72052120R00018 HIV Team Lead.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development American Embassy, Port-au-Prince Boulevard 15 Octobre, Tabarre 41 P.O. Box 1634 Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Tel: +(509) 2229-8000 Fax: +(509) 2229-8066 www.usaid.gov/ht

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052120R00018

ISSUANCE DATE: August 12, 2020 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 12, 2020 5:00 pm (Haiti/Local Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Services Contractor: HIV Team Lead in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. Citizens to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. The place of performance for the position will be Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment I of this solicitation. Incomplete, unsigned, or late 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 offer.

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

Sincerely, Sheila Samuels Sup. Executive Officer

Attachment: a/s

ATTACHMENT I

Solicitation Number: 72052120R00018

HIV Team Lead

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052120R00018

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 12, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME September 12, 2020 FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: (5:00 p.m. Haiti/Local)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Elénita Lahens, HR Specialist, USAID/Haiti Blvd 15 Octobre, Tabarre 41, Port-au-Prince, Haiti Telephone: 011 (509) 2229-8000 E-mail: elahens@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: HIV Team Lead

6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977 to $120,868 equivalent to a GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two (2) years estimated to start o/a 12/01/2020. Based on Agency need, availability of funding and subject to appropriate security and medical clearances, the Contracting Officer may exercise three

(3) possible one-year options for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a 12/01/2020 – 11/30/2022 Option Period 1: o/a 12/01/2022 – 11/30/2023 Option Period 2: o/a 12/01/2023 – 11/30/2024 Option Period 3: o/a 12/01/2024 – 11/30/2025

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent U.S. residents.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a

Security Clearance at the “Secret” level and a Medical Clearance within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF WORK:

(1) Purpose of the Contract:

USAID/Haiti is seeking the services of a USPSC to serve as HIV Team Lead in Port-au-

Prince, Haiti.

(2) Introduction: The USAID Mission in Haiti has an annual operating budget of approximately $125 million and 168 staff. The Health Office represents about 60% of the budget with approximately $72 million in FY19 and FY20 with $3.2m for the COVID19 crisis response.

Approximately $50 million of the health office budget is for programming under the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR is the United States governmental response for addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and is helping save the lives of those suffering from the disease. A USPSC will be recruited to serve as the HIV Team Lead and manage USAID/Haiti’s response collaborating closely with interagency counterparts comprised of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State Department, and liaising with Government of Haiti Ministry of Health, other donors, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The HIV Team Lead will serve as a high-level HIV technical expert to USAID/Haiti’s Health Office and Mission leadership and represent USAID within the interagency and with external counterparts. The incumbent will be a part of the overall Health Office Management Team and be responsible for contributing to USAID’s PEPFAR results.

(3) Statement of Duties to be Performed:

HIV Technical Leadership, Team Management and Coordination & Reporting:

Provide technical direction, team management, and coordination and reporting in implementing USAID/Haiti PEPFAR-funded activities.

A. Technical Leadership:

Keep abreast of current and new HIV/AIDS issues, interpret technical HIV/AIDS guidance into actionable recommendations, and provide leadership in key programmatic areas across the PEPFAR portfolio.

Lead programming of HIV testing, treatment and care services, as well as programming targeting to selected vulnerable groups and key populations such as Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), people living with HIV/AIDS, adolescents girls and young women as well as technical assistance in supply chain management.

Develop and review USAID technical and financial inputs into the annual Country Operational Plan (COP) for USG Haiti PEPFAR with HIV team.

Provide high level technical leadership to staff members and implementing partners (IPs) to ensure all IPs are maximizing integrated approaches that are strategic and cost effective.

Lead refinement or reprogramming of COP technical approaches for scaling up USAID Haiti PEPFAR activities in targeted departments and districts.

Keep Program, Finance and Contracting Offices abreast of OGAC fast moving technical directives and approaches, including directives to quickly expand local partners.

Guide HIV team in modifying current programs and/or generating new designs which align with OGAC technical guidelines and program priorities to enhance effectiveness of HIV results.

Represent USAID during consultations with HIV Technical Working Groups with Ministry of Health Officials, Donors, and NGO/private sector counterparts.

Identify opportunities for working with new partners, including private sector entities to expand HIV activities and country ownership.

Generate/adapt technical tools and materials for evidence based, state-of-the-art models to scale up HIV programs and reach vulnerable groups.

Ensure staff inputs in the planning and execution of VIP visits to USAID HIV funded sites including preparing briefers, background materials and related documents.

Guide staff in generating and documenting program activities, e.g. factsheets, blogs, and social media posts highlighting USAID HIV lessons learned, achievements and results.

Advise senior management, Embassy and USAID/Washington on strategic decisions and technical approaches for expanding USAID PEPFAR funded activities in Haiti.

Identify promising, innovative and sustainable models to advance PEPFAR funded activities within the context of Haiti.

B. Team Management and Mentoring:

Mentor and supervise (6) HIV Team members in COP strategy development, project design, program implementation and evaluation.

Oversee management of all USAID/Haiti’s bilateral and field support HIV activities based on OGAC guidelines and best practices in achieving results.

Coach team in analysis and use of technical data for programmatic and strategic decision making for COP development and implementation.

Manage planning, allocation and expenditures of the annual HIV/AIDS team budget and ensure timely obligations for sound financial accounting of funds.

Lead staff through acquisition and assistance actions in collaboration with OAA, OFM and Program Offices as per Agency guidance.

Identify gaps in HIV team knowledge and opportunities for advancing empowerment and professional development.

Serve as AOR/COR of at least two HIV activities: BRIDGE $10m Cooperative

Agreement; SPOTLIGHT $1.9m Cooperative Agreement Coach other AOR/CORs in managing awards, and monitoring and evaluating programs for results under the PEPFAR portfolio, including identifying problems and solutions.

Ensure staff mastery and certification in GLAAS as requesters, refine skills in tracking accruals, generating quarterly pipelines, and active participation in Quarterly Financial Reviews.

Provide detailed oversight of PEPFAR finances ensuring that funds are utilized according to USG policy/regulations, and that country programs are using resources effectively.

Support AORs/CORs preparations to plan and execute routine review meetings with interagency counterparts and IPs and undertake periodic portfolio reviews to assess program progress and finance financial performance.

Empower AORs/CORS to proactively manage projects and activities, identify problems and generate solutions.

Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to mission management to enhance professional development and empowerment of FSN staff.

Coach staff in working closely with the GOH and other key stakeholders including the Global Fund and other international agencies working on HIV in Haiti.

Improve staff skills in strengthening HIV/AIDS activities at the national and sub-national levels to ensure country ownership and technical capacity.

Reinforce staff’s role in contributing to team cohesion and accountability in advancing USAID’s HIV/AIDS priorities and aligning with GOH goals in its Journey to Self Reliance.

Serve as Acting Deputy Office Director, as needed.

C. Coordination and Reporting:

Coordinate with USG PEPFAR interagency team ensuring collaboration throughout the

COP planning and implementation process.

Represent USAID/Haiti at high level HIV meetings with IPs, donors, government, USG

Agencies and international and local counterparts.

Collaborate closely with the Global Fund on joint planning and implementation of the national HIV/AIDS program.

Lead Health Office inputs for preparation of key PEPFAR quarterly, bi-annually, and annual reporting.

Direct preparation, analysis and documentation for other reporting and periodic conference calls by USAID and the US Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) OGAC, as required.

In collaboration with the interagency, plan, coordinate and participate in PEPFAR meetings and conferences within the interagency for COP development, review, negotiation and approval.

Provide inputs into interagency documents, cables or other materials as requested by the mission, Embassy USAID/Washington and OGAC on HIV/AIDS activities.

(4) Supervisory Relationship: The incumbent will have significant decision-making ability and latitude in planning and executing agreed HIV work assignments by the supervisor. S/he will have significant ability to make time sensitive technical decisions in consultation with the supervisor. The incumbent will directly supervise six (6) locally employed staff: two Project Management Assistants, Project Management Specialist (HIS), Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Advisor), Project Management Specialists (Supply Chain), and Project Management Specialist (Care & Treatment). In order to empower FSN staff, s/he will be required to mentor and provide on-the-job training to Program Management Specialists and Program Assistants to improve HSD team performance. The incumbent will also conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports and assist FSNs to take on more supervisory responsibilities, if appropriate. In the absence of the Deputy Office Director, the HIV Team may be called upon to serve in that capacity for a defined period of time.

(5) Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will be supervised by the FSN Health Office Deputy Director. The supervisor will provide broad direction and outline work objectives. The incumbent is expected to work both independently and as a part of a team with little or no direction. The incumbent also has the authority to prioritize his/her own workload in the management of the HIV Team.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

● Education: Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, research and evaluation, international development or related field is required.

● Language Proficiency: French Level III and English Level IV required. French language proficiency will be tested. Given the nature of the position, effective written and oral communications are critical to perform successfully in this position. The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and make oral presentations.

The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively and persuasively with Mission employees;

within the USG interagency and various Washington-based U.S. Government agencies; senior technical counterpart government officials; international and local organizations, including the private sector, donors and other embassies.

● Relevant Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in Public Health, Epidemiology, and/or related fields of health with at least five years of experience managing HIV/AIDS activities in developing countries. At least five years of experience managing teams with three years experience managing the technical implementation of HIV/AIDS projects in developing countries. Experience leading coordination within and outside USG, especially building relationships with partners in the public and private sectors, host country nationals, bilateral and multilateral donors and/or NGOs is required.

● Knowledge: Professional knowledge of a broad range of public health, predominantly HIV/AIDS issues, program implementation and monitoring and knowledge of major health challenges in the region, preferably in Francophone cultural/work environments is required. In-depth technical knowledge of principles and practices of development in HIV/AIDS including services to vulnerable populations, OVC, testing, treatment and care and supply chain management; managing teams; and planning, designing, budgeting, and program implementation, monitoring and evaluation is required.

● Abilities & Skills: The applicant must possess strong leadership, management, and supervision skills with demonstrated commitment to coaching, mentoring, team building, and professional development. Candidate must have a proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in managing HIV teams. Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain productive working relationships with staff and counterparts both inside and outside of USAID. The incumbent must also demonstrate strong technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in HIV/AIDS and program management. S/he must have the ability to serve in Acting Deputy Office Director capacity, as required. S/he must be able to work in a demanding, complex interagency and often high-stress environment to meet deadlines and ensure consensus in submitting quality work products to USG. Must be a self-starter with strong advocacy, diplomatic and leadership abilities.

● The ability to obtain the security level and medical clearances required for the position.

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.

Selection/Evaluation Factors:

● Education 10 points

● French and English Language Proficiency 10 points

● Relevant Work Experience 20 points

● Relevant Knowledge 20 points

● Abilities & Skills 40 points TOTAL: 100 points

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

All of the following information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete:

1. A signed cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidate’s qualifications meet the work requirements.

2. A Curriculum Vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements.

3. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror

Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at, https://www.usaid.gov/forms/.

4. Names, current and accurate phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. USAID reserves the right to contact all references.

5. A signed written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the offeror is available for the position.

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

7. Offer packages 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.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the appropriate forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

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

3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

4. Medical History and Examination Form

VI. BENEFITS/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 & 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

(a) Cost of Living Allowance (Section 210)

(b) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(c) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(d) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(e) Education Travel (Section 280)

(f) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(g) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(h) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

Resident Hire USPSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits, differentials or allowances, and are only eligible for contributions for FICA, Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance.

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

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

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: TBD

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: TBD

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.

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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