Solicitation- Senior Trade and Gowth Advisor (Extended).pdf

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Attached to: Solicitation for U. S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) and Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) – Senior Trade and Growth Advisor, USAID/DRC
Solicitation number: 72066023R00004
Issued by: US Agency for International Development Democratic Republic of Congo

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ATTACHMENT 1 72066023R00004

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066023R00004

ISSUANCE DATE: March 06, 2023 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 02, 2023, 5:00 PM, Kinshasa Local Time NEW CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 16, 2023, 5:00 PM, Kinshasa Local Time

SUBJECT: EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATE

Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) and Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) – Senior Trade and Growth Advisor, 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 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, /S/

Samuel Matthews Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066023R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 06, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 02, 2023 before and/or on 5:00 PM (Kinshasa local time)

NEW CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 16, 2023, 5:00 PM, Kinshasa Local Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/DRC, Executive Office/Human Resources Unit, email at usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Trade and Growth Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908 – $129,878 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with possible regional and international travel. Due to the size of the country, location of project sites, and logistical challenges, field visits can take anywhere from three to seven days.

Overseas USPSCs and TCNPSCs not subject to the local compensation plan may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be One (1) year, estimated to start o/a September 2023 or earlier if required clearances are obtained. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise four (4) additional option periods for one (1) year for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a September 2023 - o/a September 2024 Option Period 1 o/a September 2024 - o/a September 2025 Option Period 2 o/a September 2025 - o/a September 2026 Option Period 3 o/a September 2026 - o/a September 2027 Option Period 4 o/a September 2027 - o/a September 2028

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens (USNs) and Third Country Nationals

(TCN).

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidate must obtain both the appropriate security (HSPD-12/Facility Access authorization) and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

The USAID/DRC Senior Trade and Growth Advisor will support the implementation of high priority U.S. Government initiatives under the Mission's Economic Growth (EG) portfolio. Given frequent vacancies in the Foreign Service Offices within the Mission, this position plays a critical management role within the Economic Growth Office, serving as the Acting Office Director and Deputy Office Director.

In the first years of the position, the Advisor will play a foundational role in developing and launching the Feed the Future (FTF) Programming, building a more robust trade portfolio with links to USAID’s minerals and agriculture programs, and providing technical expertise to support transformation of the economy, as a means of accelerating inclusive, sustainable economic growth in the DRC.

It is likely that the position will play an important role directly overseeing Foreign Service National (FSN) staff, as they design, manage and evaluate high-impact activities that focus on the accelerated agriculture sector development as a means of enabling inclusive, sustainable economic growth. The advisor will mentor the Private Sector Specialist in overseeing and managing the Trade-related programming, seeking to provide trade facilitation in the minerals and agriculture sectors.

The Advisor will be part of the OEG Management team and frequently supporting incoming USAID Mission and OEG Management to manage the OEG portfolio. Given the cross-cutting nature of the Advisor’s work, the Advisor may take on additional Team management responsibilities for extended, multi-year periods.

The position will also oversee efforts to improve the business enabling environment through leveraging Congolese Government desire to improve national competitiveness amidst the country’s admission into the East African Community, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and re-eligibility for favorable trade to the United States under the AFrican Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA).

1. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

The Senior Trade and Growth Advisor provides strategic leadership in identifying and applying innovative approaches and best practices to achieve measurable results in the areas of production, business, trade, finance, private sector and small enterprise development activities that improve inclusive economic growth in DRC. The Advisor also provides senior level mentoring and guidance on project management, Agreement/Contracting Officer Representative (A/COR) responsibilities, and agricultural productivity. S/he will be expected to complete assigned duties with little direct supervision, exercising extensive independent judgment as he or she works with diverse teams from within the U.S. government (USG) inter-agency and among public and private sectors in DRC and abroad.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

Specifically, the Senior Trade and Growth Advisor is expected to perform duties in the following areas:

A. Strategic and Technical Guidance in Market Systems Approach and Private Sector Engagement to Strengthen Food Security and Responsible Minerals Trade -- 35% Serves as a key advisor in the implementation of the Mission's market systems approach and private sector engagement, including:

● Conduct strategic analysis and research, review reports and technical proposals, and prepare substantive reports and briefing materials on issues related to technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing a market systems approach and private sector engagement within the agriculture sector and beyond.

● Advise the EG Office Director, the Deputy Director, A/CORs, the Program Office, USAID Mission Management, and the USG inter-agency on market systems approaches and private sector engagement in support of USAID-funded food security activities.

B. Oversight and Management of Trade and Economic Growth Program Mechanisms -- 35% The Advisor will be responsible for managing a complex portfolio, including improving business enabling environment, strengthening market systems approaches, and private sector engagement within food security and mining-sector activities and advising on how these activities can increase complementarity within EG. S/he will also:

● Oversee USAID’s investment into Trade Mark Africa and oversee trade-related components within all OEG activities, to increase program monitoring, management as part of the broader OEG portfolio, and performance.

● Conduct and supervise administrative and financial analyses, develop and track budget preparation, and oversee implementation and other budget requirements for the EG portfolio.

● Manage, monitor, and oversee the activities of grantees and/or contractors implementing USAID's activities. Keep contractors, recipients, and grantees informed of USAID requirements and priorities.

● Develop performance monitoring plans and monitor their implementation. Conduct evaluations and reporting in support of the EG portfolio.

● Liaise with implementing contractors, recipients and grantees, and undertake visits to project sites on a regular basis.

● Contribute to the development of all mission reports, including Operational Plans, portfolio reviews, semi-annual and annual Performance Plan Reports; quarterly financial reports; data quality assessments; and site monitoring reports; among others.

● Make recommendations to OEG and Mission management on program direction and management.

C. Mentor Junior Officers, Supervise and Mentor Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) - 10% The Advisor will provide senior level support, training, and mentoring to new and junior US Direct Hire and FSN staff working on the FTF portfolio, on project management, A/COR responsibilities as well as specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing market systems approaches and private sector engagement to improve food security.

D. Build Strategic Partnerships with the Government and Private Sector- 20% The Advisor will be responsible for developing new and innovative partnerships and maintaining working relationships, including:

● Fostering and maintaining strategic partnerships with new and existing partners, mid- to senior-level GODRC officials, private sector representatives, the donor community, and civil society to enhance collaborative efforts that achieve mutual goals and objectives.

● Serving as a member of USAID technical working groups and other relevant forums to plan and improve the USAID and USG portfolio around market systems approaches and private sector engagement for sustainable food security.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Senior Trade and Growth Advisor reports directly to the EG Office Director.

4. Supervisory Controls

Although s/he reports directly to the EG Office Director (or designee), the Senior Trade and Growth Advisor should exercise independent judgment to autonomously carry out his/her responsibilities. This position supervises one or more Agricultural and/or Private Sector Specialists/FSNs and is expected to provide mentoring and guidance to newer staff members, including FSOs.

“If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 10 hours/week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable”.

5. Position elements

Exercise of judgment: Although s/he reports directly to the EG Office Director (or designee), the Senior Trade and Growth Advisor should exercise independent judgment to autonomously carry out his/her responsibilities.

Nature, level and purpose of contacts: The Senior Trade and Growth Advisor works within and outside the Mission to give or obtain information, and to give or obtain technical opinion, explain and interpret policies and objectives, and to seek acceptance of recommendations. Contacts may include other USAID staff in DRC, Washington, or the Region; the USG interagency; relevant representatives of Government of DRC Ministries, Departments and Agencies; other development partners; and civil society representatives. S/He is expected to travel up to 15 percent of the time to engage and solidify partnerships, as well as to monitor programs.

Level of complexity: High level of complexity. The Senior Trade and Growth Advisor must absorb and understand complex, detailed, specialized information in order to effectively carry out his/her functions. The job is highly complex with a defined policy framework requiring adept analytical skills and a high level of judgment. Work is carried out in a very politically sensitive, dynamic environment within the Region. S/he is expected to resolve complex problems using his/her own judgment.

Available guidelines: Guidelines include Agency regulations, ADS requirements, Office of Foreign Assistance guidance, Asia Bureau procedural guidance, Agency procurement guidance, Mission Orders, Prosper Africa Strategy documents, and professional development literature. Many guidelines are general, presenting options and approaches rather than blueprints. Therefore, the incumbent must be able to assess alternatives and interpret guidelines accordingly. Excellent judgment and the ability to deal with ambiguity are essential.

Scope and Effect of the work performed: The Senior Trade and Growth Advisor is expected to provide technical and managerial leadership and expert assistance to guide, coordinate, monitor the expanding and high-profile FTF portfolio of activities in DRC and link activities to the broader trading regions. S/he must interact with a range of partners involved in the sector, maintain oversight of the overall sector impacts and ensure the efficient use of resources. S/he must be able to continue to maintain a compelling vision for FTF relevancy with the Prosper Africa Strategy.

Post-entry training: On the job training will be provided in USAID programming and implementation procedures. Classroom and on-line coursework will be provided for the Advisor to obtain or maintain A/COR certification.

Authority to make commitments: The incumbent will not have independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

The education, work experience and language factors below determine basic qualifications for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

1. Education: The applicant must have a Master's Degree in economics, agricultural economics, agronomy, business administration, or a related field.

2. Prior Work Experience: Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in market systems approaches and/or private sector engagement, and agricultural development programs with international donors, non-government organizations (NGOs), and/or government. Prior experience with international development agencies procedures and operations (e.g., development approaches, procedures for programming funds, defining objectives, and monitoring results, and procedures for awarding grants and contracts) is highly desired. Prior experience working in sub-Saharan with exposure to the DRC, highly preferred.

3. Language proficiency: Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. French writing and speaking ability is strongly desired. The candidate should have a demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner.

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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education, Work Experience and Language requirements will be further evaluated based on the two (2) Quality Ranking Factors listed below. The applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor. Please provide a word count after each response.

1. Job Knowledge required (50 points)

• Specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing market systems approaches and/or private sector engagement to improve economic growth through trade is required. This may include demonstrated knowledge in the areas of https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far agricultural value chain development, on- and off-farm agricultural sector/market-led job creation, digital agriculture, digital business solutions, entrepreneurial innovation, and/or access to agricultural finance.

• Significant knowledge of program management and monitoring and evaluation methods as well as a broad range of issues related to agriculture-led development is required.

• Expert knowledge of best practices in agriculture development program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning, including collaboration, learning and adapting strategy is necessary.

• Knowledge of strategies, programs, and working methodologies of other donor agencies in the livelihoods sector is desired. Knowledge of the structure and workings of the USG broadly is desired, particularly of the Prosper Africa Strategy and how trade can contribute to the objectives of inclusive economic growth.

2. Skills and Abilities required (50 points)

• Strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required.

• The position requires demonstrated ability in strategic planning, technical and socio-economic analysis, and budget preparation and reporting skills.

• Considerable confidentiality, sensitivity, poise and maturity are mandatory as the applicant will represent USAID in meetings with mid- to senior-level Congolese government officials and with private sector and donor partners.

• The applicant should possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, the ability to work within a team setting and with minimal supervision.

• Strong leadership and negotiating skills are required.

• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel are required. Familiarity with Microsoft Access and PowerPoint is desired.

• Leadership and diplomacy skills are required as the incumbent will work with new private sector partners, technical and senior GDRC officials, USAID Implementing Partners, donors, media, judiciary and civil society to resolve issues and to further progress towards improving food security in DRC and trade within the region.

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

Total Possible Points: 100

SELECTION PROCESS:

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 evaluated and scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates may be requested to complete a writing test and be interviewed either in person, by telephone or videoconference at USAID’s discretion. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered for selection. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.

The security clearance and medical clearance are required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks at the conclusion of evaluations.

“USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers”.

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 Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

4. Letter of application/cover letter.

5. Current resume/CV.

6. Supplemental document specifically addressing the two QRFs (Job Knowledge and Skills &

Abilities).

7. List of minimum three (3) professional references with contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses). The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

8. Application must be submitted ONLY via usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: 72066023R00004 Senior Trade and Growth Advisor.

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

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

10. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – Please be advised that upon award, the contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor 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. USPSCs/TCNPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

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:

● Security Eligibility/Facility Access

● Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS (if applicable):

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

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)

(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 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(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/ads/policy/300/aidar.

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ads/policy/300/aidar.

2. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT

2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(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.

(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.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ads/policy/300/aidar

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost