Solicitation - Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011423R00011

ISSUANCE DATE: 08/14/2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 09/13/2023 [17:00 Tbilisi, Georgia time] .

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Senior Elections and Political

Processes Advisor, GS-14

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.

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 the Attachment 1.

Sincerely, David Strine Executive Officer USAID/Caucasus

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011423R00011

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 08/14/2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 09/13/2023 [17:00 Tbilisi, Georgia time]

4. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions related to this solicitation should be sent via email to hr-tbilisi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor, GS-14

6. MARKET VALUE: USD $99,908 to USD $129,878 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. USPSCs performing abroad are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Caucasus, Tbilisi, Georgia. Travel throughout Georgia is anticipated.

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be two years, with up to three one-year extensions pending approval, need, performance, and funding. The base period is estimated to start o/a October 01, 2023 (based on the security and medical clearances receipt). Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise the additional option period for the date(s) estimated as follows, subject to available funding and programmatic needs:

● Base Period - o/a October, 1 2023 – September 30, 2025

● Option Period 1- o/a October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026

● Option Period 2 - o/a October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027

● Option Period 2 - o/a October 1, 2027 - September 30, 2028

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens.

mailto:hr-tbilisi@usaid.gov

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful offeror must be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance at the “SECRET” level. If the clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. BACKGROUND

USAID/Georgia supports Georgia’s transformation into a secure and prosperous pluralistic democracy with accountable institutions on its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

USAID/Georgia partners with the Government of Georgia, local civil society organizations, and international NGOs to strengthen electoral integrity and citizen participation in political processes.

As described in the OSCE/ODIHR April 8, 2022 final report1, Georgia's 2021 municipal elections “were generally well-administered but held against the backdrop of a protracted political crisis and characterized by hardened polarization. Contestants were able to campaign freely in a competitive environment that was, however, marred by wide-spread and consistent allegations of intimidation, vote-buying, pressure on candidates and voters, and an unlevel playing field.” Other international observers have noted that Georgia’s political system, including its political parties and dominant political voices, do not sufficiently represent the differentiated interests of Georgian society and therefore, the political system is not able to deliver meaningful, responsive results for its citizens.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Georgia in October 2024, utilizing a new, fully proportional electoral system and introducing a new electronic voting system. Following parliamentary elections, the presidential election is scheduled to be held in December 2024, using a new legislation that abolished direct presidential elections starting from 2024 in favor of a College of Electors. Local municipal elections are scheduled to be held in 2025.

USAID/Georgia’s Elections and Political Processes activity seeks to enable the electorate to effectively demand issues-based political party programs and policy agendas responsive to their needs, and ultimately ensure Georgian citizens and their diverse interests are better represented and satisfied through the political system. Through awards with the Consortium for Election and Political Processes (CEPPS) and local civil society organizations,The program works to strengthen the capacity of political parties, citizen groups, municipal governments, and Georgia’s elections administration to solidify the foundation for democratic political systems and governance in Georgia. Programming also supports independent oversight of electoral processes to safeguard the integrity of the 2024 parliamentary elections through pre-election assessment missions, long-term observation, short-term observation, parallel vote tabulation, and monitoring of campaign finance and electoral dispute resolution processes.

Current DRG programs are described on USAID’s website at https://www.usaid.gov/georgia.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights GEORGIA LOCAL ELECTIONS 2 and 30 October 2021 ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report https://www.usaid.gov/georgia

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor (the Advisor) will provide strategic leadership, technical guidance, and program management support to the Mission’s high-profile elections and political processes program. The Advisor will report to the DRG Office Director and will work closely with, coordinate, and seek advice from Mission leadership, the Political section of the U.S.

Embassy, and other USAID senior Staff.

The Advisor is responsible for helping to oversee USAID electoral and political processes assistance, coordinating elections assistance activities among implementing partners and with other donors, and supporting a USAID team of one - two local election experts. He/she/they participate in high level and technical meetings with participants from the US Embassy, international organizations and foreign embassies, Government of Georgia (GOG), and private and non-governmental organizations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Management and Coordination of USAID Activities

● Serve as technical advisor to the current Agreement Officer's Representatives (AOR) for the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS) Associate Award and local partners working in the elections and political processes sector.

● Work closely with the AORs of international and local elections and political processes awards in providing strategic technical guidance and direction to implementing partners, assessing program effectiveness, and identifying and resolving problems as they arise.

● Stay informed of elections and political processes and reforms in Georgia, and work closely with the AORs to provide regular, detailed updates (oral and written) on the political environment to DRG, Mission, and Embassy leadership.

● Draft correspondence and reports related to elections, political processes, consensus building and related reform activities, including analysis of the political relevance of election-related DRG activities to ensure that activities are the most impactful and appropriate in the current environment.

● Lead the development and implementation of a USAID Georgia election and political processes strategic plan to support the integrity of the 2024 Parliamentary, 2024 Presidential, and 2025 municipal elections, and provide comprehensive implementation guidance.

● In the lead up to Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections, ensure coordination of all activities associated with an expanded International Election Observation Mission. Ensure strategic and regular coordination between international (including missions other than CEPPS) and local citizen observers to allow for development of a common understanding, approaches and messaging, and two-way information sharing.

● Coordinate across DRG programs to leverage other DRG activities to ensure the integrity of electoral processes. The Advisor will be proactive in thinking about how related DRG activities (civic education, civil society, education, ethnic and religious minorities programming, information integrity, governance, media, work with youth, etc) can benefit from greater coordination and collaboration with other DRG and Economic Growth programs as it relates to elections and political processes (for example, get out the vote initiatives) as well as with other USG/Embassy supported initiatives and will facilitate this cooperation.

Internal USG Coordination

● At the request of the DRG Office Director, provide regular and detailed written briefings, strategic and technical advice, and policy recommendations to USAID/DRG, USAID/Washington, the Embassy Political section, other interagency colleagues as needed, and/or high-level U.S. government stakeholders on effective implementation of USAID/Georgia’s elections and political processes program, and expanded International Election Observation Mission.

● Coordinate activities with internal USG stakeholders in managing technical assistance to the Central Election Commission, efforts towards electoral reform, civic engagement in electoral and political processes, and all aspects of USAID/Georgia’s elections and political processes activity.

● Advise the USG interagency on better and effective implementation of electoral efforts in the country.

External Stakeholder Coordination

● In coordination with the DRG team and the Political section of the U.S. Embassy, play a lead role in coordinating donor coordination efforts around elections and political processes.

Work closely with external election stakeholders, in particular but not limited to the European Union and OSCE/ODIHR, in coordinating election observation efforts and associated public messaging.

● In coordination with the DRG team and the Political section of the U.S. Embassy, work closely with external stakeholders to determine progress in planning and implementing electoral procedures, including party and candidate registration, training of electoral workers, voter education and registration campaigns, and all other activities associated with USAID's elections and political processes program.

OTHER POSITION FACTORS:

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor will report directly to the DRG Office Director.

The Advisor is expected to establish priorities with minimal guidance and must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed.

The Advisor will not have a direct supervisory role but will support a team of up to two local elections experts in the management and coordination of elections assistance programming for Georgia.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The Advisor will not have a direct supervisory role but will support a team of up to two local elections experts in the management and coordination of elections assistance programming for Georgia.

DEGREE OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR DECISION-MAKING ASSIGNED TO THE POSITION

Very High. The Advisor will be responsible for providing high-level, strategic and technical advice and policy guidance to the USAID/Georgia mission, USAID/Washington, and key counterparts within the interagency. The Advisor will be expected to represent USAID at technical level working meetings with electoral stakeholders and other donors. The Advisor will be expected to recommend programmatic decisions, in coordination with the DRG Office Director and the Political section of the U.S. Embassy, that represent the USG's interests and reflect international best practices in elections and political processes program management and election observation.

LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY FOR WORK ASSIGNMENTS

Very High. The Advisor must be able to balance multiple priorities and continually assess the actual program needs within the parameters of USAID's elections and political processes programming. Due to the highly complex, and at times contentious, political environment in Georgia, the Advisor must constantly assess programming in the context of the political landscape and ensure that USAID's program activities support transparent and credible electoral processes. This position requires a high-level of technical expertise in election and political processes program design, management, and implementation and a proven ability to “think and work politically.”

KNOWLEDGE LEVEL REQUIRED

Very High. The position requires a high level of knowledge and experience designing, managing and/or implementing elections and political processes programs in highly polarized environments in the international context.

LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

This position will require high level contacts within members of the Central Election Commission, political parties, civil society, the donor community, and other key stakeholders.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A Master's Degree in political science, international relations, or social sciences is required.

Working experience:

A minimum of five years of experience is required working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in similar contexts.

Language fluency :

The offeror must speak and write English fluently.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

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

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

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

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

The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) 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 application rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Applicants must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their application package, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.

After the closing date/time for receipt of submissions, the received application packages will be reviewed and evaluated by the TEC in terms of meeting the minimum requirements (Section II) and in accordance with the below evaluation/selection criteria (Section III). The top ranked candidates within the competitive range will be invited to the interview.

The rating factors (total 100 points) are as follows:

Professional Experience (40 points)

● Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in complex and fluid environments

● Demonstrated experience overseeing strategy development, conducting scenario planning, and designing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating USAID, USG, or other international organizations’ elections and political processes assistance activities

● Prior work experience leading or coordinating international election observation missions in similar contexts

● Demonstrated experience working effectively with host country governments and other development partners in pursuit of common objectives

Skills & Abilities (40 points)

● Masterful written communication skills

● Strong oral communication skills

● Excellent interpersonal skills

● Proven ability to develop strong working relationships across organizational boundaries and to work effectively in multi-cultural and team environments

● Ability to take initiative and to plan, develop, lead, and evaluate complex activities independently or with a team

● Demonstrated critical and creative thinking skills

Technical Knowledge (20 points)

● Demonstrated knowledge of elections and political processes is required. Demonstrated knowledge of civil society and media, rule of law, human rights, local governance, or related DRG areas is preferred

● Ability to take an interdisciplinary approach to coordinating a wide variety of international development assistance activities to achieve results

● Understanding of how to work effectively in a polarized political context with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials and civil society

Reference Verification (Pass/Fail):

- Reference checks will be conducted only for applicant(s) considered as finalists.

- Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the applicant and without prior notification to the applicant.

- Any applicant not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:

- the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with

Individuals”, available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms;

- a cover letter and a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the minimum requirements of the position

(education and experience)

- 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.

2. Additionally applicants are required to submit a writing sample (no more than two pages) addressing each of the selection criteria describing specifically what relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities the applicant has received relevant to each selection criteria described above, providing periods of performance where possible.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

The applicants who do not submit the documents requested above under Section IV, items (1) and (2) will not be considered further.

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

Applications received after the closing date/time as specified in Section I, item 3, will be considered late and will not be further evaluated.

4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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 what other forms are required for the security and medical clearances.

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 (If Applicable):

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. Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) mailto:hr-tbilisi@usaid.gov https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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 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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO (A) SUPPLIES/SERVICE

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info:

[USAID/ Georgia PR funding]

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

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

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info:

[USAID/ Georgia PR funding]

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

Option period 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info:

[USAID/ Georgia PR funding]

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

Option period 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info:

[USAID/ Georgia PR funding]

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

Option period 3- Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info:

[USAID/ Georgia PR funding]

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

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

- AAPD 22-02- Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (PSCs)- July 13, 2022

- AAPD 21-05- Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for USPSCs- November 23, 2021

USPSC Paid Parental Leave Timekeeping / Payroll Process

- AAPD 21-01 - Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the AIDAR Appendices D and J- March 26, 2021 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

- AAPD 18-02 - Revisions to Medevac Policies for USPSCs and TCNPSCs – February 16,

- AAPD 10-01 – PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS- 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

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch”, available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

5. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

6. FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION June, 2023 https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman