liberties and access to information.

● Eight (8) years’ experience with a Master’s Degree OR four (4) years experience with a higher degree (e.g. PhD) in the DRG sector conducting work similar to program management, policy development, or program coordination.

● Of those minimum years of experience based on education level, at least half (five (5) years’ experience with Master’s OR three (3) years’ experience with higher degree such as PhD) of those years in global majority country contexts.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Selection Factors

Selection factors determine 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;

● USPSC Application Form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I.

This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic/typed signatures will not be accepted;

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

● Professional references;

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors;

● Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as required by USAID;

● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Evaluation 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 references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

The following Quality Ranking Factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors:

1. Technical Expertise (35 points)

• Demonstrated ability to lead and contribute to analysis and provide recommendations on a wide-range of issues concerning digital technology and civic activism including in research; experience with and awareness of cutting edge research and best practices regarding digital technology, civic activism and DRG issues; ability to contribute to meaningful content on the subject matter to enhance and deliver capacity development, training, e-learnings, and convenings.

2. DRG Program Management Experience (25 points)

• Demonstrated experience in developing, managing and monitoring DRG programs relevant to digital technologies and civic activism, including program design, development (assessment and development), program management (implementation, monitoring and evaluation); and experience with and awareness of best practices in this space.

3. Communication (20 points)

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with senior officials and in public forums with minimal editing or supervision.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

• Proven track record of contributing to the analysis and synthesis of information for use by principals. Experience relevant to digital technology/civic activism preferred.

• Demonstrated productive and positive working relationships and communication with colleagues and peers.

4. Teamwork/Customer Service (20 points)

• Proven track record of working effectively and collaboratively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; and balanced judgment.

BASIS OF RATING: Eligible offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs). In a separate document, offerors are required to address each of the QRFs and demonstrate how they meet each factor, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page. Failure to specifically address the QRFs may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

The evaluation of the QRFs will be based on the offeror’s responses in the supplemental QRF document as well as information provided in other written offer materials (e.g., form AID 309-2, resume) to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors. The technical evaluation committee (TEC) will select candidates to interview based on this preliminary review of applications. The most qualified offeror(s) will be interviewed. Professional reference checks will only be conducted for offeror(s) who are interviewed.

Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by the offeror. In the event that USAID is unable to obtain any information from references, the lack of reference information will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably in the scoring of the QRFs.

The interview and professional reference checks will be considered in the final scoring of the QRFs and may result in a revision of scores.

USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Interviews conducted in person will be held at USAID offices in the Washington, D.C. region. Interviews may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by video.

Total rating system is as follows:

1. Technical Expertise: 35 points

2. DRG Program Management Experience: 25 points

3. Communication: 20 points

4. Teamwork/Customer Service: 20 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Satisfactory verification of academic credentials is required prior to award. The selected offeror will be required to submit unofficial transcripts for the academic degree for which the offeror qualified for the position. If the selected offeror fails to submit the required academic credential documentation within the time period specified by the Contracting Officer, the offeror may be disqualified from further consideration for award. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements. Transcripts from foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official Evaluation of Educational Credentials. It is the offeror’s responsibility to provide evidence that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. USAID will not pay for expenses related to obtaining transcripts or proof of creditability of foreign education. Click on the following link for a list of accredited organizations (https://www.naces.org/members) recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education https://www.naces.org/members credentials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

The selected offeror will be required to obtain a Secret Level Security Clearance provided by USAID prior to contract award. Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship. If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected offeror within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret level security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offeror acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT: All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. This will assign you a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list in www.sam.gov or on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Registration information is available at www.sam.gov.

NOTE: Registration in SAM and assignment of a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is FREE. Interested offerors are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early to avoid any delays during contract award.

USAID reserves the right to select additional offerors to fill possible future vacant positions if vacancies become available during the selection process.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically via e-mail to the Point of Contact specified in Section I, item 4. Late offers will not be considered.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please clearly reference the solicitation number in the offer and in the email subject line of the submission. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. Complete Form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. This form must be physically signed.

Unsigned forms will not be accepted. Electronic/typed signatures will not be accepted.

2. Complete resume in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the education and experience requirements as stated in the solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position if not full-time. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week may 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. Upon request, transcripts and/or certifications must be submitted.

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.usaid.gov/forms

3. List of References. Offerors must submit the names and current contact information for three (3) professional references, who are not family members or relatives, who have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation. Submitted references MUST include the following information:

(a) Name of reference;

(b) Offeror’s relationship to the reference;

(c) Title of reference at current job;

(d) Reference current telephone number; and

(e) Reference current email address.

4. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors in either

Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. Responses are limited to no more than 500 words per factor and should be. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

Submitted materials must be in English. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

Incomplete offers will not be considered. Late offers will not be considered and will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.

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.

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. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

2. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

3. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

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) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(b) Danger Pay Allowance (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:

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 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)

QUANTITY

(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

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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 22-02 Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

Revised AIDAR Clause GP4 based on Class Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-11c

4. Work Schedule and Compensation (Pay Comparability and Locality Pay Adjustments) (JUL 2007) [Deviation (JUL 2022)]

a) Work Schedule. The contractor's work schedule shall not be less than 80 hours per pay period, unless otherwise provided in the Contract Schedule, and shall coincide with the work schedule for those employees of the USAID Mission, Bureau, or Independent Office, or the Cooperating Country agency most closely associated with the work of this contract. If the contract is for less than full time (80 hours per pay period), the annual and sick leave earned shall be prorated (see the General Provision of this contract entitled Leave and Holidays).

b) USAID promotes telework and remote work as workplace flexibilities for contractors.

However, telework and remote work are arrangements to facilitate the accomplishment of work.

The ability to telework or remote work is not a right or an entitlement and not all PSC positions will be conducive to telework or remote work. Telework and remote work are discretionary tools and may be terminated for business reasons, performance, operational needs, or a contractor’s failure to comply with policy directives and required procedures and protocols. For a position that is authorized for remote work, an approved alternative worksite for the contractor will be approved in the Schedule of the contract. For positions that are not authorized for remote work, the contractor may be authorized to telework at the Agency’s discretion based on Agency policy as from time to time amended. If the position is suitable for telework, as telework is not a right or entitlement and is discretionary, the contractor must receive approval from their supervisor by submitting a Telework Agreement in accordance with Agency policy.

c) Locality Pay. A contractor based in the United States who is not authorized to remote work will be entitled to locality pay based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite.

A contractor based in the United States who is authorized to remote work will be entitled to locality pay based on the rate for the approved alternative worksite as specified in the Schedule of the contract. Any change to the approved alternative worksite will require a contract modification and may result in a change to the compensation as the locality pay will be adjusted accordingly.

A contractor serving abroad is not authorized to receive locality pay.

d) Compensation (Pay Comparability) Adjustments. The contractor's compensation shall be adjusted to reflect the pay comparability adjustments, which are granted from time to time to U.S.

direct-hire employees by Executive Order for the statutory pay systems (usually in January). Any adjustments authorized are subject to the availability of funds and shall not exceed that percentage stated in the Executive Order granting the adjustment. Further, the adjusted compensation may not exceed the annual “USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (USAID CST)”, which is equivalent to the maximum rate for agencies without a certified SES performance appraisal system (or the equivalent hourly rate).

[END DEVIATED TEXT]

AAPD 21-05: Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (NOV 2023)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-1c) http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

(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, 80-hour biweekly pay period, which will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter work schedule:

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

(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 date fixed by the approving official as the termination date of the exigency of the public business or other reason beyond the contractor’s control, which resulted in the forfeiture; or

(ii) The end of the contract, whichever is earlier.

(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 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, 80-hour biweekly pay period, and the rate of accrual will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter work schedule. 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

(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…