72052122R00021 US TCNPSC HR Advisor.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: 72052122R00021

ISSUANCE DATE: July 27, 2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 26, 2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Services Contract (US/TCN PSC) Human Resources (HR) Advisor, USAID/Haiti

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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

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

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

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

Sincerely, Edel Perez Contracting Officer

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052122R00021

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 27, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 26, 2022 11:59 pm, Haiti local time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/EXO HR Team; usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Human Resources (HR) Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $81,216 - $105,579 equivalent to GS-13

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Six (6) months with option to renew for an additional 30 months in six month increments. Extension of contract is contingent on NSDD-38 approval.

The base period will be 6 months, estimated to start o/a October 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for up to a total of three (3) years as follows but the Contracting officer may increase the first option up to 12 months if NSDD-38 approvals and housing are available though the period of performance will remain 36 months.

Base Period: o/a 10/2022 – 03/2023 Option Period 1: o/a 04/2023 – 09/2023 Option Period 2: o/a 10/2023 – 09/2024 Option Period 3: o/a 10/2024 - 09/2025

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port-au-Prince, Haiti with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent legal residents) or Third Country Nationals (TCN).

Hiring Preference:

In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including permanent legal residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there are no qualified U.S. Citizens (including permanent legal residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals will be considered. References 309.3.1.10 and 309.3.1.4.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access is required.

mailto:usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Human Resources (HR) Advisor serves as a consultant to the USAID/Haiti Executive Office, reporting directly to the Deputy Executive Officer (D/EXO) and Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO) in the absence of the D/EXO. The Human Resources Advisor (HRA) is directly responsible for providing support to the EXO management team and hands-on training to the 7-person Human Resources team on personnel related matters. The HRA is expected to assess personnel-related functions and make recommendations and provide training for Mission Cooperating Country National Personnel Service Contractors (CCNPSC) personnel related to all aspects of travel, training, visitor coordination and human resources management including U.S. Direct Hires (USDH), U.S. Personal Services Contracts (USPSC), Third Country National Personal Service Contracts (TCNPSC) personnel management.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Provides support to the EXO management team on a range of HR related topics related to personnel management operations for USDH, CCNPSC, TCNPSC, and USPSC personnel.

● Assists EXO Management team and HR team with responses to various Embassy, Bureau, Mission level urgent and short-fuse taskers regarding staffing data, and other related topics.

● Assists EXO Management team and HR team to maintain all relevant travel, administrative and HR-related trackers.

● Assists EXO Management and HR Team in the maintenance and oversight of the Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking System (ASIST) filing system for HR files.

● Reviews and assists HR staff to update the Mission’s personnel management processes to align with recent Agency guidance alongside the D/EXO.

● Conducts regular spot checks on HR processes to ensure accuracy and compliance to HR regulations, processes and procedures.

● Serves as COR or Alternate COR for the Mission staffing contract and complete related tasks.

● Assists the D/EXO overseeing the HR portfolio tracking staffing data on all institutional contractors assisting the Mission.

● Assists EXO management on special HR projects, staffing, workforce management, and collaborates with State HR.

● Drafts templates, memos, letters, Mission notices and written correspondence as needed for distribution.

● Mentors guides, cross-trains and upgrades the administrative skills of USAID/EXO/HR staff with oversight from the D/EXO through individual and group sessions on various HR topics. Such topics will include but not limited to: personnel recruitment; contracting;

employee relations: and employee benefits based on local labor law and Embassy policies.

● Develops and executes plan for HR knowledge transfer to EXO/HR CCNPSC host-country national staff and performance will be based on assessment of the ability of the host-country

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

CCNPSC staff to take over these functions in a mutually determined period of time.

● Serves as Alternate COR for EXO Staffing Support contract to oversee and execute recruitment efforts under this mechanism, in the absence of the COR.

● Provides daily/monthly focused planned training for the HR Specialist, HR Assistant, Administrative Assistant (Rover), Visitor Coordinator and Travel/Training Coordinators on various HR, travel, training methodology, logistical planning protocols for visitors/VIPs and administrative topics.

● Reviews, assesses and makes recommendations as needed or requested for increased efficiency and effectiveness of the Mission employment program for USDH, USPSC, TCNPSC employees and CCNPSCs.

● Advises on both long and short-term, local and off-shore hires for OE-funded and program -funded to include knowledge transfer to the local CCNPSC staff.

● Drafts job aids, templates and customize tracker of job aids/templates for easy access by staff.

● Guides Office Chiefs in updating position descriptions on their teams to reflect current roles, duties and responsibilities and ensure the HR team is being empowered in leading this effort alongside the incumbent.

● Collaborates with State/HR colleagues for new Merit-Based Compensation (MBC) Program and introduces the policy and procedures to Mission supervisors when announced.

● Collaborates with HR team and State/HR colleagues on the Overseas Personnel System (OPS) for updating and tracking requests/actions accordingly.

● Conducts monthly/quarterly training, seminars and all-staff presentations for Mission personnel on HR processes such as drafting position descriptions and PSC statements of work, the CCNPSC classification system, MBC process etc. in collaboration with the EXO/HR team.

● Interprets HR regulations to assure employees are informed of all matters affecting employment and employee placement, personal services contracting, performance evaluation, leave and retirement policies, health benefits, and insurance allowances.

● Develops HR-related reports as required or requested.

● Serves as Acting D/EXO or Acting S/EXO in the absence of the D/EXO and S/EXO.

OTHER POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervisory Controls: The incumbent reports to and is directly supervised by the Deputy EXO, who makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines. The employee independently plans the work; carries out successive steps of assignments; handles problems and/or deviations that arise in accordance with instructions, policies, and guidelines; and, refers new or controversial issues to the supervisor for direction. The supervisor reviews work products for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policies and requirements.

S/he will supervise CCNPSC HR Specialist and provide other supervisory support to the EXO management team, as needed.

Supervision/oversight over others: This position is not supervisory but will oversee the work of the CCNPSC HR Specialist and does require substantial coordination with others, mentoring and training staff.

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Knowledge level required: Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of reviewing and interpreting labor laws, as well as prevailing HR management customs and practices as they apply to compensation and employment benefits is required. A strong practical and theoretical understanding of professional HR principles, practices and terminology is also required. A sound understanding of financial resource management specifically related to salary negotiations, employment contract regulation and budgets is required. In addition, a demonstrated proficiency/knowledge of correct American English grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure is required in order to prepare required training presentations, HR correspondence, documentation, reports, and relevant forms, etc.

Demonstrated experience displaying strong analytical skills, training staff in collecting data and advising Front Office on strategic HR management decisions for future planning.

Level and purpose of contacts: The incumbent will be required to establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of USAID/Haiti, US Mission and USAID/Washington Office of Human Resources personnel. S/he is required to seek information related to areas of responsibility, and/or to discuss HR policies; liaise with provide guidance and training on regulations and procedures; coordinate recruitment and contracting actions and assist in resolving problems, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, management or related fields is required. Formal training in recruitment, position classification, personnel administration, business management or closely related subjects is required.

Relevant Work Experience & Knowledge: A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in HR management performing duties where emphasis was placed on HR processes, customer service, training, strategic planning and administrative Management is required. At least five (5) years of these years providing expert-level HR knowledge to senior leadership and supervisory support to HR team members in a mid-to large-sized organization is required. Knowledge of USG regulations related to HR management is required.

Language Proficiency: English Level IV is required.

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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti 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.

“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.]

Skills and Abilities: This position requires exceptional HR leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, an ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment, empathy, uncompromising integrity, balanced judgment, the ability to conceptualize – strategically and an ability to generate trust and build alliances with co-workers.

The ability to organize and execute informal training for USAID staff in collaboration with the EXO/HR team. Proven skills in mentoring and coaching staff is required. The ability to work effectively as a team member in a fast-paced dynamic environment and communicate with and understand the needs of a wide range of clients; to anticipate client needs and/or concerns and assist in resolving pertinent HR issues when needed is required. The incumbent must be able to understand and apply Agency regulations and procedures for personnel relations, contract administration, travel, and budgeting and demonstrate extreme flexibility to manage more than one activity in performing daily personnel management related actions. S/he must be able to work effectively under pressure; have excellent organizational skills, diplomacy, tact, sound judgment and discretion and use collaborative methods to maintain effective working relationships with all staff. The incumbent must be a dynamic self-starter, able to organize, prioritize and follow through on all assignments with minimal oversight; strong proofreading skills; demonstrated skill to synthesize budgetary information as it directly relates to employment contracts; possess good analytical skills in order to make objective decisions and present them concisely. Must have demonstrated oral and written communication skills, excellent computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet software. Work requires the incumbent’s utmost discretion in handling human relations matters, and the ability to inspire confidence, resolve issues that arise and maintain confidentiality. A strong ability to work effectively with superiors, subordinates, colleagues, and partners, both within and outside the Mission, are required, as well as maturity, stability, objectivity, 6 resourcefulness, adaptability, and sound professional judgment. The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to work productively in a multicultural environment.

● Education 10 points

● Language proficiency 10 points

● Relevant Work Experience & Knowledge 50 points

● Abilities & Skills 30 points

● Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: Pass/Fail

Total Possible Point -100

● Applicants will be initially screened based on the extent to which the individual meets the minimum qualifications above.

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

● A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will review and evaluate the applications that meet the minimum requirements and will create a ranking of the most highly rated and technically qualified applicants based on the selection/evaluation criteria.

● The TEC may conduct interviews of the most highly rated applicants before making a selection recommendation to the Contracting Officer (CO). The interview may be one of the determining factors in the final selection, but an interview is not always necessary.

● Before a final candidate is selected the Human Resources Unit will perform professional reference checks and they will also be factored into the final selection. The offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

● Due to the volume of responses, individual acknowledgements regarding receipt of applications cannot be made. Only those applicants who are invited for an interview will be notified regarding the status of their applications.

III. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the Form AID 309-2 Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracting (PSC) with Individuals

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. (usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov)

3. Offeror must submit all required documents and clearly reference the Solicitation number on all submitted documents. Incomplete offer packages may be eliminated from further consideration. Only Offerors who meet the minimum requirements may be contacted.

4. Offerors must submit ALL of the following documents:

- A signed Form AID 309-2 Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracting (PSC)

- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.

- A cover letter or Summary Statement Addressing the evaluation factors This Summary

Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor. The Summary Statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

- Relevant educational certificates (bachelor, master’s degree, etc.)

- List of a minimum of three (3) professional references with accurate telephone and e-mail information

5. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2 https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2 https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful candidate about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful candidate instructions about how to complete and submit the necessary forms for security and medical certifications.

V. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2);

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62); *

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

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

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting

Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

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

*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), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

(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)]

TCNs do not receive identical allowances as USPSCs. However, subject to Mission Director approval, TCNs may receive specific allowances under AIDAR Appendix J sec. 4(c)(2)(ii) and many allowances from AIDAR Appendix D that are on par with other offshore hires.

VI. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. Please note that all US citizens and legal permanent residents/green card holders are required to pay US taxes, which will be deducted through payroll.

VII. 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. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR

FEDERALCONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV- FAR22-01c)

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

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

Attachment 1 USPSC/ TCNPSCHR Advisor , Port-au-Prince, Haiti

3. 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)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T

(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: TBD

2 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: 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_

4. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for

Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Services Contract (US/TCN PSC) Human Resources (HR) Advisor, USAID/Haiti