72061224R00007 -Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Advisor.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061224R00007

ISSUANCE DATE: September 11, 2024 QUESTIONS DEADLINE: September 19, 2024, at 17:00 hours Malawi Time CLOSING DATE AND TIME: September 30, 2024, at 16:00 hours Malawi Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Offshore Hire US/TCN Personal Service Contractor - Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Advisor

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 the instructions in Attachments 1 and 2 of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their own records.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the lilongwehr@usaid.gov address with the subject line: “Questions Solicitation No. 72061224R00007 Offshore USPSC/TCNPSC Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Advisor” not later than September 19, 2024, at 17:00 hours, Malawi time. We will post responses as soon as possible afterward.

Offers must be sent to lilongwehr@usaid.gov with the subject line: “Solicitation No.

72061224R00007 Offshore USPSC/TCNPSC Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Advisor.” To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that offers be sent as email attachments.

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.

Sincerely, Natalie J. Thunberg, Contracting Officer mailto:lilongwehr@usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061224R00007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 11, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 30, 2024 – 16:00 hrs.

Malawi Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Catherine Masi, Human Resources Assistant at cmasi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $104,604 to $135,987 per annum (GS-14 equivalent). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) year base with a three one-year options to extend.

The extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds.

Base Period: o/a January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 Option Period 1: o/a January 1, 2027, – December 31, 2027 Option Period 2: o/a January 1, 2028 – December 31, 2028 Option Period 3: o/a January 1, 2029 – December 31, 2029

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Lilongwe, Malawi (Southern Africa) with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSCs - Secret; TCNPSCs - Employment Authorization

10. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Hiring preference - Reference: ADS 309.3.1.4.d.

U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens and Third country Nationals (TCN). Per ADS 309.3.1.11(c), if the CO issues a combined solicitation that was open to multiple eligible sources (USNs and TCNs or CCNs and TCNs), the TEC must not evaluate USN and TCN offers or CCN and TCN offers together. To comply with the order of preference in section 309.3.1.4, the CO must provide the TEC only those offers received from the preferred type first. After the evaluation of USN or CCN offers, if CO, as the Source Selection Authority, determines mailto:cmasi@usaid.gov that there are no qualified USNs and CCNs for the position, the CO may then provide the TCN offer to the TEC for evaluation.

Offeror must:

● Submit a complete and hand-signed copy of an offer as outlined in the solicitation section titled “submitting an offer.”

● Submit a supplemental document specifically addressing the evaluation factors.

● Be able to obtain secret level security clearance.

● Be able to obtain a department of state medical clearance.

● Be willing to travel to work at sites and other locations as/when required.

● Not appear as an excluded party in the system for award management.

11. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES: The final selected candidate must obtain both the security and medical clearances required for the position. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

12. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel to project sites and field offices in Malawi may be required.

13. SUPPORT ITEMS: The Health Population and Nutrition Office will provide the USPSC/TCNPSC with adequate support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

II. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

I. BACKGROUND:

The Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Advisor (SSCLA) is an offshore US or TCN Personal Services Contractor located in USAID/Malawi’s Health, Population, and Nutrition (HPN) Office. The SSCLA reports to the Branch Chief for Health Systems Strengthening and may supervise up to two Supply Chain Management Specialists, while providing expert technical advice to U.S.

Government (USG) and other officials at all levels, including the HPN Management Team, the USAID Mission Director, the U.S. Ambassador to Malawi, and heads of other USG and donor agencies in Malawi. The SSCLA oversees a substantial portfolio of USAID-funded activities totaling $35 million in FY 2022, including activities under the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Deaths initiative. The position requires highly specialized skills, knowledge, and experience related to commodities, logistics, and supply chain systems, as well as interagency coordination, strategic planning, and health systems strengthening.

II. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:

The SSCLA, as a principal advisor on all matters related to health commodity supply chain, provides strategic, technical, and programmatic expertise on supply chain issues and will:

● Advise USAID, other USG and donor agencies, and the Government of Malawi (GOM) on supply chain issues in Malawi, including strategic direction of the overall sector and of USG-funded programs.

● Oversee implementation of USAID’s supply chain activities by 1) serving as Activity Manager and/or Agreement/Contracting Officer’s Representative and/or Alternate of USAID/Malawi supply chain activities; 2) supervising if applicable the Supply Chain Management Specialists and supporting their management of additional supply chain activities; and 3) providing support to other managers of HPN supply chain-related activities.

● Represent the USG in key coordination structures in Malawi, including as co-chair of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Drug and Medical Supplies Technical Working Group and, if needed, as a member of the oversight committee of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM).

Specific Tasks and Objectives

● Serve as principal USAID advisor on all supply chain issues, including policy, strategy, and technical issues, while ensuring USAID supply chain strategic direction responds to priorities of HPN Teams and USG leadership. Advisees include HPN teams for Health Systems Strengthening, Malaria, HIV, and Family Health; the USAID Mission Director;

officials from other USG Agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Country Director and the U.S. Ambassador to Malawi; and officials from other donor agencies as requested.

● Provide technical assistance to supply chain and logistics actors from the GOM, Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST), and other relevant entities to strengthen key governance, financing, and operational functions of the supply chain at the national, district, and facility level (including procurement planning and management, forecasting, distribution and storage, and logistics management information). Provide technical guidance on the planning and mobilization of resources for the commodities procured under various global alliances and donor-funded efforts, including the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria.

● Serve as Activity Manager or Agreement/Contracting Officer’s Representative or Alternate of USAID/Malawi’s Global Health Supply Chain-Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) activity, and/or other supply chain and logistics activities. As Activity Manager and/or A/COR and/or Alternate, the SSCLA will: engage HIV, PMI, and Family Health Teams to ensure Implementing Partner (IP) activities reflect priority program needs; review, approve, and ensure compliance with annual work plans and budgets; provide input to IP Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plans (AMEP), conduct regular site visits to monitor activities and verify asset use; guide IPs to adhere to USAID and USG policies and procedures; review all written reports and furnish feedback;

maintain program files; and other duties and responsibilities as outlined in USAID rules, regulations, policies, and guidance.

● Supervise up to two FSN Supply Chain Management Specialists and provide guidance to any other managers of HPN supply chain activities.

● In collaboration with HIV, PMI, and Family Health Teams, manage and coordinate the forecasting, quantification, and procurement of USAID-purchased commodities (and other USG agencies as requested).

● Oversee drug supply and distribution among IPs and coordinate and advise across USG health programs. This includes ensuring that all procurement activities are implemented in compliance with relevant USAID, USG, PEPFAR, and PMI guidelines, policies, regulations, and procedures.

● Provide technical and programmatic input to USG program designs, budget allocations, strategic and operational planning documents, and reports, including input into other HSS related projects and activities.

● Provide USG leadership in fostering strategic partnerships and coordination with the GOM and among donors to ensure effective supply chain technical assistance and timely and consistent supply of medicines. Serve as Co-Chair of the MOH Technical Working Group on Drugs and Medical Supplies, as requested by the MOH, and represent USG in other technical and high-level fora related to supply chain issues, such as the National Supply Chain Integration Steering Committee and the oversight committee of the Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee.

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To be considered, the applicant MUST have:

● A minimum of a master's degree in a relevant field such as international development, logistics and supply chain management, pharmacy, public health, business administration or other related field.

● Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience working in health, international development, logistics or a related field in a sub-Saharan African or other developing country. At least five years of experience should be in direct management of health activities in supply chain and logistics including designing, implementing, and monitoring supply chain activities.

● Experience working with U.S. Government operations, rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and programs (preferred).

● Prior experience relevant to the Duties and Functions and Specific Tasks and Objectives sections above.

● Knowledge of health supply chain and logistics programming in developing countries.

● General knowledge of the Malawian public sector health system and its affiliated agencies, donors, and related private sector programs an added advantage.

● Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and team building skills/experience.

● Excellent leadership, management, coordination, and diplomacy skills.

● Strong quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills, and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.

● Ability to obtain, analyze, organize, and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form.

● Excellent communication skills in English (written/verbal) and diplomacy. Level IV (fluent) English is required.

● Excellent presentation skills and ability to prepare precise and accurate reports and to develop and present briefings.

● Basic skills in the operation of computers and software program applications authorized for use (including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).

● Management skills to develop, implement, and oversee supply chain programs, including internal financial and administrative management and interaction with partners.

● Demonstrated ability to develop and work effectively with a range of contacts at various levels of host government, development partners, and private sector.

● Sound judgment combined with a mature and professional demeanor.

● Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

● Professional-level English speaking, presentation, reading and writing proficiency.

● Demonstrated ability to work collegially and effectively communicate with team members, internal clients, Mission personnel and external partners to successfully lead and/or work with a multicultural team. Able to create positive working relations with stakeholders of all levels.

IV. 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.

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

Education Minimum of a master's degree in relevant field such as international development, logistics and supply chain management, pharmacy, public health, business administration or related field.

Relevant Prior Work Experience Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience working in health, international development, logistics or a related field in a sub-Saharan African or other developing country. At least five years of experience should be in direct management of health activities in supply chain and logistics including designing, implementing, and monitoring supply chain activities. Prior experience relevant to the Duties and Functions and Specific Tasks and Objectives sections above.

Job Knowledge Knowledge of health supply chain and logistics programming in developing countries and of USAID’s family planning, malaria, or HIV-related commodities programs. Familiarity with, and sensitivity to, socio-cultural and institutional factors affecting program development and implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa. A strong understanding of diplomacy. A working knowledge of the processes of a donor development agency in the field of health is preferred.

Skills and Abilities Demonstrated skills in program management, strong analytical and decision-making abilities, and excellent attention to detail. Ability to readily analyze, understand, and discuss issues around supply chain management. Strong quantitative and data analysis skills and excellent computer literacy for data analysis, report writing, and presentations. Demonstrated ability to identify priority actions, generate and complete work plans within short time frames. Ability to follow through with assigned tasks in a timely and responsible manner and the ability to be responsive to competing requests from a range of stakeholders. Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues. Skills in effectively supervising and mentoring staff. Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment. Demonstrated ability to work in a complex political environment and ability to manage host government and stakeholder relationships using strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Education: Pass/Fail Total possible Prior Work Experience points: 20 points Total Possible Job Knowledge points: 40 points Total Possible Skills and Abilities points: 40 points Total Possible Points: 100

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: Pass Fail

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be further evaluated according to the Evaluation and Selection Factors.

Offerors should address these factors in the offer package, describing specifically and accurately what experience, education, training, knowledge of the job, skills, and/or awards they have received as it pertains to the factors. Failure to address the Evaluation and Selection Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, knowledge of the job, skills, and/or awards.

The highest-ranking offerors may be invited for an interview and writing test. Interviews may be conducted either in person or by telephone/video call at USAID’s discretion. Final rating and ranking for the candidates will be based on the initial evaluation of the applications, interview performance, and written technical test. USAID/Malawi will not pay for any expenses associated with interviews. Reference checks will be conducted for the highest-ranking offerors.

Note: Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. If a candidate does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the candidate’s cover letter, and USAID will not contact those references without contacting the candidate.

V. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your offer to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Fully completed and signed copy of an “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals Form” (AID 309-2), available at https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contractsindiv iduals-aid-309-2. Offerors should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, vehicle use, etc.

2. Letter of Application that responds to the requirements of the position (Evaluation and Selection Factors.

3. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

4. A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references, including two references which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the offeror’s job knowledge.

Further Guidance:

Submission of Resume/Curriculum Vitae alone is not a complete offer. This offer must be complete of all forms and supplemental materials as described in this section, V. Submitting an Offer. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials may result in the offer not being considered.

Offers must be sent to lilongwehr@usaid.gov with subject line “ Solicitation No.

72061224R00007 Offshore USPSC/TCNPSC Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Advisor”. To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that offers be sent as email attachments.

Please do not submit more than one offer.

Late and incomplete applications may not be considered. Note all offers must be signed (hand or digitally signed). Unsigned offers may not be considered.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 1]

ATTACHMENT 2

1. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)

A. BENEFITS:

1. Employee's FICA Contribution

2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

3. Pay Comparability Adjustment

4. Annual Increase (depending on satisfactory performance evaluation)

5. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

6. Annual & Sick Leave

7. Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

8. Paid Parental Leave

9. Relocation Expense

B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

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

1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

3. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 200)

4. Payments during Ordered/Authorized Departure (Section 600),

5. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

6. Education Allowance (Section 270)

7. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260), and,

8. Education Travel (Section 280)

2. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

3. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the Contracting Officer will provide the successful Offeror with instructions.

about how to complete and submit the following forms.

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Form DS-1843)

2. Fingerprint Card (FD-258), and either

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

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85), whichever is applicable.

4. 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. 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)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

[e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

[e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

[e.g., R497]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

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.

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 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contractsombudsman for additional information. The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted by email at PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

6. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Malawi provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Malawi also strives to achieve equal employment opportunities in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 2]