72048222R00001_Final Solicitation_Offshore US-TCNPSC Sr. DOC Specialist position_GS-14_USAID BURMA.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Embassy of the United States of America 110 University Avenue Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar

SOLICITATION NO: 72048222R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: November 1, 2021 CLOSING DATE: November 30, 2021

4:00 PM BURMA TIME

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Off-Shore U.S. or Third Country National Personal Services Contractor (US/TCNPSC) for the position of Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist, GS-

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (AID 309-2) from qualified U.S. citizens, U.S. Resident Alien, Third Country Nationals to provide services as Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist under a Personal Services Contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position will be in Rangoon, Burma.

Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the ATTACHMENT 1 information, at the place and time specified. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be considered.

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.

USAID/Burma will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to the undersigned at usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov.

Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted.

Sincerely, /s/

Stephanie Iceland-Leitzel Contracting Officer

USAID/Burma

Stephanie Iceland-Leitzel Digitally signed by Stephanie Iceland- Leitzel Date: 2021.11.01 13:28:56 +07'00'

SOL 72048221R00001

Solicitation for Off-Shore U.S. or Third Country National Personal Services Contractor (US/TCNPSC) for the position of Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC)

Specialist, GS-14

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048222R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 1, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 30, 2021 4:00 PM

BURMA TIME

4. POINT OF CONTACT: SCOTT W. SPENCER, E-mail at usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS

(DOC) SPECIALIST

6. MARKET VALUE: $ 93,907 - $ 122,077 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two years, estimated to start on/about February 20, 2022.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three one-year option years to extend for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: February 20, 2022 to February 19, 2024 Option Period 1: February 20, 2024 to February 19, 2025 Option Period 2: February 20, 2025 to February 19, 2026 Option Period 3: February 20, 2026 to February 19, 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: RANGOON, BURMA with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent U.S. residents per AIDAR 702 and Appendix D. Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are also eligible offerors per AIDAR Appendix J. Only short-listed candidates will be considered for an interview.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Order of Preference - Reference: ADS 309.3.1.4 U.S. Nationals Third Country Nationals U.S. citizen or permanent resident/registered alien (“green card holders”); offerors will be evaluated in isolation first, and only when there is no USN and US Legal resident alien qualified and "responsible" (including SAM and OFAC verifications), can the CO give the technical evaluation committee (TEC) any TCN offers for review and consideration.

11. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: SECRET

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The Senior Development Outreach Communications (DOC) Specialist in Burma supports the

USAID Mission in the achievement of its objectives by producing and disseminating public information about the Mission’s activities in the region in order to educate and promote better understanding of USAID programs for both regional and American audiences. The DOC is responsible for collecting, investigating, managing and distributing information associated with the USAID development assistance program in Burma. The DOC serves as the Mission’s primary point of contact and liaison for information requests.

The DOC is located in the Program Office and reports directly to the USAID Mission Supervisory Program Officer. The USAID Mission Director serves as the longer-term policy advisor for the DOC. The DOC’s recommendations on development outreach will assist the Mission management in making policy decisions. The DOC also collaborates closely with the technical offices and implementing partners in developing and implementing the Mission’s overall Communication Strategy. S/he maintains regular contact with and collaborates with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer (PAO) in Burma to ensure that Embassy personnel are properly apprised of USAID activities and projects and related public affairs issues. S/he also serves as principal liaison with the Agency’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington (USAID/W).

In light of the transition underway in Burma, USAID sees a need and an opportunity to engage directly with Burmese organizations and institutions to support political reforms, foster ethnic reconciliation, and strengthen the capacity of reform-minded individuals and institutions. As part of this renewed engagement, USAID is re-establishing an in-country mission, allowing us to partner more robustly with the Burmese people to address critical needs. This engagement will build on the already strong U.S. commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of the people in Burma.

Since 2008, USAID has managed a program focused on humanitarian assistance along the Thai- Burma border, in the Irrawaddy delta, and in Central Burma. USAID has also provided assistance to U.S. and international organizations supporting human rights and independent media in the country.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The specific duties of the Senior Development Outreach Communications Specialist will include but are not limited to the following:

Collaborates and cooperates closely with the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of the U.S. humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives. Works in concert with the PAO in developing public communications designed to highlight U.S. assistance contributions as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director.

Develops and implements a Mission Communications Strategy that promotes a better understanding of and support for USAID programs to external audiences, ensures public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID, and provides information to USAID/W and the U.S. Embassy while also adapting messaging to current political sensitivities.

Monitors local and international news in the country to adjust tone on social media platforms and other public messaging as necessary.

Implements the Mission Communications Strategy and provides the vision for the Mission’s communications efforts and events. Monitors and evaluates progress toward communication objectives as outlined in the Communications Strategy

Monitors local and donor opinion concerning USAID programs for the purpose of gauging the effect of the information dissemination strategy and provides feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming.

In collaboration with the PAO, the Senior DOC serves as the principal USAID contact for providing USAID equities and clearances in statements and press releases to promote activities and Agency priorities in the country.

The incumbent advises the Mission Director and the USAID staff on press and media relations, coordinates with the Mission Director, Program Office, technical officers, implementing partners and the PAO to promote press and media coverage of Mission activities, and facilitates contacts among members of the media and USAID implementers to encourage coverage of USAID programs in the local and international press.

Manages the Senior DOC budget for communication inputs and facilitates related procurements.

Establishes and maintains contact with representatives of donors and other USG agencies to collect information for reports.

Assists USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information products, provides guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media and ensures a targeted, coherent and consistent message from all of the USAID staff and partners.

Organizes and coordinates with the PAO and project representatives on all aspects of in-person and virtual public events for USAID, including preparation and dissemination of press releases and background information, protocol issues, site selection and preparation, staging and logistical issues, scheduling and maintaining contact with speakers, and notification of appropriate U.S. and local government officials and media, as well as on-site coordination of media.

Serves as the primary and/or secondary Mission point of contact for in-person and virtual site visits by official visitors from the US Embassy, USAID/W, etc. In consultation with USAID project managers, drafts site visit schedules, prepares briefing materials and scene setters, coordinates meetings and briefings with partners, constituents, other donors and officials. S/he manages all logistics related to visits and accompanies visitors as required.

Maintains a calendar of USAID program events in close coordination with implementing partners and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR).

Responds to inquiries from the general public and the media on USAID programs, practices and any other general information requests as directed, in collaboration with the PAO.

Prepares and updates a standard information package on the USAID program for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, USAID/W, the U.S. Embassy, etc. Materials include scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors and general information about countries in the region.

Reviews drafts of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments and provides drafts to the PAO for dissemination. Follows up with the media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Participates in field trips, as necessary.

Photographs and/or videos USAID events for use on a variety of communications mediums to include web, social media platforms, Mission archives, and media dissemination.

Collaborates with Asia Bureau when pitching stories or social media content to LPA and the USAID/Administrator’s handle as well as updating and maintaining megatalkers on Mission-related activities.

Maintains USAID Mission website, including fact sheets, in coordination with the Agency’s

Asia and LPA Bureaus, and updates USAID Mission briefing materials.

Serves as the coordinator and technical point of contact for implementation of Agency project-branding efforts. Ensures that all of the USAID mission staff are familiar with the requirements of project branding; as needed, works with Agency partners and implementers on ensuring compliance with Agency project branding guidance.

Manages communications-related purchase orders and Task Orders for photography, videography, translation, and/or general communications support.

Lead all partner inquiries on branding and marking, including wavier requests and presumptive exceptions.

3. Supervision Received: Incumbent will report to the USAID Mission Supervisory Program Officer. Supervision is exercised in a broad and general manner. Incumbent is expected to take self–initiative in planning and carrying out his/her assignment.

4. Supervision Exercised: Supervisory authority is included in this position; directly supervises the USAID Mission communications team includes one Foreign Service National (FSN) staff and one U.S. Eligible Family Member Technical Writer/Editor.

In accordance with ADS 309.3.3.1:

“If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide the established number of days/hours of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.”

13. PHYSICAL DEMANDS : The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

14. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices, USAID Communications Manual.

15. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: Projects assigned to the incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment.

16. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: None. Incumbents’ recommendations, though, will be the basis for making commitments and contributing to policy decisions made by the Mission management team.

17. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Personal contacts are with local media, U.S.

embassy personnel, USAID/W, implementers and institutional contractors.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

This position requires a combination of leadership, expertise, analytical, technical, and managerial skills.

The incumbent must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures. The incumbent must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment and with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental counterparts, and have experience with local, regional and international press.

1. Education: a Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in the field of public relations, communications, or an area related to international development. A Master’s degree is preferred/desired.

2. Experience: A minimum of eight years (or ten without a Master’s degree) of demonstrated successful experience in public relations or a related field is preferred. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Experience working with local media and developing media contacts is highly desirable. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable. Incumbents who have local media contacts with whom he/she can interact with regularly (24 hours per day if/when necessary), and have proven skills that will help the Mission meet deadlines or make changes necessary in an immediately prior to items going to press are desirable. Experience working in Burma or the Southeast Asia region is desirable.

