Signed_Solicitation.pdf

USAID

FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

AZERBAIJAN

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720112 19R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: 06/24/20 19

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 07/08/2019 (17:00 Azerbaijan time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation 7201 1219R00003 for the intermittent U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC), GS-15 Senior Advisor to the Mission Director

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 the Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Cynthia Rogers Regional Supervisory Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7201 1219R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06/24/20 19

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 07/08/2019 (17:00 Azerbaijan time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions related to this solicitation should be sent via email to hr-baku(2i2usaid.ov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Advisor to the Mission Director

6. MARKET VALUE: USD 106,595 to USD 138,572 equivalent to GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: intermittent eleven months

Candidate must be available for intermittent periods to coincide with the phases of the Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) development. The Mission anticipates up to four, six-eight week assignments in Azerbaijan over the eleven month period. These assignments will be scheduled in coordination with USAID/Azerbaijan and the Europe and Eurasia (E&E) Bureau to support strategy facilitation and preparation, Performance Management Plan (PMP) development, and to provide coverage during periods of staffing shortages in the Mission. It may be necessary for the position to perform short one-three day consultation/temporary duty assignments immediately prior to or following one or more of the six-eight week intermittent assignments, in order to coordinate with E&E and Policy Planning and Learning (PPL) for CDCS specific purposes.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Azerbaijan, Baku

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All interested candidates must be U.S. Citizens able to travel overseas

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

It is in the U.S. strategic interest to foster prosperity and stability in Azerbaijan, the only Shi’a Muslim-majority country that borders both Iran and Russia, and which figures prominently in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) access to Afghanistan. U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan advances these interests by promoting Azerbaijan’s economic security and integration with the West and by helping it build resilience against Russian influence. U.S-funded programs foster stable communities, mitigate the drivers of violent extremism, and enable the development of vibrant independent media and civil society organizations. Assistance programs increase U.S. trade and investment with Azerbaijan, develop the country as a security partner, and enhance the ability of its border security officials to identif’ and interdict trafficking in dual-use materials and conventional weapons.

USAID/Azerbaijan is comprised of three U.S. Direct Hires, 13 Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) and one local-hire USPSC. The Mission manages a robust portfolio of democratic governance and economic growth activities, including in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption, civil society, media, economic policy reform, community resilience and preventing violent extremism. Due to the Agency pause on strategic development the Mission is currently operating on a very outdated strategy that is largely invalid due to the major contextual shifts that have taken place.

The incumbent will report to the Mission Director and advise on a wide range of USAID and USG issues. A primary task of this position will be to provide a variety of services to support the conceptualization and implementation of USAID/Azerbaijan’s CDCS development process.

This position requires mastery of strategy and project design. It will also require high level interpersonal skills to develop strong interpersonal relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, sound judgement, and the ability to resolve disputes between senior leaders over strategic direction. The Senior Advisor to the Mission Director must exercise a high degree of personal initiative, and must set and meet deadlines in a complex organizational structure. The USPSC is expected to be available for intermittent assignments in order to lead and support Mission through the various phases of CDCS development, PMP design, and provision of coverage during peak periods when U. S. Direct Hire (USDH) staff are out of the office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Advisor to the Mission Director will provide a wide variety of services to support the conceptualization and implementation of USAID/Azerbaijan development programming.

Those services will include:

Strategy Development and Reporting (60%)

• Provide senior-level support to the Mission Director, program office, and technical teams on strategic development and reporting.

• Lead development of Mission’s strategic development processes, including management of CDCS Phases I, II, and III.

• Serve as primary drafter of CDCS document.

• Provide subject matter expertise to incorporate countering Kremlin influence, countering violent extremism, the journey to self-reliance, and other Agency priorities into the strategy document.

• Coordinate with high level officials in E&E, PPL, Embassy Baku, other donor organizations, and the host government to resolve strategic disputes and ensure stakeholder buy in.

• Work with Mission staff to develop a CDCS Performance Management Plan.

• Work with Mission staff to develop a Strategy Implementation Plan.

• Support strategic reporting as necessary.

Interagency, Donor, and Government Coordination (15%)

• Assist with interagency, donor, and government coordination. This could include organizing, facilitating and managing coordination efforts with other U.S. government agencies and host Government stakeholders, arranging working groups meetings at the Embassy, or facilitating technical working group meetings with donors and the host government

• Support reporting on coordination outlined above.

Office Management, Processes, and Coverage (25%)

• Provide coverage during peak periods when USDH staff are out of the office. May serve in some leadership capacity during periods when all other USDH staff are out of the office. May serve as Acting Program Project Office (PPO) or Office of Governance and Economic Resilience (OGER) Director at request of Mission Director.

