72DFFP18R00006_Surge_FFPO-FINAL.pdf

Request for Personal Service Contractor

United States Agency for International Development

Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance Office of Food for Peace

Position Title: Surge Response Food for Peace Officer Solicitation Number: 72DFFP18R00006 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $75,628 - $98,317 GS-14 Equivalent: $89,370 - $116,181 Issuance Date: April 30, 2018 Closing Date: September 28, 2018 Closing Time: 4:00 PM EDT

This solicitation is continuous and ongoing with closing dates for the submission of applications for each of the four (4) review periods:

Review Period 1 – May 30, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 2 – June 29, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 3 – August 17, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 4 – September 28, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Food for Peace (FFP), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCNs) to provide personal services as a Surge Response Food for Peace Officer under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC) or a Third Country National Personal Services Contract (TCNPSC), as described in the attached solicitation.

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

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

1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

(See sample resume on www.ffpjobs.com website)

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. 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) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

Solicitation for a USPSC/TCNPSC Surge Response Food for Peace Officer

72DFFP18R00006

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(e) Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and TCNs: A TCNPSC is an individual who (a) is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the U.S., or of the cooperating country to which the individual may be contracted for duty; and (b) is brought into the cooperating country either at U.S. Government expense, or as an obligation of another employer, for purposes of the contract, and who is eligible for return to their home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense (often called “repatriation”).

Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

2. Responses to the Quality Ranking Factors: Each applicant’s supplemental document must address the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.

3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3 (NOT REQUIRED FOR TCNPSCs): Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

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.

Registration information is available at www.sam.gov and further guidance will be provided to the selectee regarding DUNS and SAM registration.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Your complete resume, scanned AID 302-2 form, and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs must be emailed to:

FFP PSC Recruitment Team E-Mail Address: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to FFP PSC Recruitment Team via the information provided above. Further guidance on applying, including a sample resume, can be found at www.ffpjobs.com.

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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 application.

Sincerely, Renee Newton Contracting Officer

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1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72DFFP18R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 30, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

September 28, 2018, 4:00 P.M. EDT

This solicitation is open and continuous through September 28, 2018. The following are the closing dates for each review period:

Review Period 1 - May 30, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 2 - June 29, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 3 - August 17, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 4 - September 28, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Candidates 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 FFP’s discretion.

4. POSITION TITLE: Surge Response Food for Peace Officer

5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a “tandem” position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-13 ($75,628 - $98,317) or GS-14 ($89,370 - $116,181) equivalent level with non-locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-13 or GS-14 equivalent level based upon the candidate’s qualifications, previous relevant experience, work history, salary, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE: The applicant(s) chosen for the position will be recommended for hire at either the GS-13 or GS-14 equivalent level commensurate with his/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP Selection Committee during the application process.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year with four (4) one-year option periods.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret level security clearance for U.S. Citizens, or

Facility & Computer Access for Third Country Nationals

9. MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIRED: U.S. Department of State medical clearance

10. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals

11. STATEMENT OF WORK:

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BACKGROUND

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP) is the largest provider of food assistance in the world. FFP 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. Each year on average FFP provides more than $2 billion of food assistance, reaching 45-55 million beneficiaries in approximately 50 countries.

Food for Peace 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 sufficient to end hunger and increase food security. FFP development activities help chronically food insecure populations reduce their long-term need for food assistance by strengthening the capacity of developing societies 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.

Food for Peace works closely with many other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the President’s Feed the Future initiative, and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), which leads on disaster response around the world. Food for Peace employs a staff of over 100 in Washington and also has officers posted abroad.

More Information on FFP is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance.

INTRODUCTION

The Surge Response Group (SRG) is a FFP program to satisfy FFP’s growing need for surge capacity to meet program requirements. In response to numerous emergencies (including sudden onset and chronic) worldwide, it became clear that FFP requires more staff to cover positions in the field and in FFP/Washington. FFP’s SRG program will bring on board select candidates who can work on a part-time basis, for no more than 250 days per calendar year. Once the incumbent is hired and after initial orientation, SRG staff may be deployed within one week to facilitate FFP’s response to emergencies. In some cases, they may be called upon to meet short-term needs to monitor non-emergency programs in the field. SRG positions are contracted for an initial period of one year with the option to renew for four years. The incumbent will be considered part of FFP/Washington’s resources.

12. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Surge Response Food for Peace Officer’s (FFPOSRG’s) respond to humanitarian emergencies as required, worldwide, and may be deployed to the field as a FFP Officer (FFPO) alone, as part of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), or to augment a regional office or mission. The

6 | Page incumbent may also serve in Washington to perform as a FFPO, or to provide FFPO backstop coverage for deploying Washington staff.

The incumbent may also be assigned to serve as a Program Operations Specialist with FFP’s Program Operations Division (POD), a Technical Sector Specialist or a Program and Policy Coordination Officer with FFP’s Policy and Technical Division (PTD), or serve on a Response Management Team (RMT) or DART.

When in Washington, the incumbent will work primarily on specific ongoing or FFP-funded emergency programs. The remainder of the incumbent’s time may be spent on a variety of other FFP-related activities.

The full range of specific duties, some of which are in direct support of specific programs and some in support of general FFP office responsibilities, may include the following:

● Serve as primary point of contact for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Public International Organizations (PIO), such as the UN’s World Food Program (WFP) implementing FFP-funded programs, USG representatives, and others on FFP food assistance issues for the country assigned;

● Analyze and assess data from a variety of sources – including field assessments, technical data, early warning information, and reporting from USAID field staff, NGOs, and PIOs to recommend appropriate food assistance programs;

● Review appeals and proposals for emergency programs;

● Draft and assemble documentation for program approval and funding;

● Produce information products (e.g., updates and memoranda) on food security situations and FFP programs, provide briefings, and represent FFP in meetings and working groups with implementing agency staff, USAID colleagues, and representatives from other agencies;

● Serve as FFP representative on Bureau RMTs or other coordinating mechanisms; and

● Provide policy recommendations related to implementation of emergency programs carried out by PIOs, such as WFP and NGOs.

When deployed to the field, activation will either be for emergency programs (in which case the incumbent will work primarily on specific ongoing FFP-funded emergency programs) or for non-emergency programs (in which case the FFP Officer will work primarily on program monitoring, assessments, and evaluations).

Specific activities may include the following:

● Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to FFP-funded food assistance in the assigned country for the mission, embassy, USAID/Washington, the regional FFP office, other parts of the USG, NGOs, PIOs, and host nation government ministries;

● Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing FFP-funded programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims;

● Provide information and guidance to FFP-funded assistance award recipients on FFP-funded food assistance regulations, policies, and procedures;

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● Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements, government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, government food assistance programs, and donor pledges and programs;

● Coordinate with the country team (consisting of the USAID mission, U.S. embassy, and/or other USG in-country staff), host government, NGOs, PIOs, donors, and others to address issues impacting food assistance;

● Undertake and report on assessments to inform FFP food assistance funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs;

● Work with NGOs on preparation of annual work-plans and program modifications, and with public international organizations, such as the WFP on new appeals or revisions to existing ones; and

● Work with other parts of the USG and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.

Additional Core Duties and Responsibilities

Program and Policy Coordination Officer (PTD):

● Participate in developing recommendations on a wide range of policy questions relating to the use of FFP food aid resources for emergency food programs;

● Perform review/analysis of PIOs policy and operational issues as they relate to the technical authority regarding the regulatory impact on sensitive or rapidly evolving programs related to emergency food assistance. As necessary and practicable, evaluate alternative agency strategies to make recommendations to ensure that the PIOs comply with USG accepted practices in delivering humanitarian assistance consistent with Agency food aid policy guidance and other guidelines;

● Advocate, interpret, and explain FFP emergency food program guidance and policy positions in formal and informal interactions with staff of PIOs, NGOs, Agency bureaus, departments and offices, USAID field missions, other USG agencies and bilateral or multilateral donor offices;

● Work to ensure understanding by country-back stop officers and other USAID officials of key emergency food aid operational policy issues that will enable them to plan, manage, and evaluate FFP-funded food assistance programs;

● Provide to FFP staff operational policy analysis for PIO proposal reviews to ensure that resources allocated for complex food assistance programs working in the areas of general relief meet program objectives;

● Consolidate interagency comments and draft initial U.S. position papers in response to PIO documents in preparation for formal sessions and informal consultations in close collaboration with U.S. & UN Missions;

● Closely review annual and/or biennium agreements with the PIOs to ensure that USG views on PIO costs for emergency food programs are understood and agreed to, e.g., issues of nomenclature;

● Maintain close working relations with the PIOs, discuss regularly FFP commitments, priorities, and policies, and maintain status reports of all USG donations in cash and in-kind contributions related to PIO operations; and

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● Provide support to the PTD Policy Team Leader, such a strategic planning and evaluation, as well as attend office, inter-agency, PIO, and NGO meetings and consultations.

Technical Sector Specialist (PTD):

● Provide intellectual leadership to promote collaborative work on technical issues in countries/regions where FFP maintains programs or is considering programs, by keeping abreast of current research and data. Identify and promote best practices that contribute significantly to food security across various technical sectors, including but not limited to maternal/child health & nutrition, markets, monitoring & evaluation, gender, agriculture, natural resource management, water, sanitation & hygiene, disaster risk reduction, conflict, food security local systems strengthening, commodity management, food science, as well as food security activity design and policy;

● Advocates, educates, and promotes the linkages between a wide variety of technical sectors in FFP’s programming to increase the impact of FFP’s programming;

● Provide technical guidance, both virtually and through field visits, to support USAID Washington and field missions in designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating FFP’s food security investments;

● Collaborate with implementing partners to support integrated multi-sectoral approaches to address technical issues in development, emergency activities and improving impact;

● Liaise with technical experts in cooperating agencies, private voluntary organizations, regional organizations, multilaterals and UN agencies to ensure real-time learning and sharing of best practices;

● Promote and support technical capacity building efforts among USAID staff and implementing partners in Washington and the field, to provide mentoring and training during field visits, regular technical updates, written technical guidance, and identifying agency and external training opportunities; and

● Contribute to drafting procurement documents, reviews proposals, provides analytical input, and backstops FFP staff on emergency and development activities as required.

Program Operations Specialist (POD):

1) Cost Estimates

● Provide financial analysis for food aid programs, recommending appropriate levels of commodities based on commodity and transport prices;

● Develop, regularly update, and communicate commodity price estimates;

● Review program budgets for appropriate use of FFP funding categories; and

● Provide financial management technical assistance to WFP and Private Voluntary

Organizations (PVO) based on commodity price and transport estimates and appropriate use of FFP funding categories.

2) Food Aid Supply Chain Management

● Manage the emergency food aid prepositioning process, to include overseeing facilities, allocating commodities from facilities to programs, and restocking facilities;

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● Coordinate with inter- and intra-agency colleagues to manage and oversee the procurement of emergency food aid, including expedited procurement and the diversion of vessels to meet emergency food aid needs;

● Use web-based IT procurement system to procure commodities;

● Ensure commodity procurements are accomplished and that commodity quality and safety problems are identified and resolved;

● Advise managers on commodity procurement matters; and

● Serve as an expert in analyzing the impact of existing or proposed procurement standards, regulations, and policies. Develop and implement new policies and procedures relating to commodity procurement and quality assurance.

3) Additional Responsibilities

● Travel to prepositioning facilities and elsewhere to address logistics and operational problems;

● Provide technical input on funding priorities, review specific appeals and proposals, and serve on proposal review panels; and

● Draft updates and memoranda, provide briefings on commodity procurement issues, and represent FFP in meetings and working groups with other USAID colleagues and representatives from other agencies.

The basic duties and responsibilities do not change between the GS-13 and GS-14 equivalent levels. An employee meeting the qualifications for GS-14 and hired at that level, however, is expected to exercise a higher level of autonomy and require less supervision.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent will take direction from and report to the Surge Coordinator until activated, at which time she/he will be under the supervision of the Division Chief in FFP/Washington, Team Leader, or a designated USAID staff member in the field.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent consults with supervisor to develop deadlines, projects and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent’s supervisor will provide direction in terms of broadly defined program goals and objectives. The incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction and will have wide latitude to exercise independent judgment. The incumbent has greater latitude to carry out assignments, while still consulting with the Division Chief in FFP/Washington on policy interpretations. The incumbent keeps his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and potentially controversial matters. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives. The incumbent will not supervise personnel but is expected to mentor new Food for Peace Officers.

Guidelines:

Pertinent sources of information consist of the Title II and International Development Association (IDA) funding rules and regulations, the Farm Bill, Foreign Assistance Act, other

10 | Page legislative initiatives, FFP issued guidelines, information bulletins, and USAID Agency and DCHA Bureau rules and regulations. The incumbent must exercise considerable judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in formulating new or improved approaches to problem resolution.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent uses applicable administrative policies and precedents, but should plan to use initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional approaches to develop new methods or proposed new policies.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent uses judgment and ingenuity to interpret the intent of guidance and application to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent will be recognized as a technical authority in the development and interpretation of guidelines on food security and nutrition related activities.

Complexity:

At the GS-13 level, duties vary that require different processes, methods, and substantial depth of analysis. The incumbent must work with a range of people from USAID field offices, the Geographic Division in FFP/Washington, the Program Operations and Policy & Technical divisions, other bureaus within USAID, USAID’s OFDA, host country government representatives, international organizations, Department of State (DOS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to the policy recommendations related to implementation of emergency programs carried out by PIOs such as World Food Program (WFP), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and non-governmental organizations. The recommended changes will be consistent with existing legislative, regulatory, and policy guidelines, but may require the formulation and application of new approaches and methodologies.

Scope and Effect:

The incumbent will analyze food assistance needs, recommend and implement strategies, and manage food assistance programs undertaken by NGOs and PIOs such as the WFP. The incumbent will monitor and report on the implementation of ongoing FFP-funded programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.

At the GS-13 level, work typically includes planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating programs and/or projects, requiring creativity and support from others; or work entails conducting evaluations to determine the feasibility of various and advanced approaches to define concepts and criteria for future programs or to resolve major controversial problems in current programs.

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At the GS-14 level, work includes isolating and defining unknown conditions and resolving critical problems or developing new theories affecting the work of other experts. The incumbent will undertake and report on assessments to FFP, which will effect food assistance funding decisions or result in modifications to ongoing programs. Work typically requires formal responsibility for leading teams, guiding the work of others, and coordinating with other professional and technical staff.

Personal Contacts:

The incumbent is responsible for the coordination of food security and nutrition related activities with awardees and other donors specific to FFP-funded interventions to ensure clear understanding of USAID/FFP programs, including programs funded by IDA and Title II.

At the GS-13 level, contacts are with individuals or groups outside of USAID in highly unstructured settings. Contacts may include members of Congress, representatives of foreign governments, and local stakeholders in country. The incumbent will interact with colleagues from the DOS and USDA, providing program briefings and/or technical guidance on matters related to food security and nutrition related activities.

At the GS-14 level, contacts are with high-ranking officials outside USAID at national or international levels in highly unstructured settings. The incumbent is responsible for the coordination of food security related activities with awardees and other donors to ensure clear understanding of USAID/FFP programs and priorities.

Purpose of Contacts:

The purpose of contact is to influence, motivate, or direct people or groups to reach a consensus on the resolution of issues at high levels, both inside and outside the Agency; negotiate and secure authorization for assistance programs; determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of USAID’s assistance in the Missions; develop complimentarily relationships amongst donors in assistance efforts; provide guidance on program design and implementation; and provide briefings on the status of programs.

13. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The requirement for field trip assignments to consult with implementing partners and program beneficiaries may, however, expose the incumbent to difficult working surroundings and security risks during the course of travel.

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).

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

15. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

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* Application Process: Applicants must indicate in their application the solicitation number to which they are applying for in their initial one-year base contract.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Minimum Qualifications: Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to Maternal Child Health and Nutrition, Monitoring and Evaluation, Gender, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Markets, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Conflict and Risk Reduction, Food Security Local Systems Strengthening, Commodity Management, Food Science, Food Security Activity Design and Food Security Policy). Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to Maternal Child Health and Nutrition, Monitoring and Evaluation, Gender, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Markets, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Conflict and Risk Reduction, Food Security Local Systems Strengthening, At the GS-14 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which five (5) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to Maternal Child Health and Nutrition, Monitoring and Evaluation, Gender, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Markets, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Conflict and Risk Reduction, Food Security Local Systems Strengthening, 14 | Page

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which five (5) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to Maternal Child Health and Nutrition, Monitoring and Evaluation, Gender, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Markets, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Conflict and Risk Reduction, Food Security Local Systems Strengthening, Selection Factors:

Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. Selection factors include:

Applicant is a U.S. Citizen or a Third Country National;

Submission of a current resume, with complete contact information. See cover page for resume requirements;

Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs);

USPSC Application form AID 302-3. This form is only required for U.S. citizens.

Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted;

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level (U.S. Citizens) or Facility & Computer Access (Third Country Nationals) clearance within nine months following the job offer acceptance;

Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance within a six month period; and Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on the QRFs listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor in 500 words or less. Please

15 | Page provide a word count after each response, your name, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

Knowledge of the key policy and technical issues related to emergency (including sudden onset and chronic) food security programming in developing countries. (30 points)

Demonstrated ability to review proposals, analyze budgets, manage USG or other agency financial agreements, and work through the USG grant award process. (15 points)

Knowledge of the function of NGOs, PIOs, UN agencies, and/or USG agencies involved in humanitarian assistance, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel from these organizations on highly sensitive issues. (15 points)

Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to non-specialists both orally and in writing. (10 points)

Total Possible QRF Points: 70 points Total Possible Interview Points: 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

Total Possible Points: 100

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the QRF responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Failure to address the selection factors and/or QRFs may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, and/or training.

The most qualified candidates will be interviewed and may be required to provide a writing sample. FFP will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials may be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates to fill possible future vacant positions.

NOTE: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS:

Where and How to Apply

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter via email: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

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1. Complete, current resume. See cover page for resume requirements.

2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs shown in the solicitation.

3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete sections A through

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

This solicitation is continuous beginning on April 30, 2018 with closing date for the submission of applications being September 28, 2018. A candidate can apply to the solicitation once during each of the following review periods, but a new application must be submitted each time:

Review Period 1 – May 30, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 2 – June 29, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 3 – August 17, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time Review Period 4 – September 28, 2018, 4:00 PM Eastern Time

A Technical Evaluation Committee will be assembled at the beginning of each review period to review applications, the solicitation, and to amend the solicitation if necessary.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

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

False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application 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 applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and the position you are applying for on your application, and as the subject line in any email.

NOTE: Pertaining to USPSCs: 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.

NOTE: Pertaining to TCNPSCs: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Regional Security Office at Mission determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If employment authorization is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer

17 | Page 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 application.

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: As of March 22, 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

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.

Interested applicants are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early in the application stage to avoid any delays during contract award.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can found at:

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

1. Complete, current resume.

2. Supplemental Document addressing QRFs.

3. USPSC Application Form, (AID 302-3).

4. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561).

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

6. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

7. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

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8. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form).

**Forms 4-8 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR)

-Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause, “General Provisions.”

-Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause, “General Provisions.”

Available at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

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

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.

FAR 52.222-50 – COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

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

BENEFITS:

a) Employer's FICA Contribution (for U.S. citizens)

b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

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e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

f) Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (if Applicable) *

The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/:

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).

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare. TCNPSCs are required to apply local law and regulations.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS 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.

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ATTACHMENT 1

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

(OCTOBER 2006) (AAPD06-10)

(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, 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

21 | Page 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).

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

22 | Page and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

[END PROVISION]

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ATTACHMENT 2

AUTHORIZATION OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE FOR U.S. PERSONAL

SERVICES CONTRACTORS (USPSCs)

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.