Solicitation No.72016822R00001 for USPSC Senior DOC Adviser, GS-14_signed by CO.pdf

SOL: 72016822R00001 – USPSC Senior DOC Adviser

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72016822R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: 03/09/2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 04/06/2022/5:00 p.m. Sarajevo/Local Time

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

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

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Bradford Palmer, Supervisory Executive Officer / Contracting Officer

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Roberta C. Frasurea 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel: (387-33) 704-000 Fax: (387-33) 219-298 www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/europe-and-eurasia/bosnia

Bradford Palmer Digitally signed by Bradford Palmer DN: cn=Bradford Palmer, o=USAIDBiH, ou=R/ EXO, email=bpalmer@usaid.gov, c=US Date: 2022.03.08 13:25:10 +01'00'

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72016822R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/09/2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 04/06/2022 at 5:00 p.m. Sarajevo Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Bradford Palmer, Supervisory Executive Officer, email at bpalmer@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Adviser

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 to $124,764 equivalent to position grade level GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) year base period, estimated to start o/a August 14, 2022, with an option for a two-year extension. Options may be exercised based upon satisfactory Contractor performance, mutual agreement between the Contractor and USG, continued Mission requirements and the continued availability of funds. The performance dates are estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a August 14, 2022 to August 13, 2024 Option Period 1: o/a August 14, 2024 to August 13, 2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful Offeror must obtain a U.S. Government “Secret Clearance”. If the clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor is located in the Project and Program Office (PPO) and will be responsible for leading USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina’s communications and outreach efforts.

The Mission is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of USAID-funded programs operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Due to the country’s strategic importance to the US Government (USG), the Mission maintains a high level of complex outreach activities and hosts visits by senior-level official visitors.

The Senior DOC is a key member of the Mission, a member of Senior Staff, exercising broad independent decision making, and regularly coordinates directly with Mission management, and Embassy and Washington leadership. The incumbent will lead the Development Outreach and

Communications (DOC) team whose primary objective is to generate greater public awareness about, and support for, U.S. assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina to audiences in both the United States and BiH.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Supervision, Strategic Oversight and Coordination Role

● Leads the development and implementation of the Mission’s outreach and communications strategy, which promotes public understanding of and support for USAID programs and priorities.

● Lead a DOC team, composed of two Foreign Service Nationals (FSN), to ensure overall quality, timeliness, and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives.

● Mentor, coach, and train the DOC team, Mission staff, and implementing partners, to further develop the team’s communication and outreach skills and enhance effective team performance.

● Develop and/or implement creative and innovative methods of extending USAID’s impact and reach through media and communications.

● Serve as Activity Manager and/or Agreement/Contract’s Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) for media services award; responsible for all aspects of activity management, including technical and financial oversight of the implementing partner(s), reviewing reports, scopes of work, all deliverables, and other documents.

● Coordinate with the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS)and other USG agencies, to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development efforts and initiatives.

● Identify and execute metrics to measure effectiveness of communication materials and activities by using creative/ innovative approaches to communicate messages to key stakeholders.

● Ensure quality control of documentation related events and outreach-related decisions/actions within USAID and other agencies with whom the mission collaborates.

● Serve as the advisor to the Mission in matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities, including with the Chief of Mission, USAID Legal and Public Affairs Bureau, USAID Europe and Eurasia Bureau, USAID Mission Director, Public Diplomacy Office (PDS), the interagency, USAID implementing partners, and donors.

● Manage the Mission’s current and future social media accounts and determine the best strategic engagement to enhance viewership and expand the reach/understanding of USAID programs.

● Overseas the implementation of and compliance with proper USAID Branding and Marking.

B. Public Events and Media Opportunities

● Ensure proper management, and execution, and media coverage of USAID-attended public and media events, ensuring a cohesive, unified approach to outreach events and activities.

● Represents USAID in planning Mission events for the Deputy Mission Director, Mission

Director, the Ambassador, and other high-level visitors.

● Coordinate and liaise with other Embassy sections to ensure cooperation on all events, whether they are led by USAID or otherwise managed.

● As needed, accompany the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, Mission Director, Technical Office directors, and/or other Mission colleagues to public speaking engagements, conferences, public affairs activities and site visits, providing input and assistance at the event.

● Follow up with the media to promote coverage of public events. Manage and/or supervise the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website and social media sites.

C. Writing/Editorial Support

● Serve as the Mission Director's speechwriter as directed; editing and clearing background materials, presentations and talking points for events attended by the Mission Director, the U.S. Ambassador, and other officials.

● Offer guidance on style to the Front Office, DOC team, and technical offices, conforming to the standards of USAID LPA branding and style guidelines, U.S. Embassy BiH, Associated Press (AP) Style, and professional business English.

D. Media and Implementing Partner Relations and Support

● During official visits, oversee media and outreach, pre-visit planning and preparations, and coordinate with implementing partners.

● Build and maintain relationships with international and local media entities, and public outreach staff of USAID implementing partners.

● Lead USAID mission media activities, liaising with the PDS media team, and working closely with PDS staff and the DOC team to coordinate information dissemination and generate press coverage of USAID activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

● In coordination with PDS, arrange and prepare for press interviews, press conferences, briefings, tours of projects/activities, and interactions with host-country and international journalists.