• Develop and Update Mission Orders and other policy and protocol documents to help the Mission improve internal processes, and to ensure that it is in compliance with Agency policies, regulations, and other important directives

• Serve as mentor and advisor to Mission Director and Office Directors to improve Mission management functions.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP/CONTROLS:

The position reports directly to the Mission Director, but work is largely performed independently. Incumbent must have the ability to independently manage work flows.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALifICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to qualify for this position, the offeror must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Education: A Master’s degree in education, social or behavioral science, public policy/administration, international development, or other related field of study is required.

Experience/Knowledge: A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in program design, strategy development is required. He/she must also be a demonstrated expert in strategy deveiopnient. Strong team leadership is crucial. Current knowledge of policy, technical and operational aspects of international development practices, and leadership and mentoring experience is required.

LanRuage Proficiency: Incumbent is expected to be a native English speaker with superior writing skills.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualjflcations will be consideredforfurther evaluation.

Security and medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification. See section V.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

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

Selection Process and Basis ofEvaluation: All the offerors who clearly meet the aforementioned minimum requirements as set in the section II above, ni be further evaluated through the review of the offeror ‘s submitted required documents (see section IV below) and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors. The additional evaluation may include technical tests, interviews, and reference checks to determine the most qual(fled/highest ranked offeror. Reference checks will be conductedfor the highest-ranked offeror.

Reference checks itay be conducted with individuals not provided by the offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be consideredfor the position. Negotiations ‘will be conducted with the most qual(fled/highest-ranked offeror at the conclusion ofevaluations.

Relevant Experience (40 points):

- Demonstrated 15 years progressively responsible experience in development and strategy design. Strong leadership skills and ability to work as a team is crucial.

- Current knowledge of strategy design, technical and operational aspects of international development practices, and strategic management.

- Experience with an international organization and/or donor agency working with a diverse staff at various levels of the organization is required. Experience mentoring mid-level and senior staff is preferred.

Knowledge and expertise (30 points):

- Must have knowledge and expertise on strategy development.

- Knowledge of development practices, strategy implementation, and performance management plans is required.

- Must have expertise facilitating strategy development exercises used in multiple countries or regions.

Skills and abilities (30 points):

- Must be able to analyze complex research findings and data.

- Ability to prepare and manage clearance of strategy reports is required.

- Must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

- Must have an ability to facilitate large working group sessions and resolve conflicts when they arise.

- Must demonstrate skills and abilities to work with senior leaders from diverse organizations.

IV. APPLYING

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted via email to the Point of Contract in Section I: hr-bakwWusaid.gov

Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following documents:

1. Completed and signed form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. A cover letter and current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the minimum requirements of the position (educationlexperience/skills)

3. Additionally applicants are required to submit a document addressing each of the selection/evaluation criteria describing specifically what relevant experience, technical knowledge, skills the applicant has received relevant to each selection criteria described above, providing periods of performance where possible. Responses are limited to 300 words per selection criteria.

4. Additionally applicants are required to provide one to two page writing sample as part of their application in order to demonstrate their written English language ability and writing skills. The writing sample may be an excerpt of a larger work and need not be specifically written for this solicitation.

5. A minimum of three and a maximum of five professional references from the last five years. Offerors must provide email addresses and current telephone numbers for all references provided.

6. Statement of Availability: a written statement certiing the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC filliES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

I. Completed and signed AID 309-2 (electronic version required)

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 142O17)**

3. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

4. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561)

5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-85)44

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258) “‘

** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed per the Contracting Officer’s request.

VL BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES:

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

NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC shall be subject to US 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.

1. BENEFITS:

a) 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 & Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

g) Education Travel (Section 280)

h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, Medicare and as applicable U.S. state income taxes.

Ylli. USAU) REGULATIONS, POLICIES ANT) CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix U, “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/defaultlfiles/documents/1 868/aidarO.pdf

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at 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 18-02 Changes to the Medevac Policy for USPSCs and TCNPSCs- May 23, 2018

AAPD 16-03 Revised - AIDAR Deviation from Appendices D and J for the continuation of Expanded Incentive Awards for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

AAPD 15-02-Revised- This AAPD 15-02 REVISED extends implementation of the USAID policy for Leave and Holidays, including family and medical leave, for U.S. personal services contractors (USPSCs) by deviation from AIDAR Appendix D, § 12, clause (GP) #5. This policy is effective as indicated on page 2, section II, of the AAPD.

AAPD 10-01 — Changes in USG reimbursement amounts for health insurance and physical examination costs- 01/08/10

AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility — October 30, 2006

AAPD 06-08-AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts — June 23, 2006

CIB 99-15 - Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations — 08/99

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%2oRegulations.