DDI-DRG USPSC Sol_7200AA23R00035_MEDIA SPECIALIST_2.27.23.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA23R00035

ISSUANCE DATE: March 3, 2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 2, 2023 at 5:00PM EDT

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all Offer materials for their records.

At USAID, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is a priority, and we are greater than the sum of our parts. When we integrate DEIA in our programs, policies, partnerships, and people (workforce), we are better able to understand and meet the needs of those we serve worldwide. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the 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.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Mir Ershadullah Contracting Executive Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523 www.usaid.gov

7200AA23R00035

USPSC – Media Specialist

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA23R00035

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 3, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 2, 2023 at 5:00PM EDT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Casey Miskowski, email at cmiskowski@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Media Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $112,015-$145,617 per year, equivalent to GS-13, including Washington, D.C.

Locality Pay.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Washington with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions.

This position has been designated as telework-eligible (3-8 days per pay period). Telework may be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, estimated to start on 09/01/23. Start date will be dependent on issuance of security clearance. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for up to three additional years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

The actual start date must be within 30 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: US citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Background

As the home for USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) programs, the Center for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG Center) focuses on advocating for democratic governance, driving important research, and supporting over 90 field missions worldwide to develop and implement programs. USAID’s DRG sector includes support for good governance, rule of law, elections and political processes, civil society and media, human rights, and other DRG fields.

USAID currently manages over $1.7 billion a year on a broad range of democracy programs covering justice, human rights, citizen security, civil society, media, local government, legislatures, constitutional reform, political parties, elections, anti-corruption, and anti-trafficking in persons. These efforts are critical to improve government effectiveness, accountability, transparency and legitimacy, and to ensure citizens are empowered to play a role in public affairs and the decisions that affect their daily lives. They also

Base Period: 09/01/2023-08/31/2025 Option Period 1: 09/01/2025-08/31/2026 Option Period 2: 09/01/2026-08/31/2027 Option Period 3: 09/01/2027-08/31/2028 mailto:cmiskowski@usaid.gov underpin the sustainability of the Agency’s socio-economic development sectors. The DRG Center leads the Agency in supporting overall efforts to advance democracy, human rights, and governance.

The DRG Center's annual budget is over $146 million, with a staff of over 90, comprised of U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs), contractors, and Fellows. The DRG Center currently has ten technical teams: Cadre Care & Development (CC&D), Civil Society and Media (CSM), Democratic Resilience and Innovation (DRI), Democratic Elections and Political Processes (DEPP), Evidence & Learning (E&L), External Engagement & Integration (EE&I), Governance (GOV), Justice, Rights, and Security (JRS), Policy, Coordination, and Integration (PCI), and Program Team. The DRG Center's goal is to promote peace, prosperity, and freedom around the globe through self-reliant, citizen-responsive governance that respects human dignity and the rule of law. The DRG Center achieves this through high quality support to USAID Missions, generating and disseminating knowledge on best practices, and providing leadership on DRG to the wider USG and the international development community.

DRG’s Civil Society and Media (CSM) Team provides technical leadership and support on civil society and media, including youth and labor issues. The CSM Team generates comparative knowledge on effective approaches for strengthening civil society and independent local media; pilots state-of-the-art approaches to civil society and media support; strengthens the Agency’s DRG staff through training and technical support; conducts assessments, strategy and program designs, and evaluations; and designs and manages a targeted portfolio of global programs. The CSM Team promotes innovations in civil society, media, labor, and youth as a means for addressing development challenges, and represents USAID in international processes, networks, and working groups.

Worldwide, the media sector is undergoing a transformation as the result of the shift to digital media production and consumption, changing legal-regulatory environments, and the rise of authoritarianism. The financial viability of local media is threatened, as traditional business models have collapsed, and media seek to reinvent their business structures to meet consumer preferences and compete in a competitive digital marketplace. Given these dynamics globally, independent local media face an existential crisis.

USAID programming seeks to both support individual media outlets as well as systemic solutions. A subject matter expert with knowledge of any of the following elements of independent media development practice such as: media professionalization, legal and regulatory enabling environments, financial viability, and function of media in restrictive environments; who is willing to learn; will support the work of USAID field Missions and Washington Operating Units, other USG entities, and the broader DRG community.

This position will advance related DRG Center efforts in digital democracy, information integrity, and media and internet freedoms.

This position is located in the DRG Center. As a direct report to the CSM Team Lead or their designate, the incumbent provides support to the media sub-team, CSM Team, other DRG Center teams, USAID Missions and the Agency to advance thinking and approaches regarding independent media as they relate to democracy and development. The incumbent supports the implementation of CSM, DRG, and Agency priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Media Specialist will serve as a subject matter expert on independent media development and freedom of expression, supporting the development of local media in a range of country contexts. The Media Specialist is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches with some technical oversight from their supervisor and the CSM Media subteam, including making significant contributions to research, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy.

The incumbent will perform their duties under administrative direction from the Supervisor of the CSM Media Sub-team and in technical consultation with the CSM Media subteam, with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in areas such as program and project management.

The incumbent will have strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; and sound judgment. The incumbent will have the ability to work in a fast-paced, fluid environment, re-prioritizing actions and adjusting workload as needed. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and be able to work independently with guidance as needed.

The position is based in Washington, DC, and will include travel to and work in partner countries in all regions. The Media Specialist's position includes the following responsibilities:

a. Assist in providing technical leadership, guidance, and analysis to Missions and Washington operating units to support independent media and other related media issues. Assist in designing and adapting new activities, developing strategies and drafting relevant policy and programming documents on independent media and other related media issues. Assist in the review and selection of programming.

b. Serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR), Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR), Alternate AOR/COR and/or Activity Manager to oversee USAID programming related to media support. Review and provide feedback and guidance on annual work plans, implementing partner reports, and budgets, in accordance with USAID policies and procedures. Maintain award files using Agency systems and ensure compliance with award management requirements. Serve as a primary liaison with implementing partners and ensure projects meet objectives. Collaborate with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance on award management issues. Serving as AOR/COR requires successful completion of a certification program in accordance with Agency policy.

c. Provide input and guidance on media-related research, policy, evaluations, and assessments. Assist in strategic planning and implementation.

d. Assist the DRG Center and CSM Team in maintaining state-of-the-art knowledge on independent media support; as well as the role of media and journalism to enhance USAID efforts and improve democratic development outcomes.

e. Advise senior leaders in the DRG Center, Technical and Regional Bureaus and other USG leadership in the subject matter area.

f. Liaise with DRG Center sub-sector Teams, Regional Bureaus, other units within USAID, Department of State, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and other inter-agency partners as appropriate to inform and strengthen the DRG Center’s approaches regarding independent media as they relate to DRG issues. Engage with partners from public and private donors to coordinate efforts and to share learnings and best practices.

g. Contribute to the collection and implementation of technical, contextual, and experiential approaches regarding independent media as they relate to DRG technical issues and programming with USAID Missions and across the DRG sector, the Agency, and interagency.

h. Advance the DRG Center’s independent media learning efforts to address gaps in knowledge, identify issues and trends, and collect best practices relevant to DRG’s cadre in Washington DC and in the field.

i. Manage, track, and report progress on the DRG Learning Agenda related to independent media and related issues.

j. Support the development and implementation of trainings, e-learning, workshops, and facilitated learning conversations as appropriate, and integrate other capacity-building opportunities in the implementation of DRG programming.

k. Work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

l. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships within the team as well as with other teams, operating units, and Missions.

m. Create collaborative and collegial environment; show sensitivity to others; and use balanced judgment.

n. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The Media Specialist will be a subject matter expert regarding global development issues relating to independent media development and freedom of expression in a range of country contexts and related impacts on the work of the CSM Team and the DRG Center. The incumbent is expected to have a superior command of independent media development practice and trends, and current challenges to freedom of expression, including, given the focus of USAID programming, on media business models; as well as related competencies covering internet freedom, information integrity, and digital democracy. The incumbent must have relevant experience and skills to craft and adapt development programs to address this set of issues. The incumbent is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches including research, assessments, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy development.

Under the direct supervision of the Civil Society and Media Team Leader and in technical consultation with the CSM Media subteam, with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment while performing challenging work which is varied and wide-ranging. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and be able to work independently with guidance as needed. The incumbent will have wide latitude and decision-making authority within their portfolio. The incumbent will receive minimal day-to-day technical guidance.

o. Knowledge level required: The Media Specialist will be knowledgeable on global development issues relating to independent media and related effects on the work of the CSM Team and the DRG Center and will support the Senior Advisors. The incumbent is expected to have a practical understanding of the transformation of the media sector as the result of the transition to digital, changing legal-regulatory environments, new business models for local, independent media as well as direct professional experience working in these areas. The incumbent will be adept at assessing unique cultural and political contexts to develop and to adapt programming approaches appropriate to complex circumstances. USAID Missions will rely on the incumbent to provide guidance and solutions when competing interests, such as conflicting inter-agency priorities, local competing interests, or other possible conflicts among possible technical solutions arise. The incumbent will have a Bachelor’s degree or higher degree with study and practical work experience in a pertinent field, such as: journalism, international development, civil society and media programming in developing country contexts, civil liberties, and access to information.

p. Supervisory Controls: At the GS-13 equivalent level, the incumbent serves as a member of the CSM Team, supports the Senior Advisors, and as appropriate, coordinates with other USAID operating units as a representative of the DRG Center and the Civil Society and Media Team. The incumbent works closely with and receives some technical guidance and direction from the CSM Media subteam, including Senior Media Advisors. The Supervisor and the incumbent will develop a work plan that includes broad objectives. As a subject matter expert, the incumbent independently plans, designs and carries out activities, studies and programs/projects. The incumbent develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating work with others as necessary. The incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives and keeps their supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and of potentially controversial matters.

q. Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements: The Media Specialist will work according to pertinent sources of information consisting of the Foreign Assistance Act, the DRG Center Annual Report FY 2021, the DRG Center’s Users Guide, the DRG Center Strategy, the Department of State and USAID Joint Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022, and USAID Agency and DRG Bureau rules and regulations. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of approaches to programming and inputs to strategy and policy development.

r. Level of complexity for work assignments: The incumbent undertakes a wide range of duties that require the exercise of judgment, the interpretation of policies and practices, and their relevance to a new problem or situation. The incumbent typically identifies and develops methods to resolve problems or cope with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal program goals and objectives. The incumbent is expected to carry out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches with little technical oversight, including research, programming, training, monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL), and policy.

s. Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position's responsibilities: The incumbent will provide cutting edge technical support to Missions and Washington operating units on key issues regarding digital technology and civic activism as they relate to civil society, development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues, including the assessments, design of new activities, monitoring, learning and evaluation. They will serve as a subject matter expert on media-related issues as they relate to civil society, development outcomes, democratic systems and related issues to support policy development, as well as strategic planning and implementation; advance USAID strategy to include supporting and advocating for inclusion of approaches informed by cutting-edge thinking on independent media to enhance the DRG Center’s efforts and improve democratic development outcomes; advise senior leaders in the DRG Center, Technical and Regional Bureaus and other USG leadership in the subject matter area; and liaise with DRG Center sub-sector Teams, Regional Bureaus, Department of State, and other inter-agency partners as appropriate to inform and strengthen the DRG Center’s approaches regarding independent media as they related to DRG issues. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

t. Scope and effect of the work performed: The Media Specialist contributes to the CSM research agenda as the recognized DRG Center subject matter expert on the impacts of digital technology and civic activism on democracy to advance knowledge and enhance the work of the CSM Team, the DRG Center, and the Missions that we serve. The incumbent will lead efforts regarding project design, implementation, monitoring, learning and evaluation. The incumbent’s work involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving critical problems, or developing new theories. The incumbent will guide team members to establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and contribute to analysis on the landscape impacting USAID’s work. The incumbent’s work outputs will support both Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community. Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming, will require the ability to lead while working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

u. Level and purpose of contacts: Contacts are with individuals or groups from inside and outside of the agency, regarding the role that independent media plays in advancing democracy. The incumbent is responsible for liaising with a variety of agency and external actors in order to ensure efficacious use of DRG programming assistance resources. This includes implementing partners, interagency and intra-agency entities, other donors, and external stakeholders as appropriate to the subject matter. The incumbent will engage with a variety of individuals and groups from USAID including DRG Center leadership and Mission leadership - typically through meetings, calls, and consultations (on an as-needed, as-appropriate basis) - as an important step in advancing USAID’s approach, research agenda, and programmatic priorities related to the impacts of data and technology on democracy. The purpose of the Media Specialist's contacts will be to influence, motivate, direct and or coordinate with other technical advisors and DRG subject matter experts to advance knowledge and enhance USAID’s approaches. The incumbent must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information, including decision makers in the DRG sector on issues relating to the role of independent media in advancing democracy.

v. Supervision or oversight the position has over others (address the number and level of subordinates, and the degree of supervisory responsibility, if any): None

w. Travel requirements, if any, including an estimate of the number or frequency of trips and locations: The Media Specialist should expect to spend up to 20% of their time traveling for work on temporary duty assignments (TDY).

x. Support Items: The Media Specialist will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

● Bachelor’s degree or higher degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution with preferred study in a pertinent field, such as: journalism, international development, civil society and media programming in developing country contexts, civil liberties and access to information.

● Five (5) years of experience in the DRG sector conducting work similar to program management, policy development, or program coordination.

o Of those five (5) years, at least three (3) years of experience in media programming in or for developing country contexts.

● Comprehensive experience in producing written and oral presentations.

AND

● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen;

● 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;

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

● Professional references;

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the Evaluation Factors;

● Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as required by USAID;

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

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-

1. The 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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee (TEC) will select candidates to interview based on a preliminary review of applications. References will be checked only for those candidates interviewed. The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

The following Quality Ranking Factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors:

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

QRF 1: Technical Expertise (30 points)

● Demonstrated ability through recent work experience and work products to lead and contribute to analysis and provide recommendations on a wide-range of issues concerning programming and technical assistance to support independent media.

● Demonstrated past experience working on programming addressing media viability, media legal and/or regulatory issues, and their intersection with other DRG-related issues (such as elections, human rights, anti-corruption/governance, etc.).

● Demonstrated ability to contribute to meaningful subject-matter content (in written format and orally) to enhance and deliver technical assistance, training, e-learnings, and convenings.

QRF 2: DRG Program Management Experience (25 points)

● Demonstrated experience in development programming, including program design, program management, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.

● Demonstrated familiarity with international best practices in program management, including

USAID-supported or other analogous tools on Thinking and Working Politically, Collaborating, Learning and Adapting, and Localization.

QRF 3: Communication (25 points)

● Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with senior officials and in public forums with minimal editing or supervision.

● Proven ability to draft briefing papers and reports on activities and progress for high-level officials.

● Proven track record of quickly gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information for use by colleagues, leaders, and partner organizations.

● Demonstrated experience providing formal and informal training in multicultural settings.

● Demonstrated productive and positive working relationships and communication with colleagues and peers.

QRF 4: Teamwork/Collaboration (20 points)

● Demonstrated experience working effectively with teams in a fast-paced, fluid environment.

● Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and constructively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

● Demonstrated leadership without a formal leadership position or role.

● Demonstrated high level of motivation, the ability to take initiative and start projects independently, and requiring minimal supervision.

BASIS OF RATING: Eligible offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs). Offerors are required to address each of the QRFs in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the QRFs may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

The evaluation of the QRFs based on the offeror’s responses to the QRFs as well as information provided in other written offer materials (e.g., form AID 309-2, resume, writing sample) will be used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors. The most qualified offeror(s) will be interviewed. Interviews will be conducted in person at USAID offices in the Washington, D.C. region. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

A sample of the offeror’s writing submitted with their application as well as a short written exam administered to offerors who are interviewed will be considered in the final scoring of QRF3 (Communication). The interview and professional reference checks will be considered in the overall final scoring of the QRFs. In the event that USAID is unable to obtain any information from references, the lack of reference information will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably in the scoring of the QRFs.

Total rating system is as follows:

1. Technical Expertise: 30 points

2. DRG Program Management Experience 25 points

2. Communication: 25 points

3. Teamwork/Collaboration: 20 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Satisfactory verification of academic credentials is required prior to award. The selected offeror will be required to submit unofficial transcripts for the academic degree for which the offeror qualified for the position. If the selected offeror fails to submit the required academic credential documentation within the time period specified by the Contracting Officer, the offeror may be disqualified from further consideration for award. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements. Transcripts from foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official Evaluation of Educational Credentials. It is the offeror’s responsibility to provide evidence that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. USAID will not pay for expenses related to obtaining transcripts or proof of creditability of foreign education. Click on the following link for a list of accredited organizations (https://www.naces.org/members) recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

The selected offeror will be required to obtain a Secret Level Security Clearance provided by USAID prior to contract award. Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship. If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected offeror within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret level security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offeror acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT: All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. This will assign you a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list in www.sam.gov or on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Registration information is available at www.sam.gov.

NOTE: Registration in SAM and assignment of a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is FREE. Interested offerors are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early to avoid any delays during contract award.

USAID reserves the right to select additional offerors to fill possible future vacant positions if vacancies become available during the selection process.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically via e-mail to the Point of Contact specified in Section I, item 4. Late offers will not be considered.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please clearly reference the solicitation number in the offer and in the email subject line of the submission. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

https://www.naces.org/members https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

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

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. This form must be physically signed (hand-written signature).

Unsigned forms will not be accepted. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

2. Complete resume. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the education and experience requirements as stated in the 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.

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

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position if not full-time. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week may not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

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

(c) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments. Upon request, transcripts and/or certifications must be submitted.

3. List of References. Offerors must submit three (3) professional references, who are not family members or relatives, who have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation. At least one (1) reference must be from a direct supervisor (current or prior).

Submitted references MUST include the following information:

(a) Name of reference;

(b) Offeror’s relationship to the reference;

(c) Title of reference at current job;

(d) Reference current telephone number; and

(e) Reference current email address.

4. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors. Responses are limited to no more than 500 words per factor and should be submitted as a Word or PDF document. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

5. Writing sample of work independently authored and edited by the offeror that reflects your writing skill. The sample may be from published or unpublished work and submitted as a Word or PDF document. It should be at least 500 words, but no more than 2 pages.

Submitted materials must be in English. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

Incomplete offers will not be considered.

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.

Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – Please be advised that upon award, the contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor is fully vaccinated against COVID-http://www.usaid.gov/forms

19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO.

If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.* USPSCs/TCNPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

1. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

2. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

3. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. 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) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101.

(a) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(b) 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.

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

(OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ https://www.usaid.gov/forms

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS] with Contractor

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

4. 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.

AAPD 22-02 Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

Revised AIDAR Clause GP4 based on Class Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-11c

4. Work Schedule and Compensation (Pay Comparability and Locality Pay Adjustments) (JUL 2007) [Deviation (JUL 2022)]

a) Work Schedule. The contractor's work schedule shall not be less than 80 hours per pay period, unless otherwise provided in the Contract Schedule, and shall coincide with the work schedule for those employees of the USAID Mission, Bureau, or Independent Office, or the Cooperating Country agency most closely associated with the work of this contract. If the contract is for less than full time (80 hours per pay period), the annual and sick leave earned shall be prorated (see the General Provision of this contract entitled Leave and Holidays).

b) USAID promotes telework and remote work as workplace flexibilities for contractors.

However, telework and remote work are arrangements to facilitate the accomplishment of work.

The ability to telework or remote work is not a right or an entitlement and not all PSC positions will be conducive to telework or remote work. Telework and remote work are discretionary tools and may be terminated for business reasons, performance, operational needs, or a contractor’s failure to comply with policy directives and required procedures and protocols. For a position that is authorized for remote work, an approved alternative worksite for the contractor will be approved in the Schedule of the contract. For positions that are not authorized for remote work, the contractor may be authorized to telework at the Agency’s discretion based on Agency policy as http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs from time to time amended. If the position is suitable for telework, as telework is not a right or entitlement and is discretionary, the contractor must receive approval from their supervisor by submitting a Telework Agreement in accordance with Agency policy.

c) Locality Pay. A contractor based in the United States who is not authorized to remote work will be entitled to locality pay based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite.

A contractor based in the United States who is authorized to remote work will be entitled to locality pay based on the rate for the approved alternative worksite as specified in the Schedule of the contract. Any change to the approved alternative worksite will require a contract modification and may result in a change to the compensation as the locality pay will be adjusted accordingly.

A contractor serving abroad is not authorized to receive locality pay.

d) Compensation (Pay Comparability) Adjustments. The contractor's compensation shall be adjusted to reflect the pay comparability adjustments, which are granted from time to time to U.S.

direct-hire employees by Executive Order for the statutory pay systems (usually in January). Any adjustments authorized are subject to the availability of funds and shall not exceed that percentage stated in the Executive Order granting the adjustment. Further, the adjusted compensation may not exceed the annual “USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (USAID CST)”, which is equivalent to the maximum rate for agencies without a certified SES performance appraisal system (or the equivalent hourly rate).

[END DEVIATED TEXT]

AAPD 21-05: Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (NOV 2021)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-1c)

(a) Annual Leave. (1) The contractor may accrue annual leave at the rate specified in paragraph

(a)(2) of this clause as follows:

(i) If the contract period of performance is ninety (90) calendar days or more, and the contractor’s performance is continuous for the contract period of performance, the contractor is entitled to accrue annual leave as of the start date of the contract.

(ii) If the contract period of performance is ninety (90) calendar days or more, and the contractor's performance is not continuous during the contract period of performance, the contractor is entitled to accrue annual leave only for each instance of continuous performance of ninety (90) calendar days or more.

(iii) If the contract period of performance is less than ninety (90) calendar days, the contractor is not entitled to accrue annual leave.

(2) The rate at which the contractor will accrue annual leave is based on the contractor’s time in service according to the table of this paragraph (a)(2). The accrual rates are based on a full-time, 40-hour workweek, which will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter workweek:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Rate 0 to 3 years 4 hours of leave for each 2-week period over 3, and up to 15 years 6 hours of AL for each 2-week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years 8 hours of AL for each 2-week period

(i) USAID will calculate the time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as--:

(A) An individual personal services contractor with USAID for any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory authority applicable to USAID; and/or

(B) A former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire civilian employee; and/or

(C) An honorable active duty member of the uniformed services based on the definition in 5 U.S.C.

2101(3).

(ii) In addition to the information certified by the contractor in their Offeror Information form, the contracting officer may require the contractor to furnish copies of previously executed contracts, and/or other evidence of previous service (e.g. SF 50, DD Form 214 or 215) to conduct the due diligence necessary to verify creditable previous service.

(3) Annual Leave is provided under this contract primarily for the purposes of providing the contractor necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the Supervisor, must develop an annual leave schedule early in the period of performance, taking into consideration the requirements of the position, the contractor’s preference, and other factors. The maximum amount of annual leave that the contractor can carry over from one leave year to the next is limited to 240 hours. The contractor’s unused annual leave balance in excess of the 240 hour maximum at the end of the last pay period of each leave year will be forfeited, unless the requirements of the position precluded the contractor from taking such leave. The contractor may be authorized to restore annual leave for exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. The restoration of annual leave may be approved only by the USAID Administrator, cognizant Assistant Administrator or Head of an Independent Office reporting directly to the USAID Administrator, and cannot be delegated further. Annual leave restored must be scheduled and used no later than either the end of the leave year two years after either—

(i) The date fixed by the approving official as the termination date of the exigency of the public business or other reason beyond the contractor’s control, which resulted in the forfeiture; or

(ii) The end of the contract, whichever is earlier.

(4) The contractor must use all accrued annual leave during the period of performance. At the end of the contract, the contractor will forfeit any unused annual leave except where the requirements of the position precluded the contractor from taking annual leave. In this case, the contracting officer may authorize the following:

(i) The contractor to take annual leave during the concluding weeks of the contract, not to exceed the period of performance; or

(ii) Payment of a lump-sum for annual leave not taken based on a signed, written determination and findings (D&F) from the contractor’s supervisor. The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking annual leave, and the contracting officer must find that the contractor did not cause, or have the ability to control, such facts and circumstances. This lump-sum payment must not exceed the number of days the contractor could have accrued during a twelve (12)-month period based on the contractor’s accrual rate.

(5) The contractor may be granted advanced annual leave by the contracting officer when circumstances warrant. Advanced leave must be approved by the Mission Director, cognizant Assistant Administrator, or Head of an Independent Office reporting directly to the Administrator, as appropriate. In no case may the contracting officer grant advanced annual leave in excess of the amount the contractor can accrue in a twelve (12)-month period or over the life of the contract, whichever is less.