72026724R00003 - Solicitation for Senior Water Advisor USAID_IRAQ_(EGO).pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72026724R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2024

CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 09, 2024 5:00pm EST

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) - Iraq Senior Water Advisor (EGO) – USAID Iraq

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 offers.

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

Sincerely, Brian Carney Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72026724R00003

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72026724R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 09, 2024 5:00pm EST

4. POINT OF CONTACT: iraqrecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: USAID/Iraq Senior Water Adviser

6. MARKET VALUE: $104,604 - $135,987 equivalent to GS-14

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.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two-Year Period of Performance with possibility to renew in accordance with ADS 309: - Personal services contracts are subject to the two-year limitation in accordance with FAR Part 17. Start date is pending security and medical clearance approval.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The location of service is Baghdad, Iraq with possible travels to Erbil, Iraq.

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

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens Only

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

mailto:iraqrecruitment@usaid.gov

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract The Water Advisor provides leadership and expert technical advice to USAID/Iraq; including management and technical teams developing and managing programs at the intersection of water scarcity and international development. In particular, the Advisor supports the implementation of USAID/Iraq’s development objectives, promoting transformational, economy-wide approaches to addressing water scarcity and bolstering Iraqi resilience. The incumbent is responsible for conceiving, designing, managing, directing, reviewing and evaluating USAID/Iraq policies, programs and activities. S/he serves as a subject matter expert to the Mission, and mentor to FSNs on the cross-cutting issue of water scarcity. To improve the Mission’s impact on the problem of water scarcity, the Water Advisor will advance strategic partnerships, identify opportunities to increase locally-led development, and mobilize appropriate technical and financial resources.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The Water Advisor, in collaboration with the USAID/Iraq team and at the direction of the Economic Growth Office Director, will provide technical and operational support and facilitate the flow of information within the Mission, across in-country stakeholders, and to Washington as needed. The incumbent will interact and coordinate regularly with counterparts at the Department of State and across the interagency.

The incumbent’s specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

● Coordinating issues across in-country stakeholders; subject matter experts; and the Embassy inter-agency stakeholders related to water scarcity;

● Assisting USAID/Iraq in interactions with interagency partners on budget, program, and policy issues related to water scarcity;

● Briefing USAID leadership, U.S. Government senior officials, and Government of Iraq

(GOI) leadership on water scarcity policy, program, and operational issues;

● Representing USAID/Iraq in engagements with implementing partners and the wider development community on water scarcity program progress and issues;

● Following current water scarcity events, trends, and research that relate to Iraq;

● Participating in the creation, drafting, and review of strategic planning documents including, but not limited to: Country Development Cooperation Strategy; Mission Strategic Plans;

Operational Plan, Mission Briefings, Budget scenarios, Performance Plan and Report; etc.

● Mentoring of mission staff on the challenge of water scarcity in Iraq and ways to effectively address it using the resources and capabilities of USAID/Iraq.

● Designing and adjusting USAID/Iraq activities as appropriate to respond to water scarcity;

● Leveraging resources from GOI, international donors, and the private sector to address water scarcity;

● Assisting with donor and sector coordination around water scarcity; and

● Other duties and special projects related to water scarcity as requested by USAID/Iraq.

USAID Consultation or Orientation

Foreign Service Counter Threat (FACT) course, Iraq Familiarization, and up to three days of consultations with Middle East Bureau staff.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Senior Water Advisor will report to and work under the general supervision and guidance of the Economic Growth Office Director. The EG office Director will review and approve the incumbent’s work plan and performance measures. Supervision will be generally confined to informal daily and/or weekly consultations.

4. Supervisory Controls

This is a non-supervisory position.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and poses few physical demands. During site visits, there will be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, wearing personal protection equipment, etc.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Sustainable Water Management, Water Conservation, Water Quality Protection or a related field. Alternatively, an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in International Development, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in areas pertinent to addressing water scarcity.

Prior work experience: Minimum of 12 years of professional experience in international development, with substantial expertise in advising on water scarcity programs. (Examples of specialized experience include: implementing activities that support international development or foreign policy priorities; field work focused on themes related to water management, climate change, environment; private public partnership; experience in budget formulation and analysis, project administration, and management procedures)

Language Proficiency: Fluent English (Level IV) reading, speaking and writing ability is required and Proficiency in Arabic is advantageous, facilitating deeper engagement and effectiveness in the local context.

Knowledge: USAID/US Government regulations/procedures as appropriate for carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position. Preference for substantial experience in the Middle East region, Preference for experience working in or working directly on international development, foreign policy, environment and climate changes issues affecting Iraq and/or the Middle East region.

Abilities and Skills: Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills, capable of conducting high-level policy analysis and designing interventions that address both immediate and long-term development needs and goals. Strong leadership, mentor, and coaching qualities in a non-supervisory role, with the ability to influence and drive project success through expert advice and strategic oversight.

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.

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.

SELECTION FACTORS

(Determines 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

● Complete resume submitted. See section IV for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

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

This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures may be accepted.

● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

● Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance through the contract.

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

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far http://www.usaid.gov/forms

BASIS OF RATING

Education and General Experience Required years of general experience and education Pass or Fail

Specialized Experience Experience in required specialized skills, industry knowledge to complete the duties/tasks

● Experience (15 points)

● Language Proficiency (5 points)

● Knowledge (5 points)

● Abilities and Skills (5 points)

30 points

Offeror Interview Validation of required skills and knowledge for suitability for the position.

● Experience (30 points)

● Language Proficiency (10 points)

● Knowledge (10 points)

● Abilities and Skills (10 points)

60 points

Professional Reference Checks Written confirmation of current or previous professional colleagues or supervisor.

10 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (10 points)

Offerors must provide their references to USAID/Iraq upon request no later than seven (7) days from the initial request. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the offeror being removed from consideration for this solicitation. In addition, the Agency has the right to seek any additional feedback on the offeror as needed.

SCORING OF OFFERORS

Specialized Experience: 30 points

Interview: 60 points

References: 10 points

TOTAL: 100 points

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.

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

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

4. Complete resume. 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. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will 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. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (SAM.gov, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for which you are applying. This information must 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.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

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.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your offer, and as the subject line in any email.

V. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. BENEFITS:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Personal Service Contracting (PSC) employee 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) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Federal Holidays

*Note: A US citizen’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(b) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(c) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

(d) Sunday Differential

VI. TAXES

The U.S. Mission does not withhold or make local income tax payments. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that all requirements as established by the Lebanese Government with regard to taxes are adhered to.

VII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO

PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National 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:

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3. 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

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.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman