Sol_72065619R00006_Amd_0002_Changes.docx

Re-Solicitation No.: 72065619R00006 (0002) USPSC Senior HIV/AIDS & Infectious Disease Team Leader, USAID/Mozambique

RE-SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72065619R00006 (0002)

ISSUANCE DATE: 11/22/2019

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 12/02/2019 – 5:30PM Maputo Time

SUBJECT: Amendment to Extend Closing Date of Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) - Senior HIV/AIDS & Infectious Disease Team Leader

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, Avani Baluci Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. RE-SOLICITATION NO.: 72065619R00006 (0002)

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 11/22/2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 12/02/2019 - 5:30PM Maputo Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID HR, email at Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior HIV/AIDS & Infectious Disease Team Leader

6. MARKET VALUE: $106,595.00 - $138,572.00 equivalent to GS-15 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Compensation in excess of the GS-15 rate may be negotiated by the Contracting Officer only if there are no qualified offerors within the market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Starting immediately upon receipt of security and medical clearances. The duration of the contract will be for one (1) year, with four (4) one-year option periods, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and continuing need of the position.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Maputo, Mozambique with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) Citizens.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: United States Government Facility Access Clearance

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. BACKGROUND

Overview of the Program and Role of the Position:

Health is USAID’s largest and most expansive portfolio (over $245 million per year) which aims to improve health outcomes in country through support of the Government of Mozambique’s (GRM) Health Sector Strategic Plan which seeks to improve access to and utilization of quality health services through a strengthened national health system. USAID is part of a unified and effective interagency team—including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Departments of State (DOS) and Defense (DOD), and Peace Corps—which aims to fulfill two overarching health goals in Mozambique: to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic and prevent child and maternal deaths. To accomplish these goals, USAID’s Health Office plans, implements, and monitors activities that include: HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, family planning, maternal and child health, nutrition, and water/sanitation/hygiene. The Health Office, with a total of 62 staff, is comprised of four divisions whose activities are oriented around: HIV/AIDS and infectious disease; preventing child and maternal deaths; strengthening health systems and commodities security; and providing efficient and effective operations within the office.

For HIV & AIDS, USAID is a leading implementer of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in harmony with CDC, DOD, Peace Corps, and the PEPFAR Coordination Office. The goal of the United States Government (USG) for PEPFAR in Mozambique is to control the HIV epidemic via rapid adoption and application of evidence-based policies and interventions to drive progress and save lives, implemented through a partnership between the USG and the GRM that best supports host country leadership, ownership, and sustainability. PEPFAR achieves this goal by working with the National HIV & AIDS Program, the National AIDS Council (Conselho Nacional de Combate ao HIV e SIDA, or CNCS), the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), UNAIDS, civil society, and the private sector to target high impact interventions for populations at greatest risk in areas of greatest HIV prevalence.

PEFPAR support is focused on providing technical assistance, training, mentoring, and supportive supervision together with essential commodities and supply chain support to ensure the National HIV/AIDS Program can test, treat, and suppress viral load for Mozambicans living with HIV and prevent new infections to effectively achieve an AIDS-Free generation by 2030.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As the Senior HIV/AIDS & Infectious Disease Team Leader, the incumbent will:

1. Serve as USAID’s most senior HIV/AIDS technical advisor to the USG interagency health team and headquarter team, to the GRM and the National HIV/AIDS program, and to HIV/AIDS partners in Mozambique. S/he keeps current on all new developments in HIV/AIDS treatment, care and support, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, as well as with the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) in order to advise and/or lead the Mission on technical priorities and implementation approaches. The incumbent will maximize management and programmatic opportunities (as strategic and cost-effective) as appropriate for Mozambique’s current country context.

2. Represent USAID/Mozambique at high level meetings with government, USG agencies (Mozambique, HQ, regional), implementing partners, donors, and international and local partners.

3. Carry out a full range of advisory, strategic, mentoring, planning and evaluation responsibilities.

4. Provide vision, strategic direction and leadership to the Infectious Disease team in the design, implementation and monitoring of all projects/activities in the portfolio.

5. Direct team members to ensure quality project management, including but not limited to: monitoring and reporting on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases activities for USAID; completion of the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan, USAID Operational Plan, and USAID and PEPFAR Annual/Semi-annual Program Reports; compliance with the Site Implementation and Monitoring System (SIMS) requirements while ensuring that SIMS analysis is incorporated in program implementation; high quality portfolio reviews (POARTs) and other key documents directed by the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC).

6. Oversee the technical contributions from USAID in technical working groups formed within PEPFAR Mozambique, MISAU and the National HIV/AIDS Program, and the Health Partners Group (coordination body).

Program and Project Management:

1. Lead the coordination of all USAID/Mozambique’s infectious disease focused programming such as HIV/AIDS, GHSA, and tuberculosis initiatives, including planning, technical direction and analysis, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation with stakeholders in Mozambique.

2. Along with other Team Leaders, actively support management and program integration opportunities in strategic and cost-effective ways.

3. Supervise/provide management oversight, mentoring and coaching to Infectious Disease team members.

4. Direct the preparation of analysis and documentation required under the USAID and PEPFAR Annual Reports process.

Technical Leadership:

1. Serve as the USAID/Mozambique’s most senior technical contact person for HIV/AIDS care and treatment, tuberculosis, and other related activities as required.

2. Provide senior technical leadership support and assistance to the GRM on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis primarily, and other priorities as they emerge related to infectious diseases.

3. Develop and maintain ongoing support for infectious disease control activities to key GRM Ministerial counterparts, including non-Health ministries, to support multi-sectoral responses and inclusive country-led action plans.

4. Provide high-level technical leadership and direction to institutions at national, provincial and district levels to ensure that all implementing partners are well coordinated and that scale-up of activities is successfully implemented in all districts.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by the AIDS-Free Generation Division Chief or any personnel acting in this position.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS:

Supervision Received: Work will be performed under the general direction of the AIDS-Free Generation Division Chief. Substantial interaction and/or direction from the Embassy/USAID/CDC Front Offices, the Health Office Chief, Deputy Health Office Chief, and the PEPFAR Coordinator’s Office are anticipated.

Supervision Exercised: May exercise full range of normal supervision over nine (9) Mozambican and expatriate medical doctors and/or health specialists, providing overall supervision, policy guidance and coordinating the work of these employees to achieve program objectives.

Exercise of Judgment: A high degree of judgment will be required to provide guidance and assistance to a wide variety of high-level professionals in PEFPAR Mozambique and USAID mission. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize and carryout the specific activities to fulfill major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used, making independent judgments that can be defended, as necessary.

Authority to Make Commitments: As a personal services contract position, the incumbent cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and standing as a highly qualified professional in his/her field, great weight will be given to his/her conclusions and recommendations when commitments are made by those with the authority to do so.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will maintain contacts and work with USAID staff in Mozambique, with considerable interaction with USAID/Washington Global Health and Africa Bureau staff, USAID/Washington Office of HIV/AIDS staff, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, and GHSA Office to provide policy and procedural guidance and to obtain information relative to programs and activities.

Available Guidelines: Available guidelines establish a broad pattern of operations that requires frequent need to exercise judgment and interpretation, and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation. Relevant guidelines include the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), PEPFAR guidelines, Country Operational Plans, Mission Orders, and other directives.

Post Entry Training: The incumbent will complete applicable USAID, PEPFAR, and/or other technical trainings as required to fulfill the duties of the position.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

13. SUPPORT ITEMS: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment and supplies.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

A. Education: Must possess a Master’s degree or higher in medicine, international public health, social sciences, or health care development.

B. Technical Experience:

a. For applicants with a medical degree (MD): At least ten years (10) of progressive professional experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring large scale public health programs, including programs related to HIV/AIDS epidemic preparedness and response which includes at least five (5) years of substantive supervisory experience, is required.

b. For applicants with a Master’s degree or PhD: At least twelve years (12) of progressive professional experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring large scale public health programs, including programs related to HIV/AIDS epidemic preparedness and response which includes at least seven years (7) of substantive supervisory experience, is required.

c. Direct work experience with an international organization and/or donor agency, is required. Extensive familiarity with USG policies would be preferred, but not required.

d. Demonstrated experience working with high level host country counterparts, in-country program managers, policy makers and a broad array of international health service providers and community leaders is required.

C. Job Knowledge:

a. In-depth professional-level knowledge of concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to activities in developing countries, resource challenged settings, and/or complex environments.

b. Knowledge and understanding of development problems, including resources and constraints. Knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Mozambique and the region is desirable.

c. Knowledge of, or the potential to quickly acquire USAID, Mozambican, USG, and other major donor legislation, policies, regulations, and practices.

D. Skills and Abilities:

a. Exceptionally strong interpersonal skills and abilities to work in a multi-cultural setting are required. Experience supervising, motivating, and leading teams of professionals required. Demonstrated ability to work across agencies, and with high level senior-ranking host country government officials, is required. Able to work effectively on her/his own and as a member of an office management team and as a mentor to junior staff, is required.

b. Strong, computer, verbal and writing skills required. Must be fluent in English. A professional efficiency in a Romance Language is desired (Portuguese is preferred) or the willingness and ability to learn Portuguese within 12 months. A proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely in both speech and writing. Able to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural context. Able to produce concise, clear reports, and utilize word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.

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.

Reference checks may be conducted on those Offerors selected for an interview. The Offeror's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers for relevant information concerning performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

The following evaluation factors for evaluating applications are established. The Technical Evaluation Committee will establish the competitive range/cut-off points per the evaluation factors listed below. Applicants are encouraged to provide a narrative for each selection criteria listed below in this section. This information will be used for evaluating and scoring each criterion. The TEC will conduct interviews with all offerors in the competitive range and provide the final rating and ranking of the offerors based on the interviews and professional reference checks.

1) Education (10%): Must possess a Master’s degree or higher in medicine, international public health, social sciences, or health care development.

2) Work Experience (40%):

a. At least ten years (10) of progressive professional experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring large scale public health programs, including programs related to HIV/AIDS epidemic preparedness and response which includes at least five (5) years of substantive supervisory experience, is required. (20%)

b. Direct work experience with an international organization and/or donor agency, is required. Extensive familiarity with USG policies would be preferred, but not required. (10%)

c. Demonstrated experience working with high level host country counterparts, in-country program managers, policy makers and a broad array of international health service providers and community leaders is required. (10%)

3) Job Knowledge (30%): In-depth professional-level knowledge of concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to activities in developing countries, resource challenged settings, and/or complex environments. Knowledge and understanding of development problems, including resources and constraints. Knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Mozambique and the region is desirable. Knowledge of, or the potential to quickly acquire USAID, Mozambican, USG, and other major donor legislation, policies, regulations, and practices.

4) Skills and Abilities (20%): Exceptionally strong interpersonal skills and abilities to work in a multi-cultural setting are required. Experience supervising, motivating, and leading teams of professionals is required. Demonstrated ability to work across agencies, and with high level senior-ranking host country government officials, is required. Able to work effectively on her/his own and as a member of an office management team and as a mentor to junior staff, is required. Strong computer, verbal and writing skills required. Able to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural context. Able to produce concise, clear reports, and utilize word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.

Maximum Points Available: 100

Evaluation Summary

1) Education (10%)

2) Work Experience (40%)

3) Job Knowledge (30%)

4) Skills and Abilities (20%)

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

4. Offerors are required to submit a signed and dated Cover letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV), specifically addressing the selection criteria stated above.

5. Applicants must provide a minimum of five (5) references who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's job knowledge and professional work experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

Interested offerors should send the applications via email mzrecruiter1@usaid.gov by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter. Please note that attachments to e-mail applications in zip format cannot be received to this mailbox. Please make sure that you do not send any attachments in zip format. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and in the subject line of any cover letter.

USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for all applicants selected for an interview. The applicant’s interview performance, academic and professional reference checks will be utilized to supplement the findings in the initial review.

Please note that only shortlisted offerors will be contacted or interviewed.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

2. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

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 (USPSCs)

(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

2. 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 (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

a. Post Differential (Section 500)

b. Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)

c. Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)

d. Education Allowance (Section 270)

e. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

f. Educational Travel (Section 280)

3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Maputo in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children.

VII. TAXES

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

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

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

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.

[END OF RE-SOLICITATION]

U.S. Agency for International Development JAT Complex Rua 1231, n.º 41 P.O. Box 783 Maputo, Mozambique Tel: (258) 21 35 20 00 Fax (258) 21 35 21 00 www.usaid.gov/mz U.S.A. Postal Address 2330 Maputo Place U.S. Department of State Washington, D.C. 20521-2330 image1.jpeg