720DDG20R00002.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720DDG20R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: May 1, 2020

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 1, 2020, 4:00PM ET

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

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

Sincerely, Leigh Carlson Contracting Officer

Solicitation No. 720DDG20R00002

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ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720DDG20R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 1, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 1, 2020, 4:00PM ET

4. POINT OF CONTACT:

Ms. Leigh Carlson Contracting Officer U.S. Agency for International Development E-mail address: lcarlson@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Culture Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $121,316 - $157,709 per year, equivalent to GS-14, including

Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with three (3) one-year option periods, estimated to start on September 14, 2020.

The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start on September 14, 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise up to three (3) additional one-year option period(s) for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: September 14, 2020 – September 13, 2022 Option Period 1: September 14, 2022 – September 13, 2023 Option Period 2: September 14, 2023 – September 13, 2024 Option Period 3: September 14, 2024 – September 13, 2025

The actual start date may be sooner or later than the estimated start date. The selected offeror is expected to start as soon as possible after necessary clearances are obtained.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C., with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Level Security Clearance

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11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. BACKGROUND

As the home base for USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) programs, the Center for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG Center) focuses on advocating for democratic governance, driving important research, and supporting over 90 field missions worldwide to develop and implement programs. USAID’s DRG sector includes support for good governance, rule of law, elections and political processes, civil society and media, human rights, and other DRG fields.

USAID currently manages over $1.7 billion a year on a broad range of democracy programs covering justice, human rights, citizen security, civil society, media, local government, legislatures, constitutional reform, political parties, elections, anti-corruption, and anti-trafficking in persons. These efforts are critical to improve government effectiveness, accountability, transparency and legitimacy, and to ensure citizens are empowered to play a role in public affairs and the decisions that affect their daily lives. They also underpin the sustainability of the Agency’s socio-economic development sectors. The DRG Center leads the Agency in supporting overall efforts to advance democracy, human rights, and governance.

The DRG Center's annual budget is over $146 million, with a staff of over 90, comprised of U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs), contractors, and Fellows. The DRG Center currently has nine technical divisions: Civil Society and Media (CSM), Cross-Sectoral Programs (CSP), Elections and Political Transitions (EPT), Global and Regional Policy (GRP), Governance & Rule of Law (GROL), Human Rights (HR), Empowerment and Inclusion (EI), Learning (L), and Strategic Planning (SP). The DRG Center's goal is to promote peace, prosperity and freedom around the globe through self-reliant, citizen-responsive governance that respects human dignity and the rule of law. The DRG Center achieves this through high quality support to USAID Missions, generating and disseminating knowledge on best practices, and providing leadership on DRG to the wider USG and the international development community.

DRG’s CSM Division provides technical leadership and support on civil society, including youth, labor and media issues. The Division generates comparative knowledge on effective approaches for strengthening civil society and independent media; pilots state-of-the-art approaches to civil society and media support; strengthens the Agency’s DRG staff through training and technical support; conducts assessments, strategy and program designs, and evaluations; and designs and manages a targeted portfolio of global programs. It promotes innovations in the civil society, labor, youth, and media arenas (including the use of social media and other new media technologies) as a means for addressing development challenges, and represents USAID in international processes, networks and working groups.

The CSM Division seeks to expand technical abilities, knowledge and support on a wide-range of issues concerning civic education, youth engagement, democratic culture and participation to USAID field Missions and Washington Operating Units, other USG entities, 4 | Page and the broader DRG community. One emerging focus of the CSM Division is advancing a continuum of civic education, engagement, and democratic culture particularly focused on youth and emerging leaders. Young people make up over 50 percent of the population in most countries we work in, and “youth bulges” have been attributed to fragility and authoritarian responses in many countries. When provided with an array of civic and political opportunities, youth can be key partners in DRG and the Journey to Self Reliance.

This position is located in the DRG Center. As a direct report to the CSM Division Chief, and in coordination with the Agency Youth Coordinator where appropriate, the incumbent provides technical assistance to Missions and the Agency to advance civic education, youth engagement, and democratic culture and related programming, policy, and operational issues related across DRG program areas. The incumbent advances the implementation of CSM, DRG and Agency priorities.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Culture Specialist must be a subject matter expert about global development issues relating to civic education, youth engagement, and democratic culture, and is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches. The incumbent will lead and contribute as an expert to research, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy. The position is based in Washington, DC and may include travel to and work in developing countries in all regions. Under the direct supervision of the DRG Center’s Civil Society and Media Division Chief, the Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Specialist’s duties and responsibilities include the following:

Program Planning, Development, and Management

● Provides technical support to Missions on civic education, civic participation, democratic culture, youth and related issues, and development of new activities.

● Serves as subject matter expert on civic education, youth-related DRG issues to support policy development and related field work which may include: assessments, program design, implementation, MEL, and the most effective approaches to address civic education, engagement, youth, and democratic culture.

● Advances USAID’s programmatic strategy - this includes supporting and advocating for social and behavior change communication approaches to tailored country-specific projects related to civic education, youth and democratic culture.

● Potentially manages procurement mechanisms and serves as an Agreement Officer’s Representative or Contracting Officer’s Representative for centrally administered programs/projects on civic education, youth, and democratic culture.

● Guides and coordinates DRG-related Agency processes such as budget formulation and justification, performance reporting, and development outreach.

● Liaises with DRG Center sub-sector divisions, the Agency Youth Coordinator, Youth Corps and the larger public and private community on strengthening youth programming, civic participation, leadership, democratic culture, and partnerships related to DRG issues.

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Learning and Capacity-Building

● Supports incorporation of technical, contextual, experiential civic education and learning into youth programming and other DRG programming with USAID Missions, other DRG subsector technical teams, the Agency and interagency.

● Advances DRG/CSM’s civic education and youth research agenda (this includes collating existing quantitative and qualitative data, identifying data gaps, and setting a strategy and implementing a plan to fill them).

● Manages, tracks, and reports progress on the DRG Learning Agenda related to civic education, democratic culture, youth, and related issues.

● Develops and conducts trainings, e-learning, workshops, facilitated learning conversations as appropriate, and integrates other capacity building opportunities in the implementation of DRG programming.

Degree of responsibility for decision-making:

The Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Culture Specialist will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to civic education, youth engagement, and democratic culture, and will engage in a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches. The incumbent will lead and contribute as an expert to research, strategy and policy development, program design, training design and delivery, and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL). The incumbent will perform their duties under administrative direction from the Civil Society and Media Division Chief, and with guidance from and in coordination with the Agency Youth Coordinator. Under the direct supervision of the Civil Society and Media Division Chief or his/her designee, the incumbent will exercise independent judgment while performing challenging work which is varied and wide-ranging. The incumbent will have wide latitude to exercise independent judgement and have decision making authority within his/her portfolio. The incumbent will receive minimal day-to-day technical guidance.

Level of complexity for work assignments:

The incumbent undertakes a wide range of duties that require the exercise of judgment, the interpretation of policies and practices, and their relevance to a new problem or situation. The incumbent typically identifies and develops methods to resolve problems or cope with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal program goals and objectives. The incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of civic education, youth and democratic culture knowledge and experience to the analysis, design, MEL, implementation of projects and programs. His/her duties will be varied, requiring the ability to contribute to and collaborate on analysis, consultations, research, and strategic communications in a broad range of situations (i.e., different country contexts, opportunities to integrate civic education/youth/democratic culture in existing or new DRG programming). The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

Knowledge level required:

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The Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Culture Specialist will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to civic education, youth engagement, and democratic culture with a keen understanding of the complex, dynamic nature of the development challenges in the field. The incumbent will be adept at assessing unique cultural and political contexts to develop and to adapt programming approaches appropriate to complex circumstances. USAID Missions will rely on the incumbent to provide guidance and solutions when competing interests, such as conflicting inter-agency priorities, local competing interests, or other possible conflicts among possible technical solutions arise.

Additionally, the incumbent will have an understanding of social and behavior change communication approaches tailored to country and context-specific projects. The incumbent will have a Master’s degree or higher degree with study in a pertinent field, such as:

international development, civic education, youth engagement, democratic culture, culture of lawfulness, social and behavior change, civil society and media programing in developing country contexts.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent’s supervisor is the Civil Society and Media Division Chief or her/his designee. The incumbent serves as a member of the Civil Society and Media Division, and as appropriate, coordinates with other USAID operating units as a representative of the DRG Center and the Civil Society and Media Division. The Supervisor and the incumbent will develop a work plan that includes broad objectives. As a subject matter expert, the incumbent independently plans, designs and carries out activities, studies and programs/projects. The incumbent has wide latitude in defining and carrying out duties, prioritizing overall objectives, and managing available resources, while still consulting with the Division Chief and the Agency Youth Coordinator. The incumbent develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating work with others as necessary. The incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives and keeps his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and of potentially controversial matters.

Guidelines for the required work:

Pertinent sources of information consist of the Foreign Assistance Act, the DRG Center Annual Report FY 2019, the DRG Center’s Users Guide, the DRG Center Strategy, USAID Youth in Development Policy, USAID Positive Youth Development Guidance and Toolkits, USAID Education Policy, U.S. Government Strategy on International Basic Education, and USAID Agency and DCHA Bureau rules and regulations. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of approaches to programming and inputs to strategy and policy development.

Scope and effect of the work performed:

The Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Culture Specialist contributes to the CSM research agenda as the recognized DRG Center subject matter expert on civic education, youth, and democratic culture issues to advance knowledge and enhance the work of the CSM division, the DRG Center, and the Missions that we serve. The incumbent will lead efforts regarding project design, implementation, monitoring, learning and evaluation. The incumbent’s work

7 | Page involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving critical problems, or developing new theories. The incumbent will guide team members to establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and contribute to analysis on the landscape impacting USAID’s work.

The incumbent’s work outputs will support both Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community. Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming, will require the ability to lead while working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Level and purpose of contacts:

Contacts are with individuals or groups from inside and outside of the agency, regarding civic education, youth and democratic culture. The incumbent is responsible for liaising with a variety of agency and external actors in order to ensure efficacious use of DRG programming assistance resources. This includes implementing partners, interagency and intra-agency entities, other donors, and external stakeholders as appropriate to the subject matter. The incumbent will engage with a variety of individuals and groups from USAID including DRG Center leadership and Mission leadership - typically through meetings, calls, and consultations (on an as-needed, as-appropriate basis) - as an important step in advancing USAID’s approach, research agenda, and programmatic priorities related to civic education, youth and democratic culture in developing countries. The purpose of the Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Culture Specialist’s contacts will be to influence, motivate, direct and or coordinate with other technical advisors and DRG subject matter experts to advance knowledge and enhance USAID’s approaches. The incumbent must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information, including decision makers in the DRG sector on issues relating to civic education, youth engagement, and democratic culture.

Supervision or oversight the position has over others: None.

Travel requirements: The Civic Education/Youth/Democratic Culture Specialist should expect to spend up to 20% of her/his time on temporary duty assignments (TDY).

Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education/Experience:

● Master’s degree or higher degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution with study in a pertinent field, such as: international development, civic education, youth engagement, democratic culture, culture of lawfulness, social and behavior change, civil society and media programing in developing country contexts.

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● Five (5) years’ experience in the DRG sector conducting work similar to program management, policy development, or program coordination.

● Three (3) years’ experience in civic education, civic engagement and/or youth programming.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The Contracting Officer (CO) reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) In a separate Microsoft Word document, offerors must address each Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed below to demonstrate how s/he meets each factor, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and /or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Each factor response is limited to no more than 500 words. Please provide a word count after each response. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Offerors should include their name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

QRF 1: Technical Expertise (50 points)

● Demonstrated ability to contribute to analysis and provide recommendations on issues related to advancing civic education, engagement, youth leadership and democratic culture in developing countries - specifically in research; development programming (i.e., design, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation); experience with and awareness of best practices in social and behavior change communication approaches and/or training development, facilitation, and refinement.

QRF 2: Communication (25 points)

● Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with officials and in youth-related forums with minimal editing or supervision.

● Proven track record of contributing to the analysis and synthesis of information for use by principals.

● Demonstrated effective communication with colleagues and peers.

QRF 3: Teamwork (25 points)

● Proven track-record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams. Ability to work with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

● Demonstrated productive and positive working relationships with colleagues and peers.

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Rating system is as follows:

i. Technical Expertise: 50 points

ii. Communication: 25 points

iii. Teamwork: 25 points Total Possible Points: 100 points

Basis of Rating Eligible offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factors, which will consider the offeror’s responses to the QRFs as well as information provided in other offer materials (e.g., form AID 309-2, resume). The evaluation of the QRFs based on the written offer materials will be used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors. The most qualified offeror(s) will be interviewed.

Professional reference checks will be conducted only for offeror(s) who are interviewed. The interview and professional reference checks will be considered in the final scoring of the QRFs.

USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Interviews conducted in person will be held at USAID offices in the Washington, D.C. region. While in person interviews are preferred, interviews by telephone or video may also be conducted. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by the offeror. In the event that USAID is unable to obtain any information from references, the lack of reference information will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably in the scoring of the QRFs.

Satisfactory verification of academic credentials is required prior to award. The selected offeror will be required to submit official transcripts for the academic degree for which the offeror qualified for the position. If the selected offeror fails to submit the required academic credential documentation within the time period specified by the Contracting Officer, the offeror may be disqualified from further consideration for award. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements. Transcripts from foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official Evaluation of Educational Credentials. It is the offeror’s responsibility to provide evidence that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. USAID will not pay for expenses related to obtaining transcripts or proof of creditability of foreign education. Click on the following link for a list of accredited organizations (https://www.naces.org/members) recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

The selected offeror must be able to obtain a Secret Level Security Clearance provided by USAID prior to contract award. Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship. If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected offeror within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret level security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offeror acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

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NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS

AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT: All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list in www.sam.gov or on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Registration information is available at www.sam.gov.

NOTE: Registration for a DUNS number and registration in SAM is FREE.

Interested offerors are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early to avoid any delays during contract award.

USAID reserves the right to select additional offerors to fill possible future vacant positions if vacancies become available during the selection process.

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. This form must be physically signed (hand-written signature) and scanned as an Adobe PDF document. Unsigned forms will not be accepted. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically via e-mail to the Point of Contact in Section I. Offerors should include the solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail to ensure consideration for the intended position.

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

4. Offerors are required to submit a complete resume in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the education and experience requirements as stated in the solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates

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(month/year), locations, and hours per week may not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. Do not submit transcripts or other certifications with your offer. Transcripts and/or certifications must be submitted only upon request.

5. Offerors are required to submit the names and current contact information for three

(3) professional references who have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation. Submitted references must include, at a minimum, the name of the reference and the reference’s current contact information which should include an email address.

6. Offerors are required to submit a supplemental document in Microsoft Word specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors. Responses are limited to no more than 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete offers will not be considered.

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith.

You understand that any information you give may be investigated.

False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may be grounds for not awarding you the contract, or for early contract termination after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

1. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

2. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

3. Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

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1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Transit Benefits (Metro, MARC/VRE/Commuter Bus, and Transit Authority Van Pool)

2. ALLOWANCES:

The following allowances may be provided to the USPSC while on TDY overseas. 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) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING

TO PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a

U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

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

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: R497

1 LOT $_TBD_ $_TBD_ at Award after negotiations with Contractor

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- Accounting Info: TBD 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 negotiations with Contractor

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 negotiations with Contractor

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 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. The following AAPDs/CIBs are applicable:

AAPD 06-10 – PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility:

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL

EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible

14 | Page family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy.

When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S.

Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS- 3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.

In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse

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USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

(End of Provision)

AAPD 15-02, REVISED 2 – Continuation of Deviation from the ‘Leave and Holidays’ clause, including Family and Medical Leave, for U.S. Personal Services Contractors Class Deviation M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-20-2c

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (DEC 2017)

(a) Annual Leave

(1) The contractor is not entitled to annual leave if the period of performance of this contract is 90 days or less. If the contract period of performance is more than 90 days, the contractor shall earn annual leave as of the start date of the contract period of performance as specified in paragraph (a)(2) below.

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(2) The contractor shall accrue annual leave based on the contractor’s time in service according to the following table:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation 0 to 3 years Four hours of leave for each two week period over 3, and up to 15 years

Six hours of AL for each two week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two week period

USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.

(3)

(i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the USAID Mission or USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.

(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.

(4) With the approval of the Mission Director or cognizant AA, as appropriate, and if the circumstances warrant, a Contracting Officer may grant the contractor advance AL in excess of the amount earned, but in no case may the Contracting Officer grant advance AL in excess of the amount earned in one year or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. The contractor agrees to reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advance AL provided during the contractor’s assignment under the contract.

(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing

17 | Page incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID U.S. direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 work-days per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work. Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.

(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:

(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days; or if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for such shorter period of not less than one year, as approved in writing by the Mission Director prior to the USPSCs departure on home leave, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days.

(ii) if the USPSC is returning to a different USAID Mission under a USAID personal services contract immediately following completion of the USPSC's home leave, for an additional two (2) years under contract, or for such shorter period of not less than one (1) year, as approved by the Mission Directors of the "losing" and "gaining" Missions, the contractor will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of not more than 20 work days. When the PSC is returning to a different USAID Mission, the former Mission will pay for the home leave regardless of what country the PSC will be working in following the home leave;

(iii) if home leave eligibility is based on (c)(2)(ii) above, the USPSC must submit written verification to the losing Mission at the time home leave is requested that the USPSC has accepted a USAID personal services contract at another USAID Mission following completion of the home leave;

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(iv) travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the number of work days authorized for home leave;

(v) home leave must be taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories, and any days spent elsewhere will be charged to annual leave (AL.) If the PSC does not have accrued AL, the PSC will be placed on LWOP.

(vi) if the PSC does not complete the additional service required under (c)(2)(i) or (ii) (that the Contracting Officer finds are other than for reasons beyond the PSC's control), the cost of home leave, travel and transportation and any other related costs must be repaid by the PSC to the Government.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (c)(2) above, that the USPSC must have served two (2) years overseas under personal services contract with the same Mission to be eligible for home leave, the USPSC may be granted advance home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i) Granting of advanced home leave would in each case serve to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and

(ii) The USPSC has served a minimum of 18 months in the Cooperating Country under this contract; and

(iii) The USPSC agrees to return to the Cooperating Country to serve out the remaining time necessary to meet two (2) years of service overseas, plus an additional two (2) years under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission. If approved in advance by the Mission Director, the USPSC may return to serve out any remainder of the two (2) year requirement for service overseas, plus an additional period of not less than one (1) year under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission.

(4) The period of service overseas required under paragraph (c)(2), or paragraph (c)(3) above, will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S. (less language training). The actual days overseas begin on the date of arrival in the cooperating country inclusive of authorized delays enroute. Allowable annual and sick leave taken while overseas, but not LWOP, shall be included in the required period of service overseas. An amount equal to the number of days of annual and sick leave taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories will be added to the required period of service overseas.

(5) Salary during the travel to and from the U.S., for home leave will be limited to the time required for travel by the most expeditious air route. Except for reasons beyond the USPSC's control as determined by the Contracting Officer, the USPSC must return to duty after home leave and complete the additional required service or be responsible for reimbursing USAID for payments made during home leave. Unused home leave is not reimbursable under this contract, nor can it be taken incrementally in separate time periods.

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(6) Home leave must be taken at one time, and to the extent deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer, an USPSC in the U.S., on home leave may be authorized to spend not more than five (5) days in work status for consultation at USAID/Washington before returning to post. Consultation at locations other than USAID/Washington as well as any time in excess of five (5) days spent for consultation must be approved by the Mission Director or the Contracting Officer.

(d) Home Leave for Qualifying Posts (HLQP). USPSCs who ordinarily qualify for home leave and have completed a 12-month assignment at one of the USAID qualifying posts (currently Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan) are entitled to take ten (10) workdays of leave in addition to the home leave an USPSCs is normally entitled to under the contract in accordance with sub-paragraphs (c)(1) - (6) above. This additional home leave is provided pursuant to an amendment to the Foreign Service Act of 1980 signed by the President on June 15, 2006.

There is no requirement that an eligible USPSC take this additional leave; it is for optional use by the USPSC. If an eligible USPSC elects to take HLQP, the USPSC must take ten (10) workdays of home leave. If the USPSC is returning to the United States and not returning overseas to the same or different USAID Mission, HLQP will not apply.

This new home leave policy is also extended to qualifying Third-Country National PSCs (TCNPSCs) who have an approved exception under AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B), to apply specific provisions from AIDAR Appendix D, and whose contract includes this General Provision. However, TCNPSCs will be granted "country leave" vice home leave.

The application, requirements, and restrictions will be the same as for USPSCs, but the time taken by a TCNPSC will be taken in the TCNPSC's home country or country of recruitment rather than in the United States, its commonwealths and territories.

(e) Holidays and Excused Absences. The contractor shall be entitled to all holidays and or excused absences granted by the USAID to U.S. direct-hire employees.

(f) Military Leave. Military leave of not more than 15 calendar days in any calendar year may be granted to a contractor who is a reservist of the U.S. Armed Forces. The contractor must provide advance notice of the pending military leave to the Contracting Officer or the Mission Director as soon as known. A copy of any such notice must be part of the contract file.

(g) Leave Without Pay (LWOP). LWOP may be granted only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer or Mission Director, unless a USPSC is requesting for such leave for family and leave purposes under paragraph (i) below.

(h) Compensatory Time. Compensatory time leave may be granted only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer or…