Sol_72068825R00002-USPSC.TCN.OHA MALI.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068825R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: 12/6/2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 1/5/2025 at 17h GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. /TCN Personal Services Contractor (US/TCN PSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development in

Mali (USAID/Mali) 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 the 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/Mali to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit

USAID/Mali to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Points of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Michele Maximilien

Contracting Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development Hamdallaye, ACI 2000 Street 243 Gate 297 P.O. Box 34 Bamako, Mali

Tel: (223) 2070-23-00 Fax: (223) 2022-39-33 http://mali.usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72068825R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 12/6/2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 1/5/2025 at 17:00 GMT

4. POINTS OF CONTACT: Audrea L. Hardy at ahardy@usaid.gov and Aba Diallo at abadiallo@usaid.gov with “Questions: Solicitation No. 72068825R00002 – Senior Humanitarian

Assistance Advisor” in the subject line.

5. POSITION TITLE: USPSC/TCNPSC Senior Humanitarian Assistance Advisor (SHA)

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 - $124,764 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

Candidate’s work experience and educational background will be considered. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/MALI.

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 two (2) years, estimated to start on June 1, 2025.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting/Executive Officer may exercise additional option periods for three (3) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: a/o 6/1/2025 to 5/31/2027

Option Period 1: a/o 6/1/2027 to 5/31/2028

Option Period 2: a/o 6/1/2028 to 5/31/2029

Option Period 3: a/o 6/1/2029 to 5/31/2030

The exercise of OPs will be pursuant to the FAR 52.217-9, therefore the total duration of this contract, including OPs, will not exceed five years.

1. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Nationals (USN) as defined in AIDAR 702, and Third Country

Nationals (TCN).

In accordance with ADS 309.3.1.4, the CO decides to issue this combined solicitation open to eligible

US/TCN PSCs. Therefore, the preference will be given to offers received from USPSC candidates and who will also be evaluated first; TCNPSC offerors will only be considered if there are no qualified

USPSC candidates available.

mailto:ahardy@usaid.gov mailto:abadiallo@usaid.gov

2. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

The successful applicant will be required to obtain a “Secret” Clearance (if a US citizen) or a Facility

Access (if a USN or TCN).

3. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

OVERVIEW

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

(BHA) is responsible for facilitating and coordinating U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian assistance overseas in response to all types of international disasters. The Bureau responds to an average of 82 crises in

68 countries every year. In addition to responding to disasters, BHA helps crisis‐affected communities by building on our humanitarian responses and supporting early recovery efforts that restore and protect basic systems and services. BHA is the largest provider of humanitarian assistance in the world. In FY 2023, USAID provided nearly $9.9 billion in emergency humanitarian assistance and non-emergency early recovery and resilience programming, including in Mali.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce. BHA encourages qualified candidates of all races/ethnicities, genders, cultural backgrounds, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses to apply. To fulfill its mandate, and to effectively respond to disasters worldwide, BHA has established six regional offices in the following locations: San Jose, Costa Rica; Nairobi, Kenya; Dakar, Senegal; Pretoria, South Africa; Budapest, Hungary; and Bangkok, Thailand. BHA also has other, smaller sub-regional and program offices around the world.

The Office of Africa (OA) designs, provides, and assesses humanitarian assistance, including assistance related to responding to, recovering from, and reducing the risk of man-made and natural disasters, while linking with other USAID investments that build resilience. To achieve these objectives, humanitarian experts based overseas coordinate with local authorities and USAID Missions, while humanitarian experts based in

Washington D.C. coordinate with USAID Regional and Pillar Bureaus. The Office of Africa consists of five

(5) geographic divisions: East Africa; Central Africa; Sudans; West Africa; and Southern Africa. These divisions are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through grants and cooperative agreements to non-governmental organizations (NGOs); international organizations (IOs) including United Nations (UN) agencies; and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. These divisions also oversee BHA Office of Africa’s nonresponse efforts in disaster risk reduction (DRR), resilience, and humanitarian transition.

The incumbent is a member of the Office of Humanitarian Assistance (OHA) Mali and will work within the

USAID Mission in Bamako. This position requires a highly collaborative, proactive work style and work-related travel. The Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA) will work under the supervision of the OHA Office

Director in Mali or designee. The incumbent must be proficient in English and French. The job holder is required to perform work-related travel.

USAID is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce.

OBJECTIVE

USAID’s Mission in Mali requires the services of a qualified Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA), French-speaking, U.S. or Third Country National Personal Services Contractor (US or TCN PSC) based in the

USAID/Mali’s Office of Humanitarian Assistance (OHA) at the US Embassy in Bamako, Mali. With close collaboration and technical support from the USAID mission technical office, BHA West Africa Regional

Office (WARO) in Dakar, Senegal, and various BHA offices in Washington, DC, the incumbent will contribute to the effective design, implementation and management of BHA emergency, early recovery, risk reduction, and resilience programs in Mali.

As articulated in the five-year Regional Development Cooperation Strategy, USAID/Mali is committed to supporting the increase of inclusive social and economic development in a more resilient, democratic, integrated West Africa. Due to the persistent complex crises in Mali with many social services being provided through humanitarian assistance. USAID/Mali aims to more intentionally promote layering, sequencing, and integrating between humanitarian assistance and development assistance in target geographic areas to maximize the impact of programs.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed.

This position requires an individual to support the management and representation of the humanitarian portfolio for Mali. Reporting to the OHA Office Director or designee, the SHA will be responsible for program analysis and strategy development and work closely with the USAID/Mali staff, the U.S. Embassy, U.S. military representatives, and other USG interagency partners, other donors, Transitional Government of

Mali officials, international organizations (IOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the United

Nations (UN), in responding to humanitarian needs and sudden-onset disasters. Because of the substantial coordination requirements of this position, an individual with a highly collaborative work style is necessary.

The SHA must be prepared to function effectively in a challenging and restrictive work environment and be willing to strictly adhere to the U.S. Embassy security guidelines.

Working under the direction of the Office of Humanitarian Assistance Office Director, the SHA will join the

USAID/Mali’s Humanitarian Assistance Team to closely coordinate with the BHA/West Africa Regional

Office (WARO) and USAID/BHA staff in Washington, DC. The SHA will sit in USAID/Mali’s Office of

Humanitarian Assistance (a.k.a. OHA Mali), composed of two U.S. PSC (Senior Humanitarian Advisor), two

Foreign Service Officers (Officer Director and Humanitarian Program Officer), and five Foreign Service

Nationals (Project Management Specialists, Project Management Assistant, and Chauffeur). The incumbent will coordinate and collaborate closely with USAID/Mali Office of Humanitarian Assistance Team colleagues and hold a prominent role in backstopping the Office’s leadership. Supervision of other OHA staff may be required.

The individual will perform the following duties:

Contextual Specialty

• Develop and maintain knowledge of the key humanitarian, resilience, and DRR issues within Mali.

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of political, humanitarian, organizational, and stakeholder interests specific to Mali.

• Monitor incipient disasters, international disaster response plans and efforts, and major humanitarian issues and challenges in the area of responsibility through a wide range of USG and international sources.

• Identify humanitarian issues, priorities, lessons learned, and opportunities within and relevant to Mali and apply those to program strategy development and implementation.

• Prepare and/or provide substantive assistance in the preparation of regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness documentation on Mali.

Portfolio Management

• With strong coordination and collaboration with the humanitarian team in Mali and BHA/WARO based in Dakar, the incumbent will lead efforts to identify and assess new humanitarian assistance requirements, target beneficiary groups and locations, oversee the general direction of existing relief and transition and resilience oriented programs, and broadly recommend the types of interventions and budget levels required in Mali.

• Closely collaborate with USAID/Mali colleagues on program coordination to share information, avoid overlap, and explore opportunities for synergies and resilience efforts. Maintain ongoing dialogue with

BHA/WARO and Washington Team Leads for Mali on these efforts.

• Monitor ongoing humanitarian assistance efforts in Mali. Liaise with partners and other donors to provide coordinated field feedback to the partners.

• Coordinate collection of information and provide updates and recommendations through written reports on issues related to the humanitarian situation, including the following:

o Capacity and ability of UN, IOs, NGOs, and local institutions to carry out programs;

o Capacity of the logistics infrastructure to support programs;

o Security situation of beneficiaries, personnel, convoys, and relief operations in general;

o Role of in-country UN leadership and the UN Mission in Mali in facilitating humanitarian assistance; and o Contributions by other donors, problems arising from implementation of relief and reintegration programs, and any other issues that require the attention of BHA and

USAID/Mali.

o Humanitarian coordination issues and any recommendations for change.

• In consultation and collaboration with the OHA team, provide guidance to organizations that are developing proposals for BHA.

• In collaboration with the OHA team, review concept papers and proposals and provide timely recommendations/comments to BHA Washington.

• In collaboration with the OHA team, ensure reporting on a timely basis to BHA/Washington and

BHA/WARO on the quality of grantees’ work, noting deficiencies, attributes, and evolving operational conditions.

• Maintain regular, close coordination and communication with BHA/WARO and BHA headquarters in

Washington, D.C.

Representation

• Represent USAID’s humanitarian portfolio in-country at senior level meetings within the USG and with humanitarian stakeholders and convey humanitarian concerns and priorities from the BHA perspective through oral and written briefings.

• Coordinate policy development meetings such as:

o Meetings with individual and groups of implementing partners discussing programmatic priorities, objectives, progress, results, and challenges;

o Discussions, meetings, and papers informing USG foreign policy in areas with humanitarian concerns or impacts; and o Donor and implementing partner coordination forums.

• Serve as an expert point of contact in-country for BHA for humanitarian issues and serve as a liaison on program issues among USAID mission staff, the U.S. Embassy and other USG agencies, military representatives, BHA/Washington and the overall humanitarian community.

• Present USAID’s humanitarian perspectives to NGOs, IOs, and UN agencies relating to humanitarian assistance strategies and priorities, including USAID’s approach to sustainable, resilience-oriented humanitarian programs. Work closely with the OHA Mali Office Director, the Senior Humanitarian

Advisor, and BHA technical advisors to discuss and understand sectoral priorities.

• Represent USG humanitarian interests at national and international meetings and conferences, and facilitate, as requested, travel and briefings for official USG visitors to Mali interested in humanitarian issues.

• As a Senior Humanitarian Advisor in Mali, engage in the U.S. Embassy policy conversations, remaining available to provide timely reporting and clearances in response to high-level USG queries originating from the region or from Washington, D.C. Leadership.

• Provide recommendations on current and future directions of BHA Mali’s portfolio to include programmatic, budgetary, and human resource requirements.

• Serve in a leadership role within USAID/Mali, in coordination with Mission senior leadership, to incorporate humanitarian and resilience concerns into Mission activities and planning, and identify opportunities to leverage USAID multi-sector development interventions.

General Duties

• Sign up to be on-call or serve on Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), which provide services and support to Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will vary.

• Serve as the BHA after-hours duty officer on a rotational basis for approximately one week every six months.

• As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

• As needed, may serve on temporary detail within the office to meet operational needs during staff shortages, not to exceed six months. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the scope of work provided.

• Become certified and serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s

Representative (AOR/COR), if only applicable. The AOR/COR provides financial and programmatic oversight of all aspects of managing the agreement or contract; this includes but is not limited to reviewing invoices, requests for approvals, program/project deliverables (i.e. work plans, annual reports, monthly status reports), travel requests, key personnel requests, and financial/budget reports.

They are responsible for drafting and submitting the annual contractor performance evaluation in the

Contract/Assistance Performance Assessment Review System (C/APARS). They prepare and review contract/assistance modifications documentation and assist the Contracting/Agreement Officer to ensure performance is compliant with the terms and conditions of the contract/agreement, the Federal

Acquisition Regulation, and USAID policy. In summary, AOR/CORs are responsible for all related requirements set forth in the COR designation letter and the AOR designation letter

3. Supervisory Relationship

The US/TCN PSC will report directly to the OHA Office Director or designee in Mali and collaborate and consult with other USAID and U.S. Embassy staff. If designated as the Acting OHA Office Director for any period of time, the incumbent will have reporting responsibilities to the BHA Africa Office in

Washington and BHA WARO, as well as serve as a member of USAID/Mali’s Senior Leadership Team, reporting regularly to the Mission Director or their designee.

4. Supervisory Controls

The incumbent is supervised by the OHA Office Director. Assignments are made via jointly agreed upon work objectives and plans and will be updated as the situation requires. The incumbent works independently with minimal guidance from the supervisor, prioritizing all work and setting or meeting deadlines as applicable.

In accordance with ADS 309.3.3.1, 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 16 hours per week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) in the USAID Mali Acquisition and Assistance team. The

PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

4. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on

DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application/offer and obtained thorough reference checks. USAID/Mali reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection. The following are the position minimum qualifications used to determine which offers must be rejected, and which can advance to evaluation:

1) U.S. Nationals (USN) or Third Country Nationals (TCN)

2) Education: Minimum of a Master’s degree with study in, or pertinent to, the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, development studies, economics, food policy, African studies, or a related field or country).

3) Work Experience: At least nine (9) years of work experience with a humanitarian or development focus.

This experience must include responsibility in determining budget levels, selecting programs for funding, and managing or evaluating programs. Experience must include three (3) years in international humanitarian assistance, emergency management, relief, DRR, post-emergency rehabilitation, recovery, or resilience and proficiency in verbal and written French.

4) Language Proficiency: Advanced French reading, writing, and speaking/listening is required. Proficient English reading, writing, and speaking/listening is required. The candidate shall be able to prepare correspondence and standardized reports, and to communicate in an effective manner with staff members in French and English. USAID reserves the right to test the language proficiency with a third-party online platform.

5) Skills and Abilities: The candidate must have a demonstrated capacity in the following skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience working with host or local governments on the planning and implementation of humanitarian or development interventions.

• Demonstrated experience working with donor organizations or diplomatic missions.

• Demonstrated experience working with international or national non-governmental

• partners at senior levels.

• Demonstrated experience delivering verbal/oral presentations and engaging with senior officials within a large organization on humanitarian issues.

6) Offeror must not be listed as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

7) Able to obtain and maintain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period.

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

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications noted above. For applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection factors listed below, and reference checks by the HR or the technical evaluation committee (TEC) from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror/candidate, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

Only finalists will be contacted by USAID/Mali with respect to their applications for further documentation request, if necessary. USAID/Mali reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

Those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their applications, and against the following selection criteria:

Job Knowledge (30 points):

The incumbent must have expert working knowledge with development, Disaster Risk Reduction

(DRR), and/or disaster preparedness programming, and humanitarian assistance in Africa. The principles of sound program oversight, budgeting and reporting, monitoring and evaluation, and assistance and acquisition are required. S/he should have practical knowledge of the West Africa region, its institutions, and peculiar development challenges is preferred. S/he must have demonstrated knowledge of Mali, its people and the humanitarian/development challenges it faces. S/he must have a demonstrated ability to work across multiple technical sectors, such as education, economic growth, conflict prevention, governance, protection, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Knowledge of socio-cultural factors affecting development in

West Africa and the Sahel are essentials. In addition to deep technical knowledge and experience with humanitarian and development projects, s/he must have a detailed understanding of U.S.

Government laws, policies, regulations and procedures related to international development assistance.

Professional Experience (Prior Work Experience) (35 points):

At least nine (9)years of relevant experience in development and humanitarian assistance programs is required - Sahel or West African experience is highly desirable but not required. Must be experienced working with a donor or grant making organization, managing needs assessments, budget development or management, leading or participating in strategy development, program design or monitoring or evaluating programs, and managing programs that focus on emergency response or Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programming. Extensive professional experience at a senior management level and preference will be given to at least five (5) years working in the Sahel or Francophone West Africa.

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Summary Experience required:

• Experience working with a donor or grant making organization.

• Experience managing needs assessments.

• Experience with budget development or management.

• Experience leading or participating in strategy development.

• Experience with program design or monitoring or evaluating programs.

• Experience managing programs that focus on emergency response or DRR programming.

Skills and Abilities (25 points)

• Demonstrated experience working with host or local governments on the planning and implementation of humanitarian or development interventions.

• Demonstrated experience working with donor organizations or diplomatic missions.

• Demonstrated experience working with international or national non-governmental partners at senior levels.

• Demonstrated experience delivering verbal/oral presentations and engaging with senior officials within a large organization on humanitarian issues.

Leading Teams Experience (10 points)

• Experience mentoring and training staff. (3 points)

• Experience with team performance management, including developing or monitoring employee training plans, providing formal or informal feedback through performance evaluations, and ensuring adequate staffing of a team. (4 points)

• Experience managing teams that include program, technical, or administrative staff. 3 points)

▪ Job Knowledge : 30 points

▪ Professional Experience (Prior Work Experience) : 35 points

▪ Skills and Abilities : 25 points

▪ Leading Teams Experience : 10 points

Maximum Points Available: 100

The selection criteria will be the basis for scoring the applications and creating an initial ranking of candidates by the TEC. Only the highest-ranked applicants (finalists) will be interviewed. Those finalists will also be evaluated on their interview performance, and finally, satisfactory professional reference checks. In summary, the steps in the applicant rating system are as follows:

1. Meet applicable minimum requirements: pass/fail

2. French and English language assessment – Pass/Fail

3. Evaluation Factors – assessed and documented by the TEC

4. Interview Performance – of equal importance to Evaluation Factors

5. Reference Checks including self-certification of not being subject to any disciplinary action for sexual misconduct for successful and suitable applicant for the position: pass/fail

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee/panel will convene to review applications that met the minimum requirements and evaluate all of them in accordance with the above requirements. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed, and unsuccessful candidates will be provided with regret letters upon the completion of the process.

Note:

• Due to the high volume of applications we receive for each solicitation, we will only contact candidates who are being considered for the next steps associated with the recruitment process.

However, each applicant will receive an auto reply from the PSC applications mailbox to acknowledge the receipt of his/her application.

• “USAID policy specifies that U.S citizens or residents aliens (USN) 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

All offers must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line:

SOL: 72068825R00002 – Sr. HA Advisor

Attention: Executive Office

Human Resources Section

USAID/Mali

Eligible applicants must submit the following documents in English, or their application will not be considered for this position:

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 https://www.usaid.gov/forms

2. Cover Letter (not more than 2 pages and addressing the evaluation factors as required).

3. Resume or most up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) - The CV/resume must contain enough relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation factors.

4. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation to

USAID/Mali PSC applications mailbox at bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

5. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) Practices Related to Preventing and Addressing

Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace

USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy at ADS Chapter

113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

By acceptance of the contract, the contractor acknowledges having read, and agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures.

mailto:bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113

SELF CERTIFICATION

Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award.

• For the Apparently Successful Offeror:

o If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor

(RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror.

o Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

USE OF THE AGENCY’S MISCONDUCT PORTAL AND INQUIRIES MADE TO

PREVIOUS COs FOR APPARENTLY SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR

The Office of Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) operates USAID’s Misconduct Reporting

Portal. Prior to award, the CO will email ELR at HCTM.ELR@usaid.gov to identify whether

Agency records include any prior disciplinary action related to sexual misconduct taken against the apparently successful offeror.

If the apparently successful offeror has previously held a Personal Services Contract at USAID, the CO will attempt to contact the previous administrating CO to inquire about previous disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct against the apparently successful offeror.

NEW ENTRANT ORIENTATION (NEO)

For PSCs onboarded overseas, including CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, the PSC must complete an online module related to USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as administered by their cognizant CO as part of their onboarding process. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the PSC has completed the online module and has been made aware of

USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

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

7. List of a minimum three (3) professional references who are not family members or relatives, with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, with current telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one (1) reference must be from a current or former supervisor.

USAID/Mali reserves the right to obtain from previous employers, relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its final decision.

The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications will not be accepted. USAID/Mali will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mails. The Offeror assumes all risk related to an electronic submission. Late applications or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SoLv-MWLAh_LjzScO5mqm965DdTqE3lCPpIZVPis0JQ/edit mailto:HCTM.ELR@usaid.gov

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

(a) Security Clearance Investigation (Form AID 6-1)

(b) Medical History and Examination Form DS-1843

(c) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

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

(e) Fingerprint 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 in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D (for USPSC Offerors), Appendix J (for TCNPSC offerors), and other relevant Agency and Mission policies:

1. BENEFITS (When Eligibility Requirements are met)

▪ USPSC

(a) Employer's F.I.C.A (for USPSC only)

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (if eligible, and pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

▪ non-LCP TCN PSC

(a) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(b) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(c) Annual Increase (if eligible, and pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(e) Annual & Sick Leave (TCNPSC assigned in Mali are NOT eligible for Country Leave).

2. ALLOWANCES (When Eligibility Requirements Are Met)

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 Lodging 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/Ordered Departure (Section 600)

(j) Danger Pay (section 650)

Note: The final Allowance package eligibility will be determined based on the applicable Mission Policy.

For TCN PSC, benefits and/or allowances out of the LCP, are applicable as specifically approved by the

Mission Director per AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii).

VII. TAXES

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

It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are responsible for their own tax payments in accordance with their home country applicable tax policies.

VIII. REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

1. For USPSC: 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/ads/policy/300/aidar

2. For TCNPSC: 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”. https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf

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) QUANTIT

Y

(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: R497

Accounting Info: FD-X24/2025

1 LOT $ 241,007 $_TBD

at Award after negotiati ons with

Contract or_

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at Award after negotiati ons with

Contract or_

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at Award after negotiati ons with

Contract or_

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $_TBD $_TBD

at Award after negotiati ons with

Contract https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

4. 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 .

a. AAPD 22-02 - Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

b. AAPD 21-05 - Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

c. AAPD 18-02 Revisions 2- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

e. AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

(USPSCs)

f. AAPD 06-10 – PSC Medical Payment Responsibility

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the

Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General

Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

6. PSC Ombudsman (USPSC). 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/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

7. FAR Provisions Incorporation by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED

APPLICATION

JUN 2023

or_ http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT 2

Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.

USAID affirms that sexual misconduct is counter to our Agency's core values, and we will take necessary steps to prevent and address sexual misconduct within our workforce and programs, while also taking into account survivors' needs.

"Sexual misconduct" is an umbrella term that encompasses any inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature or that is sex-based, including sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, intimate-partner violence, stalking, voyeurism, and any other such conduct that is sexual in nature or that is sex-based which is nonconsensual or has the purpose or effect of threatening, intimidating, denigrating, or coercing a person. Actions that constitute sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following: physical, verbal, non-verbal, and/or written acts, including comments, jokes, gestures, the posting of images, sexual advances, the offering of sexual incentives, and the threat of consequences for the refusal of sexual advances. This includes any disciplinary actions taken against you from your current or previous employer(s), terminations on grounds of sexual misconduct, or resignations taken in lieu of termination on grounds of sexual misconduct .

In the last 3 years, has there been a disciplinary action taken against you from your previous or current employer(s), terminations on grounds of sexual misconduct, or resignations in lieu of termination on grounds of sexual misconduct? Termination includes a termination of a previous contract with the government. No / YES . If Yes, please explain in a separate document and submit.

Note: USAID will not make award decisions based solely on the responses and information provided.

You certify that all of the information provided is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. False or fraudulent information may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this contract, or grounds for termination of the contract, and may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

Print Name (Last Name, First) Signature Date