DRG USPSC Internet Freedom Advisor Sol 7200AA24R00018.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA25R00018

ISSUANCE DATE: Dec 18, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: Jan 31, 2025, 9:00AM 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 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, Eileen Fanelli Contracting Officer

Solicitation No. 7200AA25R00018 USPSC-Internet Freedom Advisor

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA25R00018

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 18, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 31, 2025, 9:00AM EST

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Internet Freedom Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $139,395-$181,216 per year, equivalent to GS-14 including Washington, D.C.

Locality Pay.

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

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, estimated to start on or about 05/01/2025. Start date will be dependent on issuance of security clearance. The applicant must be available to start 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: 05/01/2025-04/30/2027 Option Period 1: 05/01/2027-04/30/2028 Option Period 2: 05/01/2028-04/30/2029 Option Period 3: 05/01/2029-04/30/2030

8. 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.

Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for a place of performance in the U.S.

A USPSC, may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, and only in accordance with USAID policy.

This position has been designated as suitable for remote work, and therefore the contractor will be authorized to perform the services of this contract from an alternative worksite. The location of the alternative worksite for remote work may affect the contractor’s compensation, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract and USAID policy.

mailto:mkwaw@usaid.gov

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to all US Citizen or a US Resident Alien (green card holder).

10. SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

This position is part of the CLM Office in the DRG Bureau, which focuses on promoting democratic governance, driving relevant research, and supporting over 90 field missions worldwide to develop and implement programs. USAID’s DRG sector includes support for good governance, rule of law, elections and political processes, civil society and media, human rights, and other DRG fields.

USAID currently manages over $1.7 billion a year on a broad range of democracy programs covering justice, human rights, citizen security, civil society, media, local government, legislatures, constitutional reform, political parties, elections, anti-corruption, and anti-trafficking in persons. These efforts are critical to improve government effectiveness, accountability, transparency and legitimacy, and to ensure citizens are empowered to play a role in public affairs and the decisions that affect their daily lives. They also underpin the sustainability of the Agency’s socio-economic development sectors. The DRG Bureau leads the Agency in supporting overall efforts to advance democracy, human rights, and governance.

The DRG Bureau’s annual budget is over $268 million, with over 150 staff, comprising U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs), contractors, and Fellows. The DRG Bureau currently has nine technical offices: Management and Cadre Support (MCS); Civil Society, Labor and Media (CLM); Anti-Corruption Center; Global Trends and Technology (GTT); Democratic Elections and Political Processes (EPP); Governance (GOV); Justice, Rights, and Security (JRS); Policy, Learning, and Integration (PLI); and Program Office. The DRG Bureau’s goal is to lead USAID’s efforts to invigorate democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development. The DRG Bureau 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.

The DRG/CLM Office provides technical leadership and support on strengthening capacity, effectiveness, and sustainability of civil society, media, and labor to USAID Missions and Washington Bureaus, other USG entities, and the broader DRG community. This office supports specific USAID development programs that promote respect for the freedoms of association, assembly, and expression, including those that advance internet freedom, positive youth development and digital democracy, and promote healthy information ecosystems. The functions of the DRG Bureau and the CLM Office are described in USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) ADS 101.

The world is facing an evolving landscape for civil society, youth, labor, and media, including the impacts of the COVID pandemic, climate change, authoritarian incursions on freedom of association, technology and the platform economy.

USAID seeks a development professional who is a subject matter expert on internet freedom. This position is located in the DRG Bureau. As a direct report to the CLM Office Director, or their designee, the Internet Freedom Advisor provides support to the CLM Office, other DRG Bureau offices, USAID Missions, and the Agency to advance thinking and approaches regarding internet freedom programming as they relate to civil society, media, and democratic systems. The Internet Freedom Advisor will support the civil society team to integrate their respective issues with broader USAID development objectives to elevate internet freedom issues within the Agency and enhance the impact of USAID programming across sectors. The Advisor will also advance the DRG Bureau’s learning efforts to address gaps in knowledge, identify issues and trends, and collect best practices relevant to programming.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Internet Freedom Advisor will be a subject matter expert on internet freedom, globally across multiple sectors, who demonstrates a keen sense of discernment and the ability to exercise sound judgment in a fast-moving environment. The Internet Freedom Advisor will demonstrate a track record of navigating challenges with a strategic and thoughtful approach and is expected to take initiative and show innovation and resourcefulness in recommending new or improved approaches.

The Internet Freedom Advisor will have strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills and a willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment. The Internet Freedom Advisor will demonstrate sensitivity to others, balanced judgment, and an inclusive approach to teamwork. The Internet Freedom Advisor will have the ability to work in a fast-paced, fluid environment, re-prioritizing actions and adjusting workload as needed.

The Internet Freedom Advisor position includes the following responsibilities:

a. Program Planning and Design, Policy Development, and Management

a. Serves as Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR), Alternate AOR, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Alternate COR, and/or activity manager for DRG Bureau programs.

i. Reviews and provides feedback and guidance on annual work plans, implementing partner reports, and budgets, in accordance with USAID policies and procedures.

ii. Maintains award files using Agency systems and ensures compliance with award management requirements.

iii. Serves as a primary liaison with implementing partners and ensures projects meet objectives.

iv. Coordinates programming with intra-agency, inter-agency, and other donors.

Collaborates with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance on award management issues.

v. Successfully completes a required certification program in accordance with Agency policy to serve as AOR/COR.

b. Reports on indicators and budget requests through standard Agency processes including the Operational Plan, Congressional Notifications, and the Performance Plan and

Report.

c. Provides cutting edge technical support to Missions and Washington operating units on key issues regarding internet freedom. This can include support for assessments and/or new activity design; drafting relevant documents; monitoring, learning and evaluation;

and assisting in the review and selection of programming.

d. Advances USAID strategy to include developing and advocating for the inclusion of approaches informed by evidence and the latest thinking on civil society and internet freedom issues.

e. Liaises with colleagues across the Agency and the inter-agency as appropriate to inform and strengthen the DRG Bureau’s approaches as they relate to DRG issues.

f. Supports USAID’s participation in meetings with USG agencies and key stakeholders on internet freedom-related issues.

i. Assists the Civil Society Team and other DRG Bureau staff with briefings as appropriate to Congress, the National Security Council, State Department, and donors on USAID internet freedom programming and civil society and civic space issues in key countries.

ii. Prepare talking points, speeches, and other briefing materials on issues related to internet freedom issues as needed.

iii. Collaborates with USDH employees on clearance of communications that reflect a final policy, planning, or budget decision of the Agency.

b. Learning and Capacity-Building

a. Supports the CLM Civil Society Team to incorporate technical, contextual, and experiential approaches regarding internet freedom as they relate to DRG technical issues and programming with USAID Missions and across the DRG sector, the Agency and interagency.

b. Executes tasks to support the CLM Civil Society Team’s efforts to advance the DRG Bureau’s research and learning agenda on issues related to internet freedom, including collating existing quantitative and qualitative data, identifying data gaps, and supporting a strategy and implementation plan to fill them.

c. Manages, tracks, and reports progress on the DRG Learning Agenda related to internet freedom rights and related issues.

d. Researches and assesses think tank, academic, implementing partner, donor and other resources to produce technical guidance on best practices, evaluation findings, and new innovations in internet freedom, civil society and/or related subjects, including developing programming toolkits and guides, evaluations of interventions, training, e-learning, workshops, and facilitated learning conversations as appropriate, and integrating other capacity building opportunities in the implementation of DRG programming.

c. Teamwork/Customer Service

a. Works effectively and collaboratively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

b. Utilizes strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships within the team as well as with other teams, OUs and Missions;

c. Creates collaborative and collegial environment; shows sensitivity to others; and uses balanced judgment.

d. Supports the work of the DRG Bureau by providing internet freedom-related input into responses to requests for information; backstopping specific country DRG programs;

integrating issues into DRG objectives; participating on regional teams; and participating on intra-Bureau and intra-agency task forces and working groups.

e. Assists with DRG Bureau-wide projects, initiatives, and activities, as needed.

d. Degree of Responsibility for Decision-Making Assigned to the Position

The Internet Freedom Advisor is a subject matter expert on internet freedom--related development issues.

The Internet Freedom Advisor position advises USAID Missions and Washington Operating Units on issues including, but not limited to internet freedom. In particular, this includes (1) fostering an open, secure, reliable, and interoperable global internet, and (2) protecting human rights in digital contexts, particularly freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, and the right to privacy and the free flow of information. The advisor shall possess the relevant skills to craft and adapt development programs to address these issues. This position advances the CLM Office’s efforts to address the gap in knowledge and capacities around existing and emerging technologies related to internet freedom, and data for stakeholders in government and civil society. The Internet Freedom Advisor carries out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's broader civil society approaches and priorities in collaboration with the members across the CLM Office, including contributing to research; programming; training; monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL); and policy. The Advisor will perform their duties under administrative direction from the Supervisor of the CLM Office Director and in technical consultation with the Civil Society Team, with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in areas such as program and project management.

e. Knowledge Level Required by the Position

The Internet Freedom Advisor is a subject matter expert on internet freedom, including issues related to human rights in digital contexts, digital security, promoting access to the unrestricted internet, real-world impacts of digital repression (such as legal, mental health, and physical security issues), and/or other issues impacting the internet freedom sector. The Internet Freedom Advisor will also demonstrate expertise on the impact of digital technologies on civic space.

