720DDG20R00003.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720DDG20R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: June 19, 2020

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: July 20, 2020, 3:00PM 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. 720DDG20R00003

2 | Page

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720DDG20R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 19, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 20, 2020, 3:00PM 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: Democracy, Data, and Technology 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

3 | Page

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. BACKGROUND

As the home 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 and media, including youth and labor issues. The CSM 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. The CSM Division promotes innovations in civil society, media, labor, and youth, as a means for addressing development challenges, and represents USAID in international processes, networks, and working groups.

The CSM Division seeks to expand technical knowledge and abilities on a wide-range of issues concerning data and technology as they relate to our efforts to promote development outcomes for civil society, media, and democratic systems. A subject matter expert with

4 | Page knowledge of cutting-edge technology, research, and approaches related to the intersection of democracy, technology, and data will support the work of USAID field Missions and Washington Operating Units, other USG entities, and the broader DRG community. This position will advance the DRG Center’s efforts to address the gap in knowledge and capacities around emerging technologies, and data for stakeholders in government and civil society in order stimulate a broader, richer, and more inclusive public discussion on how these technologies could or should be used and what kinds of societies they will produce as a result.

Considering the countless challenges and opportunities regarding data management, infrastructure, and security, as well those regarding the use of advanced technologies to either enhance development outcomes and democratic systems - or to damage them - the DRG Center acknowledges a growing demand for advanced and innovative thinking and approaches. Along with the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, we are seeing trends regarding the lack of transparency in their procurement and deployment, lag in popular awareness and understanding of them to conduct oversight or hold a public discussion to consider potential negative unintended consequences, and the lack of appropriate regulatory frameworks. The ways to use and misuse data and technology are evolving rapidly. Data and technology can be used to inhibit freedom of assembly and participation in civic spaces. We see an increasing use of advanced technology in human rights abuses, the inappropriate use of technology in elections, the utilization of artificial intelligence for mass facial recognition and other public and private surveillance programs. Efforts such as those to improve accountability in internet governance and surveillance, enhance security of data infrastructure, and strengthen protections of individual rights and privacy can help minimize risks to democracy and protect civic liberties of citizens.

This position is located in the DRG Center. As a direct report to the CSM Division Chief, the incumbent provides support to the CSM Division, other DRG Center teams, USAID Missions and the Agency to advance thinking and approaches regarding data and technology as they relate to civil society, media, and democratic systems. The incumbent supports the implementation of CSM, DRG and Agency priorities.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Democracy, Data, and Technology Specialist will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to democratic trends, data, and technology and related effects on the work of the CSM Division and the DRG Center. The incumbent is expected to have a firm grasp of data-powered technologies’ functions and the risks they could pose to democracy and human rights; experience building the relevant institutions and networks critical to providing oversight that will ensure societies and citizens can equitably benefit from new technologies; and relevant skills to craft and adapt development programs to initiate more informed local oversight and develop innovations in policy and law to address these emerging issues. The Democracy, Data, and Technology Specialist is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches with little technical oversight, including leading or making significant contributions to research, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy, and will perform her/his

5 | Page duties under administrative direction from the CSM Division Chief. The position is based in Washington, DC and may include travel to and work in developing countries in all regions.

The Democracy, Data, and Technology Specialist’s position includes the following responsibilities:

Program Planning, Policy Development, and Management

● Provide cutting edge technical support to Missions and Washington operating units on key issues regarding data and technology as they relate to civil society, media, development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues, including the assessments, design of new activities, monitoring, learning and evaluation.

● Serve as a subject matter expert on data and technology as they relate to civil society, media, development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues to support policy development, as well as strategic planning and implementation.

● Advance USAID strategy to include supporting and advocating for inclusion of approaches informed by cutting-edge thinking on data and technology to enhance USAID’s efforts and improve democratic development outcomes.

● Advise senior leaders in the DRG Center, Technical and Regional Bureaus and other USG leadership in the subject matter area.

● Liaise with DRG Center sub-sector divisions, Regional Bureaus, the U.S. Global Development Lab, the Global Engagement Center and other inter-agency partners as appropriate to inform and strengthen the DRG Center’s approaches regarding data and technology as they relate to DRG issues. The position will coordinate closely with the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA)'s representative on the USAID DATA Board and the USAID Digital Sector Council to ensure alignment with Agency-wide approaches to data management and the use of digital technology in USAID's programs.

● Serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and Activity Manager as needed.

Learning and Capacity-Building

● Supports incorporation of technical, contextual, and experiential approaches regarding data and technology as they relate to DRG technical issues and programming with USAID Missions and across the DRG sector, the Agency and interagency.

● Advances DRG’s data and technology research agenda. This includes collating existing quantitative and qualitative data, identifying data gaps, and setting a strategy and implementation plan to fill them.

● Manages, tracks, and reports progress on the DRG Learning Agenda related to data and technology and related issues;

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

Degree of responsibility for decision-making:

6 | Page

The Democracy, Data, and Technology Specialist will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to democratic trends, data, and technology and related effects on the work of the Civil Society and Media (CSM) Division and the DRG Center. The incumbent is expected to have a firm grasp of data-powered technologies’ functions and the risks they could pose to democracy and human rights; experience building the relevant institutions and networks critical to providing oversight that will ensure societies and citizens can equitably benefit from new technologies; and relevant skills to craft and adapt development programs to initiate more informed local oversight and develop innovations in policy and law to address these emerging issues. The incumbent is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches including research, assessments, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy development. 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 and 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 is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches with little technical oversight, including research, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy. The incumbent will provide cutting edge technical support to Missions and Washington operating units on key issues regarding data and technology as they relate to civil society, media, development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues, including the assessments, design of new activities, monitoring, learning and evaluation; serve as a subject matter expert on data and technology as they relate to civil society, media, development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues to support policy development, as well as strategic planning and implementation; advance USAID strategy to include supporting and advocating for inclusion of approaches informed by cutting-edge thinking on data and technology to enhance the DRG Center’s efforts and improve democratic development outcomes; advise senior leaders in the DRG Center, Technical and Regional Bureaus and other USG leadership in the subject matter area; and liaise with DRG Center sub-sector divisions, Regional Bureaus, the U.S. Global Development Lab, the Global Engagement Center and other inter-agency partners as appropriate to inform and strengthen the DRG Center’s approaches regarding data and technology as they related to DRG issues. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

Knowledge level required:

The Democracy, Data, and Technology Specialist will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to democratic trends, data, and technology and related effects on the work of the Civil Society and Media (CSM) Division and the DRG Center. The incumbent is expected to have a firm grasp of data-powered technologies’ functions and the

7 | Page risks they could pose to democracy and human rights; experience building the relevant institutions and networks critical to providing oversight that will ensure societies and citizens can equitably benefit from new technologies; and relevant skills to craft and adapt development programs to initiate more informed local oversight and develop innovations in policy and law to address these emerging issues. 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. The incumbent will have a Master’s degree or higher degree with study in a pertinent field, such as: international development, civil society and media programming in developing country contexts, data management, advanced technology and impacts on civic participation, internet management and internet security, civil liberties, and access to information.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent’s supervisor is the CSM 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 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 Digital Strategy 2020-2024, the Department of State and USAID Joint Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022, 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 Democracy, Data, and Technology Specialist contributes to the CSM research agenda as the recognized DRG Center subject matter expert on the impacts of data and technology on democracy to advance knowledge and enhance the work of the CSM division, the DRG Center, and the Missions that USAID serves. The incumbent will lead efforts regarding project design, implementation, monitoring, learning and evaluation. The incumbent’s work 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

8 | Page 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 the impacts of data and technology on democracy. 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 the impacts of data and technology on democracy. The purpose of the Democracy, Data, and Technology 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 the impact of data and technology on democracy.

Supervision or oversight the position has over others: None.

Travel requirements: The Democracy, Data, and Technology 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, civil society and media programming in developing country contexts, data management and data security, advanced technology and impacts on civic participation, internet management and internet security, civil liberties and access to information.

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

● Three (3) years’ experience in civil society and media programming in developing country contexts, data management and data security, advanced technology and impacts

9 | Page on civic participation, internet management and internet security, or civil liberties and access to information.

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 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 lead and contribute to analysis and provide recommendations on a wide-range of issues concerning data and technology as they relate to civil society, media, development, and democratic systems in developing countries - specifically in research; development programming (i.e., assessment, design, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation); experience with and awareness of cutting edge research and best practices regarding data and technology and DRG issues; ability to contribute to meaningful content on the subject matter to enhance and deliver capacity development, training, e-learnings, and convenings.

QRF 2: Communication (25 points)

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

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

● Demonstrated productive and positive working relationships and 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.

Rating system is as follows:

10 | Page

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 (QRFs). The evaluation of the QRFs based on the offeror’s responses to the QRFs as well as information provided in other written offer materials (e.g., form AID 309-2, resume) 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 will be required 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.

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

11 | Page

(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). Unsigned forms 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 must submit a complete resume. 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 (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.

12 | Page

(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 must 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 must submit a supplemental document 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.

7. Offers must be submitted in English.

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

Late offers will not be considered, and will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.

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:

1. BENEFITS:

13 | Page

(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

- Accounting Info: TBD

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

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe

1 LOT $_TBD_ $_TBD_ at Award after

14 | Page

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD 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 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.

15 | Page

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 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.

16 | Page

(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.

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

17 | Page

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 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

18 | Page 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;

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

19 | Page

(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).