SOL Sr Award Process & Management Advisor GS 1314 720FDA20B00018 final 1.3.2020.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523 www.usaid.gov

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720FDA20B00018

ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: January 15, 2021, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Award Process and Management Advisor under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. Complete resume. 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 will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully 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.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (beta.SAM.gov, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information must 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.

2. USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I.

This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

720FDA20B00018

2 | Page

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. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

NOTE: As of March 28, 2018, all new SAM.gov entity registrations will now require a signed notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity administrator for the entity associated with the DUNS number. Additional information on the format of the notarized letter and where to submit can be found via the below Federal Service Desk link:

https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b& sysparm_search=kb0013183

Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received.

Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers.

Your complete resume and the supplemental document must be emailed to:

OFDA Recruitment Team E-Mail Address: recruiter@ofda.gov Website: www.OFDAjobs.net

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to OFDA Recruitment Team via the information provided above.

Sincerely, Renee Newton Contracting Officer http://sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b& mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov http://www.ofdajobs.net/ http://www.ofdajobs.net/

3 | Page

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720FDA20B00018

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

This solicitation is open and continuous until January 15, 2021. The following are the closing dates for each review period:

February 14, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time May 8, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

July 31, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time October 23, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

January 15, 2021, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Offerors not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for positions available in subsequent review periods. A review period may be cancelled at OFDA’s discretion.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: OFDA Recruitment Team, recruiter@ofda.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Award Process and Management Advisor (Multiple Positions)

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,172 - $128,920 equivalent to GS-13 (includes locality pay).

$117,191 - $152,352 equivalent to GS-14 (includes locality pay).

Depending on the qualifications of the offeror, this position can be filled at either the GS-13 ($102,663 - $133,465) or GS-14 ($121,316 - $157,709) equivalent level, including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-13 or GS-14 level based upon the offeror’s established salary history.

Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-13 will be considered for the GS-13 level positions. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-14 will be considered for the GS-14 level only.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and based upon the candidate’s established salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

If the position is for a Washington based PSC, 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: One (1) year, with four (4) one-year options

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.

mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov

4 | Page

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top

Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

POSITION DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into six divisions.

The Africa (AFD) Response Division and the Asia, Latin America, Europe and Middle East (ALE) Response Division are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs) including United Nations (UN) agencies and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. These Divisions also oversee OFDA’s non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction and resilience. AFD and ALE Response Divisions also coordinate with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. They devise, coordinate and implement program strategies for a variety of natural and complex disaster situations. Both Divisions encompass groups of operations specialists who provide technical expert capability in assessing the quality and strategic function of disaster response and risk reduction activities. The AFD Response Division is divided into two teams: East and Central Africa (ECA), and Southern, West, and North Africa (SWAN). The ALE Response Division is divided into four teams: East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia (EMCA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and South Asia (SA).

The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages operations for OFDA’s disaster responses by readying people and systems; projecting U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian capacity quickly into the field; and delivering material and technical assistance. The OPS Division maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Urban Search and Rescue Teams, coordinating, staffing, training, and equipping Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), and stockpiling emergency relief commodities in key locations around the globe to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division provides technical guidance and expertise in Disaster Logistics, Urban Search and Rescue, Operations Center management, activation/readiness, Civil-Military Liaison, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Consequence Management. It also provides overseas support to OFDA offices and personnel and to other sectors necessary to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The

5 | Page

OPS Division is divided into four teams: the Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), Military Liaison Team (MLT), Operations Support Team (OST), and Overseas Administration Team (OAT).

The Program Support (PS) Division provides operational management support, including general administration, budget and financial services, procurement planning, information technology (IT), human resources management including staff care, and contract and grant administration support to OFDA. The PS Division supports OFDA's mandate by providing innovative solutions for IT, staffing, funds control, budgeting, information and human resource management, and procurement to facilitate timely disaster responses. The PS Division is divided into four teams: the Award, Audit, and Risk Management (AARM) Team, Human Resources Management Team (HRM), Budget, Finance, and Information Technology (BFIT) Team, and the Acquisition and Management (ACQ) Team.

The Preparation, Strategic Planning and Mitigation (PSPM) Division is responsible for the technical oversight of all OFDA response and mitigation programs, as well as preparation for response, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction activities. The PSPM Division houses technical experts in all sectors potentially affected by disasters, and leads the Agency in developing and promoting best practices for programming in these specific sectors. In addition, PSPM will be the focal point for technological innovations for humanitarian assistance in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, assessment, and information management. The PSPM Division is divided into four teams: Cross-Cutting Sectors Team, Natural Hazards Team, Health Team, and Food Security and Livelihoods Team.

The Humanitarian Policy and Global Engagement (HPGE) Division assists the DCHA front office, the OFDA Director and OFDA Deputy Director with tracking trends and policy developments in the humanitarian assistance field. It engages in policy dialogue with other parts of USAID, the USG interagency, other donors, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners; recommends strategies for action to DCHA; initiates development of policy and internal guidance for OFDA; maintains global relationships with implementing partners, other donors, and the broader humanitarian architecture; engages with the UN to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and to promote humanitarian principles within the USG and internationally. HPGE Division leads OFDA's communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences; and serves as the office’s primary interlocutor on strategic issues with other federal partners to provide guidance to OFDA on policy issues pertaining to the interagency, and to improve USG humanitarian coordination and response during large-scale crises. The HPGE Division staff manages global programs, policy and outreach, strategic communications, and interagency training and engagement. HPGE is divided into seven teams: Policy Team, Global Programs Team, Strategic Interagency Team, Strategic Communications Team, Global Capacity and Leadership Development Team, Public-Private Engagement Team, and the United States Mission to the UN (USUN) in New York, Geneva, and Rome.

INTRODUCTION

To achieve OFDA’s mandate to provide timely life-saving and emergency humanitarian assistance, OFDA strives to ensure consistent, organization-wide compliance of USG and USAID

6 | Page acquisition and assistance policy and legal requirements while maintaining maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and flexibility in its award making and management processes. USG and OFDA award making and management involves implementing and overseeing various Federal assistance and acquisition mechanisms including but not limited to grants, cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, fixed-amount awards, contracts, purchase orders, and simplified acquisition awards with a wide range of recipients including U.S. and non-U.S. NGOs, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and public international organizations.

Given the complexity, dollar value, speed, and volume of OFDA programs, OFDA created the AARM Team to provide technical expertise and resources to ensure OFDA’s award, audit, and risk management business processes, systems, internal guidance, tools, and related trainings are effective and strengthen OFDA’s humanitarian assistance programs.

The OFDA Senior Award Process and Management Advisor is an integral member of the AARM Team within the PS Division. The position is based in Washington, D.C. with occasional travel to the field to support implementation, monitoring, and oversight of programs, operations, and technical compliance.

OBJECTIVE

OFDA requires the services of a Senior Award Process and Management Advisor to provide technical expertise in keeping abreast of and interpreting current and new acquisition and assistance policy directives and regulations and to draft, revise, and update OFDA’s award management business processes, systems, internal guidance, tools, and related trainings. Based in Washington, D.C., this position will support OFDA’s mandate and humanitarian assistance programs by ensuring OFDA staff, implementing partners, inter- and intra-agency colleagues, and other key stakeholders have the award making- and management-related information and training needed to implement, manage, and close out flexible, responsive humanitarian programs effectively and efficiently.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

At the GS-13 level:

At this grade level, the Senior Award Process and Management Advisor will perform these duties and responsibilities with limited guidance and supervision from the AARM Team Leader or his/her designee. Additionally, he/she will take on a limited level of responsibility for management and coordination in his/her area of responsibility. He/she will also take on a limited level of responsibility for contributing to select policy decisions, and representing the office and its interests to other parties.

Acquisition & Assistance Policy and Guidance:

• Demonstrate an expert understanding of federal and USAID award making and management regulations and policies including but not limited to the Code of Federal Regulations, Office of Management and Budget Circulars, the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulations, and USAID Automated Directive Series.

7 | Page

• Exercise judgment and decision-making related to acquisition and assistance policies and regulations.

• Act as an expert and technical advisor on acquisition and assistance matters to support staff and office management.

• Research, review, analyze, and interpret current and new acquisition and assistance statutes, regulations, policies, or procedures to ensure consistent adherence to USG and USAID requirements and to strengthen internal office award management policies, procedures, and systems including capturing best practices and innovations.

Portfolio Management:

• Draft, maintain, update, and revise written technical guidance based on new or changes to existing USG and Agency acquisition and assistance initiatives and policies.

• Independently respond to OFDA staff and partner inquiries on complex program topics, issues, and questions relating to acquisition and assistance policies and procedures.

• Train and mentor OFDA and partner staff in Washington and the field on complex acquisition and assistance topics including providing technical expertise in the development, updating, presentation, and evaluation of training materials related to award making and management.

• In collaboration with other OFDA teams, conduct independent analysis of and provide recommendations on office-level award management systems including but not limited to Abacus and SharePoint. Additionally, provide advice, guidance, and improvements and determine overall systems needs and priorities related to acquisition and assistance issues.

• Lead on resolving and responding to complex program issues and questions related to acquisition and assistance policies and procedures across divisions and inter-divisional working groups.

• Analyze and provide guidance, input, and/or information products to AARM or OFDA senior leadership on issues that require escalation for resolution. Assist in related discussions, meetings, and follow-up with pertinent stakeholders.

Agency and USG Liaison and Representation:

• Serve as a primary point of contact in the area of responsibility for DCHA and OFDA Senior Management.

• Act as a primary coordinator for complex queries and data calls related to acquisition and assistance policy and guidance from humanitarian community partners, Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), USAID’s Office of the General Counsel (GC), Congress or senior USAID staff and ensure timely and appropriate response.

• Liaise with the OAA, GC, and other USAID stakeholders as necessary to understand policy and guidance application to humanitarian assistance and ensure current acquisition and assistance policies and procedures are being appropriately applied.

• Provide written and oral responses to requests for information on OFDA’s activities in the area of responsibility, to include briefing papers, memorandum talking points, formal presentations, and informal briefings.

• Advocate for OFDA's interests and unique capabilities in USG and USAID acquisition and assistance policy discussions.

8 | Page

General Duties:

• Work in rapidly changing, high-pressure situations that often exceed normal business hours.

• Attend regular AARM team meetings and program team meetings.

• Sign-up for and serve as needed, on Washington-based RMTs, which provide services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will be varied.

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

• As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.

• As needed, may serve on temporary details within the office not to exceed six months.

Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.

At the GS-14 level:

At this grade level, the Senior Award Process and Management Advisor will demonstrate expert competence in the duties and responsibilities described below. He/She will perform these duties and responsibilities with little to no guidance and minimal supervisory direction from the AARM Team Leader or his/her designee. Additionally, he/she will have a high level of responsibility for management and coordination in his/her area of responsibility. He/she will also have a high level of responsibility for contributing to policy decisions, and representing the office and its interests to other parties.

Acquisition & Assistance Policy and Guidance:

• Demonstrate an expert understanding of federal and USAID award making and management regulations and policies including but not limited to the Code of Federal Regulations, Office of Management and Budget Circulars, the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulations, and USAID Automated Directive Series.

• Act as an expert and technical advisor on acquisition and assistance matters to support staff and office management.

• Exercise independent judgment and decision-making related to acquisition and assistance policies and guidelines.

• Independently research, review, analyze and/or interpret current and new acquisition and assistance statutes, regulations, policies, or procedures to ensure consistent adherence to USG and USAID requirements and to strengthen internal office award making and management policies, procedures, and systems including capturing best practices and innovations.

• Advise staff in the drafting of effective statements of work, program descriptions, evaluation criteria, application instructions, and other supporting documents for notices of funding opportunities.

• Draft for the Assistance Officer/Contracting Officer suggested responses to acquisition and assistance inquiries through research, analysis, and presentation of necessary documentation.

9 | Page

• Prepare and/or provide substantive assistance in the creation and execution of short- and/or long-term solutions to complying with and addressing acquisition and assistance requirements and challenges.