3. Knowledge and Abilities: The successful candidate must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, website content, cables, Facebook postings, tweets, blogs, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. Good coordination and organizational skills within multicultural work environments are required. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in a time-sensitive environment, and demonstrate knowledge and expertise regarding planning, strategy, and adherence to policies and procedures regarding all development outreach communications activities such as branding and markings. Knowledge of how the press operates to facilitate troubleshooting and ability to advise the Mission on the best press outlets to use for given purposes is essential. Incumbents must have a familiarity with data bases, drafting and updating website content, and use of a Content Management System (CMS).

4. Skills: Native level fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. Effective written and oral communications are absolutely critical to perform successfully in this position. Some knowledge of the Burmese language is a plus. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Excellent social media skills are 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.

Technical Evaluation Factors:

The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will review each of the below listed factors. Each of the factors will be weighted equally on a qualitative scale (Non-Responsive, Unsatisfactory, Marginal, Satisfactory, Exceptional). The TEC will review each factor as a whole, taking into account information provided in the resume/CV including educational background, writing sample, interview, and feedback from references.

1. EDUCATION: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is required, preferably in the field of public relations, communications or an area related to international development.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 8 years (10 years without a Master’s degree) of professional experience in public relations, outreach, or communications for an international organization, or related field is required. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Demonstrated international experience is required.

Experience working in Burma or the Southeast Asia region is desirable.

3. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE: The successful candidate must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, speeches, stories, social media, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. Experience working with the press and solid knowledge of the different press outlets and influential organizations. Experience enabling the applicant to make judgments and provide advice on best press outlets available. Knowledge of word processing and Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is required. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and website content development is preferred.

4. SKILLS: Excellent English writing and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills are required. Good coordination, teamwork, and organizational skills within a multicultural work environment are required. Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure is a must, as is the ability to take initiative and be creative. Photographic and graphic design skills are also desirable. Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should be 350 to 1,000 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words), and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public.

Samples must be authored solely by the applicant; co-written articles are not accepted. Examples of the applicant’s original professional work are encouraged to be included with their submission to include; copies of photos, videos, and social media engagement products among other works which represent the applicants outreach communication skills. Submitted materials will not be returned to the applicants. Electronic submission of these professional works is encouraged if they are to be included in the application.

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 selection criteria will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together.

USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

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. Cover letters, resumes or curricula vitae (CVs)

3. Writing sample not to exceed three (3) pages on a substantive technical issue, for which the offeror is the primary author and can demonstrate minimal outside editing. This may include a portion of a longer professional or academic work, or a hypothetical example drafted for this solicitation.

4. Five (5) professional references, with names, and most recently known telephone number and email, to include at least one supervisor, one subordinate, and one peer for which the offeror has worked in the last five years.

5. 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.

6. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. Interested candidates should send the above information electronically:

usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov Subject of email must be as follows: “U.S. PSC Offshore Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist, GS-14”. (Be certain to sign form AID 309-2). Unsigned or incomplete applications will not be considered. Uploaded file may not exceed 25 MB. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic submission.

USAID will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to e-mails. The applicant assumes all risk related to an electronic submission.

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. Security Eligibility/Facility Access: AID 6-1 (REQUEST FOR SECURITY ACTION)

2. Medical Clearances and Certifications:

DS-6561 Pre-Assignment for Overseas Duty for Non-Foreign Service Personnel physical exam.

(OR) DS-3057 Medical Clearance Update (MCU)

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) Annual and Sick Leave

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

3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. Some benefits may be adjusted according to the applicants residency status. For Non-LCP PSCs, the benefits and/or allowances applicable as specifically approved by the Mission Director for the TCNPSC position per AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii).

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are subjected to “Funds for Social Security, retirement, pension, vacation or other cooperating country programs as required by local law shall be deducted and withheld in accordance with laws and regulations and rulings of the cooperating country or any agreement concerning such withholding entered into between the cooperating government and the United States Government”.

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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

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: R497

- Accounting Info: DV 482-M 2021-2022

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: R497

- Accounting Info: : DV 482-M 2021-2022

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: R497

- Accounting Info: : DV 482-M 2021-2022

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: R497

- Accounting Info: : DV 482-M 2021-2022

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 18-02

REVISED

(PDF 96K)

This AAPD extends and revises implementation of medevac regulations for USPSCs and TCNPSCs under AIDAR Appendix D and J, § 12, clauses #25 in Appendix D, and #21 in Appendix J. – December 18, 2019

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 15-02-

Revised 2

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

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 10-01

(PDF 47 kb)

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS -- CHANGES IN USG

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS – 01/08/10

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 06-10

(PDF 80 kb)

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY –

October 30, 2006

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 06-08

(PDF 35 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: USING THE OPTIONAL

SCHEDULE TO INCREMENTALLY FUND CONTRACTS –

JUNE 23, 2006

Personal Services Contracts

CIB 99-15

(PDF 51 kb)

Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations – 08/99

Personal Services Contracts

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 .

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