Solicitation Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist US TCN PSC 022024 FV.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066024R00004

ISSUANCE DATE: February 12, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 11, 2024, 5:00 PM, DRC Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) and Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) – Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, 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, Sanoussi Traore Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066024R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 12, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 11, 2024 before and/or on 5:00 PM (DRC local time)

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist Note: One or more awards may be made as a result of this solicitation.

6. MARKET VALUE: $104,604 – $135,987 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with possible regional and international travel. Overseas USPSCs and TCNPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with the 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 two (2) years, estimated to start on

July 2024 or earlier if mandatory clearances are obtained. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise three (3) additional option periods for one (1) year for the dates estimated as follows:”

Base Period: July 01, 2024 to June 30, 2026 Option Period 1 July 01, 2026 to June 30, 2027 Option Period 2 July 01, 2027 to June 30, 2028 Option Period 3 July 01, 2028 to June 30, 2029

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

(TCN).

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access authorization.

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

1. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is a key advisor to the Contracting/Agreement Officer and is a mentor and leader to fellow colleagues and A&A Specialists in the Mission.

The responsibilities of the include providing support on all aspects of contract management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs in DRC. This includes providing policy guidance, project planning, project design, and implementation and the evaluation of on-going programs.

The Senior A&A Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement and contract management relating to and affecting USAID/DRC assistance programs, policy and project planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. This includes participation in projects, mission policy formulation, and project design.

The Senior A&A Specialist will develop and execute plans for the procurement of and provide contract management support to achieve program objectives.

The Senior A&A Specialist plays an important role in the training and mentoring of A&A specialists colleagues, AORs/CORS, first tour/entry-level Foreign Service Officers, other staff within USAID/DRC/OAA and the larger mission.

In addition to training staff, the Senior A&A Specialist must engage traditional and new implementing partners to communicate requirements and provide effective guidance to the implementation of activities, particularly as it comes to advancing local and sustainable development. The Senior A&A Specialist participates as an OAA expert on financial review teams and conducts on-site training and oversight through field visits to activity locations throughout

DRC.

Given the sensitivity, scope, and purpose of the role and position of the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist and the critical nature and complexity of the Mission programs that are being implemented in a very fluid political environment, it is essential to be able to function as an expert in all technical areas of the assignment, and fulfill the position responsibilities with the supervisor’s complete confidence in their understanding of the assignment and ability to integrate issues, conflicts, continually changing working requirements, creative problem solving, and the introduction of new theories and methods to resolve unique problems.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist provides a full-range of acquisition and assistance support, including but not limited to:

1. The negotiation, award, and administration of both Assistance- and Acquisition-type instruments to accomplish both emergency-response and traditional development programs. He/she prepares pre-award documents, conducts negotiations, and finalizes award documents and award file documentation for a Contracting/Agreement Officer's review and signature. He/she must be available for consultation on contracting issues with Mission technical staff, other in-country U.S. Government officials and representatives, Government of DRC officials, Implementing Partners, and others, as required. This effort requires extensive knowledge of Federal and USAID regulations, and the associated governing guidance (e.g., the FAR and USAID Supplement [AIDAR], CFR, OMB Circulars, FAM, and FTR) for all types of procurements.

2. In addition to the execution of contracts and modifications as identified above, the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist researches and resolves issues, and drafts responses in official correspondence as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to:

subcontract consent requests, salary approvals, equipment approvals, etc., on a wide variety of contract and assistance awards.

3. Provide expert-level technical assistance to USAID/DRC in the execution of program/project-funded contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, and US Government Agreements, such as PASAs. This entails providing staff support on all aspects of acquisition and assistance activity including: project planning, design, implementation and evaluation; mission policy development and formulation; project resource assessments, sector analyses, and other studies. He/she serves as a primary contractual advisor to major development program initiatives and activities in the Mission. He/she prepares and negotiates modifications of basic contractual text, terms and conditions, specifications, scopes of work, program descriptions, and costs in the full range of award instruments.

The Senior A&A Specialist plans for and provides procurement and contract management support to accomplish program objectives, and proper and timely administration of all assigned Acquisition and Assistance awards. This includes clarifications and interpretations of directive correspondence, and miscellaneous administrative modifications to procurement instruments. The Senior A&A Specialist seeks resolution and settlement of contract disputes, termination and settlement of procurement instruments, close outs, and reporting of contractor performance. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist composes and prepares all contractual correspondence, signing within their own delegated authority or for a Contracting Officer’s signature.

4. Serve as the office’s lead in training and mentoring on USAID acquisition and assistance procedures. This includes training less-experienced local OAA staff, USAID technical and other mission staff, and implementing partners. The incumbent manages the office’s routine training responsibilities and mentors local staff to be able to deliver the training.

The Senior A&A Specialist must provide at least 25% of their time dedicated to training or building the capacity of the DRC Mission staff as designated by USAID.

5. Serve as a lead role in preparing mission responses to the Office of the Inspector General

(OIG) audit reports. The incumbent will be expected to transfer audit response skills to local staff.

6. Serve as a senior and trusted policy and technical advisor to the Supervisory Contracting Officer, and the U.S. Mission to DRC on all manner of Acquisition and Assistance issues.

The Senior A&A Specialist speaks for the Supervisory Contracting Officer on technical Acquisition and Assistance matters, as directed by the Supervisory Contracting Officer.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist receives supervision, policy direction, and guidance from the Supervisory Contracting Officer (Director, Office of Acquisition and Assistance) or his/her designee, located in USAID/DRC. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is expected to function at an expert level with minimal supervision.

4. Supervisory Controls

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative. Such initiative is critical to the success of the assignment; however, the actions and decisions of the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be discussed with the Office Director, and all acquisition instruments will be signed by the supervisor who is the Mission Contracting/Agreement Officer.

Overall management of the Office is in a collaborative team environment, with the Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist participating fully in the process. Specific work plans and anticipated results are developed in consultation with the OAA Team. The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist performs most assignments independently, providing leadership to others involved in the management of the OAA portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of the acquisition instruments. The work is reviewed in terms of achievement of established milestones, and the appropriateness of program/project activity focus.

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will meet weekly with the Office Director or his/her designee to update him or her on the progress of agreed upon milestones for projects.

The Senior A&A Specialist’s supervisor must establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the progress towards the training and development of Mission staff.

“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) PSC designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Work in the office is expected to be mostly sedentary.

The primary location of work will be in Kinshasa, DRC. Secondary locations may include Implementing Partner offices and field offices, construction and project site field locations.

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist may occasionally face challenging living conditions in certain parts of the country or while in remote travel locations.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

The education, experience and language factors below determine basic eligibility for the position.

Applicants who do not meet all education, experience and language factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

1. Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, Law, International Relations, or other related fields is required.

2. Prior Work Experience:

Applicants must have a minimum of eight (8) years hands-on continuous, progressive experience in execution of U.S. Government or similar International Organizations procurements (or in performance of Acquisition and Assistance type services).

3. Language:

● The candidate must be fluent in English (Level IV) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing.

● Written English capability to prepare correspondence and contractual documentation in a professional and competent manner requiring little or no editorial changes.

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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far 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, Experience and Language requirements will be further evaluated based on the three (3) 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.

WORK EXPERIENCE (35 points):

● A proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement in the

A&A field; the incumbent is expected to be an expert in the field of USG acquisition and assistance procedures.

● Demonstrated experience in the complete award life-cycle (pre-award, negotiation/award and post-award/administration) of all types of A&A instruments.

● Demonstrated experience in contracting laws, regulations, policies, and procedures;

knowledge of cost principles; knowledge of cost reimbursable contracts and performance based contracting procedures.

● Demonstrates pre-award negotiation skills, contract execution, and demonstrated experience in making formal presentations to senior organization officials.

● Demonstrated ability to function in a high-risk environment.

KNOWLEDGE (50 points):

● Demonstrated strong knowledge of USG and USAID policies and procedures pertaining to

Acquisition and Assistance.

● Mastery of procurement regulations and contracting principles including the latest acquisition procedures and techniques is required. An in-depth understanding of U.S.

Government procurement rules and regulations.

● A thorough and complete knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio in accordance with USG regulations.

● Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the ability to work with the regulatory context of the FAR. In addition, knowledge of the following is required:

▪ USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR)

▪ U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

▪ Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars

▪ USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs/CIBs)

▪ USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS)

▪ USAID Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs)

SKILLS & ABILITIES (15 points):

● Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability and willingness to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team.

● Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation.

● Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID Implementing Partners, international organizations, and host country government officials.

● Attention to detail, good analytical skills, and excellent organizational skills to perform the pre- and post-award functions.

● Discretion, tact, and the ability to work under accelerated schedules and deadlines and to effectively complete required actions.

● Must be able to maintain and adhere to high standards of professional conduct.

● Must be able to function as a leader during contract negotiations, and personally negotiate the majority of assigned contracts.

● Must demonstrate an ability to mentor and assist staff in the award and administration of contracts and agreements.

● Excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills and the ability to work independently.

● Good coordination, teamwork, and organizational skills to manage multicultural work setting.

● Computer skills in office applications.

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

Total Possible Points: 100 points

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. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates may be requested to complete a writing sample and be interviewed either in person, by telephone, or videoconference at USAID’s discretion.

Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being 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. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors at the conclusion of evaluations.

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. Offers should include

a. Letter of application/cover letter.

b. Current resume/CV.

c. Supplemental document specifically addressing the three QRFs (Work Experience, Knowledge and Skills & Abilities).

d. Three professional references with contact information. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities.

5. Application must be submitted ONLY via usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: 72066024R00004 - Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/DRC.

6. Late and incomplete applications may be eliminated from consideration.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

● 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

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(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 Quarters 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.

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/ads/policy/300/aidar

2. 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

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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 .

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

5. 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.

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION JUN 2023

END OF SOLICITATION

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman about:blank