● Support USAID/BiH Democracy and Economic Development Offices in the development, review, and/or approval of USAID implementing partner communication materials.

3. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The incumbent receives direct guidance and instruction from the Program Office Director. The incumbent will receive overall direction from the supervisor, but will be expected to work independently, with limited supervision, and exhibit proactive planning and decision-making regarding daily activities. The incumbent must be capable of working independently to implement the communications and social media strategies while quickly pivoting to address urgent and unexpected problems. The incumbent must be capable of supporting multiple stakeholders across the Mission, in the Interagency, with Implementing Partners and with the public. Reporting is expected on a weekly basis to colleagues and members of Senior Staff. The incumbent will have weekly meetings with the Mission Director and the Embassy’s PDS. Work will primarily take place in a standard office environment but will require meeting with potential partners across BiH. Some overnight travel and after-hours work is expected.

4. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The incumbent directly supervises the work of two Foreign Service Nationals on the DOC team.

5. SUPPORT ITEMS:

USAID BiH will provide 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

Education (10 points): A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, graphic design, international affairs, social science, English, or other similar related subject areas is required.

Prior Work Experience (30 points): A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, communications, public relations, graphic design, international affairs, social sciences, English, or related fields is required. Previous supervisory experience is required.

Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, journalism, and digital communications. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable. Successful completion of formal COR/AOR training is required and will be provided to successful candidate.

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

Knowledge (25 points):

Specialized knowledge related to dealing with the press/communications; a demonstrated understanding of U.S. foreign policy considerations; high level understanding of various social media platforms; excellent knowledge of English grammar; and a knowledge of how to utilize a multi-disciplinary approach that satisfies multiple stakeholders, including USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina and inter-agency players, is essential. The position requires working knowledge of public relations and marketing-communications strategy. Demonstrated understanding of international development issues - including transitioning economies and democracies is required.

Skills and Abilities (35 points):

Demonstrated Skills and Abilities in the below areas are essential:

● Superb, native-level (or equivalent) English communication skills (written and spoken) are required.

● Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally in a high-stress, multi-cultural team setting with diverse stakeholders.

● Ability to develop and maintain relationships with interagency colleagues in the Embassy to move joint work and shared objectives forward.

● Ability to professionally represent USAID before senior government officials and other high-level visitors and to effectively communicate USAID's development objectives and achievements.

● Ability to develop and maintain relationships with media and high-level representatives, and exercise sound judgment while representing the USG is crucial.

● Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and workflows, and to participate as a solid team member while providing leadership in his/her areas of competence, is required.

● Excellent ability to work independently with minimal supervision along with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize on tight deadlines. The ability to convert planning concepts into firm plans is crucial.

● Abilities in publication, developing success stories, directing photo shoots, coordinating graphic design, and directing digital communications work is required.

● Advanced experience with social media platforms, social media outreach, website updates, and digital photo and videography is required.

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.

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs):

1. Education: 10 points

2. Prior Work Experience: 30 points

3. Knowledge: 25 points

4. Skills and Abilities: 35 points

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 100 points

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be requested to complete writing sample and will be interviewed via Google Meet at USAID’s discretion.

The hiring official may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors at the conclusion of evaluations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A US citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a security clearance at the secret level. The successful applicant must be able to receive a USAID security clearance that involves an applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a medical clearance. Details of how to obtain US Department of State medical clearance will be provided.

4. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary.

5. Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as and when requested.

6. Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit:

1. A signed offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with

Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms by e-Mail only to: bpalmer@usaid.gov.

2. Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying to (with clear explanation how you meet the minimum requirements);

3. Curriculum vitae/resume specifically addressing each Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as outlined in the solicitation;

4. Three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, peer and/or subordinate in current or previous employment) with current email address and telephone number;

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact specified in the Section I, Item 4.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.*

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO)/Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the S/EXO/CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit all required forms, including:

A. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) B. Medical History and Examination Form/Medical Clearance Update (Department of State Forms DS-6561/DS-3057) C. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86) or D. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) E. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary

Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a U. S. citizen/Alien (offshore) PSC 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)

(f) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(g) Annual and Sick Leave

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. Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) B. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) C. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Section 210) D. Supplemental 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)

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 US PSC 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://w ww.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

2. AAPD 21-04 EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 ON ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19

SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION) (FAR

Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c) 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70:

PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

Insert the following clause in all solicitations and contracts for personal services with individuals performing in the United States or its outlying areas. COs may incorporate this requirement into new solicitations and resulting contracts for personal services with individuals performing outside of the United States or outlying areas (United States National (US), Cooperating Country National (CCN), and Third Country National (TCN), depending on local conditions.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause - United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the

Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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

Item No Services Quantity Amount

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 TBD at award

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 TBD at award

4. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

5. 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://w ww.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/O GE %20Regulations.

USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina expects to award a personal services contract for a US Citizen commencing as early as practically possible, subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

6. 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

USAID PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN

EMPLOYMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX

(INCLUDING GENDER IDENTITY, TRANSGENDER STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

AND PREGNANCY), NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, AGE, GENETIC INFORMATION,

POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, AND/OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTORS