Sol_72064923R00001 - Amendment 1.pdf

Postal Address:

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) P.O. Box 629 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya Tel:+ 254-20-363-2000

Courier Address:

USAID/Somalia c/o American Embassy United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya

Pouch Address:

American Embassy 8900 Nairobi Place Department of State Washington D.C.

20521-8900

Electronic:

Website:

Email:

Facebook:

Twitter:

usaid.gov/Somalia usaidsomalia-info@usaid.gov USAIDSomalia @USAIDSomalia

Solicitation No.: 72064923R00001

Issuance Date: December 16, 2022

Closing Date/Time: January 25, 2023, 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (U.S. PSC) Stabilization Advisor –

Somalia, GS-13

Dear Prospective Offerors:

This solicitation has been amended. In section I, General Information, the language in 11.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS is revised as indicated in that section.

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens and/or U.S Resident Aliens to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with the solicitation instructions. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. Offers must be submitted electronically via email to nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above. Late, incomplete, or unsigned offers will not be considered.

Scanned copies are accepted by email. Applicants must prominently reference the solicitation number in the application submission.

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, -s-

Kion Turner

Executive Officer http://kenya.usaid.gov/ mailto:usaidsomalia-info@usaid.gov mailto:nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov

72064923R00001

Attachment 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72064923R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 16, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: January 25, 2023, at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)

4. POSITION TITLE: U.S PSC Stabilization Advisor – Somalia

5. MARKET VALUE: $81,216 to $105,579 annually equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with three one-year options subject to funding and contractor performance of satisfactory or better.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Mogadishu, Somalia

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and/or U.S Resident Aliens1. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated. Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained.

9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

10. POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Mogadishu, Somalia. No special demands are required to perform the work.

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION

Background/Introduction

USAID/Somalia seeks to contract for a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to serve as a

Stabilization Advisor at US Embassy Somalia to advance USAID/Somalia’s goal of preventing and countering violent extremism. The Stabilization Advisor will: (1) help lead USAID interagency engagement on issues surrounding stabilization and broader efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism; (2) help represent USAID Somalia to host country government officials, international donors, State and Department of Defense stakeholders in Mogadishu on stabilization,d (3) provide technical guidance as an Activity Manager to USAID/Somalia implementing partner(s) on small grant identification and review all small grant concepts and proposals, and (4) provide support to other

USAID/Somalia programming and activities in Mogadishu on an as needed basis.

USAID/Somalia’s approach to stabilization recognizes that stabilization programs must be a bridge to and catalyst for longer term development processes, be grounded in efforts to advance political inclusion, and

1 U.S. resident alien means a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

mailto:pbii@usaid.gov connect with efforts to resolve grievances and conflict that can drive instability. To be successful, USAID’s programs must both look ahead to identify new stabilization opportunities created by clearing operations while simultaneously looking back to ensure that al-Shabaab’s influence is sufficiently eroded so that longer term development processes can take root. This approach requires USAID to engage with communities recently recovered from al-Shabaab and in communities that may have been recovered for several years but remain vulnerable to al-Shabaab and where opportunities exist to consolidate and expand stabilization gains.

To achieve stabilization goals, the USG recognizes that stabilization is effective only when diplomatic, defense, and development efforts are integrated to support USG national strategic interests in Somalia. All activities undertaken by USAID/Somalia stabilization programming will be coordinated and sequenced to complement parallel military and political stabilization efforts. Much of the information and analysis driving USAID/Somalia stabilization efforts is derived from USG inter-agency and inter-donor coordination. Effective cooperation and collaboration across multiple stakeholders is critical to the success of USAID/Somalia stabilization efforts.

The Stabilization Advisor ensures USAID’s stabilization efforts are at the forefront of US Government

(USG) policy in Somalia, serving as USAID’s primary stabilization point person in Mogadishu to liaise with host government officials, interagency colleagues, and international partners and donors. In consultation with the Senior Stabilization Advisor, s/he will provide technical assistance and technical advice to Defense and State stabilization efforts as well as host government partners at both the Federal, State, and local levels. In addition, s/he will assist USAID/Somalia’s implementing partners for stabilization in identifying interventions that can further USAID/Somalia’s stabilization goals and objectives. Strong interpersonal skills, strong stabilization experience, and political astuteness are essential to the incumbent’s success in the position.

The Stabilization Advisor reports to the Senior Stabilization Advisor based in Nairobi. Somalia is one of the most complex political and security environments in the world, and approximately half of

USAID/Somalia’s nearly $60 million annual Development Assistance budget supports the Agency’s largest and most comprehensive Democracy, Rights, and Governance (DRG) portfolio in all of Africa.

This portfolio includes programs that support elections, public sector capacity building, legislative development, local governance, access to justice, and stabilization and reconciliation. The DSG Office is a team of nine, composed of two USDHs, three USPSCs, and four FSNs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Stabilization Advisor or his designee, the duties and responsibilities of the Stabilization Advisor include:

• Serve as the primary USAID expert on stabilization issues in Mogadishu. This will include regularly attending stabilization meetings with USAID Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, host-country government officials, international organizations, indigenous and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international donors;

• Provide guidance on the identification and development of interventions that further

USAID/Somalia programmatic objectives, and complement other projects and programs implemented by other USAID programs or U.S. government agencies and donor organizations.

Serve as an Activity Manager for stabilization activities;

• Lead efforts to expand USAID/Somalia’s and agency learning on stabilization, identifying, developing, overseeing, documenting, and sharing the implementation of strategic and programmatic shifts in USAID stabilization activities when necessary to respond to changing political circumstances and to ensure programs achieve higher level U.S. strategic goals.

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of political, economic, organizational, and stakeholder interests specific to Somalia. Analyze, synthesize and report on current political developments, security concerns, and other pertinent information required to achieve USAID’s stabilization objectives;

• Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief USAID and US Embassy staff on their potential programmatic impact;

• Provide on-going support to other USAID Senior Leadership and other USAID Technical Offices as needed in Mogadishu. As needed, may serve on temporary details within the Mission to meet operational needs during staff shortages in technical teams.

• Coordinate closely with the Mogadishu-based Humanitarian Advisor to ensure programmatic alignment between USAID’s development and humanitarian activities in Somalia.

Position Elements:

Degree of Responsibility for Decision-making: This position requires the ability to act independently in a complex and highly sensitive political environment with a wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The Stabilization Advisor will also apply his/her expertise to provide conclusions and recommendations to those with authority to make decisions and commitments on how to most effectively achieve USAID’s objectives. The incumbent must ensure Mission engagement with the host country government in stabilization activities. This requires facilitating effective development cooperation in this multi-sectoral area of interventions and is critical to ensure that USG investments are directed towards the greatest results.

Level of Complexity: The Stabilization Advisor’s responsibilities involve significant areas of uncertainty in approach, methods and processes due to the difficult, complex work environment and fluid security situation in Somalia. Decisions involve largely undefined areas and issues and require extensive probing and analysis to determine the scope of the problem. Substantial complexity in managing processes and programs also results from the need to engage multiple host country governments – the Federal

Government of Somalia and five Federal Member States, plus self-declared independent Somaliland.

Knowledge Level: The incumbent must be an expert in stabilization, peace building, or a related field.

S/he must have comprehensive knowledge of donor programming policies and international donor regulations, procedures, and practices as well of host country development strategies at both the state and federal level. The incumbent must show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction, and ability to exercise excellent independent judgment.

Supervisory Controls: The Stabilization Advisor will perform his/her duties under the supervision of the USAID/Somalia Senior Stabilization Advisor. Supervisory direction will consist of prioritizing broad objectives and results areas. The individual must exercise extensive independent judgment in a wide area of topics, including, planning and carrying out tasks related to objectives set by the Senior Stabilization

Advisor, resolving problems and conflicts within the interagency, other donors, and representatives of the

Somali Government.

Guidelines for Required Work: USAID policies on preventing and countering violent extremism, conflict sensitivity, rule of law programming and the broad range of administrative policies and precedents, ADS chapters, USG/Embassy/USAID/and Bureau and Mission directives, and technical

Monitoring and Evaluation references, including specific references, are available. The Stabilization

Advisor is required to understand USG, Mission, and Agency-specific policies and procedures around the broad field of stabilization, preventing and countering violent extremism, conflict sensitivity, rule of law programming and those which govern program activity management in addition to the USAID/Somalia established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. Oral guidance from the immediate supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments.

Scope and Effect of the Work Performed: The work will support the Mission’s stabilization assistance activities, the impact of which will be to advance USAID/Somalia’s strategic objectives to prevent and counter violent extremism. S/he is responsible for coordinating with senior government and donor officials at the highest level, and communicating USAID policy and programming positions in national and regional forums with non-USG senior stakeholders. S/he will also work closely with senior-level

FSNs, USDHs, and USPSCs, requiring high-level expertise and experience.

Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Stabilization Advisor will maintain professional working relations and senior level contacts to discuss policy development, programmatic priorities, and implementation progress and challenges with internal and external stakeholders, including USAID and other U.S.

government officials and representatives from the Somali government, civil society, implementing partners and other donors.

Supervision Exercised: The Stabilization Advisor will not supervise any staff.

Security Clearance Requirement: Secret

Travel Requirement: At least 15% of the time, primarily to Nairobi.

Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work e.g., desktop computer, shared office equipment (such as printer, scanner and shredder), office supplies and support services.

Sunday Pay: Is authorized.

II. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The MEL Advisor must meet the following requirements in education and professional experience:

Education: Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant area such as, but not limited to, international relations, conflict analysis, international development, social sciences, or law.

Prior Work Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible management experience with a USG entity, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, stabilization, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, reconciliation, citizen security, and/or political analysis; within which there must be a:

• Minimum of three (3) years of overseas field experience working on stabilization, reconciliation, local governance, conflict prevention, dispute resolution, community development, or other relevant programs;

Language Proficiency: Fluent (Level IV), fluent verbal and written English communication skills and analytical ability are required.

Knowledge: The incumbent must have a considerable level understanding of stabilization and/or conflict-related programs characterized by multi-disciplinary approaches, and their role in U.S. foreign policy. S/he must have comprehensive knowledge of donor programming policies and international donor regulations, procedures, and practices. Candidates must show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction.

Abilities and Skills: The incumbent must have demonstrated ability in dealing effectively and diplomatically with stakeholders from a variety of organizations. The individual must be able to develop and maintain an extensive range of contacts with both senior and working level staff in USAID/Somalia, USAID/Washington, US Mission in Somalia, and the inter-agency, as well as development partners, donors, host-country representatives, and other stakeholders.

Candidates must have the ability to independently manage activities and deliver quality, timely products that require minimal review and oversight. Proven written and oral English communication skills, as well as strong research, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are required to perform successfully in this position. The incumbent must be comfortable developing outreach strategies, and delivering formal briefings and presentations.

Candidates who are short-listed based on an initial review of applications and references, may be requested to interview. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, USAID reserves the right to forgo the interview process.

Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.

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.

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen and must submit an application in accordance with the guidance below – “How to Apply.” Candidates who meet the above requirements will be further evaluated according to the Selective Factors listed below.

Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the criteria.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: Candidates must meet the Selective Factors listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the criteria.

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

Education: Null (minimum criteria required)

Work Experience: 15 points

Technical Knowledge: 40 points

Skills and Abilities: 45 Points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Maximum Points Available: 100 Points

IV. APPLYING

1. Interested applicants are required to submit the following:

1) Offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

2) An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (no more than five pages), cover letter addressing the evaluation factors above, copies of all relevant certificates and include three (3) referees, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts.

2. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above.

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

4. 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.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the CO informs the successful offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

● Medical History and Examination (DS 6561 and/or DS 1843)

● Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

● Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

● Fingerprint Card(s)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer’s FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 mailto:nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Paid Parental Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government

Civilians Foreign Areas)

a. Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

b. 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 clauses

“General Provisions,” found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.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.

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 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

(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

LINE ITEM

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

- Award Type: Labor Hour

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD at award after negotiations

0002 Option Period 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Labor Hour

- Accounting Info: TBD

0003 Option Period 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

0004 Option Period 3 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

4. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs):

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

AAPD 21-04- Executive Order 14042 on ensuring adequate COVID-19 Safety protocols for federal awards (FAR Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)- October 12, 2021

- AAPD 21-01 - Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the AIDAR Appendices D and J- March 26, 2021

- AAPD 18-02 REVISED - This AAPD extends and revises implementation of medevac regulations for USPSCs and TCNPSCs under AIDAR Appendix D and J, § 12, clauses #25 in

Appendix D, and #21 in Appendix J. – December 18, 2019

- AAPD 10-01 – PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS- Changes in USG reimbursement amounts for health insurance and physical examination costs- 01/08/10

- AAPD 06-10- PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility – October 30, 2006

- AAPD 06-08 - AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts – June 23, 2006 https://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

5. 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

6. 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.

[END OF SOLICITATION]

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman