72048624R00002 USPSC Monitoring_Evaluation_Learning_Global Fragility Act Advisor_signed.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER : 72049224R00002

ISSUANCE DATE : November 6, 2023 CLOSING DATE/TIME : December 6, 2023 (11:59 PM Philippines Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning/Global Fragility Act Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified person 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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Carlos Sebastián Gutiérrez Executive Officer/Contracting Officer USAID Philippines

72049224R00002

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72049224R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 6, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 6, 2023, at 11:59 PM Philippine

Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources Division, USAID/Philippines e-mail at aidmnlhr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning/Global Fragility Act Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $99,908 - $129,878 per annum equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated only within the listed market value and will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from 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 (2) years, estimated to start in April

2024. Based on Agency need, availability of funds and satisfactory performance, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for three (3) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period o/a April 2024 – March 2026 Option Period 1 o/a April 2026 – March 2027 Option Period 2 o/a April 2027 – March 2028 Option Period 3 o/a April 2028 – March 2029

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

• Must be U.S. Citizens;

• Demonstrated ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance;

• Demonstrated ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

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

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance mailto:aidmnlhr@usaid.gov

11. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The USAID Country Office in Papua New Guinea (PNG) oversees USAID programs in PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. PNG was selected as part of the U.S. whole-of-government effort to fulfill the requirements of the Global Fragility Act (GFA) and to implement the U.S.

Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stabilization (SPCPS), a 10-year effort to proactively tackle the root causes of violence in fragile states. The SPCPS marks a way forward for a new resilience-focused to promote partnership with PNG to promote peace and address challenges to its stability at the community-level.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning/Global Fragility Act (MEL/GFA) Advisor will serve as USAID’s representative to the inter-agency team implementing the SPCPS 10-Year Country Plan (Strategy) for PNG. S/he will lead USAID's MEL efforts and support the development and implementation of the SPCPS interagency MEL Plan and Learning Agenda. The MEL/GFA Advisor will have expert MEL knowledge and a general understanding of the democracy, governance, and conflict and economic growth sectors, to include cross-sectoral areas such as gender and social inclusion, civil society strengthening, local service delivery, and youth development. The MEL Advisor will review and approve evaluation statement of work; review and analyze project quarterly reports; provide Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) input on activity design and develop/regular update USAID’s Performance Management Plans (PMPs) to provide adequate oversight for USAID’s projects, and serve as USAID lead for collaboration, learning, and adaptation efforts for the SPCPS.

As MEL Advisor, s/he will have expert-level knowledge of MEL concepts and practices/application in complex environments. The Advisor plans, budgets, and manages monitoring and evaluation activities for USAID in coordination with USAID's technical teams and the United States Government (USG) inter-agency SPCPS team. S/he monitors and assesses program performance and progress and determines knowledge gaps for program learning and adaptation. S/he applies an understanding of reporting requirements and formats through preparation of planning, budgeting, and performance reporting documentation and guides staff to complete required documentation. S/he assists in applying learning to strategic planning, project and activity design, and implementation through adaptive management.

As GFA Advisor, s/he will provide critical leadership and management oversight of USAID's SPCPS work. S/he will engage with the inter-agency to oversee progress of the 10-year strategy, and engage external partners to include USAID implementing partners, government representatives, civil society, and community leaders to support achievement of the strategic objectives. The GFA Advisor will serve as the principal advisor to the USAID Country Representative, inter-agency, and USAID Washington with full responsibility for providing leadership, advice, and staff support on all aspects of USAID's SPCPS programming.

Programming will address such areas as drivers of endemic violence and inter-group conflict, peacebuilding, conflict mitigation and management, and women’s inclusion and empowerment. S/he also provides regular and frequent reporting on SPCPS implementation, to include potential issues that may need to be addressed by USAID or the inter-agency.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As MEL Advisor (60%):

• Coordinate implementation of the SPCPS MEL Plan and updates based on ongoing monitoring.

• Coordinate with USAID’s global GFA/SPCPS MEL team for MEL and CLA.

• Oversee USAID’s MEL efforts, leveraging/engaging local MEL expertise and coordinating

MEL efforts with local and international partners.

• Oversee data collection on country and strategic level indicators.

a. Incorporating program level data; and,

b. Developing data collection tools and methodologies.

• Analyze and visualize monitoring data at country level and utilize data to inform ongoing learning/adaptation.

• Develop recommendations for adjustments to strategies or activities based on analysis.

• Prepare briefings to the US Country Team(s).

• Ensure data is submitted to the central knowledge management portal.

