72DFFP19R00004_-_FEWS_NET_Program_Manager_Solicitation.pdf

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USPSC FEWS NET Program Manager Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
72DFFP19R00004
Issued by
US Agency for International Development Washington Office

About this file

This solicitation requests applications for a United States Personal Services Contractor position as a Famine Early Warning Systems Network Program Manager with the United States Agency for International Development Office of Food for Peace. Applicants must submit a complete resume detailing relevant experience, education, and references; responses to quality ranking factors; and a signed AID 309-2 application form by January 4, 2019. The one-year contract at the GS-14 salary level of $114,590 to $148,967 includes management and technical responsibilities for famine monitoring, assessment, and early warning activities across multiple implementing partners. Applicants must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearances and able to obtain medical clearance for overseas travel. Registration in the System for Award Management database is also required.

Solicitation for a USPSC FEWS NET Program Manager

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Request for Personal Services Contractor

United States Agency for International Development Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance

Office of Food for Peace

Position Title: FEWS NET Program Manager Solicitation Number: 72DFFP19R00004 Salary Level: GS-14 Equivalent: $114,590 - $148,967 (Includes Washington, D.C. locality pay) Issuance Date: December 14, 2018 Closing Date: January 4, 2019 Closing Time: 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 FEWS NET Program Manager 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.

http://www.ffpjobs.com/

Solicitation for a USPSC FEWS NET Program Manager

72DFFP19R00004

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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 309-2: 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.

The submission of 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 309-2 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 http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov http://www.ffpjobs.com/

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1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72DFFP19R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 14, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

January 4, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

4. POSITION TITLE: FEWS NET Program Manager

5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a GS-14 equivalent level ($114,590 - $148,967), including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but moving and relocation expenses are not authorized. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated

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

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C., with possible domestic and overseas travel.

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

USAID's Office of Food for Peace (FFP) predicts, prevents, and responds to hunger overseas.

Through its emergency food assistance activities, FFP saves lives, reduces suffering, and supports the early recovery of people affected by conflict and natural disaster emergencies, including refugees.

FFP also addresses the root causes of food insecurity and helps individuals and communities withstand future crises and lay the foundation for stable, inclusive growth. FFP development activities help chronically food insecure populations reduce their long-term need for food assistance by helping communities improve access to food for their most vulnerable people, especially women and children.

FFP works closely with other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future initiative, and the

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Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), which leads on disaster response around the world. FFP 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 incumbent of this position works in the FFP Policy Technical Division (PTD), serving as a Program Manager with responsibility for Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) activities. FEWS NET has long been a leader in identifying emerging threats of acute food insecurity. It is entering a new phase with a broader scope that includes establishment of a learning and data hub, analyses of the dynamics of food security to inform strategies that build resilience, and continuous identification and adoption of appropriate new technologies and innovations. The incumbent is responsible for co-managing, with other FEWS NET Program Managers, a variety of program management and famine/food insecurity technical issues associated with FEWS NET activities.

1. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the direct supervision of the PTD Division Chief or his/her designee, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Program Management and Guidance

• Provide project oversight for activities carried out by FEWS NET contractors and four US Government partners that support FEWS NET implementation through Inter- Agency Agreements (IAA): the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA);

• Approve all FEWS NET contract and agreement actions authorized within annual budgeting and work plan processes;

• Develop FEWS NET contract and agreement work plans and related guidance and documentation for project contractors and IAA staff to ensure the timely completion of FEWS NET deliverables;

• Coordinate FEWS NET early warning activities with other donor and USAID recipient countries and international agencies by establishing formal collaborative arrangements with international and regional agencies involved in early warning or food security;

• Inform and coordinate with FFP authorities for approval of major un-programmed revisions to contract and agreement budgets and work plans

• Contribute to FEWS NET procurement activities, budgeting and allocation processes, and performance-monitoring requirements;

• Review country-specific and regional assessments of food security, vulnerability, resilience, and other related FEWS NET concepts and products; and

• Present FEWS NET findings to decision-makers within USAID and other stakeholder organizations.

Technical Guidance

• Provide expertise in the socio-economic and/or agro-climatological processes that drive food security and famine, along with analysis of socio-economic and/or agro-https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance

5 | Page climatological data as applied in FEWS NET monitoring and assessment activities;

• Provide technical consultation and expert guidance in the conception, planning, scheduling, and implementation of FEWS NET activities; and

• Integrate FEWS NET information into the USAID decision-making process for emergency, resilience, and developmental responses.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the PTD Division Chief or his/her designee. The incumbent's supervisor will set the overall work objectives and the incumbent will consult with their supervisor to develop deadlines, projects and work to be performed. The incumbent is responsible for planning approaches or methodologies to be used in carrying out assignments. The incumbent will carry out assignments and keep his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives.

Guidelines:

Pertinent sources of information consist of the Food for Peace Act, the Foreign Assistance Act, other legislative initiatives, FFP issued guidelines, information bulletins, and USAID Agency and Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) Bureau rules and regulations.

The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of guidelines to assigned responsibilities. 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 PTD Division Chief or his/her designee. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with USG partners, bilateral donors, multilateral organizations, foundations, and universities on the development and implementation of nutrition policy and programming in technical focus areas. The incumbent will be recognized as a technical authority on the development and implementation of processes and practices for knowledge management and organizational learning for FFP programs.

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 new problems or situations. The incumbent must work with a range of people from the Program Operations Division, Policy & Technical Division, and the Geographic Divisions, along with field personnel and other bureaus within USAID.

The incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in a technical focus area for the design, development, and implementation of program learning through knowledge sharing, consensus building, and adaption of internal processes and procedures. The incumbent engages in technical discussions, such as knowledge management and organizational learning, to establish FFP positions and transmits that information to senior management in order to aid their overall decision making. The incumbent will ensure that any operational and/or policy

6 | Page changes from senior management or other outside influences are consistent with existing legislative, regulatory, and policy guidelines. These adjustments may require the formulation and application of new approaches and/or methodologies. The incumbent will be responsible for originating new techniques, establishing criteria, and developing new information regarding program learning priorities.

Scope and Effect:

The work typically includes providing leadership and technical input for the implementation and oversight of FEWS NET activities. The incumbent is responsible for establishing guidelines, recommending practices, and quality control standards for the program management and technical work of the FEWS NET Team.

The incumbent provides advice and supports the FEWS NET Team Leader, CORs, and AORs in management and oversight of FEWS NET activities implemented by multiple implementing partners. In some cases, the incumbent might serve as COR/AOR or alternate on certain contract task orders or interagency agreements (IAAs). The incumbent will help develop statements of work, budgets, and supporting documentation for new Requests for Task Order Proposals (RFTOPs) under FEWS NET indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts and for new modifications to IAAs. The incumbent plays a substantive role in understanding shifting needs and priorities of FFP, and provides guidance to implementing partners accordingly.

Personal Contacts:

Contacts are with individuals or groups outside of USAID in a moderately unstructured setting.

Contacts may include a variety of staff, specialists, managers, officials, or groups from outside of USAID where the purpose and extent of each contact are usually different. The role and authority of each party is identified and developed during the course of the contact.

Contacts are with individuals or groups in context relating to the provision of early warning decision support to food assistance programming. The incumbent serves as liaison between FEWS NET implementing partners and FFP; USAID operating units; USG agencies; and international, non-governmental, and foreign national organizations that are active early warning and food security programming.

Purpose of Contacts:

The incumbent must justify, defend, negotiate and settle matters involving controversial issues among decision makers that are involved with information products as it applies to emergency food assistance and FEWS NET initiatives. Individuals contacted by the incumbent typically have diverse viewpoints, goals and objectives including USG agencies (Department of State, USDA, the National Security Council, etc.). The incumbent is required to achieve a common understanding among the various parties and propose satisfactory solutions that address their various objectives in implementing Title II food aid commodities for emergency food assistance programs.

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2. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During long-term travel, thirty (30) days or more in a calendar year, for FFP; the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) (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).

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

4. 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

A. 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-14 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution, with significant study in, but not limited to, public administration, business, international development, disaster management, agriculture, human nutrition, agricultural economics, or other related fields, plus a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development.

OR

A Master's degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public administration, business, international development, disaster management, agriculture, human nutrition, agricultural economics, or other related fields, plus a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development.

B. Selection Factors:

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;

• Submission of a current resume, with complete contact information;

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

• USPSC Application form AID 309-2. 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 three month period after offer acceptance;

• 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.

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QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on the 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. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

• Demonstrated experience managing technically complex, multi-partner food security and famine monitoring and assessment activities, with an emphasis on effective decision support, in 500 words or less. (20 points)

• Demonstrated experience with the administration of contracts, interagency agreements, cooperative agreements, and grants involving preparation of technical statements of work and accompanying budgets, proposal evaluation, progress reviews, work plan oversight, procurement actions, and management and implementation issues, in 500 words or less.

(20 points)

• Comprehensive knowledge of the concepts and tools used to collect food security data and information, and their use in the classification of the food insecurity of households and populations within subnational geographic areas, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

• Ability to effectively articulate and communicate complex technical livelihoods, markets, agro-climatological, and food insecurity concepts and methods to specialists and non-specialists both orally and in writing, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

Total Possible QRF Points: 70 Total Possible Interview Points: 30 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.

The most qualified candidates will be interviewed and may be required to provide a writing sample. Professional references and academic credentials will 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.

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NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

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

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 309-2. 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.

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 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

mailto:ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

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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.

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 309-2).

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html%20and%20FAR%2052.204-7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

12 | Page

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.

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:

https://aoprals.state.gov/

13 | Page

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

15 | 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)

16 | 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 15 years

Six hours of AL for each two week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two week period

USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.

(3)

(i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the USAID Mission or USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.

(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused by, or were beyond the

18 | Page 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.

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(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 transportation and any other related costs must be repaid by the PSC to the Government.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (c)(2) above, that the USPSC must have served two (2) years overseas under personal services contract with the same Mission to be eligible for home leave, the USPSC may be granted advance home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i) Granting of advanced home leave would in each case serve to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and

(ii) The USPSC has served a minimum of 18 months in the Cooperating Country under this contract; and

(iii) The USPSC agrees to return to the Cooperating Country to serve out the remaining time necessary to meet two (2) years of service overseas, plus an additional two (2) years under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission. If approved in advance by the Mission Director, the USPSC may return to serve out any remainder of the two (2) year requirement for service overseas, plus an additional period of not less than one (1) year under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission.

(4) The period of service overseas required under paragraph (c)(2), or paragraph (c)(3) above, will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S. (less language training). The actual days

20 | Page overseas begin on the date of arrival in the cooperating country inclusive of authorized delays enroute. Allowable annual and sick leave taken while overseas, but not LWOP, shall be included in the required period of service overseas. An amount equal to the number of days of annual and sick leave taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories will be added to the required period of service overseas.

(5) Salary during the travel to and from the U.S., for home leave will be limited to the time required for travel by the most expeditious air route. Except for reasons beyond the USPSC's control as determined by the Contracting Officer, the USPSC must return to duty after home leave and complete the additional required service or be responsible for reimbursing USAID for payments made during home leave. Unused home leave is not reimbursable under this contract, nor can it be taken incrementally in separate time periods.

(6) Home leave must be taken at one time, and to the extent deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer, an USPSC in the U.S., on home leave may be authorized to spend not more than five (5) days in work status for consultation at USAID/Washington before returning to post.

Consultation at locations other than USAID/Washington as well as any time in excess of five (5) days spent for consultation must be approved by the Mission Director or the Contracting Officer.

(d) Home Leave for Qualifying Posts (HLQP).

USPSCs who ordinarily qualify for home leave and have completed a 12-month assignment at one of the USAID qualifying posts (currently Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan) are entitled to take ten (10) workdays of leave in addition to the home leave an USPSCs is normally entitled to under the contract in accordance with sub-paragraphs (c)(1) - (6) above. This additional home leave is provided pursuant to an amendment to the Foreign Service Act of 1980 signed by the President on June 15, 2006.

There is no requirement that an eligible USPSC take this additional leave; it is for optional use by the USPSC. If an eligible USPSC elects to take HLQP, the USPSC must take ten (10) workdays of home leave. If the USPSC is returning to the United States and not returning overseas to the same or different USAID Mission, HLQP will not apply.

