72061225R00002 Global Health Security Advisor_jh edits (2).pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061225R00002.

ISSUANCE DATE: November 21, 2024 QUESTIONS DEADLINE: November 27, 2024, at 15:00 hours Malawi Time.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: December 6, 2024, at 17:00 hours Malawi Time.

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S/TCN. Personal Service Contractor- Global Health Security 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. 72061225R00002 US/TCNPSC Global Health Security Advisor.” not later than November 27, 2024, at 15:00 hours, Malawi time. We will post responses as soon as possible afterward.

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

72061225R00002 US/TCNPSC Global Health Security 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, Digitally signed by Warren

Gray

Date: 2024.11.21 14:33:01

+02'00'

Warren Gray Supervisory Executive Officer.

Warren Gray mailto:lilongwehr@usaid.gov mailto:malawijobs@usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061225R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 21, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 06, 2024 - 17:00 hrs.

Malawi Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Martha Nanthoka, Supervisory Human Resources Specialist at mnanthoka@usaid.gov with copy to Catherine Masi, HR Assistant at cmasi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Global Health Security 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 March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2027

Option Period 1: o/a March 1, 2027 – February 28, 2027

Option Period 2: o/a March 1, 2028 – February 28, 2029 Option Period 3: o/a March 1, 2029 – February 28, 2030

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 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 that there are no qualified USNs and CCNs for the position, the CO may then provide the TCN offer to the TEC for evaluation.

mailto:mnanthoka@usaid.gov mailto:cmasi@usaid.gov

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 Executive Office will provide the US/TCN PSC with adequate support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

II. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. BACKGROUND

USAID’s Global Health Security (GHS) portfolio works to strengthen countries’ multisectoral capacities to reduce the risk and impact of emerging and reemerging disease threats that are of greatest public health concern. The program emphasizes country capacity building and systems strengthening in a series of critical health security technical areas including zoonotic diseases prevention and control, national laboratory systems, infectious disease surveillance, health workforce, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, and antimicrobial resistance. These capacities are multisectoral in nature, including the public health, animal health, and environmental sectors in a One Health approach. Activities are implemented at the national, subnational, and community levels. GHS embraces the One Health approach, recognizing the critical role that wildlife, livestock, other domestic animals, and the environment play in emerging zoonotic diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential and antimicrobial resistance.

Other important aspects of the GHS program include the identification and minimizing of zoonotic disease spillover risks at their source in animals and a comprehensive approach to antimicrobial resistance that includes the livestock, agriculture, and environment sectors.

USAID’s GHS portfolio also leverages other USAID programing in the areas of health systems strengthening, food security, economic growth, and disaster assistance. For example, healthy animals provide a safe and nutritious food supply component, and additionally, jobs and livelihoods all along the value chain from producer to final consumer. Livestock industries are huge contributors to national economies. Ensuring that animals are safely, economically managed and food is safe for human consumption not only minimizes the risk of transferring zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, but also greatly assists with enhancing partner countries’ capacity for agricultural development and participation in international trade. Other Global Health infectious disease initiatives such as malaria, tuberculosis, PEPFAR, and neglected tropical diseases also contribute to reaching GHS targets.

The GHS Advisor will support USAID’s contribution to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA); a global initiative that was launched in 2014. The GHSA’s goal is to advance a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats and to elevate global health security as a national leaders-level priority. The GHSA supports technical areas that work across human health, animal health, and other sectors to help countries to achieve GHSA/GHS objectives and to meet country requirements for the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) and related animal health regulations. Progress toward achieving the GHSA targets and objectives is measured by WHO’s Joint External Evaluation (JEE), a tool which consolidates the GHSA and IHR metrics into specific technical areas.

Under the direct supervision of the USAID/Malawi Health, Population, and Nutrition (HPN) Office Director or their designee, the GHS Advisor is responsible for leading USAID’s contributions to GHS in collaboration with USAID/Washington’s GHS Team. The GHS Advisor will coordinate USAID partners, provide recommendations regarding GHS challenges, ensure effective implementation of GHS projects, build relationships with Malawi counterparts, and liaise with multiple inter-agency, USAID/Washington, and regional counterparts involved in GHS. Strong interpersonal skills as well as spoken and written communication abilities are required. The incumbent may also supervise one or more Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs).

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The GHS Advisor will work in collaboration with the USAID/Washington GHS team and with regional colleagues to implement USAID activities, ensuring alignment with the government of Malawi priorities. The Advisor will ensure effective U.S. Government (USG) interagency coordination and work closely with USAID colleagues and other USG partners, particularly CDC, and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) offices working in Malawi at the national and sub national levels, which also provide support for GHS implementation. The U.S. State Department provides important support for in-country USG interagency collaboration.

Working as part of the Embassy Lilongwe GHS Team within the HPN Office, the USAID GHS Advisor will complete the following duties and responsibilities:

A. Ensure implementation and coordination of USAID/Malawi GHS activities with USAID’s existing GHS program and with other USG agencies on GHS-related activities. Maintain strong partnerships between agencies as well as implementing partners of respective agencies and build strong partnerships with other development partners in Malawi:

1. Represent USAID in the USG GHS interagency. Work collaboratively with USG agencies while representing USAID priorities.

2. Maintain frequent, regular, and ad hoc meetings with USG partners including CDC, DTRA and other Embassy agencies to discuss activities and maintain coordination and to keep each other informed on changes to GHS activities.

3. Work collaboratively with USG agencies to develop annual GHS work plans to ensure coordination of USG GHS supported activities and to avoid duplication.

4. Work across divisions within the HPN Office to leverage HPN’s investments across the health sector. Proactively engage other USAID technical offices, such as the Education, Democracy and Governance, and Sustainable Economic Growth Offices, to foster cross-sectoral collaboration, where appropriate.

5. Provide technical expertise to USAID and USG leadership for GHS technical areas of work.

6. During disease outbreaks in which the government requests support from USAID and other partners, ensure that USAID’s efforts are coordinated to support the national government.

7. Establish Partner/Donor coordination and collaboration mechanisms to advance GHS in Malawi. Such partners include USAID partners, other donors, the government of Malawi, private sector, international and local NGOs, multilateral organizations, etc.

B. Liaise between the Mission in Malawi and USAID Washington:

1. Report on activities in Malawi to USAID GHS Washington-based, regional team members, and Mission and Embassy leadership as appropriate.

2. Assist the Agreement Officer’s Representatives and Contracting Officer’s Representatives (A/CORs) by monitoring and guiding implementing partner activities to ensure consistency with project objectives and to ensure that activities contribute to advancing Malawi targets including GHSA and JEE metrics.

3. Report on GHS activities and progress towards achieving GHSA targets.

4. Work with USAID’s GHS Team to identify new opportunities and activities to contribute to Malawi GHS efforts. This includes activity design, assessments and scoping of new opportunities.

C. Serve as A/COR and/or Activity Manager for GHS Activities implemented in Malawi.

1. For bilateral mechanisms, serve as A/COR and/or Activity Manager, ensuring effective coordination and implementation.

2. For HQ-based mechanisms, serve as an Activity Manager, working closely with the A/COR to ensure effective implementation of GHS activities in Malawi.

D. Serve as USAID’s representative on technical working groups with Malawi counterparts related to GHS activities. Build and maintain strong relationships with multiple government of Malawi Ministries and Agencies:

1. Represent USAID on donor/government coordination groups related to emerging infectious diseases and other GHS activities.

2. Develop relationships with animal and public health ministries, implementing partners, private sector entities, and USAID regional bureaus.

E. Provide coordination across all USAID GHS activities in Malawi:

1. Establish and maintain coordination networks among USAID implementing partners in Malawi whose activities are related to GHS. Facilitate opportunities for USAID implementing partners to collaborate and leverage each other’s activities. Communicate and promote to Implementing Partners (IPs) USAID’s expectations for IPs to function as a cohesive program working together to advance GHS targets in Malawi, in consultation with relevant A/COR.

2. Use the coordination network to facilitate the GHS IPs successful completion of work plan activities and to maximize USG investments.

3. Engage with IPs and other multi sectoral stakeholders to promote the skills, capacities, and environment in Malawi across the ministries to investigate diverse and complex conditions that resemble pathologic patterns that will or could affect public health.

4. Provide technical guidance to USAID IPs to promote and leverage existing USAID activities and the contributions of other stakeholders in Malawi to achieve JEE targets.

F. Coordinate multiple reporting requirements that require input and clearance from diverse stakeholders.

1. Lead development of USAID contributions to semi-annual GHSA Progress Reports and annual work plans.

2. Conduct regular analysis of GHS-related data to monitor and evaluate progress of USAID’s GHS activities.

3. Apply a strong knowledge of assessments and scoring related to GHSA Joint External Evaluation Reports.

4. Provide weekly/bi-weekly updates to the Embassy inter-agency GHS Team.

5. Develop weekly updates for USAID/Malawi Front Office and HPN leadership on GHS progress, events, and upcoming visitors.

G. Other duties as assigned.

1. Serve as Duty Officer for the embassy, as requested.

2. Support high level visits to showcase GHS activities, as needed.

3. Support planning of events related to GHS activities, as needed.

4. Develop communications, such as social media posts and press releases, related to

USAID/Malawi’s GHS activities, as requested.

Supervisory Controls: This position reports to the Health, Population, and Nutrition (HPN) Office Director or their designee. The GHS Advisor should be able to operate independently and require little supervision in carrying out routine responsibilities. The incumbent may supervise one or more FSNs and/or other personnel.

Physical Demands: This is a moderate physically demanding position. The incumbent will be physically located at the USAID building in Malawi.

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: The candidate must have a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Medical Doctor, or a master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or relevant technical field.

2. Work experience: The incumbent is required to have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in One Health, Animal Health, Public Health, or Epidemiology. Prior experience working with a bilateral or multilateral donor in development programming is required. Direct experience working on the GHS activities or implementation is also highly desirable.

3. Language proficiency: Fluent spoken/written English (Level V) and the ability to compose administrative correspondence and contractual language are required.

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.

1. Professional Experience – 45 points

Education (5 points): The candidate must have a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Medical Doctor, or a master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or relevant technical field.

Experience (12 points): The incumbent is required to have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in One Health, Animal Health, Public Health, or Epidemiology. Prior experience working with a bilateral or multilateral donor in development programming is required. Direct experience working on the GHS activities or implementation is also highly desirable.

Communication (8 points): The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English.

Given the nature of the position, effective written and oral communications are critical to perform successfully in this position. The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and make oral presentations. The incumbent https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far must be able to communicate effectively with Mission employees; local government officials at the Senior Minister level; international and local organizations, donors, and other embassies;

and various Washington based U.S. Government agencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (20 points): Professional knowledge of a broad range of infectious diseases, One health, antimicrobial resistance, health systems, and development issues; knowledge of African, preferably Southern Africa cultural/work environment.

Knowledge of how to engage with senior level executives and officials in government and development sector contexts, and to build trust-based relationships with senior-level executives. Knowledge of how to engage with technology entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. Knowledge of how to work with stakeholders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

The applicant must possess strong management, negotiation, collaboration, team building, networking, and interpersonal skills. The candidate must have a proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain strong contacts with counterparts both inside and outside of USAID and in order to explain USAID objectives and procedures to government officials, private businesses, corporations, foundations, NGOs, and other non-traditional development organizations. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in scientific approaches and in analysis of development activities and policies. Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and to foster teamwork is required as is the ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships at all levels.

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 writing 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 – Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in 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 (AID309-2), available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/FORM_AID_309- 2_OMB_corrected_1.pdf

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, vehicles use, etc.

3. Letter of Application

4. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae

5. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Evaluation and

Selection Factors)

6. 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 submitted to the Point of Contact identified in Section I, by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation.

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

72061225R00002 US/TCNPSC Global Health Security 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 will not be considered. Note all offers must be signed (hand or digitally signed). Unsigned offers will not be considered.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 1]

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/FORM_AID_309-2_OMB_corrected_1.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/FORM_AID_309-2_OMB_corrected_1.pdf mailto:malawijobs@usaid.gov

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.

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

2. Fingerprint Card (FD-258), and either https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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

- 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]

http://www.usaid.gov/work-http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov