72DFFP19R00024_-_Surge_Response_FFPO_-_6.19_Signed.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: Surge Response Food for Peace Officer Solicitation Number: 72DFFP19R00024 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $76,687 - $99,691 GS-14 Equivalent: $90,621 - $117,810

Issuance Date: June 6, 2019 Closing Date: August 1, 2019

This solicitation is continuous and ongoing with closing dates for submission of offers for each of the two (2) review periods:

Review Period 1 – July 3, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time Review Period 2 – August 1, 2019, 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 Surge Response Food for Peace 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.

http://www.ffpjobs.com/

Solicitation for a USPSC Surge Response Food for Peace Officer

72DFFP19R00024

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

2. Responses to the Quality Ranking Factors (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: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

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

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Sincerely, /s/

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

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SOLICITATION NO.: 72DFFP19R00024

1. ISSUANCE DATE: June 6, 2019

2. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

August 1, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

This solicitation is open and continuous with closing dates for submission of offers for each of the two (2) review periods:

Review Period 1 – July 3, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time Review Period 2 – August 1, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Offerors not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for positions available in subsequent review periods. A review period may be cancelled at FFP’s discretion.

3. POSITION TITLE: Surge Response Food for Peace Officer

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-13 ($76,687 - $99,691) or GS-14 ($90,621 - $117,810) equivalent level without 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 and 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. 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-13 or GS-14 level commensurate with his/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP Selection Committee.

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

STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services on a temporary, on-call, basis as part of the Surge Response Group (SRG). FFP intends to contract for these services for a maximum of 250 days per contract year. Activation days vary but will not exceed 250 days during each contract year.

The level of effort anticipated under this contract will be provided within the terms of this contract at times mutually agreed to by FFP and the contractor. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, FFP will contact the contractor and provide the following information:

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Date contractor is needed to report to FFP or assignment in the field Duration of Assignment Place of Performance

The contractor will notify FFP within 24 hours of availability. At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment.

While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a disaster may require the assignment to be extended (not to exceed 250 days). The contractor shall notify FFP at the time of commitment if their existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply assist FFP in recruiting a replacement. Subsequently, if the contractor agrees to an extension of the duration of a particular assignment, thereafter, the contractor will be required to give FFP 10 days’ notice for release from the assignment.

6. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide

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 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

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

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

The incumbent serves as a Surge Response Food for Peace Officer (FFPOSRG) and provides technical support as needed to the Geographic Division Chief and Team Leader. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for technical and grant issues for awardees implementing FFP-funded programs, as well as representatives from other U.S. Government (USG) agencies and organizations interested in the FFP-funded grant(s) in a specific country. She/he may also be assigned to serve as a Program Operations Specialist with FFP’s Program Operations Division (POD), or a Program and Policy Coordination Officer or a Technical Specialist (Sector specific or Monitoring and Evaluation) with FFP’s Policy and Technical Division (PTD), or serve on a Response Management Team (RMT) or Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) as a Food for Peace Officer (FFPO).

9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Surge Response Food for Peace Officer’s (FFPOSRG’s) respond to humanitarian emergencies as required, worldwide, and may be deployed to the field as a FFP Officer (FFPO) alone, as part of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), or to augment a regional office or mission. The incumbent may also serve in Washington to perform as a FFPO, or to provide FFPO backstop coverage for deploying Washington staff.

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

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

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

● Serve as the primary point of contact for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public international organizations (PIOs), such as the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) implementing FFP-funded programs; USG representatives; and others on FFP food assistance issues for the country assigned;

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● Analyze and assess data from a variety of sources – including field assessments, technical data, early warning information, and reporting from USAID field staff, NGOs, and PIOs

– to recommend appropriate food assistance programs;

● Review appeals and proposals for emergency programs;

● Draft and assemble documentation for program approval and funding;

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

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

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

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

Specific activities may include the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Core Duties and Responsibilities

Program and Policy Coordination Officer (PTD):

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

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

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

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

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

• Consolidate interagency comments and draft initial U.S. position papers in response to

PIO documents in preparation for formal sessions and informal consultations in close collaboration with U.S. & UN Missions;

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

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

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

Technical Sector Specialist (PTD):

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

• Advocate, educate, and promote the linkages between a wide variety of technical sectors in FFP’s programming to increase the impact of FFP’s programming;

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

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

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

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

• Contribute to drafting procurement documents, review proposals, provide analytical input, and backstop FFP staff on emergency and development activities as required.

Program Operations Specialist (POD):

1) Cost Estimates

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

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

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

• Provide financial management technical assistance to WFP and PVOs based on commodity price and transport estimates and appropriate use of FFP funding categories.

2) Food Aid Supply Chain Management

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

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

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

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

• Advise managers on commodity procurement matters; and

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

3) Additional Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

Supervisory Controls:

At both the GS-13 and GS-14 equivalent levels, the incumbent takes direction from and reports to the Surge Coordinator until activated, at which time she/he is under the supervision of the

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Division Chief in FFP/Washington, Team Leader, or a designated USAID staff member in the field.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent consults with their supervisor to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction when planning, designing and carrying out duties, in regards to FFP programs and procedures.

At the GS-14 equivalent level, the incumbent’s supervisor provides direction in terms of broadly defined program goals and objectives. The incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction and has wide latitude to exercise independent judgment. The incumbent has greater latitude to carry out assignments, while still consulting with the Division Chief in FFP/Washington on policy interpretations. The incumbent keeps his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and of potentially controversial matters. The supervisor evaluates work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives.

The incumbent does not supervise personnel but is expected to mentor new FFPOs.

Guidelines:

Pertinent sources of information consist of the Food for Peace Act, Title II and International Development Association (IDA) funding rules and regulations, the Farm Bill, the Foreign Assistance Act, other legislative initiatives, FFP issued guidelines, information bulletins, and USAID and the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance rules and regulations. The incumbent must exercise considerable judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of guidelines to assigned responsibilities within FFP. The incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional approaches to develop new methods or propose new policies regarding FFP programming and internal guidance documents.

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

Complexity:

At the GS-13 equivalent level, duties vary, requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods applied to a broad range of activities and substantial depth of analysis. The incumbent must be able to work independently to conduct technical review, apply operational learning, and make recommendations. He/she must also be able to communicate effectively across units with the Geographic Divisions and Policy Team to ensure that analysis feeds properly into joint processes. He/she may be called upon to revise or formulate new office level policies and provide

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At the GS-14 equivalent level, the incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to the policy recommendations related to implementation of emergency programs carried out by PIOs such as WFP and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and NGOs. The recommended changes will be consistent with existing legislative, regulatory, and policy guidelines, but may require the formulation and application of new approaches and methodologies. He/she exercises more independence in the promotion of food assistance integration with other programs through coordination with the country team. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

Scope and Effect:

At both the GS-13 and GS-14 equivalent levels, the incumbent analyzes food assistance needs, recommends and implements strategies, and manages food assistance programs undertaken by NGOs and PIOs such as the WFP. The incumbent monitors and reports on the implementation of ongoing FFP-funded programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.

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

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

Personal Contacts:

At both the GS-13 and GS-14 equivalent levels, the incumbent is responsible for the coordination of food security and nutrition related activities with awardees and other donors specific to FFP-funded interventions to ensure clear understanding of USAID/FFP programs, including programs funded by IDA and Title II.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, contacts are with individuals or groups outside of USAID in unstructured settings. The incumbent interacts with colleagues from the U.S. Department of State

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

Purpose of Contacts:

At both the GS-13 and GS-14 equivalent levels, the incumbent contacts people or groups, both inside and outside the Agency, to negotiate and secure authorization for assistance programs;

determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of USAID’s assistance in the Missions; develop complimentary relationships among donors in assistance efforts; provide guidance on program design and implementation; and provide briefings on the status of FFP programs.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the purpose of contacts is to influence and motivate people or groups to reach a consensus on the resolution of issues at high levels, both inside and outside the Agency. The incumbent typically consults with other professional or technical personnel to develop objectives in more detail and to reconcile conflicts, regarding FFP programs or internal controls.

At the GS-14 equivalent level, the incumbent must also direct people or groups to resolve issues at high levels. The incumbent must also be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading decision makers and in establishing a rapport in order to reach a consensus on the resolution of issues at high levels in regards to FFP programs.

10. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. While on long-term travel for FFP, thirty (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. During deployment on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of 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-13 Equivalent Level:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to maternal child health and nutrition; monitoring and evaluation; gender; agriculture; natural resource management; markets, water, sanitation and hygiene; disaster risk reduction; resilience, conflict and risk reduction; food security local systems strengthening; commodity management; food science; food security activity design, and food security policy). Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

OR

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 have a total of at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to maternal child health and nutrition;

monitoring and evaluation; gender; agriculture; natural resource management; markets, water, sanitation and hygiene; disaster risk reduction; resilience, conflict and risk reduction; food security local systems strengthening; commodity management; food science; food security activity design, and food security policy). Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

At the GS-14 Equivalent Level:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which five (5) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to maternal child health and nutrition; monitoring and evaluation; gender; agriculture; natural resource management; markets, water, sanitation and hygiene; disaster risk reduction; resilience, conflict and risk reduction; food security local systems strengthening; commodity management; food science; food security

14 | Page activity design, and food security policy). Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

OR

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 have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which five (5) years of experience must be related to food assistance (including but not limited to maternal child health and nutrition;

monitoring and evaluation; gender; agriculture; natural resource management; markets, water, sanitation and hygiene; disaster risk reduction; resilience, conflict and risk reduction; food security local systems strengthening; commodity management; food science; food security activity design, and food security policy). Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

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 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.

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• QRF 1. Knowledge of the key policy and technical issues related to emergency (including sudden onset and chronic) food security programming in developing countries, in 500 words or less. (30 points)

• QRF 2. Demonstrated ability to review proposals, analyze budgets, manage USG or other agency financial agreements, and work through the USG grant award process, in 500 words or less. (15 points)

• QRF 3. Knowledge of the functioning of NGOs, PIOs, UN agencies, and USG agencies involved in humanitarian assistance, 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)

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. 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.

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.

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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.

NOTE: Registration for a DUNS number is FREE.

17 | Page

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) AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

AAPD 18-02 - Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 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. 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:

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

https://aoprals.state.gov/

19 | Page

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

21 | Page insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.

In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other…