72DFFP19R00015_-_PPCO_-_05.19.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: Program and Policy Coordination Officer

Solicitation Number: 72DFFP19R00015

Salary Level: GS-11 Equivalent: $69,581 – 90,461

GS-12 Equivalent: $83,398 – 108,422

GS-13 Equivalent: $99,172 – 128,920

Issuance Date: May 1, 2019

Closing Date: May 22, 2019

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 Program and Policy Coordination Officer 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 http://www.ffpjobs.com/

Solicitation for a USPSC Program and Policy Coordination Officer

72DFFP19R00015

2 | Page be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

2. Responses to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF): 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.: 72DFFP19R00015

1. ISSUANCE DATE: May 1, 2019

2. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

May 22, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

3. POSITION TITLE: Program and Policy Coordination Officer

4. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a “tandem” position that, depending on the qualifications of the offeror, can be filled at the GS-11 ($69,581 –

$90,461), GS-12 ($83,398 – $108,422), or GS-13 ($99,172 – $128,920) 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 based upon the candidate’s established salary history. USAID FFP reserves the right to place the offeror at the Grade level for which he/she is found qualified during the selection process.

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.

NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE: The offeror(s) chosen for the position will be recommended for hire at either the GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13 equivalent level commensurate with his/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP

Selection Committee.

5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) year base, with three (3) one-year option periods

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

4 | Page 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

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 is designated as a lead representative to support legislative engagement, oversight and audits work on behalf of FFP. The incumbent supports FFP’s engagement on relevant legislation, including the Food for Peace Act, the Global Food Security Act, and appropriations bills to ensure that FFP policy positions are represented. The incumbent also provides policy support for relevant audits and investigations undertaken by the Government Accountability

Office (GAO) and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and coordinate responses across the office or other parts of the Agency as needed. The incumbent supports all aspects of

Congressional engagement for FFP senior staff, including hearing and briefing preparation, as well as monitors and responds to recommendations and other relevant issues of concern regarding oversight of FFP programs and help to ensure procedural integrity in FFP policies and systems.

9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The work of the incumbent requires teamwork and personal responsibility. The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to perform analytical and evaluative work in support of the management of food assistance activities, especially emergencies. The necessary analytical skills require the ability to address matters of fact, regulatory and program requirements, and problem mitigation. The incumbent must also be able to coordinate with program managers and serve as an advocate for the use of dispute resolution tools such as mediation or interest-based problem solving techniques.

The work requires a high degree of initiative and judgment to ensure effective implementation of

FFP emergency resources. The incumbent must have the ability to interact with a broad range of internal and external partners and clients and function successfully as a member of a multi-functional team. The incumbent must also demonstrate initiative and ability to manage competing work priorities and work independently when required.

Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader or his/her designee, the Program and Policy

Coordination Officer performs the following duties:

At the GS-11 Equivalent Level:

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

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With guidance from his/her supervisor, participate in developing recommendations on a wide range of policy questions relating to the use of FFP food assistance resources for emergency food and nutrition programs;

Under the direction of his/her supervisor, track and perform review/analysis of legislation and policy proposals as they relate to FFP and provide recommendations for policy action and support Congressional hearing and briefing preparation;

Working closely with her/his supervisor, support efforts to advocate, interpret and explain

FFP emergency and development food program guidance and policy positions in formal and informal interactions with staff of Congress, GAO, OIG, non-governmental organizations

(NGOs), Agency bureaus, departments and offices, USAID field missions, and other USG agencies and bilateral or multilateral donor offices;

Support research and development of background documents in order to provide policy guidance to FFP staff relating to working with Congress and oversight bodies to ensure that resources allocated for complex food and nutrition assistance programs working in the areas of general relief meet program objectives;

In close coordination with supervisor, consolidate feedback from FFP and coordinate the flow of policy documents in response to queries from Congress, GAO, OIG, and USAID staff regarding FFP programs;

Closely review and track audits and investigations in order to monitor and respond to issues relating to FFP programs; and

Provide support to the Team Leader and Division Chief by attending office, inter-agency, GAO/OIG, and NGO meetings and consultations.

At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

In close coordination with his/her supervisor, participate in developing recommendations on a wide range of policy questions relating to the use of FFP food assistance resources for emergency food and nutrition programs;

Under the direction of his/her supervisor, track and perform review/analysis of legislation and policy proposals as it relates to FFP and provide recommendations for policy action and support Congressional hearing and briefing preparation;

Advocate, interpret, and explain FFP emergency and development food program guidance and policy positions in formal and informal interactions with staff of Congress, GAO, OIG, NGOs, Agency bureaus, departments and offices, USAID field missions, and other USG

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

Provide policy guidance relating to FFP staff related to working with Congress and oversight bodies to ensure that resources allocated for complex food and nutrition assistance programs working in the areas of general relief meet program objectives;

In close coordination with his/her supervisor, consolidate feedback from FFP and coordinate the flow of policy documents in response to queries from Congress, GAO, OIG, and USAID staff regarding FFP programs;

Closely review and track audits and investigations in order to monitor and respond to issues relating to FFP programs; and

Provide support to the Team Leader and Division Chief by attending office, inter-agency, GAO/OIG, and NGO meetings and consultations.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

Serve as a primary point of contact for the USG, GAO, OIG, implementing partners, and others on emergency food and nutrition assistance policy and partnership issues;

Develop recommendations on a wide range of policy questions relating to the use of FFP food aid assistance resources for emergency food programs;

Track and perform review of legislation and policy proposals as they relate to FFP and provide recommendations for policy action and support Congressional hearing and briefing preparation of PIOs policy and operational issues as they relate to the technical authority regarding the regulatory impact on sensitive or rapidly evolving programs related to emergency food and nutrition assistance;

As necessary and practicable, evaluate and develop appropriate strategies to integrate findings and recommendations from Congressional reports and relevant audit/investigation reports into FFP food aid policy guidance and other guidelines;

Advocate, interpret, and explain FFP emergency and development food program guidance and policy positions in formal and informal interactions with staff of Congress, GAO, OIG, NGOs, Agency bureaus, departments and offices, USAID field missions, and other USG

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

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Provide to FFP staff operational policy guidance relating to working with Congress and oversight bodies to ensure that resources allocated for complex food and nutrition assistance programs working in the areas of general relief meet program objectives;

Consolidate interagency/intra-agency comments relating to legislation, Congressional testimony, Questions for the Record, etc. as well to provide feedback into relevant audits/investigations;

Independently serve as FFP’s representative in bureau and Agency meetings, as appropriate;

Provide support to the Team Leader and Division Chief, such as strategic planning and evaluation, as well as attend office, inter-agency, GAO/OIG, and NGO meetings and consultations;

Design, develop, and maintain systems for tracking Congressional engagement and audits/investigations work;

Advise FFP managers and staff regarding policies, procedures, and guidelines during various phases of the program life cycle; and

Give presentations or briefings on all aspects of existing policy or how upcoming changes to policy will affect emergency and nutrition food assistance programming.

Supervisory Controls:

At the GS-11 equivalent level, the incumbent works under the direct supervision of a Team

Leader in The Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA/FFP). The supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available, and works with the incumbent to develop deadlines and work to be done. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out assignments and consulting with the supervisor on policy interpretations. Work is evaluated for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent works under the supervision of a Team Leader in

DCHA/FFP. The supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available and works with the incumbent to develop deadlines and work to be done. The incumbent is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, coordinating with others and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. The incumbent must also determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used, while keeping the supervisor informed of progress.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent works under the supervision of a Team Leader in

DCHA/FFP. The supervisor sets overall objectives and works with the incumbent to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done. The incumbent independently plans, designs, and carries out projects, studies, and programs. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. Technical problems are generally resolved without reference to the supervisor.

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Guidelines:

At the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 equivalent levels, 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, guidelines are available. Guidelines are subject to interpretation in light of policies and precedents, based on guidance from the supervisor. At this level, there is limited leeway for development of new methods or policies, subject to supervisor approval.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, administrative policies and precedents are applicable but are stated in general terms. Guidelines are scarce or of limited use. The incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional methods to develop new methods, criteria, or proposed new policies. Under the direction of FFP leadership, 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 to inefficiencies or inconsistencies that serve as barriers to the accomplishment of assigned tasks and report them to the Team Leader and FFP leadership.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, administrative policies and precedents are applicable but stated in general terms (i.e. Agency policy). Guidelines are scarce or of limited use. The incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional methods or in researching patterns and trends to develop new methods, criteria, or proposed new policies. Technical work at this level requires expertise in specialized fields. Assignments include providing advice in the formulation of processes and strategies along with the planning, development, design, evaluation, and implementation of audit deliverables and legislative engagement. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities.

Complexity:

At the GS-11 equivalent level, duties are varied, requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods. Actions to be taken depend on assessments of unusual or challenging circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data, requiring decisions on interpretation of considerable and complex data, planning of the work, or refinement of the techniques or methods to be used. Selection of methodology and results of analysis are subject to review by the supervisor.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, duties are varied, requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods. Actions to be taken depend on assessments of unusual or challenging circumstances or problems and incomplete or conflicting data, requiring numerous decisions on interpretation of complex and considerable data, planning of the work, or refinement of the techniques or methods to be used. There are continuing changes in program, technological developments, unknown phenomena, or continuing requirements. Selection of methodology and results of analysis are subject to review by the supervisor.

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At the GS-13 equivalent level, duties are significantly varied and require many different unrelated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of problems/situations that require a substantial depth of analysis. Decisions that must be made involve major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, interpretation, and evaluating processes, regarding legislative engagement, audits, and investigations. There are continuing changes in program, legislative developments or audit requirements. The work requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new information to supplement FFP’s audit responses and legislative engagement. The incumbent typically identifies and develops ways to resolve problems or cope with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of FFP’s program goals and objectives. The incumbent may develop new ways to resolve major problems, or plan the most significant aspects of professional or scientific programs.

Scope and Effect:

At the GS-11 equivalent level, work typically includes tracking and performing reviews of legislation and policy proposals as they relate to FFP and provide recommendations for policy action and support Congressional hearing and briefing preparation. The incumbent supports the

Team Leader in his/her needs regarding strategic planning or evaluation of a variety of policies and by attending a range of meetings and consultations with stakeholders. The incumbent establishes and maintains positive relationships with members of GAO, OIG, NGOs, from other bureaus in USAID, intergovernmental agencies, and other stakeholders, encouraging the sharing of best practices.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, work typically includes reviewing policies and relevant audits, investigations, and Congressional queries. The incumbent supports the Team Leader in his/her needs regarding strategic planning or evaluation of a variety of policies and by attending a range of meetings and consultations with stakeholders. The incumbent establishes and maintains positive relationships with members of GAO, OIG, NGOs, from other bureaus in USAID, intergovernmental agencies, and other stakeholders, encouraging the sharing of best practices.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent establishes criteria, formulates projects, assesses policy effectiveness, or analyzes a variety of policy related conditions, problems, or questions, the results of which affect a range of agency activities. The incumbent analyzes the effectiveness of existing processes and procedures, making recommendations to his or her supervisor. The incumbent develops and facilitates presentations, informal and formal, based upon the supervisor’s discretion. The incumbent must determine the feasibility of various approaches to define concepts and criteria for the execution of policy changes. The incumbent advises FFP leadership on new guidelines, protocols and procedures.

Personal Contacts:

At the GS-11 equivalent level, personal contacts are with employees in the same agency.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, personal contacts are with individuals or groups inside and outside the Agency in a moderately unstructured setting.

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At the GS-13 equivalent level, contacts are with individuals or groups from inside and outside the Agency. Contacts typically take place in moderately unstructured settings (i.e., not routine coordination meetings). The role and authority of each party is identified and developed during the course of the contact. Typical contacts are those with senior level professionals, Congressional staff, GAO, OIG, NGOs, intergovernmental agencies, and representatives of professional organizations. The incumbent provides technical advice in regards to audits and legislative engagement in responding to audit findings/recommendations or legislative requests.

The incumbent is also responsible for serving as the primary point of contact with individuals or groups in contexts relating to policy issues or questions relating to legislative engagement, audits, and investigations.

Purpose of Contacts:

At the GS-11 equivalent level, the purpose of each contact is to plan, coordinate, or advise on work efforts, or to resolve operating problems.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the purpose of each contact is to provide technical advice in the area of specialty in formulation of related higher-level programs.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the purpose of each contact is to influence/motivate people or groups regarding legislative engagement, audits, and investigations. The people contacted may be fearful, skeptical, or uncooperative. The incumbent must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information as it relates to legislative engagement, audits, and investigations in

FFP programs. Typically, incumbents consult with other professional or technical personnel and user organizations to develop the objectives in more detail and to resolve conflicts.

10. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During long-term travel for FFP, 30 days or more 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.

The requirement for field trip assignments to consult with cooperating sponsor managers of food assistance programs may expose the successful candidate to additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately 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 with significant study in, but not limited to public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will also have a total of at least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience of which two (2) years must be related to international development and/or humanitarian assistance.

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will also have a total of at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience of which one (1) year must be related to international development

At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

significant study in, but not limited to public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will also have a total of at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience of which three (3) years must be related to international development significant study in, but not limited to public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will also have a total of at least four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience of which two (2) years must be related to international development

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

significant study in, but not limited to public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural

12 | Page economics, international development, humanitarian assistance or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience of which three (3) years must be related to humanitarian assistance and/or international development.

significant study in, but not limited to public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience of which two (2) years must be related to humanitarian assistance and/or international development.

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 a Department of State medical clearance within a three 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.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed below. In 500 words or less, the 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. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

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QRF 1. Demonstrated understanding of the key policies, legislation, and regulations pertaining to international humanitarian and food assistance programs, in 500 words or less.

(20 points)

QRF 2. Demonstrated ability to develop and/or implement policy recommendations and priorities, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

QRF 3. Knowledge of the functioning of Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), UN agencies, and U.S. Government agencies involved in development and/or humanitarian aid, and their respective oversight entities, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel from these organizations on highly sensitive issues, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

QRF 4. Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to non-specialists both orally and in writing, in 500 words or less. (10 points)

QRF 5. Knowledge of key issues and priorities in implementing international humanitarian food and nutrition assistance programs, in 500 words or less. (5 points)

Total Possible QRF Points: 65 Points

Total Possible Interview Points: 35 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.

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.

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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

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

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.

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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. 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 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

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) 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 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)

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:

https://aoprals.state.gov/

17 | Page

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

18 | Page

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]

21 | Page

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.