72052122R00022 Senior Technical Advisor- Citizen Security DRG LP.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052122R00022

ISSUANCE DATE: July 26, 2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 25, 2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Services Contract (US/TCN PSC) Senior Technical Advisor- Citizen Security, 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. This solicitation is subject to funds availability.

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

Sincerely, Leslie Petersen Contracting Officer

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

Attachment 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72052122R00022

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 26, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 25, 2022 11:59 pm, Haiti local time

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Technical Advisor- Citizen Security

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 - $124,764 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) year base period estimated to start o/a September, 2022.

The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start o/a September, 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for three (3) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a 09/2022 – 09/2024 Option Period 1: o/a 09/2024 – 09/2025 Option Period 2: o/a 09/2025 – 09/2026 Option Period 3: o/a 09/2026 – 09/2027

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/Computer Access, Public Trust Clearance for a TCNPSC and Secret level clearance in the case of a USPSC.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Sr. Technical Advisor – Citizen Security combines a range of roles and responsibilities associated with program design, coordination, planning, reporting, and strategy development to inform and facilitate the work of the Democracy, Rights, and Governance (DRG) office in Haiti. The Technical Advisor assists the DRG office with the design of select citizen security activities, provides analysis and strategic advice to the DRG office, and contributes to the overall conception, formulation and implementation of citizen security mailto:usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov programming in Haiti. This includes: (1) strategically planning the implementation of citizen security programs in coordination with the DRG team members; (2) analyzing the operating political, economic and social environments to inform citizen security programming; (3) supporting, assessing, evaluating, and reporting citizen security activities; and (4) coordinating citizen security activities with USAID, State, DoD, and others as directed by the DRG Office Director.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

(50%)

● Serve as Agreement/ Contracting Officer's Representative for one or more citizen security related contracts or cooperative agreements, managing all technical, administrative, reporting, monitoring and evaluation as well as financial aspects of related citizen security programs and activities. As such, the incumbent will be expected to provide technical oversight direction/ advice to contractors and/or, grantees.

● Track financial status and expenditures of citizen security activities and forecast future needs.

● Maintain complete and auditable files of all procurement documents that meet USG requirements.

● Ensure that USAID/Haiti’s’ anti-crime & violence prevention activities are in line with USAID and USG policy, and to the extent possible, in line with international and local best practices and complementary to the efforts of other donors. The incumbent will also be required to assess potential new activities to make certain that USAID conflict and violence prevention programming and policy in Haiti address key issues in the sector and that investments in the sector produce positive results.

● Coordinate and participate in regular Portfolio Reviews and identification of major issues related to citizen security programs for the DRG Office.

● Prepare internal reporting requirements for citizen security related activities including program management reviews, annual reports, cables, project agreements, correspondence and other documentation.

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (35%)

● The incumbent will advise the DRG Officer and other Embassy Port-au-Prince officers as required on the direction and implementation of the DRG office’s citizen security portfolio, to include setting priorities for strategic actions. S/he will contribute to the development of USAID Haiti’s strategic planning documents, performing research and providing analysis on citizen security and USAID’s contributions to the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stabilization (SPCPS). This may include drafting background documents outlining the history of citizen security and programming; donor mapping, participating in field research and/or assessments, preparing high-level briefings, developing internal and external communications on citizen security topics of interest, such as briefing papers, technical presentations, and trends analysis.

● Under the guidance of the DRG Office Director, work with project design teams to ensure technical excellence and coherence with local contexts with the aim of improving collaboration, building synergies, and elevating development results related to citizen security programming in Haiti.

● Provide strategic advice and assistance to the DRG office in the planning and analysis of citizen security activities. This includes coordination with relevant technical team members and experts across USAID offices, and drafting, reviewing, and commenting on activity planning documents.

● Conduct external stakeholder consultations supporting the planning, evaluation, and implementation of citizen security programs. This may include regional initiatives such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative as an illustrative example.

● Conduct stakeholder consultations related to the design of programs, and prepare activity appraisal documents, pre-obligation documents and other documents related to new program design. Lead activity approval document preparations and review process in coordination with DRG team members. These efforts will involve drafting and reviewing critical programmatic documents for approval, such as program descriptions, scope of works, approval and decisions memos, and other technical documents.

COMMUNICATIONS (15%)

● Prepare memoranda, speeches and talking points, briefing papers, and official correspondence for USAID to share with the State Department and other USG agencies, and external audiences as appropriate.

● Build and maintain relationships with the Government of Haiti, Haitian police, civil society, community leaders, faith-based-organizations, and donor representatives.

● Represent USAID at interagency and external working groups as directed.

● Inform DRG Director and relevant colleagues about political and security events that affect program implementation and impact USAID activities.

● Prepare and success stories, fact sheets, think pieces, and periodic reports and bullets on

USAID/Haiti’s citizen security programming for both Haitian and American audiences.

● Prepare internal reporting requirements for citizen security related activities including program management reviews, annual reports, cables, project agreements, correspondence and other documentation, as required.

OTHER POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will work with a great degree of independence with very little oversight from the Office Director.

Supervision/oversight over others: The Senior Technical Advisor for Citizen Security may train and mentor an FSN Citizen Security specialist in Port-au-Prince

Knowledge level required: The Senior Technical Advisor must be an expert analyst who can synthesize a wide range of qualitative and quantitative data from inside and outside of Haiti, including in Haiti’s most dangerous neighborhoods, to implement, assess, and improve USAID’s citizen security portfolio of programs. The incumbent must apply his/ her prior knowledge to obtain limited information, assess difficult to reach neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, and use this information to develop, and/ or approve/disapprove recommendations from contractors related to citizen security and violence reduction subprojects. S/he must have expert knowledge of police-related and/or social services-related work to decrease violence. S/he must be cognizant of and have experience working on related citizen security or conflict resolution projects domestically or internationally, and must understand best practices related to police and social services-related interventions to reduce violence and protect citizens in violence-affected areas. S/he must be cognizant of the latest legislation affecting the USG’s work with the police and must recommend changes based on changing legislation. S/he must have the ability to work as a member of a team in a culturally diverse environment. The incumbent must be able to work diplomatically and effectively under pressure, with the ability to multitask in the performance of daily activities and responsibilities is required. Strong communication abilities (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to synthesize information from different sources and compile it in short, easy to read documents for policymakers is required. Professional level proficiency in business applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard office software is required.

The ability to organize and analyze data/information, and independently author memos, reports, program summaries, fact-sheets, and scopes of work is required. Proficiency in delivering concise presentations on technical subject matters is preferred.

Strong communication abilities (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to synthesize information from different sources and compile it in short, easy to read documents for policymakers is required. Professional level proficiency in business applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard office software is required. The ability to organize and analyze data/information, and independently author memos, reports, program summaries, fact-sheets, and scopes of work is required. Proficiency in delivering concise presentations on technical subject matters. The ability to receive large amounts of complex information and convey main points orally and in writing is required.

Level and purpose of contacts: The Sr. Technical Advisor-Citizen Security will establish and maintain professional contacts/relationships at multiple levels, including USAID/Haiti and USAID/Washington technical staff, select US Embassy officials in Haiti, other donors involved in citizen security, and select Government of Haiti institutions.

The purpose of contacts is to inform on or elicit information about USAID-funded or otherwise-funded Citizen Security activities in order to guide project design, perform project management actions, and provide policy advice and guidance. This may include information and communication to and with USG representatives, host-country counterparts, and other donors. The Sr. Technical Advisor-Citizen Security will not be authorized to make commitments or policy revisions. S/he is expected to maintain close contact with USAID/Washington technical staff, and U.S. Embassy personnel working on Citizen Security-related activities. The broad use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the Sr. Technical Advisor in dealing with USAID office personnel as well as representatives from other host country organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work where there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively and coordinating multi-sectoral efforts in support of USAID’s development and security objectives and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A relevant Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, public policy, public administration, international development, social work or related field is required. A relevant Masters degree is preferred. Course work in violence reduction, citizen security, crime and violence prevention, working with at risk youth, or conflict mitigation will be beneficial.

Relevant Work Experience & Knowledge: A minimum of seven years of professional experience is required. At least five years of experience coordinating humanitarian or development programs, working with at-risk youth, crime and violence reduction, police experience, citizen security, gang violence reduction or countering violent extremism in the US or abroad is required. At least one year of overseas experience is required.

Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of French or Haitian Creole is preferred. The candidate should eventually be able to read in French.

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.

“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: The ability to work as a member of a team in a culturally diverse environment is required. The incumbent must be able to work diplomatically and effectively under pressure, with the ability to multitask in the performance of daily activities and responsibilities is required. Strong communication abilities (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to synthesize information from different sources and compile it in short, easy to read documents for policymakers is required. Professional level proficiency in business applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard office software is required. The ability to organize and analyze data/information, and independently author memos, reports, program summaries, fact-sheets, and scopes of work is required. Proficiency in delivering concise presentations on technical subject matters.

● 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 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

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

● 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

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)

(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 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

(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.

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)

QUANTI

TY

(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 negotiation s with https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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 negotiation s 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 negotiation s 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 negotiation s 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 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations