72DFFP19R00009_-_GMAS_-_06.19_Deadline_extended.pdf

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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: Grants Management Assistant/Specialist Solicitation Number: 72DFFP19R00009 Salary Level: GS-11 Equivalent: $69,581 - $90,461 GS-12 Equivalent: $83,398 - $108,422

Issuance Date: June 6, 2019 Closing Date: July 11, 2019 (Deadline extended) Closing Time: 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Food for Peace (FFP), is seeking offers from qualified U.S.

citizens to provide personal services as a Grants Management Assistant/Specialist 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.

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

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

(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 supervisor(s) 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 Grants Management Assistant/Specialist

72DFFP19R00009

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

3. USPSC Application form AID 309-2: Offerors 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 offers will not be considered. FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

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

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

Your complete resume, signed and scanned AID 309-2 form, and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs must be emailed to:

FFP PSC Recruitment Team E-Mail Address: ffp_pscrecruitment@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 offer.

Sincerely, /s/

Patrice Lee Contracting Officer https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ mailto:ffp_pscrecruitment@usaid.gov http://www.ffpjobs.com/application/process.aspx

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SOLICITATION NO.: 72DFFP19R00009

1. ISSUANCE DATE: June 6, 2019

2. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

July 11, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time (Deadline extended)

3. POSITION TITLE: Grants Management Assistant/Specialist

4. 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-11 ($69,581 - $90,461) or GS-12 ($83,398 - $108,422) equivalent level, including Washington, D.C.

locality pay. Final Grade will be determined by the candidate’s established work history, qualifications and education. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value level based upon the candidate’s established salary history. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year options

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

7. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Level Security Clearance

8. 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

Grants management involves planning for, implementing, and managing Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and awards with nonprofit organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), and Public International Organizations (PIO).

The United States Government and Agency procurement reforms and improvements to standard operating procedures have required various revisions to FFP procedures and policies, in order to better support FFP staff globally along with FFP awardees. Staff are dedicated to providing in-house expertise, guidance, and quality control for FFP, to include capturing and developing procedures and policies, along with best practices and innovations, which would allow staff from the FFP divisions to better collaborate as an office and work smarter as a result. The FFP divisions include: Policy and Technical Division (PTD) in support of policy formulation, program guidance, and technical capacity; Program Operations Division (POD) in support of commodity procurement, budget and finance, and commodity prepositioning; and two geographic divisions in support of the program activities implemented by awardees, i.e., Central, East, and Southern Africa Division and Global Division, which cover Asia, Near East, Middle East, West Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The Grants and Contracts Services Team will be located within the Policy and Technical Division, led by the Grants Manager who will serve as the Team Leader. The team will standardize, document, and disseminate FFP procedures and policies, providing consistency, quality control, guidance, and best practices on grants management services with support from all divisions.

9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The incumbent is responsible for standard procedures and policies for procurements, award planning, and administration. The incumbent will also provide support on knowledge management, incorporation of internal innovations, and best practices. The incumbent is responsible for the following illustrative, but not exhaustive, areas pertaining to all awards: Title II, Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP), and International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP), along with coordination within and outside of the Agency (i.e., U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA)).

Under the direct supervision of the Grants and Contracts Services Team Leader or his/her designee, the incumbent performs the following duties:

https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance

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At the GS-11 Equivalent level

1. Grants Procurement and Awards

● Draft, review, and/or disseminate Agency procurement procedures and policies for such items as restricted goods, Justification for Exceptions to Competition, etc.; serve as a resource for new and seasoned staff on standard procurement, award procedures, and policies;

● Draft standard forms and templates associated with the awarding of grants and cooperative agreements to include, but not limited to: pre-approval documents, memos, letters, transfer authorizations, modifications, award documents, waivers, and close-out documentation;

● Review, document, and make recommendations for improving the adequacy and efficiency of grants/assistance procedures and policies linked to FFP and Agency guidance;

● Review the process and preparation for grant/assistance application submissions and related materials, which may include required reporting, coordinate with PTD staff and other subject matter experts; and

● Draft announcements for the request for applications and/or proposals for funding under assistance awards.

2. Grants Monitoring

● Update, standardize, and disseminate common guidance on procedures, such as the

FFP Process & Procedures Manual (P&PM) and FFP Information Bulletins (FFPIB);

guidance on commodity claims, losses, and disposition in conjunction with FFP’s Program Operations Division (POD) and other formal guidance;

● Support the development of training materials tied to technical assistance, program oversight, audits, etc., in consultation with program officials, awardees, review panels, and applicants;

● Liaise with USDA, USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG), USAID Chief

Financial Officer (CFO), FFP divisions and institutional support contractors (ISC) to respond to audit requests;

● Maintain file system to respond to requests, audit questions, and access historical data;

● Monitor, track and communicate on the progress of audit requests and FFP submissions;

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● Review all documents drafted by the FFP Point of Contacts (POCs) to ensure quality control;

● Help identify point of contact to provide specific documentation required for audit requests and reduce FFP audit request response time; and

● Assemble documentation for all award management-related inquiries, including audits, and participate in post-award reviews and analyses to identify management, financial, and administrative issues that impact grants management.

3. Policy

● Monitor and report on internal and external Agency policy trends and changes; ensure their consideration and/or integration into FFP procedures and policies;

● Review award guidance for compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, including those related to the environment and gender; and

● Backstop and liaise with all FFP divisions and other USAID offices.

4. Reporting and Knowledge Management

● For input and review, draft and disseminate various compliance materials to include:

audit reports and key lessons learned; monitoring & evaluation tools; mandatory and ad hoc reporting processes; and other grants management aides or materials;

● Work collaboratively with FFP staff and the Audit, Performance, and Compliance Division within the Bureau for Management, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, (M/CFO/APC) and the Audit POC within the Office of Program, Policy and Management in DCHA on all FFP OIG open audits to ensure follow up, accountability and accurate reporting of status in the Consolidated Audit and Compliance System (CACS);

● Draft award management guidance and/or tools based on changes in regulations, policies, and shifts in priorities tied to USG-wide undertakings, as well as to support FFP’s audit responses;

● Investigate and document new/forthcoming Agency developments applicable to internal operations, for example, USAID Forward, etc.;

● Share information, experiences, and problem resolutions among FFP divisions concerning standard operating procedures, best practices, and policy developments, i.e., lessons learned from audit findings that affect all staff; and

● Highlight and share innovations and best practices common to FFP award management, i.e., options available on commodity or programmatic issues in

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GS-12 Equivalent Level

1. Grants Procurement and Awards

● Develop and disseminate Agency procurement procedures and policies for such items as restricted goods, Justification for Exceptions to Competition, etc.;

● Develop and/or revise and disseminate standard forms and templates associated with the awarding of grants and cooperative agreements to include, but not limited to, pre-approval documents, memos, and letters; transfer authorizations; modifications;

award documents; waivers; and close-out documentation;

● Review and make recommendations for improving the adequacy and efficiency of grants/assistance procedures and policies;

● Serve as a resource and knowledge person for new and seasoned staff on award procedures, policies, and reference materials, i.e., Automated Directives System (ADS), procurement reform, FFP Act, etc.;

● Document and provide recommendations on award-related issues;

● Review, analyze, and evaluate grants/assistance application materials along with comments from the public, and work toward finalization of materials;

● Review grants/assistance award materials for compliance with Agency requirements and standard language, when feasible;

● Prepare announcements for the request for applications under assistance awards; and

● Assist with review of grants documents for clearance, if asked by senior managers.

2. Grants Monitoring

● Update, standardize, and disseminate common guidance and procedures, such as the

FFP Process & Procedures Manual, FFPIBs, guidance on commodity claims/losses and disposition, and other formal guidance;

● Support the development of training materials tied to technical assistance, program oversight, etc., while in consultation with program officials, awardees, review panels, applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients;

● Field questions from FFP staff on awardee compliance with terms and conditions of award;

● Participate in post-award reviews and analysis to identify management, financial, and

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● Liaise with USDA, USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG), USAID Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), FFP divisions and institutional support contractors to respond to audit requests;

● Maintain file system to better respond to requests, access historical data and respond to audit questions;

● Monitor, track and communicate on the progress of audit requests and FFP submissions;

● Ensure quality control by reviewing all documentation submitted by FFP Point of

Contacts (POCs) to ISC Grants Unit, Budget Division, and GEO CBOs before providing all the requested information to auditors;

● Assist in identifying the point of contact responsible to provide specific documentation required for requests in order to reduce FFP audit request response time; and

● Maintain a good relationship with auditors by ensuring that their Audit objectives are accomplished.

3. Policy

● Monitor and report on internal and external Agency policy trends with changes.

Ensure their reflection and integration into FFP policies and procedures;

● Participate and support surveys or studies to recommend changes in procedures, policies, legislation, and regulations;

● Review award guidance for compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, including those related to the environment, and gender;

● Support other Federal agencies, organizations, and academic institutions in developing, reviewing, and evaluating the impact of new statutory regulations;

● Recommend or support appropriate action to protect USG interests; and

● Backstop and liaise with all FFP divisions, as well as with other USAID offices as appropriate.

4. Reporting and Knowledge Management

● Develop and disseminate tools to support a variety of subject matters such as audits, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting;

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● Work collaboratively with FFP staff and the Audit, Performance, and Compliance Division within the Bureau for Management, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, (M/CFO/APC) and the Audit POC within the Office of Program, Policy and Management in DCHA on all FFP OIG open audits to ensure follow up, accountability and accurate reporting of status in the Consolidated Audit and Compliance System (CACS);

● Draft award management guidance and/or tools based on changes in regulations, policies, and shifts in priorities tied to USG-wide undertakings, as well as to support FFP’s audit responses;

● Assist in drafting FFP award closure requests as needed;

● Investigate and document new/forthcoming Agency developments applicable to internal operations, for example, USAID Forward, etc.;

● Share information, experiences, and problem resolutions among FFP divisions concerning standard operating procedures, best practices, and policy developments, i.e., lessons learned from audit findings that affect all staff; and

● Highlight and share innovations and best practices common to FFP award management, i.e., options available on commodity or programmatic issues in conjunction with FFP divisions.

Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent takes direction from the Grants and Contracts Services Team Leader or his/her designee in FFP/Washington. The incumbent will not supervise personnel, but will mentor new staff on the Grants and Contracts Services Team.

At the GS-11 equivalent level, with guidance from the supervisor, the incumbent plans and carries out successive steps and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training or accepted practices. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy requirements.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent has greater latitude to carry out assignments, while still consulting with the Grants and Contracts Services Team Leader on policy interpretations.

The supervisor sets overall objectives and works with the incumbent to develop deadlines, methodology, and work accomplished. The incumbent carries out assignments and consults with the supervisor on policy interpretations. The incumbent keeps 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.

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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 DCHA Bureau rules and regulations.

At the GS-11 equivalent level, the incumbent exercises judgment to determine the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to identify and recommend solutions for inefficiencies or inconsistencies that serve as barriers to the accomplishment of assigned tasks and report them to the Grants and Contracts Services Team Leader and FFP leadership.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of guidelines to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent collaborates with members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the USAID Chief Information Officer (CIO), and institutional support contractors (ISC) to respond to audit requests. In order to achieve maximum impact of FFP resources, when applicable, the incumbent conceives and/or proposes innovative program changes that are consistent with existing legislation, regulations and policies.

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.

At the GS-11 equivalent level, the incumbent employs support services, such as reviewing, documenting, and making recommendations for improving the adequacy and efficiency of grants/assistance procedures and policies linked to FFP and Agency guidance. Selected methodology and the results of analysis are subject to review by the supervisor.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to the adequacy and efficiency of grants/management procedures and policies.

The incumbent is responsible for developing new techniques and guidance for managing awards based on changes in regulations, policies, and shifts in priorities tied to USG-wide undertakings.

The incumbent also establishes criteria for award processes regarding common errors often found in documentation and recommends changes to the templates and guidance accordingly.

Scope and Effect:

At the GS-11 equivalent level, work typically includes drafting and disseminating various compliance materials, audit reports, mandatory and ad hoc reporting processes, other grants management aides and/or materials. The incumbent supports the Grants and Contracts Services Team Leader in his/her needs regarding the need to assemble documentation and participate in post-award reviews and analyses. The incumbent helps identify a point of contact for other

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USAID personnel responsible for providing specific documentation required for requests and reduce FFP audit request response time.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent updates, standardizes, and disseminates common guidance and procedures such as the FFP Process and Procedures Manual (P&PM) and FFP Information Bulletins (FFPIBs). The incumbent monitors and tracks the progress of audit requests and the FFP submissions progress. The incumbent must determine the feasibility of various approaches to define concepts and criteria for quality control before providing all the requested information to auditors. The incumbent advises FFP leadership on new guidelines, protocols and procedures.

Personal Contacts:

At the GS-11 and GS-12 equivalent levels, 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 of each contact is usually different, and the role and authority of each party is identified and developed during the course of the contact.

Purpose of Contacts:

At the GS-11 equivalent level, the incumbent interacts with contacts within FFP and USAID to provide factual information and to make recommendations to managers on non-controversial issues and concerns. The incumbent plans, coordinates, or advises on work efforts, or resolves operating problems with contacts.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent interacts with contacts within FFP and USAID to provide recommendations to his/her supervisor on slightly controversial issues among decision makers, including U.S. Government agencies (Department of State, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Security Council, etc.). The incumbent provides advice to contacts in regards to guidelines, protocols and procedures for awards for FFP programs.

10. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During short-term travel for FPP, thirty (30) days or less in a calendar year, 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 (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 moderate heavy items (less than 50 pounds).

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

12. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

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

At the GS-11 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution and three

(3) years of progressively responsible experience in managing USG grants and/or contracts.

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience managing USG grants and/or contracts.

At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution and five

(5) years of progressively responsible experience in managing USG grants and/or contracts.

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience managing USG grants and/or contracts.

SELECTION FACTORS

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

● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen;

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

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs;

● USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Offerors 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 up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance within a nine month period after offer acceptance;

● Ability to obtain physician’s statement of physical fitness within a one month period after offer acceptance;

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

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

Offerors not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

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QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Offerors 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 offeror 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. Offerors must be sure to include their name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

• QRF 1. Knowledge of the key laws, policies, and regulations applicable to the administration of grants, cooperative agreements, and/or contracts with the U.S.

Government, with familiarity of emergency and/or development grants and cooperative agreements from either domestic or international volunteer activities or professional experience, in 500 words or less. (30 points)

• QRF 2. Knowledge of the functioning of nongovernmental organizations, United Nations agencies, or U.S. Government agencies involved in humanitarian aid, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel from these organizations on sensitive issues, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

• QRF 3. Ability to research complex technical issues, find solutions that advance the agenda of the Agency’s specific goals, and communicate effectively key findings and solutions to non-specialists both orally and in writing, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

• QRF 4. Ability to develop training materials for adult audiences for active learning from research and key findings tied to procedures and policies, in 500 words or less. (10 points)

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

Total Possible Points: 100

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the QRF responses. Those offerors 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. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors 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.

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

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 a physician’s statement of physical fitness is not obtained within one month after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS:

Where and How to Apply

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

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

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

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and the position you are applying for on your offer, 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 offer.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS)

NUMBERS AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

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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 be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

NOTE: Registration for a DUNS number is FREE.

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

Interested offerors are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early in the offer 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. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

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

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

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

**Forms 4-7 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an offeror 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 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

AIDAR Appendix D can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

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AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

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

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

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

FAR 52.222-50 – COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

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

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 Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(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)

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) https://aoprals.state.gov/

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TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO

PSCs:

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a

U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

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

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

[The CO must check http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply and insert the relevant text as required.]

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

ALL QUALIFIED OFFERORS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE,

RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL

AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL

ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR

OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

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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

19 | 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)

20 | 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

22 | 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) Offerors 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 offeror attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any offeror 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…