72DFFP20R00002 - Middle East FSO - Final.pdf

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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72DFFP20R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: November 29, 2019 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: December 19, 2019

4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

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 Middle East Food Security Officer under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

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

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

(See sample resume on www.ffpjobs.com website)

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisor(s) may be contacted for a reference.

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments.

(e) U.S. Citizenship.

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

2. 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 http://www.ffpjobs.com/

Solicitation for a USPSC Middle East Food Security Officer

72DFFP20R00002

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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 and signed and scanned AID 309-2 form 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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ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72DFFP20R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 29, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

December 19, 2019, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: FFP PSC Recruitment Team, ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Middle East Food Security Officer

6. 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-12 ($64,490 - $83,840) or GS-13 ($76,687 - $99,691) equivalent level with non-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. 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-12 or GS-13 equivalent level commensurate with his/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP Selection Committee.

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

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide

Offerors for the Middle East Food Security Officer position must be willing to be posted at any location. The potential posts are listed as follows, but the location of service could be ultimately determined by the location of future unknown operational requirements. FFP currently has established positions in Turkey, Jordan, and Hungary. FFP also has Middle East-focused FFP Officers assigned to Washington, D.C. Travel for this position may include Washington, D.C., Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Hungary, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other locations as needed, to coordinate with the Middle East Humanitarian Response Team in Washington, D.C., the Syria Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), the United States Central Command, and other entities involved in the ongoing humanitarian responses in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. Initial post assignments will be based on each candidate's understanding of FFP and the region, each candidate's background (i.e., language, regional experience, etc.), and available post vacancies at the time of award.

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9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF WORK:

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

FFP works closely with other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the U.S. Government’s (USG) 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 140 in Washington and also has officers posted abroad.

More information on FFP is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance.

INTRODUCTION

FFP is responding to emergency food needs in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen through United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners. FFP assistance in the Middle East includes U.S. in-kind food aid, food vouchers, cash for food, funding for local and regional food procurement, and resources for logistics, coordination, and treatment for malnutrition. The incumbent may be assigned to work on the Syria response and/or Yemen response, which are two of the largest ongoing humanitarian responses. FFP is the lead USG office for international food assistance and has been responding to emergency food needs in Syria and five neighboring countries since February 2012. FFP has provided approximately $2.7 billion in emergency food assistance for conflict-affected Syrians to date through the World Food Program (WFP) and NGOs. The USG has allocated significant humanitarian assistance resources to the Middle East region, providing nearly $9.6 billion to the complex Syria response since 2012.

Since the U.S. Embassy in Yemen closed in 2015, FFP has managed the response to the conflict remotely. In FY18-19, FFP provided over $500 million for Yemen through a variety of UN and NGO partners, working in close coordination with OFDA colleagues. Through FY20, FFP will https://www.usaid.gov/food-assistance

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12. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The incumbent manages and monitors FFP’s food assistance programs for the designated areas and ensures the effective management of FFP resources. The incumbent may be required to travel, subject to approvals from U.S. Embassies and USAID Missions. It is the primary responsibility of the incumbent, working together with OFDA colleagues, to coordinate and monitor ongoing FFP-funded emergency food assistance programs and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington, USAID Missions, and Embassies in neighboring countries as appropriate. The full range of specific duties, some of which are in direct support of FFP-funded programs and some in support of general FFP office responsibilities, will include the following:

At the GS-12 Equivalent level:

● Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to FFP food assistance for designated implementing partners (WFP, NGOs, and other international organizations);

● Coordinate with interagency colleagues, host governments, implementing partners, and donors at the working level to address issues impacting FFP-funded food assistance;

● Assess food needs based on a variety of sources, including assessments, technical data, early warning information, and reports from NGOs, the UN, and other actors;

● In coordination with the broader FFP field teams, review appeals and proposals, and make funding recommendations;

● Monitor programs through field visits and review information provided by implementing partners to maximize program effectiveness and ensure programs are implemented in a manner consistent with policy and legislative guidelines;

● Report to senior FFP Officers on implementation of ongoing FFP programs, including progress and problems encountered by implementing partners;

● Under direction from the designated supervisor, provide briefings and represent FFP in meetings and/or working groups; and

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

In addition to the duties performed at the GS-12 equivalent level, the GS-13 equivalent level Middle East Food Security Officer performs the following duties:

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At the GS-13 Equivalent level:

● As a food security expert, coordinate on the general humanitarian response with OFDA, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), other humanitarian actors, Missions and Embassies, host governments, NGOs, public international organizations (PIOs), and donors;

● Draft country strategic plans to address humanitarian food security needs;

● Synthesize information on progress and problems encountered by implementing partners and advise partners on how to address the challenges;

● Acting with independence, provide briefings and represent FFP in meetings and/or working groups; and

● Mentor/train incoming FFP staff.

Supervisory Relationship:

At both the GS-12 and GS-13 equivalent levels, the incumbent’s supervisor is the Senior Regional FFP Advisor. When assigned to DARTs, the incumbent will be under the authority of the Ambassador/Chief of Mission with a dual reporting line to the DART Team Leader.

Supervisory Controls:

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the supervisor sets overall objectives and works with the employee to develop deadlines and work to be performed. Under the guidance of the DART Team Leader or Senior Regional FFP Advisor, the incumbent carries out assignments, prioritizes tasks so that assignments are completed on time, develops deadlines for activities, performs other specialized tasks, and makes recommendations to resolve conflicts that arise. The incumbent determines the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used, keeping the supervisor informed of progress. The incumbent plans and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, and/or accepted practices. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy requirements.

Completed work will be reviewed by the DART Team Leader or Senior Regional FFP Advisor in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID's Food Security policy, FFP's Strategic Plan, and Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) objectives as enunciated in the annual results reports/resource request submissions.

In addition to the requirements at the GS-12 equivalent level, at the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent and supervisor work together to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be performed in regards to Middle East programming. The incumbent independently plans, carries out projects, and serves as the lead food security expert in meetings and working groups. The incumbent generally resolves technical problems in relation to food security programming in the Middle East without reference to the supervisor.

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Guidelines:

Pertinent sources of information consist of the Title II Food for Peace Act, the Foreign Assistance Act, the Farm Bill, and other legislation; USAID, DCHA, other USG rules and regulations; and FFP rules, policies, guidelines, and information bulletins.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, under the direction of FFP leadership and in coordination with colleagues in the region, the incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in recommending new methods and proposed policy changes. The incumbent exercises judgment in applying legislative provisions and FFP policies to food security programming in the Middle East.

In addition to the guidelines at the GS-12 equivalent level, at the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional methods or in researching patterns and trends to develop new methods, criteria, or proposed policies as it pertains to Middle East food security programming. The incumbent interprets policies in terms of established objectives with input from the Senior Regional FFP Advisor or DART Team Leader.

Administrative policies and precedents are applicable but are stated in general terms (i.e. Agency policy). Technical work at this level requires expertise in the field of food security and humanitarian assistance.

Complexity:

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent undertakes a wide range of duties that require the exercise of judgment, the interpretation of FFP, USAID, and USG policies and practices and their relevance to new problems in the field of emergency food assistance programming in the Middle East. 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. Due to the evolving nature of emergency food needs in the Middle East region, 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 DART Team Leader or Senior Regional FFP Advisor. The incumbent monitors Middle East programs through conducting field visits, reviewing reports from field staff, and analyzing information provided by implementing partners. The incumbent reports on findings and will recommend follow-up actions when necessary, to ensure FFP’s food security programs are implemented in a manner consistent with legislative, regulatory, and policy guidelines, and to maximize effectiveness.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent typically identifies and develops methods to resolve problems or cope with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of FFP’s program goals and objectives in the Middle East region. Incumbents may develop new ways to resolve major problems, or plan the most significant aspects of FFP programs in the Middle East. The incumbent monitors programs through conducting field visits, reviewing reports from field staff, and analyzing information provided by implementing partners. The incumbent reports on findings and will recommend follow-up actions when necessary, to ensure programs are

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Scope and Effect:

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the incumbent formulates projects, assesses program effectiveness, and investigates or analyzes a variety of unusual conditions, problems, or questions in the Middle East region. Work typically includes planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating FFP programs and/or projects requiring creativity and support from others. The incumbent conducts evaluations to determine the feasibility of various and advanced approaches to define concepts and criteria for future programs or resolve major controversial problems in current programs.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent works to resolve critical problems that directly affect the development of major aspects of food assistance and nutrition programs in the Middle East. He/she plans, organizes, and provides support and guidance regarding the food security assistance in the Middle East region. It also involves establishing criteria, formulating projects, or assessing program effectiveness for FFP’s programming. The incumbent develops detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long range implementation and administration of food security programming in the Middle East region, while analyzing the effectiveness of existing processes and procedures. Upon such analysis, the incumbent makes recommendations to his or her supervisor by proposing changes to guidelines, protocols, and procedures.

Personal Contacts:

At the GS-12 equivalent level, under the direct guidance of his/her supervisor or designee, the incumbent liaises with a variety of actors internal to the Agency. The incumbent coordinates closely with FFP/Washington and field staff, members of the USAID DART, USAID Mission and regional offices, and the U.S. Embassy.

At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent is responsible for liaising with a variety of agency and external actors in order ensure the efficacious use of FFP emergency food assistance resources. Contacts of the incumbent include PIOs, NGOs, other FFP Divisions, and intergovernmental agencies on FFP commitments and priorities. The incumbent coordinates closely with FFP/Washington and field staff, the members of the USAID DART, USAID Mission and regional offices, U.S. Embassy, other U.S. Agencies, and NGO representatives.

Purpose of Contacts:

At the GS-12 equivalent level, under the direct guidance of his/her supervisor or designee, the incumbent assists in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information. The incumbent may also participate in meetings with external implementing partners, FFP Geographic Divisions, USAID Missions, other USAID/Washington bureaus, representatives of foreign governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector companies when supporting the food security crises in the Middle East.

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At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent determines the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information. The incumbent is responsible for influencing or motivating people or groups that may be fearful, skeptical, or uncooperative. The incumbent consults with other professional or technical personnel to develop objectives in greater detail and to reconcile conflicts as it relates to food assistance programming in the region. The incumbent may also participate in meetings with external implementing partners, FFP Geographic Divisions, USAID Missions, other USAID/Washington bureaus, representatives of foreign governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector companies when supporting the food security crises in the Middle East.

13. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is primarily performed in an office setting. During 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.

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).

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

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II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED 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-12 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution. The successful candidate will have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience with a preference for work in humanitarian assistance, conflict mitigation, and/or international development, of which one (1) year must be related to food security. A minimum of one (1) year of overseas professional experience is required.

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, economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or another related field. The successful candidate will have at least four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience with a preference for work in humanitarian assistance, conflict mitigation, and/or international development, of which one (1) year must be related to food security. A minimum of one (1) year of overseas professional experience is required.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution. The successful candidate will have at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience with a preference for work in humanitarian assistance, conflict mitigation, and/or international development, of which two (2) years’ experience must be related to food security.

A minimum of two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

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, economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or another related field. The successful candidate will have at least six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience with a preference for work in humanitarian assistance, conflict mitigation, and/or international development, of which two (2) years’ experience must be related to food security. A minimum of two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

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III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The Contracting Officer (CO) reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

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;

• 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.

OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM (ORS)

The ORS factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to the technical evaluation criteria. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.

Professional Experience (20 points):

● Experience working on a humanitarian response, including management of staff and/or programs.

● Experience working in conflict zones.

● Experience working in the Middle East.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

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Skills and Abilities (20 points):

● Experience analyzing information to generate recommendations to senior decision makers.

● Ability to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to devise innovative approaches to technical, administrative, managerial, and/or policy problems.

● Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to work effectively in the midst of humanitarian crisis situations with:

● USAID and other USG officials;

● Other donors and diplomatic missions; and

● International and national non-governmental humanitarian partners (PIOs, NGOs, etc.).

Communication (15 Points):

● Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to counterparts, including PIOs, NGOs, and senior officials on policy and program matters.

● Experience in providing briefings and communicating effectively in meetings.

● Fluency in Arabic.

Total Possible Professional Experience/Skills Points: 55 points Total Possible Interview Points: 35 points Total Possible Written Component Points: 10 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 resume based on the ORS. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked will be evaluated on interview performance, a written component, and satisfactory professional reference checks.

Failure to address the selection factors and/or ORS factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, and/or training.

The most qualified candidates will be interviewed. Please be advised that FFP will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror.

FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates to fill possible future vacant positions.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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.

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2. 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.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Via email: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

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. If Top Secret is required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. If Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.

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.

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.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

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. USPSC Application Form (AID 309-2).

3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561).

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

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

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

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

**Forms 3-7 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an offeror is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

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

ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

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 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs) AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

AAPD 18-02 – Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services AAPD No. 18-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 4 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.222-50 – COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 5 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.204-24 – Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2019) FAR Clause 52.204-24 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 6 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.204-25 – Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2019) FAR Clause 52.204-25 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 7 to the solicitation.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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) https://aoprals.state.gov/

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(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING

TO PSCs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL QUALIFIED OFFERORS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE,

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

AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL

ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR

OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.

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

17 | Page

ATTACHMENT 2

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

18 | 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)

19 | Page and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

[END PROVISION]

20 | Page

ATTACHMENT 3

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

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

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

(5) Offerors for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the offeror attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any offeror providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.

(b) Sick Leave.

The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID U.S.

direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 work-days per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work. Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.

(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:

(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days; or if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for such shorter period of not less than one year, as approved in writing by the Mission Director prior to the USPSCs departure on home leave, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days.

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