SOL Vetting Assistant 720FDA20B00026-EXT.pdf

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

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720FDA20B00026

ISSUANCE DATE: March 5, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 20, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time (Deadline Extended)

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 Vetting Assistant (VA) 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. 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.

720FDA20B00026

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 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, /s/

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.: 720FDA20B00026

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 06, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 20, 2020, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Vetting Assistant (Multiple Positions)

6. MARKET VALUE: $86,335 - $112,240 equivalent to GS-12 (includes locality pay)

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.

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 mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov

4 | Page organizations 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 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, 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 in the areas of Information Technology, staffing, funds control, budgeting, 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 (HRM) Team, 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

5 | Page and evaluation, assessment, and information management. The PSPM Division is divided into four teams: Cross-Cutting Sectors Team, Natural Hazards Team, Health Team, and the 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; and engages with the UN to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and promote humanitarian principles within the USG and internationally. The HPGE Division leads OFDA's communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences. It 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.

The Office of Food for Peace (FFP), also part of DCHA, is the largest provider of food assistance in the world and works together with others to reduce hunger and malnutrition and assure that adequate, safe and nutritious food is available, accessible to and well-utilized by all individuals at all times to support a healthy and productive life.

FFP works in both emergency and development contexts, with emergency and recovery activities comprising 80 percent of total spending. Through its emergency activities, FFP strives to provide food assistance to save lives, reduce suffering and support the early recovery of populations affected by both conflict and natural disasters. FFP also recognizes that repeatedly responding to emergencies is not enough to end hunger and increase food security. FFP development activities help chronically food insecure populations reduce their long-term need for food assistance through improved capacities and systems strengthening to ensure access to food for their most vulnerable communities and individuals, especially women and children. FFP also helps individuals and communities better withstand future shocks through resilience-building activities.

FFP’s geographic team members are engaged in food security needs assessments and identifying priority programmatic needs. They monitor program implementation through field visits and review of financial and performance reports, as well as ensure that programs are implemented in a manner consistent with policy and legislative guidelines and that program effectiveness is maximized. Program and policy staff members are engaged in budget development and oversight, developing recommendations on a wide range of policy questions, and explaining FFP food program guidance and policy positions in formal and informal interactions with staff of public international organizations (PIOs), NGOs, Agency bureaus and others. They also review/analyze

6 | Page

PIO policy and operational issues, participate in strategy development, and are engaged in risk mitigation and internal control initiatives for the Office.

Technical sector specialists provide technical leadership on food security issues, educate and promote linkages between a wide array of sectors, and work to increase the impact of FFP programming. They also promote and support capacity building and evidence-based learning.

Program operation specialists conduct financial analyses of food aid programming, recommend appropriate levels of commodity and review budgets. They conduct supply chain management and conduct inter- and intra-agency coordination for procurement of food aid and serve as experts on commodity standards, regulations and policies. Grants and contracts specialists ensure adherence to regulations and policies through award documents and guidance materials with all functions of FFP supported by personnel and operations management staff.

FFP works closely with other parts of USAID, including OFDA as well as the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the USG’s Feed the Future initiative. FFP shares office space with OFDA in Washington, DC, working in close coordination and collaboration to address humanitarian assistance needs around the world.

INTRODUCTION

USAID and its partners must take steps to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance does not support individuals or groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations and sanctioned by the United States Government. 1 Typically, urgent humanitarian assistance programs are exempt from vetting requirements, though USAID has the ability to vet partners as needed in countries where a relevant Mission Order is in place. However, some humanitarian programs, like in in Syria, carry an increased risk for USG funds to inadvertently benefit prohibited parties due to the ongoing presence of terrorist organizations and their affiliates in the Middle East. As a result, USAID has established a partner vetting program to vet prospective recipients implementing programs in Syria.

The Vetting Assistant (VA) performs a central role in OFDA and FFP’s partner vetting process.

The VA receives personal identifiable information (PII) from implementing partners and responds to their questions related to the vetting requests. The VA helps coordinate the sharing of vital information with multiple vetting stakeholders, including: Vetting Official(s) (VO), Vetting Analyst(s) stationed in the Terrorist Screening Center USAID’s Office of Security (SEC), and OFDA and FFP program teams. The VA also liaises with applicant and recipient organizations and will be directly responsible for entering data collected in USAID’s Partner Vetting System (PVS). The VA collaborates closely with partner organizations and is directly responsible for ensuring the completeness of data collected, sharing information about vetting procedures, and assisting OFDA and FFP in providing training to partner staff on vetting procedures and their applicability.

This position will be part of the AARM Team within OFDA’s PS Division, assigned to support the programs of one or more teams within OFDA and FFP. The position’s portfolio assignment

1 Executive Order 13224, Specially Designed Nationals and Blocked Persons List published by Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, or the Department of State’s Sponsors of Terrorism List.

7 | Page may change based on needs. The position will be based in Washington, D.C., with travel to the field to support vetting of programs and to conduct training for applicant and recipient organizations.

OBJECTIVE

OFDA and FFP require the services of a VA to support the formal vetting process for their humanitarian programs. This position is responsible for planning and undertaking vetting assignments. The VA will enter PII received from recipient and applicant organizations and will support the VO to ensure compliance with USAID policies on the vetting of humanitarian programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the guidance and supervision of the VO, the VA will perform the following:

Vetting Portfolio Management:

• Support the VO by managing the vetting request process from the receipt of PII received, from USAID implementing partners, through the communication of final vetting determinations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for USAID implementing partners and respond to any questions related to the Partner Information Form and PVS.

• Collect and review vetting data received from applicants, and review forms for completeness and accuracy of information submitted by applicants or recipients.

• Guide applicants and/or recipients on the type of supporting documents required for vetting and make necessary adjustments in PVS.

• Track and submit vetting requests to USAID’s SEC for analysis and interface with SEC representatives for additional vetting information requests.

• Perform regular checks in the PVS database to verify if a record currently exists for the prospective recipient.

• Liaise with OFDA and FFP Agreement Officer Representatives/Contract Officer Representatives (AOR/COR) on final vetting determinations.

• Create and maintain an internal vetting filing system that is in accordance with Agency policies on sensitive and classified information.

• Develop and maintain data collection tools for vetting program monitoring and evaluation, with guidance from the VO.

• Generate status reports for the VO, to analyze vetting results and monitor and outstanding vetting queries.

• Initiate background research for vetting requests on open source databases, such as the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, or the UN Security designation list prior to submitting the request to SEC for vetting purposes. Exercise quality control checks on open source information.

• Comply with Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 568 (National Security Information Program) and Executive Order 13526 (Classified National Security Information) regarding the handling of classified national security information, and consult

8 | Page with USAID SEC for guidance. Ensure compliance with USAID guidance on the disposition of files and records.

• Test, identify, and report on PVS’s functionality and capabilities.

• Report accuracy of data in PVS and recommend any corrective actions and improvements to the VO.

• Ensure strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Partner Vetting Training and Representation:

• Support the VO in providing training to USAID staff and external stakeholders on the partner vetting process.

• Provide organizational and logistical support on internal and external partner vetting training.

• Represent and participate in interagency, intra-agency and partner-wide vetting meetings.

• With guidance from the VO, help support meetings with senior leadership on vetting eligibility determinations and vetting policy implications.

• Assist with onboarding new staff on the partner vetting process.

Policy Guidance and Research:

• Develop a strong understanding of USAID’s vetting policies, authorities, and approaches.

• Assist in researching risk mitigation and programmatic risks for ongoing humanitarian crises (as needed) and helping draft internal guidance on vetting issues.

• Support the VO in contributing to the development of internal memorandums and policy documents on risk mitigation in humanitarian assistance programming, including the coordination of the clearance process.

General:

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

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

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The USPSC will take direction from and report to the VO or their designee.

9 | Page

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

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.

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.)

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including but not limited to political science, language studies, international relations, international development, security studies, or criminal justice plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working with security, investigations, information and data management or international relations and/or development. Experience must include work (foreign or domestic) in complex emergency, non-permissive or natural disaster environments. Strong oral and written communications and customer service skills are required.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to political science, language studies, international relations, international development, security studies, or criminal justice plus four (4) years of progressively responsible experience working with security, investigations, information and management or international relations and/or development. Experience must include work (foreign or domestic) in complex emergency, non-permissive or natural disaster environments. Strong oral and written communications and customer service skills are required.

10 | Page

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. 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.

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:

Professional Experience (20 points)

• Experience in the review and entry of PII.

• Experience of analyzing and interpreting data and working in secure and classified systems.

• Experience in, and knowledge of, working in complex, high-threat and/or non-permissive environments.

• Demonstrated experience in liaising with a wide variety of stakeholders.

Skills and Abilities (10 points)

• Demonstrated skills in communicating complex issues to a range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in providing customer service and possessing excellent attention to detail.

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

11 | Page

• Skill in oral/written communications.

• Proven experience in working on sensitive and classified information.

• Ability to multi-task and respond to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Representational and Training Experience (10 points)

• Experience in facilitating training to internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in representing organizations in meetings and public fora.

• Proven ability in providing organizational and logistical support to training.

Interview Performance (40 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.

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

12 | Page

(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. 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 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.

mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov

13 | Page

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

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:

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

14 | Page

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).

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 .

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

15 | Page

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 REVISED - 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 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.

16 | 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

17 | 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. 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.

(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 AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 7 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]

18 | Page

ATTACHMENT 2

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (DEC 2017)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-1c)

(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:

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

19 | Page 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 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…