• Conduct assessments of OFDA programs for consistent adherence to acquisition and assistance policies and guidance and recommend appropriate corrective or mitigation measures.

Portfolio Management:

• Draft, maintain, update, and revise written technical guidance based on new or changes to existing USG and Agency acquisition and assistance initiatives and policies.

• Independently respond to OFDA staff and partner inquiries on complex program topics, issues, and questions relating to acquisition and assistance policies and procedures.

• Train and mentor OFDA and partner staff in Washington and the field on complex acquisition and assistance topics including providing technical expertise in the development, updating, presentation, and evaluation of training materials related to award making and management.

• Analyze and provide guidance, input, and/or information products to AARM or OFDA senior leadership on issues that require escalation for resolution. Assist in related discussions, meetings, and follow-up with pertinent stakeholders.

• In collaboration with other OFDA teams, conduct independent analysis of and provide recommendations on office-level award management systems including but not limited to Abacus and SharePoint. Additionally, provide advice, guidance, and improvements and determine overall systems needs and priorities related to acquisition and assistance issues.

• As assigned by AARM Team Lead or his/her designee, review and approve award making and management business process system changes.

• Lead complex, highly specialized competitive acquisition and assistance solicitations throughout the entire procurement life cycle from pre-award to selection.

• Lead on resolving and responding to complex, highly-specialized program issues and questions relating to acquisition and assistance policies and procedures.

Agency and USG Liaison and Representation:

• Serve as a primary point of contact in the area of responsibility for DCHA and OFDA Senior Management.

• Serve as acting AARM Deputy Team Lead or Team Lead when Deputy Team Lead or Team Lead is out of the office on leave, a detail assignment, or temporary duty.

• Act as a primary coordinator for complex queries and data calls related to acquisition and assistance policy and guidance from humanitarian community partners, OAA, GC, Congress or senior USAID staff and ensure timely and appropriate response.

• Liaise with the OAA, GC, and other USAID stakeholders as necessary to understand policy and guidance application to humanitarian assistance and ensure current acquisition and assistance policies and procedures are being appropriately applied.

• Provide written and oral responses to requests for information on OFDA’s activities in the area of responsibility, to include briefing papers, memorandum talking points, formal presentations, and informal briefings.

10 | Page

• Advocate for OFDA's interests and unique capabilities in USG and USAID acquisition and assistance policy discussions.

• Serve as point of contact or work closely with appropriate designee to engage with various intra- and inter-agency counterparts related to acquisition and assistance policies and procedures to promote effective and efficient mechanisms and applications suitable for emergency response and disaster risk reduction programming.

• Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations within and outside the USG to ensure essential coordination of acquisition and assistance policies and regulations and information exchanges.

Supervisory:

• Assist in promoting and cultivating team morale and workplace collaboration.

• Manage and supervise the Award Process and Management Specialist.

• Oversee the day-to-day work of the Award Management Team by identifying priorities, assigning and balancing workloads, reviewing work products, addressing personnel issues, providing professional development opportunities, and any other management tasks as needed, as requested by the AARM Team Lead or his/her designee.

General Duties:

• Work in rapidly changing, high-pressure situations that often exceed normal business hours.

• Attend regular AARM team meetings and program team meetings.

• Sign-up for and serve as needed, on Washington-based RMTs, which provide services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will be varied.

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

• As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.

• As needed, may serve on temporary details within the office not to exceed six months.

Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The USPSC will take direction from and report to the AARM Team Lead or his/her designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

At the GS-13 grade equivalent, the supervisor sets overall objectives and resource available. The USPSC consults with supervisor to develop deadlines, projects and work to be done. The USPSC is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments. The USPSC is responsible for planning approach or methodology to be used in carrying out assignments.

At the GS-14 grade equivalent, the supervisor provides administrative directions in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The USPSC independently plans, designs and carries out programs, projects, studies or other work. Results are considered authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change.

11 | Page

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).

13. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

14. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

GS-13 level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, business, project management, acquisition, assistance, and management) plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance functions related to USG procurement planning and solicitation, acquisition or assistance award administration, and advising/managing staff on USG award making and management, which must include at least three (3) years of working in international development, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation or reconstruction aid.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, business, project management, acquisition, assistance, and management) plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance functions related to USG procurement planning and solicitation, acquisition or assistance award administration, and advising/managing staff on USG award making and management, which must include at least two (2) years of working in international development, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation or reconstruction aid.

GS-14 level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, business, project management, acquisition, assistance, and management) plus nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance functions related to USG procurement planning and solicitation, acquisition or

12 | Page assistance award administration, and advising/managing staff on award making and management, which must include at least three (3) years managing a team handling multiple, competing priorities in a high-pressure environment and three (3) years working in international development, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation or reconstruction aid.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, business, project management, acquisition, assistance, and management) plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance functions related to USG procurement planning and solicitation, acquisition or assistance award administration, and advising/managing staff on award making and management, which must include at least two (2) years managing a team handling multiple, competing priorities in a high-pressure environment and two (2) years working in international development, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation or reconstruction aid.

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.

SELECTION FACTORS

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

• Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.

• Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

• USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I.

This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented

Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

• Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

• Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM

The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The evaluation of writing tests will also take into consideration the quality of written responses.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

13 | Page

Aspects of written responses including, but not limited to typos, grammatical errors, spelling errors, and incomplete sentences will be factored into the evaluation process. The rating factors are as follows:

Technical Experience (15 points):

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal acquisition and assistance laws, regulations, policies and procedures, including contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements relating to the implementation of emergency and/or international development programs.

• Demonstrated experience in acquisition and assistance functions throughout the award cycle such as procurement design and planning, analysis & evaluation of solicitation materials, implementation and post-award monitoring of contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements.

• Demonstrated experience analyzing and interpreting program data, conducting complex analyses, and identifying solutions to and addressing complex procurement or post-award management issues or problems.

Negotiation, Communication, and Interpersonal Skills (10 points):

• Experience in tacitly and diplomatically negotiating, collaborating and/or coordinating on complex and difficult policies/guidance across different parts of an organization and different stakeholders to attain effective solutions.

• Experience drafting cohesive guidance, standard operating procedures, and other policy related documentation from a wide variety of sources.

• Experience communicating and transferring knowledge on complex policy and programmatic topics to a multitude of non-specialist audiences at a variety of levels including junior staff, peers, and senior leadership.

• Experience successfully working in a fast-paced, dynamic, high stress, and highly demanding environment managing competing priorities with varying deadlines and little guidance or oversight.

Management Experience (5 points):

• Experience managing, mentoring, coaching, guiding and training seasoned and junior co-workers and technical staff including reviewing work products and providing performance feedback.

Interview Performance (50 points)

Timed Writing Test (10 points)

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (10 points)

Total Possible Points: 100

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

14 | Page

Offerors are required to address each factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Offeror Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. OFDA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. Complete resume. 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 will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully 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.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (FedBizOpps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information must 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.

2. USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I.

This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

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

15 | Page attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your offer, and as the subject line in any email.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Via email: recruiter@ofda.gov

NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret is required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. If Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.

NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

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

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 offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

NOTE: Registration for a DUNS number is FREE.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html and FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html or www.sam.gov.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.sam.gov/

16 | Page

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

Forms outlined below can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. Resume.

2. USPSC Offeror Form (AID 309-2)

3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **

5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

7. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **

** Forms 3 through 7 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an offeror is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

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

2. ALLOWANCES

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270).

(g) Education Travel (Section 280).

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500).

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(j) Danger Pay (Section 650).

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

17 | Page

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 .

ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

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 .

AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.

AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs) AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

AAPD 18-02 - Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services AAPD No. 18-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.222-50 – COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 4 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.204-24 – Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2019) FAR Clause 52.204-24 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 5 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.204-25 – Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2019) FAR Clause 52.204-25 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 6 to the solicitation.

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

18 | Page

Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

ALL QUALIFIED OFFERORS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE,

COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-

DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT

FACTOR.

19 | Page

ATTACHMENT 1

USPSC PROVISION “MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER

2006)

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. 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 AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 6 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, http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0

20 | Page 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.