Sol_72053219R00003.pdf

72053219R00003

ATTACHMENT 1 72053219R00003

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72053219R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: Thursday October 10th, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 25th, 2019, 04:30pm AST

4. POINT OF CONTACT:

Karina Amell/ Soraya Morillo USAID/Dominican Republic Telephone Number: 809-368-7508/ 809-368-7101 E-mail: kamell@usaid.gov E-mail: smorillo@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: PEPFAR Technical Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $90,621.00 - $117,810.00 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Six months, with no option to extend.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kingston, Jamaica with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens (USNs), U.S. permanent resident aliens.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Background:

USAID remains at the forefront of the U.S. Government (USG) response in the fight against AIDS. Today with more than 35 million people living with HIV worldwide, USAID is a key partner in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the largest commitment ever by any nation for an international health initiative dedicated to a single disease.

In Jamaica, the total UNAIDS estimated number of people who are living with HIV (PLHIV) has been raised to 34,000 with only 75% diagnosed, 44% on life saving ART, and 52% virally suppressed. PEPFAR remains committed to support the Government of Jamaica’s effort to reach the 90-90-90 targets and achieve epidemic control. Our current program focuses around three strategic outcomes (SO):

● SO 1: Increase treatment coverage in Jamaica so that 75% of diagnosed K/PLHIV are on treatment, and 80% of PLHIV on ART are virally suppressed by FY19;

mailto:smorillo@usaid.gov

● SO 2: Improve data access, quality, particularly for key populations; and

● SO 3: Align PEPFAR resources for sustainability which would include policy changes with a focus on addressing high levels of S&D, forecasting and procurement of commodities, political engagement in human.

Although the cascade analysis shows that we are getting closer to our first 90 with 75% of the PLHIV already diagnosed, there are still significant gaps in find key populations to test, linking patients to care and starting ART, retention and adherence, and achieving viral -load suppression. A priority for PEPFAR in Jamaica is to ensure access to high quality, comprehensive HIV services for key populations (KP), defined by PEPFAR to include sex workers (SW), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). KPs are disproportionately affected by HIV- with prevalence as high as 32% among MSM-because they engage in behaviors that significantly increase the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Additionally, country laws and cultural norms criminalize and marginalize these behaviors resulting in these populations facing social stigmatization, and lack of an enabling environment creates barriers of access to HIV services for KPs.

PEPFAR programming emphasizes the continuum of response across HIV prevention, care and treatment, and the links between community-based and clinical services. There is significant need for targeted, quality interventions tailored to KPs in Jamaica and across the Eastern Caribbean. Therefore, program approaches in Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean are particularly important for the region to reach the UNAIDS goals of 90-90- 90.

The PEPFAR Technical Advisor (PTA) - Team Lead, will work on comprehensive KP programming in close collaboration with the PEPFAR inter-agency team made up of staff from the Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USG technical staff and implementing partners; and other development partners. S/he will work across all parishes and key populations, with a special focus on clinical care and treatment. The PTA will complement, and collaborate closely with, existing key population experts within the interagency and OGAC.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary duties include:

• Provide technical and operational guidance on the implementation of differentiated models of care and clinical service models to reach KPs including routine medical check-ups (for HTC, STI, OI, FP etc.), differentiated models of care including one stop shops, PrEP, self-testing and index testing, VL testing, treatment and care, tracking referrals and addressing issues related to loss to follow up

• Analyze and synthesize global and country-specific data and research in order to contribute to the USAID PEPFAR team strategy, advise host country government, and implementing partners during country-specific strategic planning processes.

• Serve as a technical advisor for selected KP activities supported through USAID centrally funded mechanisms, such as providing technical input to partners working on KP programming and working with USAID/Washington program managers to ensure that centrally funded KP activities are technically sound.

• Contribute to PEPFAR leadership in the area of KPs by preparing reports and publications, including, but not limited to, technical updates for USAID Jamaica, and by presenting within the office and interagency PEPFAR team. Enhance the technical quality of KP programs by consulting with colleagues in the interagency, undertaking data analysis on effective interventions and applying knowledge of global best practice and site visits to in-country project sites, reviewing progress and performance, and recommending improvements in implementation.

• Support country programs in design and presentation of KP monitoring data, with clear messaging, to reflect the program through comparative analysis of results and targets.

• Strengthen PEPFAR coordination with other multilateral partners providing support to KPs, including UNAIDS, the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization, The Global Fund, and other multilateral and bilateral donor agencies and private foundations.

• Participate in high-level USG and global meetings to develop coordinated policies, strategies and guidelines for KPs.

• Provide key technical guidance to USG and local technical working groups and committees working on cross-cutting issues related to KPs and other vulnerable groups, including gender, stigma and discrimination.

• Maintain knowledge of current epidemiological, public health, and social science literature and national responses, in order to recommend appropriate approaches and best practices for KPs.

Supervision received: Minimal. The employee is expected to work independently and report to the Office Chief

Supervision exercised: The incumbent will provide guidance to Office staff when necessary with direction received from the Agriculture, Environment and Local Works Office Chief. The senior advisor will have supervision responsibilities of either the portfolio or staff.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for this position a candidate must meet the Required Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of Required Minimum Qualifications, Desired Qualifications and Evaluation Factors.

Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested.

The contractor must have:

• Minimum seven (7) years' experience working on international health and HIV/AIDS programs.

• A Bachelor's degree in public health, social science or other relevant field is required, however, a Master’s degree is preferred in the same areas.

• A clinical credential such as nurse, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant’s degree, and/or experience working in or with clinical settings is desired.

• Demonstrated Experience working with Key Populations programs in international or resource-limited settings is required, particular experience the Caribbean is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with HIV prevention, care and treatment approaches.

• Demonstrated skills in data analysis, program design, strategic planning, monitoring systems, and program coordination and implementation within a developing country context.

• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal, facilitation and team building skills, and ability to work across agencies and cross-culturally with diverse teams on sensitive issues.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

• Ability to travel regularly to within Jamaica.

• Language skills – English is required.

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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Applicants will be tested, evaluated, and ranked based on the following selection criteria with a maximum of 100 points:

* Education 20 points

* Leadership skills and experience 30 points

* Knowledge Level 20 points

* Interpersonal and Communications Skills 30 points

Maximum Points Available: 100 points

The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check.

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

Other Requirements:

The incumbent must also be:

a. Available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 6 months in Jamaica, starting November 2019

b. Able to obtain US Government medical clearance and security clearance at a facilities access level;

c. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary;

d. Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

3. References: Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

4. Offers must be received by the closing date and time and submitted to the Point of Contact specified in Section I.

5. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position of this Solicitation.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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 be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,”

2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843) **

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

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

5. Fingerprint Card (FD-258) ** http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

** 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

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(e) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Travel (Section 280)

(g) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(h) 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,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

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

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information

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

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

END OF SOLICITATION

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