DDI-DRG USPSC Sol_7200AA23R00063 Sr. Evidence Utilization Advisor_5.1.23.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA23R00063

ISSUANCE DATE: May 1, 2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: May 31, 2023 at 4:00PM 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 Officer

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

7200AA23R00063

USPSC – Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor

Attachment 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA23R00063

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 1, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 31, 2023 at 4:00PM EDT

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $132,368-$172,075 per year, equivalent to GS-14, assuming 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, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay. As this is a remote-eligible position, if the approved remote worksite is located outside of the DC Locality, compensation will be adjusted to the corresponding value as found in the GS Locality Pay Tables.

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 suitable for remote work. The contractor will be authorized to perform the services under this contract from an alternative worksite. For PSCs authorized to remote work, the alternative worksite determines the locality pay for compensation purposes. The alternative worksite is subject to approval. It should be based in the United States and allow the offeror to conform to the working hours of the local time zone of USAID/Washington.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, estimated to start on or about 10/01/23. Start date will be dependent on issuance of security clearance. The actual start date must be within 30 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. 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:

Base Period: 10/01/2023-09/30/2025 Option Period 1: 10/01/2025-09/30/2026 Option Period 2: 10/01/2026-09/30/2027 Option Period 3: 10/01/2027-09/30/2028

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Background

As the home base for USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) programs, the DRG Center focuses on advocating for democratic governance, driving important research, and supporting over 90 field Missions worldwide to develop programs. 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, mailto:cmiskowski@usaid.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule 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 underpin the sustainability of all of the Agency’s socio-economic development sectors. The DRG Center leads the Agency in supporting overall interagency USG 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 has nine teams: Civil Society and Media (CSM); Democratic Elections and Political Processes (DEPP); Governance (GOV); Justice, Rights, and Security (JRS); Evidence and Learning (E&L); Democratic Resilience and Innovation (DRI); Policy, Coordination, and Integration (PCI); Program; and Cadre Care and Development (CCD). 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.

In collaboration with USAID practitioners and academic experts, the E&L Team guides DRG learning initiatives, conducts impact and performance evaluations, advances measurement in the DRG sector, and commissions research to understand the most effective approaches to DRG assistance. To advance these efforts, the E&L Team provides technical assistance and training and currently manages two contracts worth over $60 million (with more in procurement). The team also facilitates learning communities of practice inside and outside of USAID. With this emphasis on learning, DRG/E&L Team is the focal point for USAID’s implementation of the DRG Learning Agenda, a dynamic collection of research questions that serve to guide the DRG Center’s and USAID field Missions’ analytical efforts.

As part of the DRG/E&L Team, the Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will leverage their considerable expertise in the DRG field to advise and support the development of appropriate and practical approaches to apply DRG evidence and learning. The incumbent will lead and guide the dissemination and utilization of research and other analytical products within USAID and its implementing partners to improve the outcomes of USAID’s DRG interventions. The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will provide technical assistance and training to USAID staff and partners to help them interpret and act on research in DRG programming and facilitate iterative feedback to the E&L Team to help shape the DRG and Agency Learning Agendas and improve the overall effectiveness of research products. The incumbent will coordinate with external actors and explore opportunities to disseminate relevant DRG Center products to wider audiences and contribute to learning in the DRG sector globally. They will also support the Center’s knowledge management efforts.

The incumbent is expected to carry out work assignments using independent professional judgment to ensure the effective technical leadership and technical support for USAID’s DRG sector in Washington and overseas Missions. On TDY and in Washington, the Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will work closely with USAID and other U.S. Government colleagues, implementing partners, academics, and recognized experts in the DRG sector to advance DRG learning initiatives. The incumbent’s responsibilities will be geographically world-wide, varied, and dynamic to reflect changing circumstances facing USAID and the DRG Center.

Duties and Responsibilities

a. Serve as an Agency leader in the utilization of DRG evidence by: a) supporting rigorous data collection and analysis that leads to the development of actionable findings and recommendations;

b) advising on and overseeing the incorporation of evidence into DRG trainings and dissemination materials for the USAID DRG cadre and broader DRG community; c) leading the incorporation of evidence into strategic and program planning at USAID Missions; and d) providing technical assistance to USAID staff and partners in locating, interpreting, and acting on new evidence in the DRG sector.

b. Refine and continuously improve dissemination and utilization guidance and efforts. Propose new strategies and opportunities for disseminating relevant DRG Center products and improving utilization of evidence and learning products. Lead and oversee efforts to promote utilization of DRG Center-produced evidence and learning. Refine, develop, and track indicators on the dissemination and utilization of evidence and DRG Center-produced evidence in DRG programming.

c. Serve as liaison between the E&L Team and its partners and client Missions, USAID/Washington regional and technical bureaus, and implementing partners to incorporate the systematic utilization of evidence in USAID program design and implementation. Develop and provide technical assistance tools and training related to the utilization and dissemination of DRG evidence. This includes helping the DRG cadre to improve their ability to recognize high quality research and evidence and apply it to their programming.

d. Support E&L Team members, learning partners, and USAID Mission and technical teams to develop dissemination and utilization plans as part of their Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) planning. Assist with MEL planning, drafting scopes of work, identification of relevant audience, the selection of dissemination tools and resources, the drafting and design of dissemination tools, including briefers, infographics, podcasts, etc.

e. Coordinate with E&L Team experts in the design of learning products to ensure their utility to USAID programming goals. Serve as a liaison between DRG teams, implementing partners and MEL teams to facilitate utilization at all stages of learning. Assist with drafting scopes of work, develop and execute pre-learning workshops and forums to assure broad commitment to learning objectives. Assist with post-learning workshops and forums with stakeholders to plan for utilization of findings.

f. Working with other members of the E&L Team, contribute to internal and external knowledge management and curation of DRG evidence, including through the planned DRGLinks public-facing website.

g. Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Alternate COR, and/or Activity Manager for learning, evaluation, and research contracts and learning initiatives.

h. Contribute to Agency-wide and sectoral communities of practice to share new evidence and plan for dissemination and utilization in these areas. This includes serving as chair and/or supporting internal and external DRG learning communities of practice. Regular tasks will include attending meetings, proactively identifying agenda items, building and maintaining relationships with DRG learning champions inside and outside USAID, and ensuring that these communities of practice are regularly updated on the learning approaches employed and learning outcomes generated by the USAID DRG learning community, including the E&L Team and implementing partners.

i. Support knowledge sharing between the academic community and USAID’s DRG cadre. Maintain strong relationships with core professional associations and groups of applied researchers in order to identify emerging research of interest to the USAID DRG sector and potential researchers to support DRG learning initiatives. Foster trust and strong relationships with USAID implementing partners to encourage their participation in research and acceptance and utilization of research findings.

j. Backstop one or more of the DRG Center’s technical teams or working groups, serving as a member of their extended team and their point of contact for all learning activities in their subsector. This may include serving on technical review committees or reviewing proposals related to learning, and incorporating partner activities into learning agendas, if appropriate.

k. Backstop one or more USAID regional bureaus (and related Missions) to advance DRG learning activities. This includes establishing contact, learning their portfolio of related activities, and supporting the development and implementation of appropriate learning activities. Illustrative support activities include meetings and calls with field Missions and/or evaluators, TDYs to participate in evaluations or other learning activities, support for other strategic learning processes, participation in evaluation or research design, and conducting training on DRG learning activities.

This could include multiple-week visits to USAID partner countries, including critical restricted environment countries such as Iraq, Pakistan, South Sudan, and others to assist Missions in various stages of their learning agendas, to train USAID, host government or implementing partner staff, and to contribute to strategy development and project design.

l. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will serve as a top-level expert for USAID globally and will be expected to demonstrate significant leadership pertaining to the development and achievement of the USAID DRG Learning Agenda. They will exercise independent judgment while performing work with wide latitude and of outstanding difficulty and responsibility.

m. Knowledge level required: The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor must demonstrate an expert-level knowledge of the DRG sector, monitoring and evaluation tools for the DRG sector, and emerging DRG issues and technologies. They will have at least three (3) years (with a Ph.D.) OR seven (7) years (with a Master’s degree or J.D.) of research and/or practical experience related to development, human rights, and democracy and governance, with particular expertise related to designing and implementing learning and research initiatives, designing and implementing rigorous monitoring and evaluation activities, communicating complex research topics to practitioners, and converting learning to practical use. The incumbent must also possess knowledge of computer software, including Microsoft Office and Windows.

n. Supervisory Controls: The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will report to the E&L Team Lead or their designee. The Team Lead/designee and the incumbent will develop a work plan that includes responsibilities and deadlines. The incumbent will also work closely with other USAID operating units and leaders, including USAID Mission officials and contractors, and be accountable to them for the performance of high quality work. While the Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will exercise independent judgment while performing work and will receive minimal technical direction, the Team Lead/designee will maintain continuous supervision.

o. Performance Guidelines: The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will work with guidelines from the Center, Bureau, and Agency that are broadly stated and non-specific, requiring extensive interpretation. They will demonstrate sound judgment, technical expertise, ingenuity and innovation in the design, implementation, analysis and utilization of highly complex research activities.

p. Level of complexity for work assignments: The incumbent’s duties will be significantly varied and will require a high degree of knowledge of multiple research methodologies and DRG sub-sectors.

They will be required to contribute to and collaborate on analyses, consultations, and technical assistance on a broad range of DRG issues. The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will be expected to contribute new technologies and approaches or develop new information to address continuing changes in the related programmatic, technological, and political environments. They will be required to collaborate closely with USAID regional and technical bureaus, other DRG Center technical teams, and Missions to provide input into the design and implementation of DRG activities. The incumbent will also maintain contacts within USAID and the interagency on DRG policy issues and recommendations. They will occasionally be required to create and produce complex analytical products and present to high level USAID officials and/or the interagency.

q. Scope and effect of the work performed: The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will be highly involved in all E&L responsibilities (impact and performance evaluations, assessments, studies, dissemination and utilization activities, and others). The incumbent will plan, organize, direct, design, and coordinate these activities as needed to meet the needs of USAID bureaus and Missions. This work will require independent analysis, defining conditions and criteria, and resolving critical problems using creative approaches. The incumbent will lead interagency efforts to address critical DRG learning issues.

r. Level and purpose of contacts: The incumbent will serve as an Agency lead technical expert in DRG learning and utilization and will advise USAID and interagency counterparts on matters relating to the Agency Learning Agenda and its application in program design and implementation. The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor will represent the US Government in meetings with foreign governments and multilateral institutions. They will represent USAID to Congressional staff, the National Security Council, the Department of State, and other interagency counterparts, and will maintain professional contact with senior level professionals of DRG implementing partners, academic institutions and independent DRG organizations. The incumbent will represent USAID to these organizations in different forums, including conferences, workshops, panels, and more. Communications that reflect a final policy, planning, or budget decision of the Agency must be cleared by a U.S. Direct Hire employee.

s. Supervision or oversight the position has over others: None, except perhaps occasional short-term interns or fellows.

t. Travel requirements, if any, including an estimate of the number or frequency of trips and locations: The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor may spend approximately four weeks of each year on TDY, including to restricted environments, such as Pakistan and Iraq, or limited/non-presence USAID countries.

u. Support Items: The Senior Evidence Utilization Advisor 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

● Master’s Degree or higher in political science, public administration, law, international development, international relations, anthropology, sociology, or related social science.

● Three (3) years (with a Ph.D.) OR seven (7) years (with a Master’s degree or J.D.) of applied research experience or program management and monitoring, evaluation, and learning experience, related to development, human rights, democracy, or governance.

● Relevant field experience working with U.S. government, international organizations, donor development agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector, academic organizations, or other agencies and processes involved in DRG issues.

● Experience working collaboratively and communicating effectively with assistance providers (such as USAID or other donors) and local and international organizations preferred.

● Expert knowledge of democracy, human rights, and governance assistance programming and approaches in USAID partner country contexts and/or with marginalized communities in other country contexts.

● Demonstrated strong writing, organizational, analytical, facilitation and interpersonal skills.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Selection Factors

Selection factors determine 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;

● 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 Quality Ranking 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).

Evaluation 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 may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

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. Upon completion of interviews and reference checks, TEC members will revise their scores for those candidates.

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

1. Technical Expertise, including experience in designing, managing, and implementing programming in democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) subsectors (50 points)

a. Demonstrated ability to locate, interpret, and act on new evidence in the DRG sector, including supporting rigorous data collection and analysis that leads to the development of actionable findings and recommendations on complex DRG matters. International experience is preferred.

b. Demonstrated technical expertise in a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

c. Demonstrated experience in incorporating qualitative and quantitative evidence into DRG trainings and dissemination materials.

d. Demonstrated experience in DRG-related activity management (planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation), particularly in incorporating evidence into strategic and program planning.

e. Demonstrated experience in enhancing sharing of best practices and lessons learned to increase the effectiveness of DRG-related interventions. International experience is preferred.

f. Demonstrated experience working to support locally-led development and local partners.

2. Communication (25 points)

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

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

c. Proven ability to communicate complex technical and academic research and data to a variety of audiences.

d. Experience developing and using a variety of written, visual and oral communication tools.

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

f. Proven ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies.

g. Experience providing formal and informal training in multicultural settings.

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

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

3. Teamwork and Professionalism (25 points)

a. Proven track record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse, multi-cultural teams, both as a team leader and as a team member.

b. Demonstrated ability to work with staff at all levels; known for high levels of interpersonal respect and for being a team player.

c. Has sound judgment and collegiality when working in environments with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions as evidenced by specific work experience.

d. Has strong emotional intelligence as evidenced by specific work experience.

e. Proven ability to effectively and diplomatically navigate interagency dynamics and promote increased coordination, knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and collegiality across an organization. Demonstrated ability to generate consensus around new ideas.

f. Track record of providing expert-quality, professional, timely, and responsive responses and team work-related products.

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) will be used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors.

USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Interviews conducted in person will be held at USAID offices in the Washington, D.C. region. Interviews may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by video. 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: 50 points

2. Communication: 25 points

3. Teamwork and Professionalism: 25 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://www.naces.org/members 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.

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.

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

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.

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- 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.

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

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)

- Award Type: Cost

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

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

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations 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.

https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ https://www.usaid.gov/forms 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 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. At the end of the period of performance or at termination, the contractor must reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advanced annual leave provided to the contractor under the contract.

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID direct-hire employees. The contractor will accrue sick leave at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a maximum of thirteen (13) work-days per year based on a full-time, 40-hour workweek, and the rate of accrual will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter workweek. The contractor may carry over unused sick leave from year to year under the same contract, and to a new follow-on contract for the same work at the same place of performance. The contractor is not authorized to carry over sick leave to a new contract for a different position or at a different location. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave at the completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave. (1) The contractor may be granted home leave to be taken only in the U.S., its commonwealth, possessions, or territories, in one continuous period, under the following conditions:

(i) The contractor must complete twenty-four (24) continuous months of service abroad under this contract, and must not have taken more than thirty (30) workdays leave (annual, sick, or LWOP) in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories. The required service abroad will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S. (excluding any language training), travel time by the most direct route, and actual days abroad beginning on the date of arrival in the cooperating country. Any annual and sick leave taken abroad, excluding leave without pay (LWOP), will count toward the period of service abroad.