• Develop activity learning agendas and oversee implementation.

• Ensure dissemination and utilization of learning products.

• Procure and oversee periodic evaluations for activities and promote utilization of recommendations.

• Establish and maintain an effective program monitoring and reporting system. This will entail assessing and making recommendations for ongoing program performance, in part through site visits, as well as through regular discussions and consultations with staff, partners, and counterparts.

• As needed, serve as the Contracting or Agreement Officer’s Representative (C/AOR) or Alternate C/AOR for USAID MEL activities in PNG, which will require obtaining and maintaining appropriate certification. This will entail significant involvement in overseeing USAID programs, reviewing work plans, engaging with various development partners and community level counterparts, providing guidance to local staff regarding project implementation, advising implementing partners, drafting correspondence, recommending strategic and tactical adjustments, and assuring the achievement of program results.

• Support and provide guidance to the Philippines, Pacific Islands and Mongolia Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Activity (PIMMELA) to support MEL for USAID/PNG’s activities.

As GFA Advisor (40%):

• Serve as principal technical representative to USAID and the inter-agency on PNG’s SPCPS strategy.

• Serve as the point of contact to the Country Representative, or his/her designee. This will entail regular reporting on implementation of inter-agency SPCPS efforts and USAID’s

SPCPS activities implemented in PNG, and includes providing strategic guidance, analysis, advice, and recommendations.

• Lead or support reporting on SPCPS, to include drafting briefers and inputting into taskers from Washington and the inter-agency.

• Serve as Public Outreach and Donor Advisor: Under the direction of the Country Representative, or his/her designee, represent USAID to other donor agencies, private sector organizations, civil society organizations, and the host country government. This will include drafting and delivering public remarks during USAID-sponsored public events, representing the USG and/or USAID at donor-agency meetings, preparing communication for public education and engagement, and attending high-level events with senior government officials.

C. KEY POSITION ELEMENTS

a. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The MEL/GFA

Advisor is required to exercise independent judgment to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, and managerial and/or policy problems. Balanced judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID office personnel, USG interagency representatives, representatives from donor organizations and the Government of Papua New Guinea, as well as other foreign government officials to resolve problems that arise during the course of work and for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required to work effectively, coordinate multi-sector efforts in support of USAID development objectives, to collect, analyze and report on progress of activities, and to recommend project actions. The MEL/GFA Advisor will be required at all times to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

b. Level of complexity for work assignments: The incumbent must be able to efficiently absorb, analyze, and understand complex information related to the position. The work involves complex tasks within an established framework, but s/he will have considerable scope in how to tackle the role through structuring assigned work and resources available.

The area of work is intrinsically complex, and in-depth analysis of the options will be a feature. Due to the complexity of this position in a dynamic political context, the work pattern will be characterized by shifting or changing priorities and many different overlapping tasks/projects.

c. Knowledge Level Required: Requires expert knowledge of: 1) the assigned field(s) of activity, acquired through extensive training and experience at senior levels; and 2) host countries’ development prospects, priorities, and resources in the assigned field of specialization. Also, a high level of analytical ability and a comprehensive understanding of the principles and the theories of the assigned field(s) of activity and their application and adoption and the ability to influence policies and decisions through negotiations and recommendations. This position also requires a thorough knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of U.S. Government legislation relating to development assistance; USAID programming and policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation; and the objectives, methodology, and status of the programs and projects to which assigned.

d. Supervisory Controls: The MEL/GFA Advisor will receive administrative direction and supervision from the Country Representative or his/her designee. S/he performs assigned duties independently where procedures and guidelines have been established.

Completed assignments are reviewed for soundness, completeness, and conformity with policies and procedures. S/he also may be designated to coordinate activities across the embassy’s SPCPS effort and will be tasked with reviewing and ensuring the quality of work produced by a wide range of technical team members. No supervision responsibility is expected.

e. Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements: The MEL/GFA

Advisor will use expert judgment and discretion in determining intent and interpreting and revising existing policy and regulatory guidance for use by others within or outside the office. S/he must be recognized as an expert in the development and/or interpretation of guidance on USAID program planning and evaluation in-country.

f. Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position’s responsibilities: The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting rooms, training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

g. Scope and effect of the work performed: The Monitoring, Evaluation, and

Learning/Global Fragility Act (MEL/GFA) Advisor will serve as USAID representative to the inter-agency team designing and implementing the GFA 10-Year Country Plan (Strategy) for PNG. S/he will lead USAID’s MEL/GFA efforts and lead development and implementation of the MEL Plan for the inter-agency strategy. The MEL/GFA Advisor will have expert MEL knowledge and a general understanding of the democracy and governance and economic growth sectors, to include cross-sectoral areas such as conflict prevention and peace building, gender and social inclusion, civil society strengthening, local service delivery, and youth development. S/he will review and approve the evaluation statements of work; review and analyze project quarterly reports; provide Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) input in project design and development; regularly update the mission Performance Management Plans (PMPs) to provide adequate oversight for USAID projects.

h. Level and purpose of contacts: The incumbent has contacts with all levels of USAID and the U.S. Government, including the U.S. Ambassador to PNG, with the host government officials, other donors, regional organizations/bodies, provincial authorities, NGO’s, CSOs and community leaders. The incumbent will also work with senior officials, often taking the lead in briefing them on ongoing or planned activities.

i. Supervision or oversight the position has over others:

No responsibility for direct supervision over others. Mentoring of junior staff as may be assigned.

D. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

In-country travel to other areas in PNG is expected, as well as regional or international travel when necessary. Transportation, communications, office space, translation services, travel permissions, and a computer will be provided by USAID, as available and needed.

E. SUPPORT ITEMS:

The PSC will be provided with the adequate support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

13. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is primarily sedentary, although some walking, bending, or carrying of light items may be involved.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in development studies, social sciences, business administration, public administration/public policy, project management or related field.

Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive and responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation and project design is required. Experience in data collection and analysis, evaluation design, and performance indication selection is also required.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The Contracting Officer (CO) reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. 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.

After the closing date for receipt of offers, a Technical Evaluation Committee will be convened to review offers and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Offerors who clearly meet the aforementioned minimum qualification requirements may be further evaluated through review of the offeror’s submitted required documents and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors.

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

Education (10 points)

• Additional points will be awarded for educational degrees above the established minimum.

Master’s degree in development studies, social sciences, business administration, public administration/public policy, project management or related field is preferred.

• Candidates will be evaluated on the relevance of their educational accomplishments to the functional responsibilities of the position.

Work Experience (30 points)

• Additional points will be awarded for work experience above the established minimum in monitoring and evaluation and project design.

• Experience working on the Pacific region is desirable.

Job Knowledge (30 points)

• Expert knowledge of: 1) the assigned field(s) of activity, acquired through extensive training and experience at senior levels; and 2) host countries’ development prospects, priorities, and resources in the assigned field of specialization.

• High level of analytical ability and a comprehensive understanding of the principles and the theories of the assigned field(s) of activity and their application and adoption and the ability to influence policies and decisions through negotiations and recommendations.

• Thorough knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of U.S. Government legislation relating to development assistance; USAID programming and policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation; and the objectives, methodology, and status of the programs and projects to which assigned.

Skills and Abilities (30 points)

• Ability to establish and maintain a range of contacts with high-level officials of multiple host governments and regional institutions, and with influential persons in civil society, the private sector, and international donors across PNG to represent and advance USAID development priorities, and to advocate for resources and support with senior officials across the U.S.

Government.

• The ability to obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data and to organize and present it in meaningful terms to others.

• The ability to draft factual and interpretive reports covering complex subject matter.

• Strong organizational and writing skills and ability to plan and provide detailed reports and analyses to support USAID/PNG in a timely and effective manner.

• Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail.

• High degree of maturity and flexibility, strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communications skills.

• Proficiency in the use of computer applications like emails, Microsoft word, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software.

A competitive range may be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who may be further evaluated through written tests, interviews, and reference checks to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offeror.

Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their offers. No response will be sent to unsuccessful offerors. As part of the selection process, finalist offerors may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion.

The selected offeror must obtain required security clearance level, within a reasonable period of time, from USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, D.C. USAID will provide further guidance to the successful offeror.

USAID expects to award a personal services contract for the period of performance commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://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 item 4.

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

4. A type-written and signed cover letter of no more than two (2) pages specifically applying for this position and addressing the minimum requirements and evaluation factors of the position.

5. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (without photo), which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements.

6. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

7. Copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees should be included in the application package to corroborate the CV/Resume.

8. Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/email not larger than 5MB. Please submit attachments in PDF. Application packages must be submitted electronically to aidmnlhr@usaid.gov.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:aidmnlhr@usaid.gov

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. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)

2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

5. Finger Print Card (SF-87). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of Offshore-Hire 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

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 (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.

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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 Compensation and Fringe Benefits/Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

1001 Option Period (OP) 1 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

2001 OP 2 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

3001 OP 2 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

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.

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 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 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.

– End of ATTACHMENT 1 – https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov