EXTENSION_SOLICITATION.DG_Office_Director.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: June 7, 2018 CLOSING DATE/TIME: EXTENDED THROUGH June 21, 2018

1700 Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1900 Eastern Time

SUBJECT: EXTENSION Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) for

Acting Director, Democracy and Governance (DG) Office

Solicitation No.: SOL-72052218R00004

Dear Prospective Applicant:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Honduras, is seeking applications from qualified individuals in providing personal services as described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the information provided below, and sent electronically to tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. To ensure consideration of the application for the intended position, the applicant must prominently submit a signed Application Form AID-302-3 with a Curriculum Vitae or resume attached and comply with the requirements as established below. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. All e-mail submissions must contain the Solicitation Number, SOL-72052218R00003, in the subject line.

It is recommended that the applicant retain copies of all application materials for their records. Please note that USAID/Honduras does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application.

Applications received after the Closing Date and Closing Time specified will not be considered.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID/Honduras to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID/Honduras to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Also, USAID/Honduras reserves the right to award, or not to award the contract herein contemplated, subject to availability of funds.

Any questions must be directed in writing to Clint Branam (cbranam@usaid.gov) or Sandra Aguilera (saguilera@usaid.gov) no later than the deadline noted above.

Sincerely, Clinton Branam Contracting Officer mailto:saguilera@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3 mailto:cbranam@usaid.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-72052218R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 7, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME EXTENDED THROUGH June 21, 2018

FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 1700 Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1900 Eastern Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Acting Director, Democracy and Governance (DG) Office

5. MARKET VALUE: $103,672.00 - $134,776.00 per annum, equivalent to GS-15.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Other allowances will be granted as applicable in the Cooperating Country. The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Full-time performance for a period not to exceed 12 months.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Level

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. Purpose of the contract:

The Acting Director will oversee a high-profile and complex $205 million DG portfolio that includes violence prevention, transparency, good governance, citizen engagement and oversight, justice, and human rights programs. S/he will direct his/her staff’s participation in the DG Office’s engagement in the Mission’s Citizen Security Development Objective (DO) -- a cross-sectoral portfolio valued in excess of $250 million, which integrates USAID DG, security, and education programs in the urban areas with the highest rates of crime and violence. S/he will also support staff engagement in and leadership of the Mission’s cross-cutting anti-corruption and poverty reduction DOs. S/he will lead a team of fourteen, including one USDH Deputy Office Director, eleven FSNs, and two USPSCs. Direct supervision responsibilities include 7 FSNs, 2 USPSCs, and may include the USDH Deputy Office Director.

2. Statement of duties to be performed:

The Acting Director will handle all assigned work either independently or, as required, as the leader or member of teams according to the direction of the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director, established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance.

a) Management and Supervision (45%)

− The Acting Director provides overall direction and leadership for all professional and administrative staff; mentors and develops staff; directs the DG Office according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance.

− S/he will have direct supervision responsibility for ten administrative and professional staff.

b) Coordination, Policy Dialogue and Program Management (35%)

− Given the complex and fluid nature of the democracy, governance, security, justice and human rights sectors in Honduras, and the large number of actors (both USG and external) supporting programming, the Acting Director will be expected to focus the efforts of staff on coordinating, harmonizing and synchronizing USAID and potentially other USG resources with those of external stakeholders. As such, the Acting Director will guide staff to continuously gather information about various programs, investments and stakeholder priorities in relevant sectors to more effectively manage USAID programs, provide technical advice and recommendations and contribute to the effective stewardship of USG resources. Contacts will include high-level officials of the Government of Honduras, senior and technical level officials within other development/assistance institutions (e.g. EU, World Bank, IDB, UNDP, etc.) as well as others within the international and municipal communities.

− The Acting Director will direct and/or participate in the direction and management of USAID investments in citizen security, the rule of law, the justice and security, democracy/governance, anti-corruption and human rights sectors in close coordination with other USG agencies, international organizations, and other donors.

− S/he will have a leadership role in four interagency Working Groups, and may co-chair the USG's

Place-Based Strategy Working Group.

c) Technical Advice and Strategy Development (20%)

− The Acting Director will provide technical analysis, advice and recommendations to senior

Mission and Embassy management and staff regarding the status, planning, and formulation of strategy for Mission and Embassy engagement (political and programmatic) and assistance in democracy, governance, justice, citizen security, and human rights sectors.

− The Acting Director is the Mission's principle technical expert and point of contact on all matters pertaining to his/her portfolio; and as such will be responsible for maintaining a broad array of external host government, donor, partner, and civil society contacts and will brief the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director, Ambassador and other Mission and Embassy counterparts regularly on developments, challenges, and opportunities within these sectors.

− Oversight of the development of Embassy and Mission strategic plans, operational plans, annual reports and other planning and reporting processes and documentation will be expected.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation:

Limited training will be available, as the incumbent is expected to have extensive experience in USAID processes as well as experience in integrated programing implementation. The contractor shall complete the Confidential Financial Disclosure Form (OGE-450) when required and shall attend mandatory annual Ethics training as available.

4. Supervisory Relationship:

The Acting Director will be supervised by the Deputy Mission Director. However, s/he will generally plan, design and carry out functions independently.

5. Supervisory Controls:

The Acting Director will directly supervise 1 USPSC and 7 FSN employees. S/he may supervise the USDH Deputy Office Director.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and U.S. Resident Aliens

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. During site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion; including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or the carrying of moderately heavy material.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: For inquiries regarding this solicitation the points of contact are:

- Clint Branam, Contracting Officer, cbranam@usaid.gov

- Sandra Aguilera, Human Resources Specialist, saguilera@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education (10 Points):

A Master’s Degree in law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, area studies, or a related field is required. Eight years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

2. Work Experience (25 Points):

Experience in managing democracy, governance and security sector strengthening activities or portfolios is required; experience in development and management of activities funded by USAID or international donors is highly desirable, with a required minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the following areas: management of development programs focused on administration of justice, human rights, rule of law assistance, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in coordinating activities with inter-agency counterparts, other donors and partners in a complicated, politically sensitive international development context is highly preferred, as is direct experience in working to secure host-country buy-in for reform activities within complex (or similarly complex) political environment.

3. Language proficiency (15 Points):

Must have excellent English and Spanish communication skills. Candidates must have the ability to present analysis and recommendations in clear and concise written and oral formats.

4. Knowledge (20 Points):

A comprehensive knowledge of democracy, governance, and security programming and relevant best practices in the area of rule of law strengthening, institutional development, and human rights is required. Understanding of US Government organizations and operations, project planning and implementation procedures, and policies and procedures for technical program monitoring and management is highly desirable.

5. Skills and abilities and other requirements (30 Points):

• Candidate must possess sound and independent judgment with the skills to strategize, develop and effectively implement activities in a heavy workload/high stress environment.

• Ability to be flexible and work in a tense and time sensitive environment is required.

• Demonstrated ability to work in teams (i.e., good communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills), with proven organizational and administrative skills is a must.

• Ability to maintain cordial and professional relationships with USAID, Host Government, other donors, and NGO counterparts is also required.

mailto:cbranam@usaid.gov

• A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in representing the USG are essential elements of the position.

• Must have excellent computer skills in all Microsoft Office and Google applications.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

1. Education (10 Points)

2. Work Experience (25 Points)

3. Language proficiency (15 Points)

4. Knowledge (20 Points)

5. Skills and abilities and other requirements (30 Points)

Applicants meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The hiring panel may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

IV. APPLYING

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following:

a) Completed and signed Application Form AID-302-3 “Offeror Information for Personal Services

Contracts”. Unsigned AID 302-3 forms will not be accepted and therefore will not be considered for this solicitation.

b) Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified at the e-mail address specified in the cover letter of this solicitation. To ensure consideration of offers for the inteded position, Offerrors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail.

c) Most current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume. The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria (for example, paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position; specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work). Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

d) Offerors are also strongly encouraged to address each of the evaluation criteria above on a Cover Page, of no more than one page, describing specifically and accurately what experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, honors, awards or accomplishments received that are relevant to the criterion.

e) Three (3) to five (5) work references with complete contact information including e-mail address and telephone numbers. The references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s current or past performance and abilities. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria will be taken into account. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3 evaluation. USAID/Honduras may seek performance information beyond the reference names provided.

2. By submitting the application materials, the offeror certifies that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. The offeror agrees to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to the offer may result in being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

The applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance which involves the applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a medical clearance from the U.S. Department of State Office of Medical Services, to work worldwide stating that the applicant is able to engage in the type of activities required for the position and that is also physically fit and able to reside in the Cooperating Country.

Details of how to obtain such clearances will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer has been made.

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, and if applicable, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) (if applicable)

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

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

(SF-85) submitted through e-Qip

4. FS-258 Finger Print Cards

5. e-QIP signature forms

6. AID 6-85 Foreign Activity Data

7. AID 500-6 Dual Citizenship Questionnaire (if applicable)

8. OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment

VI. BENEFITS ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS

a) Employer's FICA Contribution

b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (unless health and life insurance coverage for retiree employees does not provide or specifically excludes overseas coverage, retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health and life insurance under their contracts.

Additionally, a USPSC who is a spouse or same-sex domestic partner of a current or retired U.S. Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse or same-sex domestic partner’s government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for these contributions)

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

e) Annual and Sick Leave (no vacation shall be earned if the tour of duty is less than 90 days)

2. ALLOWANCES

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

a) Post Differential beginning with the 43rd day at post (Chapter 500 and Tables in Chapter 900)

b) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

c) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

e) Payments During Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

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

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”.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1.

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs), as applicable, for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals.

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.

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/076ABBBFC3B026A785257F14006929A2/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/076ABBBFC3B026A785257F14006929A2/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/Resources/Standards+of+Ethical+Conduct+for+Employees+of+the+Executive+Branch