72063322R00003 Senior HIV Advisor Botswana Signed.pdf

72063322R00003

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72063322R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2022 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: July 31, 2022

– 17:00 – Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa

SUBJECT: Solicitation for US/TCN Personal Service Contractor (US/TCN PSC)

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.

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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Troy Tillis Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72063322R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 31, 2022

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Kim Sias

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior HIV Advisor – Botswana

6. MARKET VALUE: $81,216 - $105,597; equivalent to GS- 13 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five years estimated to start on September 2022

“The base period will be two years, estimated to start on September 2022. Based on Agency need, the

Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows:”

Base Period: September 2022 to September 2024 Option Period 1: September 2024 to September 2026 Option Period 2: September 2026 to September 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Gaborone, Botswana

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCN)

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Employment Authorization - Facility Access

II. SCOPE OF WORK

Introduction:

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), initiated in 2003, provides the largest resources in history for a single disease. Since its inception, PEPFAR has saved millions of lives and has given hope to millions more. In Botswana, PEPFAR is an integrated U.S. Government (USG) response led by the US Embassy – Department of State. USAID/Botswana works with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense (DOD), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Peace Corps to implement the PEPFAR programs while the Department of State plays a pivotal role in coordinating all the PEPFAR efforts in the country. Botswana is a sparsely populated land-locked country with a population of approximately 2.36 million (2018 Projection). According to the 2021 UNAIDS estimates, there are 374,729 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Botswana.

The Government of Botswana’s (GoB) response to the epidemic has been very successful on many fronts and the United State Government (USG) has been a critical partner. However, there are gaps that exist including the lower number of HIV positive men, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and infants that have been identified, and services for key populations. The program comprises both public and private sector elements including non-government organizations (NGOs) but is heavily dependent upon the public sector delivery system. USG HIV/AIDS programs support the priorities of the GoB through supporting the implementation of the third National Strategic Framework for HIV (2018-2023) in the areas of HIV/AIDS Prevention which includes behavioral and biomedical prevention; HIV Care and Treatment, Supply Chain and Health Systems Strengthening.

Preliminary results of the recent Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAISV) showed that Botswana has reached the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals with preliminary results showing 93-98-98. With the achievement of these milestones Botswana enters a new phase of its HIV response, one that will be more systems oriented and focused on sustaining the current situation. USAID/Botswana, as a development agency, is well placed to support these changes. This position will be critical in that support.

Position Overview:

The USAID/Botswana Senior HIV Advisor fills a key technical and managerial role. The Advisor will provide strategic guidance to USAID and PEPFAR in Botswana on technical and policy issues related to the HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for general and key populations. The Advisor will also engage the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other Ministries on policy and programmatic responses. The Advisor will lead the integration of internationally recognized best practices in the technical areas for general and key populations, providing support to the USAID/Botswana team, and implementing partners to develop and implement PEPFAR funded activities. The Advisor will play a key role in developing annual Country Operation Plans and other strategic documents related to the evolution of the health program.

The Advisor is an expert in activities and linkages across the HIV cascade both at facility and community level. The Advisor will be the key USAID/Botswana staff member responsible for ensuring the activities within the HIV cascade are working synergistically. In order to reach and maintain epidemic control it is critical not only that each component is being implemented appropriately, but also the links from one to the next are maintained so that there are no gaps in service delivery.

The Advisor will be responsible for both general and key population programs. He/she will work closely with other technical advisors who are responsible for different interventions within the cascade to support their work and to advise them on how to strengthen linkages. As Botswana’s HIV response changes with the country reaching epidemic control there will be a stronger emphasis on sustainability. Advising Botswana on the system and activity needs to maintain epidemic control will be an important component of this position.

The Advisor will serve as the Contracts/Agreements Officer’s Representative (C/AOR) and/or Activity Manager for USAID/Botswana awards and contracts issued by the USAID/SA Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance (ROAA) and USAID/W-procured Field Support activities. The incumbent is supervised by the USAID/Botswana Health Development Officer or their designee and may directly supervise internationally and locally employed professional and administrative staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will require professional mastery of administration, management, and technical expertise to allow him/her to effectively support the following responsibilities.

Strategic and Technical Leadership (40%)

● Ensure USAID and PEPFAR activities related to the HIV cascade for different populations address sustainability to support Botswana’s ability to maintain epidemic control.

● Providing technical and programmatic leadership on specific activities within the HIV cascade (prevention, treatment, care, and support).

● Provide technical and programmatic leadership related to linkages across the activities within the HIV cascade (linkages for those testing HIV positive to treatment and viral load services, ensuring they stay on treatment and are virally suppressed), across different populations, including pediatrics, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), adolescent boys and young men (ABYM), key populations, and with the general population.

● Lead dissemination of new survey findings, interventions, and technologies as related to the position, synthesize findings and implications, and disseminate to USAID and within PEPFAR; advise on appropriate shifts in HIV activities to respond to evolving best practices.

● Coordinate USAID and PEPFAR activities related to the HIV cascade with GoB and other stakeholders especially those related to key populations.

● Provide ongoing technical assistance, training and consultation on the development and implementation of HIV activities for the portfolio to USG activity managers and partners.

● Ensure that best practices, evidence-based and epidemiological relevant approaches are incorporated into all USAID-funded programs.

● Ensure that prevention efforts are linked to testing and care and treatment programs.

● Prepare and/or write documents related to the assigned areas of responsibility.

● Develop and/or maintain linkages across USG-funded activities, including community programs such as OVC and DREAMS.

Project Portfolio Management (35%)

• Provide technical input on annual work plans for HIV/AIDS implementing partners, and ensure these are consistent with current USG prevention, testing, treatment, care and support priorities and are harmonized across partners.

• Serve as COR/AOR and/or activity manager for designated activities awarded under the USAID portfolio.

• The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of project management for her/his assigned activities, including technical and financial oversight of contractors and grantees, reviewing reports, documents, and scopes of work across the USG PEPFAR Program in Botswana.

• Conduct regular site visits to review implementation of activities across the HIV cascade, with a particular focus on linkages across the cascade. Based on information collected during field visits, communicate findings and recommendations for interventions and linkages to the USAID/Botswana, PEPFAR, and as appropriate, implementing partners and GOB counterparts.

• Review performance reports to ensure that partner(s) are in compliance with bilateral government agreements and with the performance expectations outlined in their work plan and in their contracts/agreement(s) with

USAID.

• Assist implementing partners to understand compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures.

Based on personal observations, assessment reports, performance statistics and other available data, make programmatic recommendations to PEPFAR Team.

• Apply specific and in-depth knowledge of applicable USG laws, legislative directives, and regulations, particularly regarding the allowable use of PEPFAR funds according to most recent guidance.

Program Planning and Reporting (25%)

• Lead the development for program design documents, annual portfolio review, implementing mechanism narratives under the Country Operational Plan, and prepare annual reports and other necessary documents in their technical areas.

• Draft statements of work and illustrative budgets, prepare quarterly accrual estimates, and track funds for activities implemented by partner organizations related to the assigned area of responsibility.

• Maintain detailed and updated project management files for each activity, ensuring that all program documentation meets both USG requirements and audit inspection standards. Ensure that documentation of relevant activities is prepared with input from other USG team members and implementing partners; and is submitted in a timely fashion to the Health Office Director and/or the PEPFAR Coordinator, with adequate time for TWG review and clearance.

• Serve as a Control Officer and provide administrative back up for USAID/Botswana and PEPFAR visitors.

II. QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education A master’s degree in public health, nursing, behavioral and/or social sciences, health care, and international development is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in program design and management, with a focus on HIV and AIDS programming in the African context.

• A minimum of five years of experience supporting HIV service delivery related to the HIV cascade (prevention, testing, care, and treatment), with at least three years of experience supporting activities for key population groups.

• Knowledge and experience working with US government procurement processes, program management, performance monitoring and other systems.

• Experience working in the southern Africa region.

Job Knowledge

• Expert understanding of HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care interventions, and the linkages between different interventions, and HIV impact mitigation, including program design, implementation, and evaluation.

• Expert knowledge of PEPFAR and USG programmatic, administrative, and strategic operations, rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and programs is a distinct advantage.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the main technical and substantive issues related to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care (clinical and non-clinical) and among different populations, including key populations

• Expert knowledge and experience of clinical and community-based HIV initiatives

• Strong understanding of systems required to support and sustain HIV service delivery across the cascade, including at community level

• Demonstrable experience working with civil society to implementing HIV activities and supporting national

HIV response

• Sound understanding of the social, economic, and cultural determinants and implications of the HIV epidemic in Botswana.

• Expert knowledge of the principles of public health programs and practice including knowledge of general

HIV/AIDS programming by public, private, non-profit organizations.

• An understanding of the impact and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with respect to the

HIV cascade, in Botswana, southern Africa and programming to support a local COVID-19 response.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral/written communication and computer skills.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to proactively build consensus.

• Ability in dealing effectively and diplomatically with multiple U.S. and host country government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

• Excellent coordination skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through, including balancing of competing priorities in a fast-paced working environment and working under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to look creatively at issues/problems and conceive, plan, organize, manage, and evaluate important, diverse, and complex work projects/issues.

• Excellent technical and project management skills to review and provide substantive feedback on concept papers, proposals, program descriptions/scopes of work, performance reports, and other technical and programmatic documents.

• Strong organizational/prioritization skills; project administration ability to operate independently with limited direct supervision.

• Standard to advanced working knowledge of MS Office, specifically MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel. The ability to use other data platforms such as SPSS, STATA and DHIS2 platforms is required.

• A thorough working knowledge of PEPFAR and U.S. government operations, rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and programs, including financial management.

Post Entry Training: The incumbent will be given on-the-job training regarding Agency policies, procedures, and regulations, including the Automated Directives Systems (ADS) and Mission Orders. Courses toward certification as Agreement Officer’s Representative (A/COR) and supervision training will be offered; on-the-job training on financial management and procurement procedures is desirable. Training in USAID project implementation, financial management operating procedures and requirements as needed. Technical trainings to be attended as applicable.

Language Proficiency Level IV (fluent) ability is required in written and spoken English.

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.

The following factors, and points for each, will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Work Experience (10 points) Relevant Experience (15 points) Technical Knowledge (40 points) Abilities and Skills (35 points)

V. POSITION ELEMENTS

a. Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised by the USAID Office in Botswana’s Health Development Officer or her/his designee. The Advisor is expected to be able to exercise considerable independent judgment in carrying out assigned tasks and to be able to function effectively within a multicultural and interagency environment. As a technical expert the incumbent should work independently on key tasks, and keep managers and colleagues apprised of the status of work assignments. Assignments are often self-generated and made in terms of a review of goals and objectives to be achieved and the results expected.

b. Available Guidelines: Generally accepted HIV/AIDS international medical and ethical standards for treatment and research such as WHO and UNAIDS. PEPFAR strategic objectives and operating provisions.

The Country Operational Plan (COP), U.S. Government (including agency and PEPFAR) rules, regulations, and policies issued both in writing and orally. PEPFAR/Agency specific financial regulations, agency-specific procurement regulations and requirements for developing and implementing grants, contracts, cooperative agreements. Additionally, the ADS, USAID Travel Regulations, USAID Mission Orders, and other guidelines as may be pointed out by the supervisor or their designee.

c. Exercise of Judgment: Incumbent is expected to exercise independent, professional judgment on the quality and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programs. Incumbent’s professional judgment is used to recommend and develop strategies for optimum cooperation with the implementing partners of the USG, as well as senior level staff of other agencies that are involved in providing HIV/AIDS related services and activities such as the CDC Country Director, UNAIDS Country Representative, WHO Country Representative and others.

Position leads project teams and workgroups and has wide latitude about how best to meet the goals of the project. Position is required to detect, amend and re-direct practices that are not consistent with the goals and any protocols established for the project.

d. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent has no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the USG. However, the incumbent will provide technical and management expertise and make recommendations to superiors as required.

e. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will establish and maintain mid-level to high level contacts within the Embassy Gaborone, USAID (regional and Washington), USG partner agencies, host government contacts, and other stakeholders as a technical expert in representing USAID, PEPFAR and the USG. The incumbent will have an important technical role in supporting the USAID/Botswana PEPFAR office and as such is expected to collect, analyze and share data across partners and collaborators. Such contacts will be through settings that include large gatherings and one-on-one meetings.

f. Time Required to Reach Full Performance Level: One year from the start date.

VI. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain an “employment authorization” if a US Citizen or US Green Card Holder. This temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

• Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation.

Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the required qualifications. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.

Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the AID309-2.

• Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified and submitted to the job applications mailbox.

• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

• 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.

Methods of application submissions:

For applicants to be considered for this position the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted to jobapplications@usaid.gov, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position.

If sent via email:

Kim Sias HR Assistant Telephone: +27 12 452 2066 E-mail address: jobapplications@usaid.gov

VII. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award. Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms:

• AID 309-2

• Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). ** http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:jobapplications@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

• Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

** Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VIII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(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)

If a TCN is selected for this position the benefits will be adjusted as per Mission policy.

IX. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. A TCN will be eligible to pay taxes as specified by their respective country.

X. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

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.

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://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

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: R497

- Accounting Info:

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: R497

- Accounting Info:

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: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with

Contractor_

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.

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