PROG_USPSC_Solicitation_DOC_Adviser.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 72066019R00015

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066019R00015

ISSUANCE DATE: August 28, 2019 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: September 27, 2019, 5:00 PM, DRC Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Development Outreach and Communications Adviser, USAID/DRC

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, Sections I through VII 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 the attached information.

Sincerely, /S/

Priscilla Sampil Contracting Officer

USAID/DRC

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066019R00015

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 28, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 27, 2019before and/or on 5:00

PM (Kinshasa local time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Priscilla Sampil, Contracting Officer, psampil@usaid.gov and/or email at usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Adviser

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 ($76,687 – 99,691 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One initial year, with four additional one-year extensions pending approval, need, performance, and funding, not to exceed five years.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder). The final selected candidate must be able to obtain a facility access authorization;

a Department of State medical clearance and be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidates must obtain both the appropriate security (Facility Access) and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1) General Statement of Purpose of Contract

The DOC Adviser reports to the Supervisory Program Officer. The DOC Advisor will frequently directly interact with the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, the Head of the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section and the Press Attaché as well as with the Press and Public Affairs directors of other governments’ development agencies and INGOs operating in DRC. He/she will help to plan and directly support press events and field trips involving the participation of the U.S. Ambassador, the Deputy Chief of Mission, USAID leadership, and visiting VIPs.

S/he must be able to work constructively across team structures in a high-paced, working environment often driven by tight deadlines. S/he must demonstrate initiative, have the ability to firmly guide the outreach efforts of USAID’s implementing partners, produce accurate and timely products with minimal supervision, and have the knowledge and skills needed to provide communications oversight and conduct training on best communications practices for USAID staff and implementing partners. In addition, s/he must be a skilled story-teller, capable of using communications tools and channels including video clips, social media, and targeted written pieces for both USAID/DRC Mission and Agency platforms and publications.

Substantial reliance is placed on the DOC Adviser’s use of judgment regarding all aspects of outreach activities. The employee must react to and interpret changing priorities and circumstances in the local media and provide guidance on how these shifts affect the work of the mission. The need to exercise good judgment carries over into communication with Washington stakeholders, including through speeches, cables, or other similar documents, as well as in the sphere of social media, as he/she will be posting regularly on behalf of the United States Government.

The DOC Adviser’s experience and managerial skills will be brought to bear on a daily basis as USAID Mission Management, AORs/CORs and implementing partners flood the DOC Office with questions each day regarding the positioning of USAID assistance and with requests for advice and clearances. The DOC Adviser must plan his/her work schedule independently and direct colleagues to use their skills and abilities effectively. Together with the DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser serves as the Mission’s “Branding Champion.”

2) Statement of Duties to be Performed

The DOC Adviser is an integral part of the mission’s communications and outreach team and provides leadership and support to all Mission technical offices. Along with the Cooperating Country National (CCN) DOC Specialist, s/he is the primary interlocutor with the Embassy’s PAS Head and the Press Attaché, and serves as the Mission’s point of contact with the U.S. and international media and Washington-based stakeholders on communications-related matters, or as directed by the Mission leadership.

The position requires high-level contacts within the U.S. interagency in the DRC, CAR, ROC, and Washington, D.C., the host country community, and chiefs of party of implementing partners.

Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser develops, regularly updates, and implements a comprehensive communications and outreach strategy that promotes USAID’s activities to external and internal audiences. The DOC Adviser plays a key role in identifying communications’ objectives, messages, audiences, products, and budgets, and developing plans in coordination with USAID managers and technical teams consistent with USAID/DRC’s development strategy and the overall Embassy communications goals. The strategy is used to inform USAID’s implementing partners on the selection, targeting, and placement of materials to raise awareness of USAID activities in RDC, CAR, and ROC. The DOC Adviser works with the CCN

DOC Specialist to ensure that outreach activities are cost-effective, well-targeted, well-defined, visually appealing, and contain human interest elements. The DOC Adviser guides the work of implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. assistance efforts and initiatives in the DRC, CAR, and ROC, as defined by the Chief of Mission, USAID Mission Director, and the Deputy Mission Directors.

To operationalize the communications strategy, the DOC Adviser will put in place policies and procedures for Mission communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the Mission, the Embassy, and with implementing partners including review and/or develop templates for various communications tools, standards for creating and finalizing communications materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

Public Outreach: 35% The DOC Adviser counsels Mission leadership on targeted media placement, including print, TV, radio, and Internet; s/he coordinates closely with the CCN DOC Specialist in providing similar guidance to USAID technical offices and implementing partners. Working closely with the CCN DOC Specialist, s/he identifies activities appropriate for media coverage, participates in field inspections and final selection, and accompanies TV/radio crews to site locations for filming.

The DOC Adviser coordinates field travel and public affairs activities of the USAID leadership, the Embassy leadership, and major U.S. Government and congressional visitors. The DOC Adviser prepares schedules, briefings, and all information related to events (e.g., backgrounders/scene setters, briefing materials, talking points, speeches, video/photo coverage, etc.), and organizes logistics, guest lists and other arrangements in collaboration with mission staff. In concert with the CCN DOC Specialist, DOC Adviser works with USAID technical offices to plan and implement public events which maximize exposure for U.S. Government’s development and humanitarian assistance, and supports the conception, information collection, and dissemination of all public materials relating to USAID programs.

The DOC Adviser helps guide implementing partners work, and advises on planning, scheduling, publicizing and carrying out activities which effectively inform audiences in DRC, CAR, and ROC, as well as the U.S. about the work provided for by the American taxpayer funds. Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser organizes training for CORs/AORs and implementing partners on communication and media skills such as working with the media, developing briefing materials, stories and blogs, video production, photo taking and planning and managing special events.

As a resident expert on the Agency’s branding, marking and style guidelines, the DOC Adviser helps develop and deliver training for CORs/AORs and implementing partners on USAID branding and marking requirements. S/he ensures that regulations are followed and applied as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency’s Graphic Standards Manual. S/he reviews and edits implementing partner branding and marking plans and works with the contracts officer and COR/AOR on approval of these final documents. The DOC Adviser ensures that partners’ materials (videos, websites, banners, posters, brochures, publications, etc.) are in compliance with approved marking and branding plans, and, by extension, USAID requirements. When required, the DOC Adviser can recommend revisions, reprinting, or other appropriate action. S/he seeks guidance from the Africa Bureau and/or USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau (LPA) on any branding and marking waivers or disputes. S/he is also responsible for ensuring that USAID staff and implementing partners understand the nuances involved in working with funding provided through Presidential and other special initiatives and the branding and marking requirements for those activities.

Visibility Products and Materials: 40% The DOC Adviser coordinates with PAS in DRC to ensure that the Embassy is properly appraised of USAID public outreach activities, as well as with the Embassies in ROC and CAR. S/he also serves as a liaison with the USAID/Africa Bureau’s Communications team in Washington.

The DOC Adviser collects input, edits, and prepares information for use through a range of USAID products and platforms tailored to target audiences; manages the procurement and distribution of communications materials related to USAID foreign assistance in the DRC, CAR, and ROC; and serves as a liaison for information requests coming from Washington. Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser consistently drafts, formats and updates high-quality public information materials such as briefers, talking points, speeches, portfolio fact sheets, and Mission website content and maps. S/he writes, solicits, reviews, and prepares an array of success stories, articles and blog submissions for USAID/DRC and USAID/Washington platforms.

S/he manages social media platforms in coordination with the DOC Specialist (including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Flickr).

The DOC Adviser must know how to use relevant software programs and social media to manage USAID DRC’s public-facing, online digital platforms. The DOC Adviser must also have the ability to highlight and communicate effectively the impact of the USAID/DRC bilateral and regional portfolio through the use of photography, video and public presentations. The DOC Adviser is expected to know how to capture high-quality images and video footage that meet the standard of modern journalistic practice, and to edit those materials for use across USAID outreach platforms. The DOC Adviser ensures that the Mission is able to accommodate special outreach requests from the Africa Bureau, LPA, Global Health, and Presidential Initiatives at USAID/Washington, and the Embassy Public Affairs Section.

Media Relations: 25% The DOC Adviser counsels the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Directors and USAID staff as to when press coverage is not recommended for culturally or politically sensitive issues. S/he works closely with PAS, who are the point of contact for U.S. and international media inquiries, and is responsible for supporting USAID/DRC media activities, including monitoring media coverage on issues related to USAID activities in DRC, CAR, and ROC.

The DOC Adviser works with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including TV, radio and other media. In coordination with the PAS and CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser builds and maintains a professional network of media contacts interested in USAID activities in the DRC, CAR, and ROC. Responsibilities include arranging interviews with the USAID leadership, press-briefings, press-tours of USAID activities, and preparing USAID/DRC and visiting senior U.S. Government officials from USAID/Washington for interviews with the media.

Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser is responsible for writing and distributing press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, etc. and following up with the media to encourage and support coverage of activities. S/he will coordinate with USAID leadership, USAID technical teams, Embassy’s PAS, and LPA to ensure local and international media requests for information are met with well-written, timely, and accurate responses.

3) Supervisory Relationship: The Incumbent will work under the general supervision of the Supervisory Program Officer or his/her designee. The Program Officer sets the overall assignment objectives, program emphasis, and resources available. The DOC Adviser, in consultation with the Supervisory Program Officer, develops the nature of the communication plans, deadlines for implementation, and the various phases to be achieved. The DOC Adviser, having developed expertise in carrying out the communications program, has continuing responsibility for independently planning and executing the various phases or stages of the work plans. The DOC Adviser resolves most of the problems or conflicts that arise, consulting with the Supervisory Program Officer where policy has not been established. Completed work is reviewed by the Supervisory Program Officer for adherence to established policy, and meeting the expected goals of the communication plan.

4) Supervisory Controls: None

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:

● Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in the field of communications or journalism, public relations or marketing, English, International relations or a related field is required. A postgraduate degree would be preferred but is not required.

● Work Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience (public relations, public information and outreach or international development) with at least some of that experience in an international setting is required (international organization, corporation, government, or NGO). Proven experience in disseminating information to diverse target audiences (including US) is required, as is demonstrated expertise in producing effective public relations events and communications materials. Previous work experience with the U.S. Government or another international development organization is also highly desirable.

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.

● Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (60 points): The successful candidate must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Demonstrated skills and/or experience in public relations.

- A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies; experience in the region is highly desirable.

- The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the U.S. Government while discussing program activities with the press and media are essential elements of the job.

- Outstanding coordination, organizational, and event planning skills within a multi-cultural work environment.

- Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.

- Possess the ability to draft, edit, proof-read and fact check information in various print and online media formats (e.g., press release, speech, talking points, fact sheet, website, stories, blogs) targeting and distinguishing in-country Congolese audiences and stakeholder audiences at USAID HQ and in the US.

- Through knowledge of media operations (print, television, internet, radio), including how to shape a story and get it published.

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

- Ability to work independently managing several activities simultaneously and to work effectively and efficiently under time pressure is a must.

- Ability to perform conscientiously with minimal daily supervision and direction.

- Able to demonstrate initiative and be creative.

● Communication Proficiency (40 points):

- Outstanding verbal and written English communication skills, analytical ability, and interpersonal relationships are required.

- Native-level English written skills required for drafting, copy editing, and proofreading public print and online materials. A written test will be required.

- Basic knowledge of French is desirable.

- Basic knowledge of DRC culture and work environment is an asset.

- The incumbent will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all of the Microsoft Office Suite applications, especially PowerPoint.

- The incumbent should have experience with different types of social media applications

(e.g. Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Flickr), as well as website content management software such as Drupal.

- Knowledge of digital photography, video, graphic design or GIS graphic presentation skills.

- Demonstrated aptitude for understanding complex issues and the ability to translate and simplify them for key audiences.

BASIS OF RATING:

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be interviewed and professional reference checks will be conducted on top ranking candidate(s). The Applicant Rating System is as follows:

Evaluation Factors:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : 60 points Communication Proficiency : 40 points TOTAL : 100 points

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

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

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

1. Letter of application/cover letter.

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

3. 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, item 4.

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

5. Current resume/CV.

6. Application must be submitted ONLY via usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov and the email subject must say 72066019R00015 Development Outreach & Communications Adviser, USAID/DRC.

7. Please submit the application only once; and

8. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

● Security Eligibility/Facility Access

● Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. BENEFITS (if applicable):

(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

2. 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

(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 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-http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 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 SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in DRC 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/DRC also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity 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.

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