This new home leave policy is also extended to qualifying Third-Country National PSCs (TCNPSCs) who have an approved exception under AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B), to apply specific provisions from AIDAR Appendix D, and whose contract includes this General Provision. However, TCNPSCs will be granted "country leave" vice home leave. The application, requirements, and restrictions will be the same as for USPSCs, but the time taken by a TCNPSC will be taken in the TCNPSC's home country or country of recruitment rather than in the United States, its commonwealths and territories.

(e) Holidays and Excused Absences.

The contractor shall be entitled to all holidays and or excused absences granted by the USAID to U.S. direct-hire employees.

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(f) Military Leave.

Military leave of not more than 15 calendar days in any calendar year may be granted to a contractor who is a reservist of the U.S. Armed Forces. The contractor must provide advance notice of the pending military leave to the Contracting Officer or the Mission Director as soon as known. A copy of any such notice must be part of the contract file.

(g) Leave Without Pay (LWOP).

LWOP may be granted only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer or Mission Director, unless a USPSC is requesting for such leave for family and leave purposes under paragraph (i) below.

(h) Compensatory Time.

Compensatory time leave may be granted only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer or Mission Director in rare instances when it has been determined absolutely essential and used under those guidelines which apply to USAID U.S. direct-hire employees.

(i) Family and Medical Leave (FML)

(1) USAID provides family and medical leave (FML) for eligible USPSCs working within the U.S., or any Territories or possession of the United States, in accordance with Title I of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended, and as administered by the Department of Labor under 29 CFR 825. USAID is also extending FML to eligible USPSCs working outside the U.S., or any Territories or possession of the U.S., in accordance with this paragraph (i) as a matter of policy discretion.

(2) FML only applies to USPSCs, not any other type of PSC.

(3) To be eligible for FML, a USPSC must have been employed (i) for at least 12 months by

USAID; and (ii) for at least 1,250 hours of service with USAID during the previous 12-month period. The specific eligibility criteria and requirements are provided in USAID policy.

(4) In accordance with 29 CFR 825.200(a) and USAID policy, an eligible USPSC may take up to 12 workweeks of leave under FMLA, Title I, in any 12-month period for the following reasons:

(a) The care of the USPSC’s newborn child.

(b) The care of the USPSC’s newly placed adopted or foster care child.

(c) The care of the USPSC’s spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition.

(d) The USPSC’s own serious health condition.

(e) A qualifying exigency arising from the USPSC’s spouse, child or parent in active duty military status.

(f) Other qualifying exigencies as determined by the Department of Labor.

(5) In accordance with 29 CFR Part 825.207, the USPSC may take LWOP for FML purposes.

However, the USPSC may choose to substitute LWOP with accrued paid leave, including accrued annual or sick leave, or compensatory time earned under this contract. If the USPSC does not choose to substitute accrued paid leave, the CO, in consultation with the USPSC’s http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=db0243f608afdb03943b0635a819c860&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title29/29cfr825_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=917cbad6bea5f97d6b70c0c152bf711d&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title29/29cfr825_main_02.tpl

22 | Page supervisor, may require the USPSC to substitute accrued paid leave for LWOP. The CO must verify the accuracy of the USPSC’s accrued paid leave request and obtain the required certifications for approval of FML in accordance with the stated USAID policy.

(6) FML is not authorized for any period beyond the completion date of this contract.

(7) When requesting FML, the USPSC must demonstrate eligibility to the USPSC’s supervisor by completing USAID’s FML request forms, including certifications and other supporting documents required by USAID policy.

(8) The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Publication 1420 explains the FMLA’s provisions and provides information concerning procedures for filing complaints for violations of the Act.

(j) Leave Records.

The contractor shall maintain current leave records for himself/herself and make them available, as requested by the Mission Director or the Contracting Officer.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf

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ATTACHMENT 3

CHANGES TO THE MEDEVAC POLICY for USPSCs and TCNPSCs (Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-3c)

Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 7 USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR)

APPENDIX D--DIRECT USAID CONTRACTS WITH A U.S. CITIZEN OR A U.S.

RESI…

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