US-TCNPSC SOL 72052124R00003 USTCNPSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor GS-14.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052124R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: August 5, 2024 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 4, 2024

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contract (USPSC) and Third Country National Personal Services Contract (TCNPSC) Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor, GS-14, 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.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals to, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to this solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID/Haiti to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID/Haiti 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, Susan Cheung Supervisory Executive Officer/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

SUSAN LOPING

CHEUNG (affiliate)

Digitally signed by SUSAN LOPING CHEUNG (affiliate) Date: 2024.08.02 16:28:40 -04'00'

ATTACHMENT 1

Sollicitation # :72052124R00003 US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052124R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 5, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 4, 2024, 11:59 pm, Haiti local time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/EXO HR Team; port-au-prince-hrrecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $104,604.00 to $135,987.00, equivalent to GS-14. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port-au-Prince, Haiti with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

A USPSC and TCNPSC not subject to local compensation plan may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a 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: For two years with three-year options to extend. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds. No PSC contract may exceed a five-year period of performance. Estimated to start on 01/15/2025.

The base period will be on or about 01/15/2025 – 01/14/2027. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional one-year option period for a maximum of three years, as noted below:

Base Period: January 15, 2025 – January 14, 2027 Option Period 1: January 15, 2027 – January 14, 2028 Option Period 2: January 15, 2028 – January 14, 2029 Option Period 3: January 15, 2029 – January 14, 2030

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

“U.S. National (USN)”means an individual who is a U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

“Third Country National” (“TCN”)means an individual (i) who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is eligible for return to their home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense.

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance is required for U.S. Citizens; Facility Access clearance is required for Third Country National (TCNs).

The final selected candidates must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

USAID/Haiti faces many significant challenges in re-establishing the infrastructure that was destroyed by the earthquake in 2010, and in developing infrastructure for economic growth and recovery. As such, USAID/Haiti is seeking an Infrastructure and Engineering Advisor to help plan and manage USAID’s infrastructure programming in Haiti. The individual will be a critical technical advisor on topics including transportation and rail, horizontal infrastructure, vertical structures, and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) related infrastructure. The individual should have a balanced knowledge of all subsets of civil engineering and a high performing project manager, as well as experience coordinating projects with government partners. The individual must be familiar with engineering and construction management, federal and other regulations related to Architecture and Engineering (A&E) services and contracting, as well as best practices and standards in construction management and infrastructure related fields. Political acumen will be a plus.

This position will sit in the Office of Economic Growth and Agricultural Development (EGAD) in USAID/Haiti. The individual may manage several Infrastructure specialists and must be able to balance competing priorities between field work, reporting requests, project and funding coordination, and serving as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR}/Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) if necessary, on several activities. The individual demonstrates initiative and the ability to manage competing work priorities and works independently.

The individual coordinates with a range of technical experts, management, and program staff, and serves as an advocate for establishing best infrastructure practices. The individual will also engage directly with Haitian counterparts and government officials related to ongoing projects. The incumbent will manage engineering, funding, coordination, and strategic planning in the broader U.S. foreign policy context.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The Infrastructure and Engineering Advisor performs the below duties and responsibilities with limited guidance from the EGAD OD or his/her designee for the assigned area of responsibility. Additionally, as the individual will take on a high level of responsibility for management and coordination of infrastructure activities, planning, and representation in his/her area of responsibility, the incumbent will:

Portfolio Management and Coordination: 50%

● With diverse teams, engage in the design of new activities, particularly for infrastructure programming; and participate in workshops, activity refinement, and technical evaluations; all which may require travel to the field or outside the country when possible.

● Lead the monitoring of the effectiveness and appropriateness of infrastructure in changing economic and political contexts, including conducting in-person or virtual site visits to assess infrastructure quality, impact, and evidence of sustainability.

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

● Provide administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Independently plans, designs, and carries out projects, studies, and programs. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative. Reports effectively to the office director or other mission leadership.

Activity Management - 20%

● Become certified and serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s

Representative (AOR/COR) as outlined in ADS Reference 302mar. AOR/CORs are responsible for all related requirements in the COR designation letter and the AOR designation letter.

● Review and approve technical construction designs including statements of work and technical building plans submitted by the Architectural & Engineering (A&E) Service Contractor. Act as an intermediary to relay agency and mission priorities to technicians and contacted engineers.

● Confirm that all delivered works are up on agency and mission quality standards as well as A&E best industry practices. Provide expertise on delivering high standard products that reflect USAID’s reputation as a good faith partner who makes high level impacts.

● Conduct site visits to confirm the potential of existing project deliverables or validate potential construction or infrastructure projects.

Policy and Technical Guidance - 20%

● Guide infrastructure interventions within USAID/Haiti activities and provide technical assistance and support to USAID and USG colleagues, and cooperating agencies on issues related to infrastructure and construction policies. May include serving as subject-matter expert on specialized infrastructure and engineering topics, as needed. Understand the nexus of infrastructure to Haiti’s economic and social recovery, as well as U.S. foreign policy interests.

● Develop and deliver infrastructure guidance materials such as training, reports, case studies, or other media as requested or identified.

● Maintain up-to-date, expert-level knowledge of the organizations engaged in infrastructure activities.

General: 10%

● Consistently model behaviors with a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment free of discrimination, bias, unfairness, exclusion, offensive behaviors, and harassment of any kind.

● Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and professional work environment by demonstrating partnership and teamwork to accomplish team, division, office, and Mission objectives.

● Participate in workplace efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, including those related to mission programs, partners, staffing, professional development, and other key areas.

● Work in rapidly changing, high-pressure situations that often exceed normal business hours.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation – NA

4. Supervisory Relationship: The incumbent does not have direct supervisory responsibilities of local staff engineers. However, they are expected to demonstrate exceptional leadership and professionalism, mentoring CCN staff and serving as a team leader for others in special projects.

settings that require their expertise. If the need arises, the incumbent may be appointed as an acting supervisor to fill a staffing gap at the discretion of the office director.

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

5. Supervisory Control: The individual reports to the EGAD Director or designee. The job holder is responsible for independently planning and developing and managing infrastructure activities and formulating conclusions and recommendations independently regarding infrastructure investments within USAID’s risk tolerance.

6. Physical Demand: The work requested may involve physical demands, such as accessing and movement in an active construction site.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

Education: A Master’s degree from a U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study or pertinent to the specialized field (including civil or environmental engineering, structural engineering, or other relevant engineering project management field is required.

Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience is required in the following areas: infrastructure planning or design, construction, infrastructure monitoring, technical consulting, design, oversight, management of infrastructure projects, and creation of engineering assessments such as feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, cost analysis, and economic assessments. This experience should be with public and/or private organizations, bilateral/multilateral institutions, or non-government organizations.

Language Skills: Fluency in English and French language is required. A working knowledge of Haitian Creole is desired.

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.

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

A. Technical Evaluation Factors (100 %):

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated further based on the QRFs listed below.

● QRF 1. Describe your Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and/or evaluating infrastructure/engineering interventions or activities, with an emphasis on international based efforts, in 500 words or less. (25 points)

● QRF 2. Describe your expertise in the design, construction, quality control, and management of infrastructure projects and its applicability to the duties and responsibilities for the Infrastructure and Engineering Advisor position), in 500 words or less. (25 points)

● QRF 3. Describe your ability to effectively articulate and communicate complex technical infrastructure and engineering concepts, methods, policies, and best practices to specialists and non-specialists both orally and in writing, in 500 words or less. (25 points)

● QRF 4. Describe your experience interacting with partners, such as the US government, host government, international organizations, and contractors, and its applicability to the duties and responsibilities of Infrastructure and Engineering Advisor position, in 500 words or less. (25 points)

B. Educational Background: Yes/No (no points assigned)

C. Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Point -100 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.

IV. SELECTION PROCESS

- The evaluation and selection criteria of the selected candidate will be based on a review of his/her qualifications, work experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applicants who obtain the highest scores based on the criteria defined may be interviewed and may also be required to pass a written test. A security authorization and medical clearance are required prior to employment.

- After the closing date of this solicitation, all applications will initially be screened for minimum requirements and a shortlist of applicants developed. Applications from candidates that do not meet the selection criteria will not be scored.

- A Technical Evaluation Committee will be convened to review the shortlisted applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

- USAID retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

- Reference checks will be conducted only for the successful candidate. If a candidate does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the application

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti letter. 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.

V. 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, available at http://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. (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 Technical Evaluation Quality Ranking Factors (QRF). This Summary Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately address the technical evaluation quality ranking factors described under Section III-A. 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 (non-relative) with accurate telephone and e-mail information.

5. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror may 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.

VI. 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.

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

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

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) Leave and Holidays

*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

(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.

VII. 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.

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

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

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and With a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar ]

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) QUANTIT

Y (C)

UNI

T (D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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_

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_

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_

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 & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

US/TCN PSC Energy and Infrastructure Engineering Advisor Port-au-Prince, Haïti

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

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.

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION June 2023