DRG USPSC C-TIP Advisor Sol 7200AA23R00023.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00023

ISSUANCE DATE: January 18, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 04, 2024, 17:00 EST

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide services as a Counter- Trafficking in Persons Advisor in – Washington DC under personal services 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.

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 this solicitation.

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

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

Sincerely, Mir Ershadullah Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 7200AA24R00023

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA24R00023

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 18, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 04, 2024, 17:00 EST

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Michael Kwaw, e-mail at mkwaw@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Counter-Trafficking in Persons Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $117,962 to $153,354 per year, equivalent to GS-13, including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value, based on qualifications, previous relevant work experience and work history, and educational background.

Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: A two (2) year base period, with three (3) one-year options based on Agency need, for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period June 2024 to June 2026 Option Period 1 July 2026 to June 2027 Option Period 2 July 2027 to June 2028 Option Period 3 July 2028 to June 2029

The actual start date must be within 30 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained (see item 10. below).

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. This position is not suitable for remote work.

However, regular telework may be considered. If considered for regular telework, the contractor will be authorized to perform the services under this contract from the official USAID worksite where the contractor will perform services on-site for a certain number of days per pay period and perform the remaining days at an alternative worksite (the contractor’s residence). See ADS 309 for more information on the Agency guidelines concerning regular telework. Note: These guidelines might be subject to change and if so, any modifications will be duly notified to the employee in advance and incorporated into the PSC contract. USAID expects to continue working in a hybrid environment for the near short/medium term.

Due to the nature of the policy-related functions of this position, the incumbent will need to attend regular internal and inter-agency meetings in-person in Washington, D.C. This position will also require some travel to USAID Missions, as requested. The PSC should expect to spend up to 20% of her/his time on temporary duty (TDY), including to restricted environments.

mailto:mkwaw@usaid.gov

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to all US Citizens.

10. SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

The Justice, Rights and Security (JRS) office within USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Bureau provides technical leadership and support on human rights to USAID field Missions and Washington Operating Units, other USG entities, and the broader DRG community. The JRS team bolsters the evidence base for successful human rights and development activities, facilitates training to build the capacity of Agency staff, and provides technical support to USAID Missions globally for designing and implementing programs and activities.

A central role of the C-TIP team is to provide USAID Missions, in particular DRG technical offices and field officers, with strategic and technical advice on C-TIP assistance. This includes identifying opportunities to integrate C-TIP approaches into other sector programming to address the root causes of trafficking and leverage our comparative advantage as a development agency and increase sustainability of C-TIP efforts. Trafficking in persons is a gross violation of multiple human rights, including the right to life, liberty, and security; and the right to be free from torture and/or cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment. Missions are also increasingly interested in how they can integrate C-TIP approaches and strategies into other technical areas such as health, education, or economic growth to advance cultures of democracy and respect for the rule of law.

The primary focus of the C-TIP Advisor will be to provide technical support to USAID Missions on C- TIP approaches to strengthen prevention, protection, and prosecution strategies through partnerships.

This technical assistance to Missions will be provided remotely from Washington, DC or via short-term TDY travel. The Advisor will provide that support directly via consultation (e.g. responding to Mission requests for assistance with assessments, designs, identification of best practices, training, etc.) or indirectly through the development and maintenance of field support resources such as C-TIP training courses, briefing materials, field guides, technical products, and information about supplemental funds that Missions can access or pre-competed program mechanisms that help Missions respond to urgent needs. Under the direction of the C-TIP team lead, and in partnership with other JRS team members, the Advisor will work closely with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including other DRG colleagues and divisions, USAID staff in other bureaus and operating units, interagency colleagues, and implementing partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General The C-TIP Advisor will provide technical advice to Missions in the development of USAID C-TIP programming and to the USAID intra-agency and USG interagency on trafficking in persons (TIP) issues, best practices, and lessons learned. The C-TIP Advisor will also represent the JRS office on policy-related issues to strengthen prevention, protection, and prosecution strategies through partnerships within the intra-agency and interagency fora, including the National Security Council

(NSC) and within the donor community. This position will require travel to respond to Missions’ needs directly via consultation.

Supervisory Relationship/ Supervisory Controls The C-TIP Advisor will report to the DRG, C-TIP team lead or their designee. They will regularly work with other members of the JRS office, coordinate with other teams in the Bureau on shared priorities, engage and support USAID Mission personnel when on TDY and with individuals from other USAID operating units as appropriate. The PSC and supervisor will jointly develop a work plan that outlines specific priorities and deliverables, which the PSC will independently plan, design, and carry out (with minimal supervision). Many of these lines of effort may require input and coordination with other USAID staff, which the PSC will facilitate as needed.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) All members of the DRG workforce are measured on how they foster a climate of respect in interactions with others, value differing perspectives, and treat others in a fair, equitable, and culturally sensitive manner. All employees are expected to adhere to equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies and value diversity and inclusion in performing everyday duties and responsibilities

C-TIP Advisor Duties:

1. Respond to USAID Missions’ requests for C-TIP technical assistance in all phases of the USAID Program Cycle. This will include assisting Missions with assessments during various planning phases to determine needs, opportunities and entry points for assistance efforts. It will also entail providing technical input and guidance to Missions on the design of C-TIP programs and activities and helping Missions identify and apply innovative evidence-based approaches.

Technical assistance may also involve helping Missions with the monitoring and evaluation of field programs and/or assessments, for various purposes, but primarily to help Missions adapt their programs and activities to changing circumstances and to further expand the C-TIP sector’s evidence base and learning. Technical requests from Missions may be simple or complex, but responding quickly, clearly, and thoroughly is a core “field support” aim of the DRG Bureau and JRS Office, and is a key priority for the C-TIP Advisor.

2. Expand, maintain and reflect technical expertise on the effective use of development programs in line with the USG’s approach to: (1) Prevent human trafficking, (2) Protect victims and (3) Prosecute perpetrators, all accomplished through partnerships. In particular, the C-TIP Advisor will increase the DRG Center’s institutional capacity related to expanding access to justice, incorporating social and behavior change activities, and strengthening survivor- and trauma-informed approaches. This will involve engagement and convening of the broader DRG community of practice (including implementing partners and other practitioners), working with DRG’s Evidence and Learning Team to expand USAID’s evidence base through original research and literature reviews, and efforts to capture and document USAID Mission and individual DRG cadre experiences.

3. Translate technical expertise into tools and guidance that can be easily shared and absorbed by

USAID field staff. JRS is interested in developing or improving resources and research that help field staff diagnose human rights challenges, identify entry points for programming, examine circumstances under which various approaches are appropriate or not, assess levels of risk, or apply key evidence that DRG’s Learning Agenda has identified, among other purposes. While there are several ways in which DRG currently shares information with the field, we are looking to expand those modalities moving forward. Those may include C-TIP assessments and evaluations and the development and delivery of in-person or distance learning training modules, field guides, outreach and communication products, presentations among others.

4. Provide technical input on the use of flagship JRS Office resources, such as global programming mechanisms and JRS-managed incentive and contingency funds. The C-TIP Advisor will be asked to contribute to frequent technical discussions related to determining both the priorities and approaches for where and how these resources are applied.

5. Provide specific technical input into various USAID policy, planning and reporting processes and briefing materials on C-TIP issues for both internal and external audiences, when directed by the C-TIP team lead, and as appropriate. The C-TIP Advisor will advise leadership and colleagues on USAID’s C-TIP Policy and Code of Conduct, including programming, training, staffing, funding, and the process for contributing to the annual State Department Trafficking In Persons Report.

Responsibility for Decision Making The C-TIP Advisor will provide in-house technical expertise and experience, and will assist USAID Missions identify and address the unique C-TIP related human rights and development challenges facing their country contexts and assistance portfolios. The PSC will provide technical input and recommendations in response to USAID Missions’ requests for technical assistance in all phases of the USAID Program Cycle. This position will expand, maintain, and reflect technical expertise on the effective use of assistance programs to prevent human trafficking, protect survivors, prosecute perpetrators, and forge partnerships. This will include translating state-of-the-art technical expertise into tools and guidance that can be easily shared and absorbed by USAID field officers. It will also entail providing technical input on the use of flagship JRS Team field support resources, such as global programming mechanisms and JRS-managed Human Rights Grants Program (HRGP) funds.

The C-TIP Advisor will provide specific technical input into various USAID policy, planning and reporting processes and briefing materials on C-TIP issues for both internal and external audiences, when directed by the C-TIP Lead, and as appropriate.

Knowledge Level The C-TIP Advisor will have a Masters or law degree with significant study in a pertinent field, including but not limited to human rights, human trafficking, international development, or related, and at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, or with organizations that have an international focus related to counter-trafficking and/or human rights; OR a Bachelor’s degree in a pertinent field plus at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience working on counter trafficking-related issues in international development, or with organizations that have an international focus related to counter-trafficking and/or human rights. The successful candidate will have demonstrated work experience in the following areas:

• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, adapting, and evaluating development programs related to Countering Trafficking in Persons, particularly emphasizing efforts that engaged local partners (including survivor-centered approaches, raising awareness of human trafficking, expanding access to justice, protecting trafficking survivors, and building partnerships, and/or integrating C-TIP approaches into wider development efforts).

• Demonstrated experience with C-TIP or related policy work and/or coordination with internal and external partners (e.g., interagency, donor community, United Nations agencies or other multilateral organizations, and implementing partners).

Performance Guidelines Guidelines are broadly stated and non-specific, requiring extensive interpretation. The PSC is recognized as an expert technical advisor in the development and interpretation of C-TIP and human rights-related policy and guidance. Judgment and ingenuity is required to interpret the intent of guides and to develop applications/guidelines.

Complexity Duties vary that require different processes, methods, and substantial depth of analysis. The successful candidate will be required to support DRG leadership and Mission stakeholders in making decisions on largely undefined issues and elements that require extensive probing and analysis to determine the nature and scope of the problems. The successful candidate will support continuing efforts to establish concepts, theories or programs to resolve unyielding problems.

The PSC will require an ability to express and integrate human rights and C-TIP perspectives and expectations in relevant programs. The successful candidate’s responsibilities are complex in their need for technical expertise in conceptualizing strategies and designing evidence-based programs to support human rights protection in low and middle income countries. When requested, the PSC will represent the DRG Bureau except for communications that reflect a final policy, planning or budget decision.

Scope and Effect Work typically includes isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving critical problems, and developing major aspects of programs. The PSC will be responsible for assisting in the overall coordination of DRG’s CTIP portfolio and contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of rights-related assistance programs worldwide.

Level and Purpose of Contacts Contacts are with working-level officials outside of USAID. Contacts may include people from operations, technical, field staff, other bureaus within USAID and inter-agency such as the Department of State and Department of Labor, as well as with other donors who work on C-TIP and human rights.

The purpose of these contacts is to coordinate and support the programmatic direction and vision of USAID’s human rights portfolio. The PSC will work with contacts on issues of considerable importance, such as coordinating programs and drafting guidance.

Physical Demands The work is generally performed in an office environment, is sedentary, and does not pose undue physical demands. This position will require travel to respond to Missions’ human rights related requests/demands. There may be limited physical demands required in this position as related to travel to USAID Missions and USAID programs, where limited infrastructure exists in some countries.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education/Experience Required:

● Master’s or law degree with significant study in a pertinent field, including but not limited to human rights, human trafficking, international development, and at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in international development related to counter trafficking and/or human rights;

OR

● a Bachelor’s degree in a pertinent field plus at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience working on counter trafficking and/or human rights related issues in international development related to counter trafficking and/or human rights

AND

● Expertise must include development assistance that is in line with the USG’s 3Ps (Prevent, Protect and Prosecute) C-TIP framework and familiarity with the USG approach to combat TIP.

● Experience working or living overseas is preferred

● U.S. Citizenship

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

● Verification of academic credentials

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs).

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 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. References will be checked only for those candidates interviewed.

Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered not qualified for the position. The Offeror must:

● Be a U.S. Citizen. Note that dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship.

● Meet minimum educational and experience requirements. USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history.

● Provide a complete offer as described herein.

● Able to obtain a secret level security clearance. If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected candidate within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded.

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

If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months following submission of the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded.

● Verification of academic credentials

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs):

The following QRFs are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified Offerors.

1. Technical Expertise (60 points):

● 1.1 (40 points) Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, adapting, and evaluating development programs related to Countering Trafficking in Persons, particularly emphasizing efforts that engaged local partners (including survivor-centered approaches, raising awareness of human trafficking, expanding access to justice, protecting trafficking survivors, and building partnerships, and/or integrating C-TIP approaches into wider development efforts).

● 1.2 (20 points) Demonstrated experience with C-TIP or related policy work and/or coordination with internal and external partners (e.g., interagency, donor community, United Nations agencies or other multilateral organizations, and implementing partners).

2. Communication (20 points)

● 2.1 Demonstrated ability to orally communicate, present, and use public speaking skills effectively. Demonstrated ability in writing clearly and concisely with minimal editing or supervision.

● 2.2 Proven track record of quickly gathering, analyzing and synthesizing information for use by principals.

3. Teamwork and Professionalism (20 points)

● 3.1 Proven track-record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams, both as a team leader and as a team member. Diverse teams include those with members from various socio-economic, ethnic, and/or linguistic backgrounds, and/or those that include members from other historically under-represented groups.

● 3.2 Sound judgment and collegiality when working in environments with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and of diverse opinions.

Rating system is as follows:

1. Technical Expertise: 60 points

2. Communication: 20 points

3. Teamwork and Professionalism: 20 points

Total possible points: 100

BASIS OF RATING:

● Eligible offerors who meet the Minimum education/experience qualifications will be further evaluated based on scoring of the QRFs.

● Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors 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 Selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. Responses must be limited to 500 words per QRF. 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. The most qualified offeror(s) will be interviewed. Professional reference checks will be conducted only for offeror(s) who are interviewed. The interview and professional reference checks will be considered in the final scoring of the QRFs.

● 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.

○ While in person interviews are preferred, interviews by telephone or video may also be conducted.

○ Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by the offeror. 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.

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials is required prior to award.

○ The selected offeror will be required to submit official 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.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 4. No late applications will be accepted.

Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number and Offeror’s name on all submitted documents. Offerors are required to submit all of the below documents as separate attachments.

Offerors are required to submit:

1. Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit the offer using Form AID 309-

2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Unsigned forms will not be accepted.

2. A complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include:

● Paid and non-paid experience, job title, locations(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed.

● Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

● Names and contact information (phone and email) for your current and/or previous supervisor(s).

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

● U.S. Citizenship.

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 herein. At least one reference must be from a direct supervisor (current or prior). Submitted references must include the following:

● Name of reference.

● Offeror’s relationship to the reference.

● Title of reference at current job.

● Reference current telephone number.

● Reference current email address.

4. Supplemental document specifically addressing each of the three evaluation factors stated in the solicitation. The supplemental document must:

● Address each of the Evaluation and Selection Factors.

● Describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards the

Offeror has received that are relevant to each factor.

● Cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor.

● Contain no more than 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the 500-word limit will neither be read nor scored.

Additional documents submitted WILL NOT be accepted. Incomplete or late 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 http://www.usaid.gov/forms 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 maybe punishable by fine or imprisonment.

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)

4. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

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

Note Regarding Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and the System for Award Management (SAMs):

In accordance with FAR 4.1102 and ADS 309.3.1.13(b)(1), USPSCs must be registered in the SAMs prior to award. For general information about UEI numbers and SAM, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6 Unique Entity Identifier and FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management. Registration for a UEI number and SAMS is free. Offerors who fail to comply with this requirement or Offerors e name appears as an excluded party will be disqualified for award.

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) Annual and Sick Leave

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) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220) http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO

PSCs

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

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

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

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

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTIT

Y (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.

1 LOT $_TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTIT

Y (C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

R497] - Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

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

3. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

4. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work- usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

5. 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.

(a) AAPD 15-02, REVISED – Continuation of Deviation from the ‘Leave and Holidays’ clause, including Family and Medical Leave, for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (Deviation NOV 2023)

(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.

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

(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, 80-hour bi-weekly pay period, which will be prorated if the contract provides a shorter work schedule:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation

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 end of the leave year two years after the date fixed by the approving official as the termination date of the exceptional circumstances beyond the contractor's control, which resulted in the forfeiture; or

(ii) The end of the contract.

(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, 80-hour bi-weekly pay period, and the rate of accrual will be prorated if the contract provides a shorter work schedulek. 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. Any days of annual and sick leave taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories will not be counted toward the required twenty-four (24) months of service abroad.

(ii) The contractor must agree to return immediately after completing home leave to continue performance for an additional—

(A) Two (2) years, or (B Not less than one (1) year, if approved in writing by the Mission Director before the contractor departs on home leave.

(iii)If the contractor agrees to meet the conditions in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause above by returning to the same USAID Mission under this contract or a new contract, the contractor may be granted thirty (30) workdays of home leave.

(iv) If the contractor agrees to meet the continued performance conditions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause and will be relocating to a different USAID Mission under a new USAID personal services contract immediately following the completion of home leave, the contractor may be granted twenty (20) workdays of home leave. USAID will provide the contractor these twenty days of home leave under this contract, not under the new contract.

(v) If home leave eligibility is based on paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this clause, prior to departure on home leave, the contractor must submit to the contracting officer at the current Mission, a copy of the new contract with a special award condition in the contract Schedule indicating the contractor's obligation to fulfill the commitment for continued performance in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause.

(2) Notwithstanding the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause, the contractor may be granted advanced home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i) Granting of advanced home leave would serve in each case to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and

(ii) The contractor has served at least eighteen (18) months abroad, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) of this clause, at the same USAID Mission under this contract, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S.; and

(iii)The contractor agrees to return immediately to the same Mission to complete the time remaining to meet the twenty-four (24) month period of service required for home leave, which begins after the contractor returns from home leave, plus an additional—

(A) Two (2) years, or

(B) Not less than one (1) year, if approved by the Mission Director, under the current contract, or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission, before the contractor departs on home leave.

(3)

(i) Home leave must be taken only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories. Any days spent in any other location will be charged to annual leave, or if the contractor does not have accrued annual leave to cover these days, the contractor will be placed on LWOP.

(ii) Travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the home leave authorized under this “Leave and Holidays” clause. Salary during travel to and from the U.S. for home leave will be limited to the time required for travel by the most direct and expeditious route. Additional home leave travel requirements are included in the “Travel and Transportation Expenses” clause of this contract.

(iii)Except for reasons beyond the contractor's control as determined by the contracting officer, the contractor must return abroad immediately after home leave to fulfill the additional required continued performance of services for any home leave provided under this contract, or else the contractor must reimburse USAID for the salary and benefits costs of home leave, travel and transportation, and any other payments related to home leave.

(iv) Unused home leave is not reimbursable under this contract.

(4) The contracting officer may authorize the contractor to spend no more than five (5) days in work status for consultation at USAID/Washington while on home leave in the U.S., before returning abroad. Consultation in excess of five (5) days or at locations other than USAID/Washington must be approved in advance by the Mission Director or the contracting officer.

(d) Home Leave for Qualifying Posts (HLQP).

(1) If the contractor ordinarily qualifies for home leave and has completed a 12-month period at one of the USAID qualifying Missions, as announced by the Department of State or USAID, the contractor is entitled to ten (10) workdays of home leave in addition to the home leave the contractor is normally entitled to in accordance with paragraph (c) of this “Leave and Holidays” clause.

(2) There is no requirement that an eligible contractor take this additional home leave for qualifying Missions; it is for use at the contractor's option. If the contractor is eligible and elects to take such home leave, the contractor must take all ten (10) workdays at one time in the U.S. under the conditions described in paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) of this clause. If the contractor is returning to the U.S. and not returning abroad to the same or different USAID Mission, the contractor is not eligible for home leave for qualifying Missions, and this paragraph (d) will not apply.

(e) Holidays and Excused Absences.

The contractor is entitled to all holidays and administrative leave granted by USAID to U.S. direct-hire employees as announced by the Agency or Mission.

(f) Military Leave.

Military leave of not more than fifteen (15) calendar days in any calendar year may be granted to a contractor who is a reservist of the U.S. Armed Forces, provided that the military leave has been approved, in advance, by the contracting officer or the Mission Director. A copy of the contractor’s official orders and the contracting officer or Mission Director approval will be part of the contract file.

(g) Leave Without Pay (LWOP).

LWOP only with the written approval of the contracting officer or Mission Director, unless a such leave is requested for family and medical leave purposes under paragraph (i) of this clause.

(h) Compensatory Time.

USAID may grant compensatory time off only with the written approval of the contracting officer or Mission Director in rare instances when it has been determined absolutely essential and consistent with the policies that apply to USAID U.S.-direct hire employees. The contractor may use earned compensatory time off in accordance with policies that apply to USAID direct-hire employees.

(i) Family and Medical Leave (FML)

(1)(1) USAID provides family and medical leave for eligible USPSCs working within the U.S., or any territories or possession of the U.S., in accordance with Title I of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended (FMLA), and as administered by the Department of Labor under 29 CFR 825.

USAID also provides family and medical leave to eligible USPSCs working outside the U.S., or any territories or possession of the U.S., in accordance with this paragraph (i) outside the provisions of Title I of the FMLA as a matter of policy discretion.

(2) Family and medical leave only applies to USPSCs, not any other type of PSC.

(3) In accordance with 29 CFR 825.110, to be eligible for family and medical leave, the contractor must have--

(i) Been employed or under contract for at least twelve (12) months with a U.S. federal agency as a direct-hire or a personal services contractor; and

(ii) Performed at least 1,250 hours of service with a U.S. federal agency as a direct hire or a personal services contractor during the previous 12-month period immediately preceding the commencement of family and medical leave.

(4) In accordance with 29 CFR 825.200(a), and USAID's internal policies available in Automated

Directive System Chapter 309 (ADS 309), an eligible contractor may take up to twelve (12) workweeks of leave under FMLA, Title I, in any 12-month period for the reasons specified in 29

CFR 825.112.

(5) In accordance with 29 CFR part 825.207, the contractor may take LWOP for family and medical leave purposes. However, the contractor may choose to substitute LWOP with accrued annual or sick leave earned under the terms of this contract. If the contractor does not choose to substitute accrued paid leave, the contracting officer, in consultation with the contractor's supervisor, may require the contractor to substitute accrued paid leave for LWOP. The contracting officer must obtain the required certifications for approval of family medical leave in accordance with USAID policy.