72053823R00003- SOLICIATION - G2G.pdf

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT T+ (809) 567-7775

Avenida República de Colombia #57 RNC: 4-30-00171-6 Altos de Arroyo Hondo, Santo Domingo, D.N. drinfo@usaid.gov Dominican Republic, 10605 USAID.GOV | @USAID

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72053823R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: April 21, 2023

CLOSING DATE: May 5th, 2023, 16:30 EST

SUBJECT: U.S. Citizen / Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (US-TCN PSC) – Partner Country Systems (G2G) Advisor GS-14

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, including those form disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Karen Towers, Deputy Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT I

I. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72053823R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 21, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 5th, 2023, 16:30 EST

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Roxsana Soto, Human Resources Specialist, rosoto@usaid.gov Karina Amell, Sup. Human Resources Specialist, kamell@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Partner Country Systems (G2G) Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent ($99,908.00 – $129,878.00 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the official USAID worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locally Pay. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The position will be based in USAID/Eastern & Southern Caribbean (ESC) located in Barbados.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Period of performance of one year, with option to extend for four (4) additional years in one-year increments. Exercise of options will depend on continuing need of services, performance, and funding.

Base Period: o/a July 2023 – July 2024 Option Period 1: o/a July 2024 – July 2025 Option Period 2: o/a July 2025 – July 2026 Option Period 3: o/a July 2026 – July 2027 Option Period 4: o/a July 2027 – July 2028

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens and Third Country Nationals are eligible offerors.

TCNPSC under this solicitation are eligible for benefits in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec.

4(c)(2)(ii)(B)).

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities Access. The selected applicant must be able to obtain and maintain an employment authorization security clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

Beginning in 2005 with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, the United States government and other donors committed to making greater use of partner country systems (G2G) to implement directly donors’ assistance programs in partner countries. That commitment was accelerated in 2008 in the Accra Agenda for Action, in which the donors agreed to consider use of partner country systems as the “first option” to implement donor programs, rather than other donor systems such as third party, non-governmental contractors and grantees. This has since been further reiterated in USAID’s current redesign activity which emphasizes self-reliance and in that, an increasing focus is to be placed on supporting partner countries to increasingly resource and manage their development, mobilizing domestic and other financial resources and building the capacity of local partners.

The realization of this goal is especially complex in the unique context of the USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC) Mission which currently works through bilateral relations and with multi-government entities including the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Commission (OECS Commission) and almost seventy percent (70%) of the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In addition, the Mission will continue to build its relationship and explore opportunities for partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a respected central banking institution established by and for local governments that works closely with other donors in the implementation of development programs.

USAID has begun to operationalize the United States government commitments to consider and if prudent, invest more resources in G2G assistance, through the development of a set of Agency polices entitled “Use of Reliable Partner Country Systems for Direct Management and Implementation of Assistance (ADS 220)”.

USAID in the Eastern Caribbean is well positioned to be a leader and a model in this effort due to the favorable political conditions, the presence of viable partners, and the general consensus on regional development priorities.

USAID efforts will be reinforced by the commitment of national governments to assume a greater role in setting priorities, developing strategies, evaluating programs and accounting for results. This position will work closely with local and regional governments and multi-government entities to ensure a clear understanding of responsibilities under G2G programming and to help countries build knowledge and capacity and thereby reduce their need for foreign assistance over time.

The incumbent of this position will advise the Mission Director and the technical specialists on the implementation of Government-to-Government programs to include programs implemented through regional organizations such as the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). He or she will actively seek opportunities to advance partner country systems programming especially where assessments have determined adequate controls and the potential for success.

The incumbent will also monitor Agency policy related to partner country systems programming and implementation and will make recommendations that ensure the Mission is in compliance with policy and directives. The incumbent will monitor and share information on Agency initiatives and provide leadership in promoting and implementing activities that support those initiatives. This position will lead cross-sectoral identification of local partners and opportunities to deliver foreign assistance most effectively in a manner consistent with the current redesign trajectory of USAID.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed.

1. Lead efforts to initiate, promote and support official USG development assistance through Government to Government Caribbean regional agreements. Provide advice to USAID personnel as well as officials of governments in the region regarding the requirements for partner country systems/G2G programs and the actions to be taken to maximize the possibilities of success.

2. Provide comprehensive technical and support services to advance partner country systems programming in the region. This position may include responsibilities as Agreement Officer’s Representative or alternate for one or more activities including current environmental related initiatives. USAID ESC has been one of the most active Missions pursuing the use of partner country systems/G2G and in working with local organizations.

3. Ensure the involvement of appropriate personnel in meetings with or the review of documents from officials of the government institutions in any of the countries served by the USAID ESC. Such personnel may include the representatives from the relevant technical offices and the regional legal, financial management and procurement offices.

4. Monitor the status of all partner country/G2G activities and potential partner country/G2G activities.

Ensure that assessments and program development and implementation services fulfill the requirements of the Public Financial Management Risk Assessment Framework (PFMRAF) process as well as any other of the Agency’s financial-management and procurement standard operating-procedures (SOP).

5. Provide leadership on USAID donor coordination in the region including serving as Mission point of contact for other bilateral and multilateral donor organizations working in the countries served by USAID ESC. Make recommendations to the Mission Director as well as LAC Bureau and Agency leadership on the potential for collaboration with other donors and the activities and successes of the donor community.

6. Ensure that all partner country systems/G2G consulting services provided by the regional mission are carefully tracked and documented. Provide regular reports to Mission and Agency leadership on the G2G services provided by the mission and progress made toward achieving G2G targets.

7. Educate colleagues and partners on partner country systems programming and ensure that “best practices” and “lessons learned” are disseminated to inform future activities.

8. Collaborate with the Development Outreach Coordinator to publicize partner country systems success stories and increase awareness of successful G2G activities in the region.

9. Actively pursue cross-training and the development of expertise in local capacity development (LCD) and talent management.

10. In addition to partner country systems/G2G programming, actively seek opportunities to program using local organizations and make recommendations of local organizations or institutions that have the capacity or the potential capacity to implement USAID programs.

Position Elements

Supervision Received: This position will be generally supervised by the USAID ESC Mission Director. The incumbent will be expected to work independently to a large extent and lead the cross-sectoral effort to increase and develop partner country systems programming and advance plans to elevate and mainstream programmatic approaches oriented to strengthen partner country capacity to plan, resource, and implement solutions to their development challenges.

Available Guidelines: The position requires an understanding of US Government and Agency regulations.

The incumbent will have in-depth understanding of the Agency’s Automated Directive System (ADS) with particular focus on Section 220 regarding G2G programming. The position will also require familiarity with regulations of the OECS, CARICOM, and the individual countries within the Mission’s regional responsibility. This position may also function as Agreement Officer’s Representative and will therefore require the necessary certification.

Exercise of Judgment: The Partner Country Systems (G2G) Advisor must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying USG and USAID-specific regulations and standard operating procedures in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. A high degree of judgment will be required to provide guidance and technical assistance to a wide variety of clients and stakeholders in the region. As a recognized expert in regional development and being a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; making independent judgments that can be defended as necessary.

Authority to Make Commitments: None.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will establish and maintain professional working relationships with US Government personnel in Washington and in the field necessary to successfully carry-out his/her responsibilities. The incumbent will also establish and maintain professional working relationships with ministerial and senior level officials of host-country governments, regional member-state organizations, international and non-profit organizations and local and regional businesses as necessary, to achieve his/her objective of advancing USG partner country systems in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will not have formal supervisory responsibilities but will at times be expected to lead teams of Mission staff in the implementation of partner country systems/G2G services and the development of productive partnerships with local and regional organizations.

Interpersonal Skills: The incumbent will have outstanding interpersonal skills and be capable of representing the Agency in his/her interactions with representatives of host-country governments and regional organizations. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to resolve challenges and differences of opinion that may arise during the course of the work, for which there either is not a clear solution or where cultural differences may complicate the situation. The Caribbean is a region comprising of a unique blend of cultural and governmental nuances and the incumbent must be able to successfully navigate within this arena and build professional relationships to the benefit of USAID’s activities.

Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: Immediately. The incumbent is expected to be an expert in the field of the provision of official development assistance from a donor government to agencies of a recipient government with a special focus on the Caribbean region.

Period of Performance: The personal service contract will be for a period of five years. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Partner Country Systems (G2G) Advisor is directly supervised by the Regional Representative for USAID/ESC. Performance will be evaluated based on specific work objectives/benchmarks pre-determined with the USAID/ESC management team in Barbados.

4. Supervisory Controls

The incumbent is not expected to supervise any staff.

If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 8 hrs. per paid period of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC’s progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Required qualifications and evaluation criteria determine the basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are NOT considered qualified for the position.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each of the criteria below. Applicants should provide this information in the same sequence as indicated below.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

1. Education:

A master’s degree is required. Preference will be given to public or business administration, economics, engineering, political science, international relations, or related field.

2. Prior Experience:

A minimum of 10 years professional experience in international development is required.

Significant experience designing and managing macro-level international development projects is required. Experience successfully managing competing demands/interests of program/project stakeholders is required. Prior experience designing/managing development programs in direct collaboration with host-country governments and government entities is strongly preferred.

Prior USAID program design/implementation experience is strongly preferred.

3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Tact, diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and strong negotiating skills are required to make and maintain collaborative partnerships for effective service delivery and program implementation with multiple-stakeholders. Strong analytical ability to interpret US Government and host-country government policies and regulations and apply them effectively through service delivery and program implementation are required. Program/project conceptualization/design skills are required. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required. Ability to prioritize activities and implement numerous assignments concurrently; respond quickly, effectively and flexibly to wide-ranging requests is required.

Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to engage productively and collaboratively with colleagues at all levels are paramount. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of team is required.

Full familiarity with USAID policies, programming and management precepts is strongly preferred.

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.

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.

Offerors will be evaluated and ranked on the extent and quality of their education, professional work experience, technical knowledge, and professional presentation as they relate to this position against the following criteria:

Technical Knowledge 25 points Project Management Experience 25 points Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 50 points Total: 100 points

After the closing date for receipt of offers, a committee will be convened to review offers and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Offers which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. Only shortlisted offerors will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful offerors.

As part of the selection process, finalist offerors may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID's discretion. Reference checks will be made only for offerors considered as finalists. If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact the current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offer's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror.

Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their offers.

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.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

Security and Medical Clearance Requirements

The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance/employment authorization which involves the applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

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

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide including random drug test for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Submission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé 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.

2. Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives.

References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

3. 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.

4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

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. USPSCs/TCNs performing overseas must follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

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

(1) AID 309-2

http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms

(2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)*

(3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)*

(4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*

(5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended*

(6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974*

(7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*

(8) Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561).

Forms 2 through 8 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI .BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

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

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

ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). Please note that due to the length of the contract, some of these allowances would not apply.

(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)

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

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (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.

(End of clause)

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:

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

II. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPSs/CIBs) for

Personal Services Contracts with individuals available at https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/aapds-cibs.

III. 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 5CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/Legal%20Research%20Search%20Collection?OpenForm

IV. 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 https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/Legal%20Research%20Search%20Collection?OpenForm https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov