72DFFP18R00017_SOL_Sr_Regional_Food_Security_Advisor.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:

Solicitation Number:

Salary Level:

Issuance Date:

Closing Date:

Closing Time:

Senior Regional Food Security Advisor

72DFFP18R00017

GS-13 Equivalent: ($75,628 - $98,317) GS-14 Equivalent: ($89,370 - $116,181) June 28, 2018

July 23, 2018

4:00 P.M. 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 to provide personal services as a Senior Regional Food Security Advisor under a

United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), 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.

(e) U.S. Citizenship.

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.

Solicitation for a USPSC Senior Regional Food Security Advisor

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.

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.

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.: 72DFFP18R00017

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 28, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

July 23, 2018, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Regional Food Security Advisor

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 equivalent

($75,628 - $98,317) or GS-14 equivalent ($89,370 - $116,181) with non-locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-13 or GS-14 level based upon the candidate’s qualifications, previous relevant experience, work history, salary and educational background. USAID/FFP reserves the right to place the applicant at the

Grade level for which he/she is found qualified during the application process. 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 level commensurate with his/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP Selection Committee.

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

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Budapest, Hungary with travel throughout the region.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret level security clearance.

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

10. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen.

11. STATEMENT OF WORK:

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.

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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 United States Government (USG) has allocated significant humanitarian assistance resources to the Middle East region, providing nearly $ 850 million to partners in FY 2017. FFP has been responding to emergency food needs in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen through United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organizations

(NGO) partners. FFP assistance in the Middle East includes U.S. in-kind food aid, food vouchers, cash for food, funding for local and regional food procurement, and resources for coordination and treatment for malnutrition.

FFP also serves as a leading responder to food insecurity in Europe. FFP support to the UN

World Food Programme (WFP) provides emergency food assistance to conflict-affected individuals through food vouchers and cash transfers for food to Ukraine’s most food-insecure populations.

During 2018, FFP will continue to play a major role in supporting emergency food programs in the Middle East Region, the Syria crisis, in Syria and in neighboring countries, including Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt. The Senior Regional Food Security Advisor will serve as an emergency food assistance officer and will be based in Budapest with travel throughout the region.

12. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Senior Regional Food Security Advisor will manage, monitor, and report on FFP’s food assistance programs for the Middle East and Ukraine. The incumbent may thus be required to travel to neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt, to attend to FFP funded activities, subject to approvals from U.S. Embassies and USAID missions, and in coordination with the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).

The incumbent will ensure the effective management of FFP resources provided for the Middle

East and Europe portfolio. The Senior Regional Food Security Advisor will be responsible for a

4 | Page complex portfolio requiring oversight of multiple, concurrent humanitarian crises. Working jointly with OFDA’s Regional Advisors, the incumbent will provide programmatic support, oversight, and monitoring for FFP food assistance programs in the region, including potential deployments as needed in response to new events, either jointly with OFDA or separately. The incumbent will coordinate closely with the regional OFDA team based in Budapest, as well as

FFP Officers working on crises in the region. The full range of specific duties, some of which are in direct support of FFP-funded programs and some in support of general FFP office responsibilities, will include the following:

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

Serve as a point of contact for NGOs and Public International Organizations (PIOs), such as WFP and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) implementing FFP-funded programs, U.S. Government representatives, and others on FFP food security issues in the

Middle East Region;

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 responses;

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;

Advise and guide FFP-funded implementing partners on interpretation and execution of

FFP-funded food assistance regulations, policies, and procedures;

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;

As the FFP expert, coordinate responses and programs with OFDA, other humanitarian actors, Missions, Embassies, host governments, NGOs, PIOs, and donors; and

Serve as a food assistance expert, working with other USG agencies and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.

At the GS-14 Equivalent Level:

Serve as the primary point of contact for NGOs and PIOs, such as WFP and UNICEF implementing FFP-funded programs, USG representatives, and others on FFP food security issues in the Middle East and Europe regions;

Provide policy recommendations related to implementation of emergency programs carried out by PIOs and NGOs;

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 responses;

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 lost claims;

Advise and guide FFP-funded implementing partners on interpretation and execution of

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FFP-funded food assistance regulations, policies, and procedures;

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;

As the FFP expert, coordinate with the country team (consisting of the USAID Mission, U.S. Embassy, and/or other USG in-country staff), host government, NGOs, PIOs, and donors on other issues that may directly impact food assistance funding decisions;

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

Provide direction to NGOs on requirements for preparation of work-plans and program modifications and to PIOs on new appeals or revisions to existing ones;

Serve as the food assistance expert, working with other USG agencies and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall;

As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of FFP programs. These placements shall not exceed three months; and

Supervise other FFP staff based in Hungary as needed.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent’s supervisor is a FFP Division Chief or FFP Regional Team Leader in

Washington. In Budapest, the incumbent is under the authority of the Ambassador/Chief of

Mission. During DART deployment, the incumbent works as a member of the DART unit, coordinating tasks directly with the DART Team Leader.

The incumbent takes direction from the relevant FFP Division Chief in Washington, the FFP

Regional Team Leader or USAID staff member in the field. The incumbent’s supervisor will set the overall work objectives and will consult to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be performed. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction and has latitude to exercise independent judgment in responding to food aid issues, but will have no authority to make final commitments or obligations on behalf of the USG.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent works under the supervision of a Team Leader or a Division

Chief in FFP, within the Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Bureau (DCHA).

With guidance from the Team Leader, as delegated by the Division Chief, the incumbent plans and carries out successive steps and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training or accepted practices. In coordination with the Team

Leader, the incumbent plans and carries out assignments, prioritizes tasks so that assignments are completed on time, develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks, and resolves most conflicts that arise. With input from the Team Leader, the incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and advised of potentially controversial matters. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy requirements. Completed work is reviewed by the Team Leader in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID's Food Security policy, DCHA/FFP's Strategic Plan, and Bureau objectives as enunciated in the annual results reports/resource request submissions.

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At the GS-14 level, the incumbent works under the supervision of a Team Leader or a Division

Chief in DCHA/FFP. With guidance from the Team Leader, the incumbent has greater latitude in defining and carrying out duties, prioritizing overall objectives, and managing available resources, while still consulting with the Team Leader on policy interpretations. In consultation with the Team Leader, the incumbent develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating work with others as necessary. With input from the Team Leader, the incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives and keeps his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and advised of potentially controversial matters. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives. Completed work is reviewed by the Team Leader in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID's Food Security policy, DCHA/FFP's Strategic Plan, and Bureau objectives as enunciated in the annual results reports/resource request submissions. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction and has latitude to exercise independent judgment in responding to food aid issues, but will have no authority to make final commitments or obligations on behalf of the USG.

Guidelines:

Pertinent sources of information consist of the Title II Food for Peace Act, the Foreign

Assistance Act, the Farm Bill, and other legislation; USAID Agency, DCHA Bureau, and other

USG rules and regulations; FFP rules, policies, guidelines and information bulletins. 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, under the direction of FFP leadership, the incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in developing new methods and proposed policy changes. The incumbent exercises judgment in applying legislative provisions and FFP policies to assigned responsibilities.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities. In order to achieve maximum impact of FFP resources, when necessary, the incumbent is expected to conceive of and propose innovative program and/or policy changes that are consistent with existing legislation, regulations, and legal rulings. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to identify and recommend solutions to inefficiencies or inconsistencies that serve as barriers to the accomplishment of assigned tasks and report them to the Team

Leader and FFP leadership.

Complexity:

The incumbent undertakes a wide range of duties that require the exercise of judgment, the interpretation of policies and practices and their relevance to a new problem or situation. The

7 | Page incumbent must work with a range of people from the Operations Division, the Geographic

Divisions, and the Technical Division, along with field personnel, other bureaus within USAID, and a variety of other stakeholders.

At the GS -13 level, the incumbent employs primarily monitoring and reporting of ongoing FFP programs. This will entail documenting progress and identifying problems encountered by implementing partners, which should be flagged to DCHA/FFP leadership. Methodology to be used and the results of analysis are subject to review by the supervisor.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of emergency food assistance knowledge and experience to the analysis of FFP emergency and nutrition food assistance programs. The incumbent will exercise more independence in the promotion of food assistance integration with other programs through coordination with the country team. The incumbent also is responsible for providing recommendations to address any challenges, which inhibit the efficient use of USG resources to provide lifesaving food assistance. 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. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

Scope and Effect:

At the GS-13 level, the work typically includes reporting on all food security issues, including changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements inside Syria and in neighboring countries for Syrian refugees. The incumbent also reports on government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, as well as donor pledges. The incumbent supports the Team leader in their needs regarding monitoring, reporting, and strategic planning relating to ongoing FFP programs and by attending a range of meetings and consultations with stakeholders. The incumbent establishes and maintains positive relationships with members of

PIOs, NGOs, other bureaus in USAID, intergovernmental agencies, and other stakeholders, encouraging the sharing of best practices.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent serves as a point of contact in order to coordinate with the country team, thus increasing the effectiveness of the ongoing FFP programs overall.

Additionally, at the request of the DART and USAID Mission, the incumbent may be required to provide support for the execution of programs, while analyzing the effectiveness of existing processes and procedures. Upon such analysis, the incumbent makes recommendations to his or her supervisor and should advise FFP leadership on new guidelines, protocols and procedures.

Personal Contacts:

At the GS-13 or GS-14 level, the incumbent is responsible for liaising with a variety of agency and external actors in order to ensure the efficacious use of FFP emergency food assistance resources. This includes PIOs, NGOs, other FFP Divisions and intergovernmental agencies on

FFP commitments, priorities and policies. The incumbent coordinates closely with

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FFP/Washington and field staff, members of USAID DARTs, USAID Mission and regional offices, U.S. Embassy, other USG Agencies, and NGO representatives.

Purpose of Contacts:

The incumbent must justify, defend, negotiate and settle matters involving controversial issues among decision makers involved in making changes to ongoing FFP programs. The people contacted by the incumbent typically have diverse viewpoints, goals and objectives, which includes USG Agencies (Department of State (DOS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), PIOs, etc.). The incumbent is required to achieve a common understanding among the various parties and propose satisfactory solutions. He/she will address their various objectives and interpretations of existing policy or provide recommendations, which can result in policy change and better aid in the execution of emergency and nutrition food assistance programs.

13. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND 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).

On travel for FFP, 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.

15. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

* Application Process: Applicants must indicate in their application the solicitation number to which they are applying for 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 economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field and 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 with a background in programming related to food security (food assistance, health, nutrition, markets/livelihoods, early warning, disaster risk reduction, and/or agriculture and natural resources management). Two (2) years of field work in international humanitarian assistance 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 and 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 with a background in programming related to food security (food assistance, health, nutrition, markets/livelihoods, early warning, disaster risk reduction, and/or agriculture and natural

At the GS-14 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field and at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which four (4) years of experience must be with a background in programming related to food security (food assistance, health, nutrition, markets/livelihoods, early warning, disaster risk reduction, and/or agriculture and natural

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with

10 | Page economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field and at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which four (4) years of experience must be with a background in programming related to food security (food assistance, health, nutrition, markets/livelihoods, early warning, disaster risk reduction, and/or agriculture and natural

Selection Factors:

● Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;

● 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. 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 clearance within nine months following the job offer acceptance;

● Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance within a six month period;

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials; 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 Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed below. In 500 words or less, the applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor.

Please provide a word count after each response. Applicants must be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

Knowledge of the key policy and technical issues related to emergency food assistance programming in developing and/or conflict-affected countries. (20 points)

Knowledge of the functioning of NGOs, UN agencies, and U.S. Government Agencies involved in humanitarian assistance, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel from these organizations on highly sensitive issues. (20 points)

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

Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to non-specialists both orally and in writing. (15 points)

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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 will 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. Professional references and academic credentials may be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. FFP will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. 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:

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.

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.

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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: If the full security application 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: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer is 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 must have an active registration in the

System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to contract 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: 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.

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

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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).

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

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.

AAPD 18-02 CHANGES TO THE MEDEVAC POLICY FOR USPSCs and TCNPSCs

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.

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BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

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

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 & 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.

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

16 | 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)

17 | 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. 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 Six hours of AL for each two week period (including 10 hours AL

15 years 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

19 | Page by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.

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

(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be 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.

20 | Page

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

20 work days. When the PSC is returning to a different USAID Mission, the former

Mission will pay for the home leave regardless of what country the PSC will be working in following the home leave;

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

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

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

(vi) if the PSC does not complete the additional service required under (c)(2)(i) or (ii)

(that the Contracting Officer finds are other than for reasons beyond the PSC's control), the cost of home leave, travel and…