The Internet Freedom Advisor understands development program management principles. The incumbent will be adept at assessing unique cultural and political contexts to develop and adapt programming approaches appropriate to complex circumstances. USAID will rely on the Internet Freedom Advisor to provide evidence-based recommendations, guidance, and solutions to development challenges, including the management of inter-agency priorities and the various needs of host-country stakeholders.

f. Supervisory Controls by the Position

The Internet Freedom Advisor supervisor is the CLM Office Director or their designee. The Internet Freedom Advisor serves as a member of the CLM Civil Society Team and CLM Office, and as appropriate, coordinates with other USAID operating units as a representative of the DRG Bureau and the CLM Office. The Supervisor sets overall objectives. The Supervisor and the Internet Freedom Advisor will develop a work plan. As a subject matter expert, the Internet Freedom Advisor independently plans, designs and carries out activities, studies and programs/projects. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements, or expected results. The Internet Freedom Advisor develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating work with others as necessary. The Advisor interprets policy in terms of established objectives and keeps their supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and of potentially controversial matters.

g. Performance Guidelines for Required Work

The Internet Freedom Advisor uses initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional methods or in researching patterns and trends to develop new methods, criteria or proposed policies. The Internet Freedom Advisor must have specialized expertise in internet freedom issues as they apply to DRG objectives and/or international development more generally.

Assignments are generally received in terms of general objectives and priority actions involving CLM programming or agency tasks related to civil society and civic space programming or policy issues. Administrative policies and precedents are applicable but are stated in general terms (i.e Agency policy). Guidelines are scarce or of limited use. Pertinent sources of information consist of the DRG Bureau Annual Report, the DRG Bureau’s Users Guide, the DRG Strategy, the Department of State and USAID Joint Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026, and USAID Agency rules and regulations.

h. Level of Complexity for Work Assignments

The Internet Freedom Advisor works in an office and occasional field setting with other colleagues. The Advisor has the ability to work in a fast-paced, fluid environment, re-prioritizing actions and adjusting workload as needed.

The Internet Freedom Advisor undertakes a wide range of duties that require the exercise of judgment, the interpretation of policies and practices, and their relevance to a new problem or situation. Decisions that must be made involve major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, interpretation and evaluating processes. The Advisor typically identifies and develops methods to resolve problems or cope with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal program goals and objectives. The Internet Freedom Advisor carries out a diverse set of work assignments related to USAID's approaches with little technical oversight but significant consultation, including research; programming; training; and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL). The Advisor will assist in providing cutting edge https://www.usaid.gov/results-and-data/planning/joint-strategic-plan/fy-2022-2026 technical support to Missions and Washington operating units on internet freedom issues as they relate to civil society, development outcomes, democratic systems, and related issues. The Internet Freedom Advisor is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

i. Scope and Effect of the Work Performed

The Internet Freedom Advisor contributes to the CLM research agenda as one of the DRG Bureau’s recognized subject matter experts on internet freedom. In collaboration with the Civil Society Team, the Internet Freedom Advisor applies state-of-the-art knowledge of internet freedom-related academic research, issues, and trends, to advance knowledge and enhance the work of the CLM Office, the DRG Bureau, and the Missions that we serve. The Internet Freedom Advisor applies the latest research to internet freedom training for Agency staff and supports the delivery of these trainings. The Advisor will lead and support efforts regarding project design, implementation, monitoring, learning and evaluation. The Internet Freedom Advisor work involves establishing criteria, formulating projects, assessing program effectiveness, or investigating or analyzing a variety of unusual conditions, problems or questions. The Advisor supports team members to establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and contribute to analysis on the landscape impacting USAID’s work. The Internet Freedom Advisor work outputs support both Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community.

Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming, require the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

j. Level and Purpose of Professional Contacts

Professional contacts are with individuals or groups from inside and outside of the agency who work on internet freedom issues and related topics. The Internet Freedom Advisor is responsible for liaising with a variety of Agency and external actors in order to ensure efficacious use of DRG programming assistance resources. This includes implementing partners, interagency and intra-agency entities, other donors, and external stakeholders as appropriate to the subject matter. The Internet Freedom Advisor will engage with a variety of individuals and groups from USAID including DRG Bureau leadership and Mission leadership - typically through meetings, calls, and consultations (on an as-needed, as-appropriate basis) - as an important step in advancing USAID’s approach, research agenda, and programmatic priorities related to internet freedom issues.

Contacts are generally for the purpose of information-sharing, program coordination and collaboration, policy implementation, identification of opportunities and constraints to cross-cutting programs, exchanging best practices, joint field support and training, and coordination on research platforms and monitoring and evaluation systems. The Internet Freedom Advisor enhances and coordinates effective working relationships across sectorial lines, identifying important areas of interaction and impact between program areas and ensuring that programs are managed to gain the greatest possible benefit from such interactions. The Advisor must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information.

k. Supervision or oversight the position has over others: None

l. Travel requirements, if any, including an estimate: The PSC should expect to spend up to 25% of their time on temporary duty travel (TDY) assignments.

m. Support Items: The PSC will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work as this position has been designated as Remote Eligible within the United States.

12. Physical Demands

The work does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

● Master’s degree or higher degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution with study in a pertinent field, such as: international relations, public policy, sociology, law, economics, or other social science.

● Eight (8) years of experience in international development work relevant to internet freedom. This must include:

o Two (2) years of overseas experience in global majority country contexts, either virtual or in-person.

OR

● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution, preferably in the social sciences or other relevant field.

● Ten (10) years of experience in international development work relevant to internet freedom. This must include:

o Two (2) years of overseas experience in developing country contexts, either virtual or in-person.

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 or a US Resident Alien (green card holder);

• USPSC Application Form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through

I. This form must be physically signed. Typed signatures will not be accepted;

• USPSC Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification;

• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

• Professional references;

• Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors;

• Ability to obtain and maintain a FACILITIES ACCESS level security clearance as required by

USAID. 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; and

• 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 following Quality Ranking Factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors:

1. Technical Expertise (30 points):

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to analysis and provide recommendations on a wide-range of issues concerning internet freedom.

• Demonstrated experience with and/or awareness of cutting edge research and best practices regarding internet freedom issues as it relates to DRG programming.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to developing capacity building materials.

• Experience in global majority country contexts.

2. Program Management Experience (30 points)

• Demonstrated experience in developing DRG programs relevant to internet freedom including program design and procurement.

• Demonstrated experience managing and monitoring DRG programs relevant to internet freedom such as the implementation of programs, tracking budgets, and reporting on progress.

• Demonstrated experience with program assessments and/or evaluations.

• Experience in global majority country contexts.

3. Communication (20 points)

● Demonstrated experience communicating orally to internal and external stakeholders, and to a range of audiences at various levels (e.g., senior officials, peers, and non-technical audiences).

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

● Demonstrated experience contributing to the analysis and synthesis of information for use by principals by producing written materials such as briefers, memos, and talking points.

4. Teamwork (20 points)

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

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and constructively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions and promoting inclusive work environments.

Rating system is as follows:

1. Technical Expertise: 30 points

2. Program Management Experience: 30 points

3. Communication: 20 points

4. Teamwork: 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 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. The most qualified offeror(s) will be interviewed. Professional reference checks will be conducted for offeror(s) who are interviewed. 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. The interview and professional reference checks will be considered in the final scoring of the QRFs and may result in a revision of scores.

● 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.

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

○ The selected offeror is 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://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

● The selected offeror will be required to obtain a Facility Access 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:

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. Typed electronic signatures, including typed in a script font, will not be accepted.

2. Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award.

o For the Apparently Successful Offeror: If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor (RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror.

o Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be https://www.naces.org/members https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ http://www.usaid.gov/forms https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SoLv-MWLAh_LjzScO5mqm965DdTqE3lCPpIZVPis0JQ/edit eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

Per PEB 24-01, “Personal Services Contractors (PSC) Practices Related to Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace”:

USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy at ADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

By acceptance of the contract, the contractor acknowledges having read, and agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures.

3. Complete resume in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. 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.

4. 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:

(a) Name of reference.

(b) Offeror’s relationship to the reference.

(c) Title of reference at current job.

(d) Reference current telephone number.

(e) Reference current email address.

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113

3. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. The supplemental document must:

(a) Address each of the Quality Ranking Factors.

(b) Cite specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the Offeror has received that are relevant to each factor.

(c) Describe specific, illustrative examples for each factor to add additional context to information presented in the resume.

(d) Contain no more than 500 words per factor. 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. Late offers will not be considered and will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all 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.

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. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

3. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

4. Emergency Locator (AID 450-1)

5. Fair Credit Reporting Act (AID 500-4)

6. Federal Tax Form(s) (W-4)

7. State Tax Form(s)

8. Direct Deposit Information

9. USAID Acquisitions & Assistance Vendor Request Form

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.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://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.

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) 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/ads/policy/300/aidar.

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

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

3. See 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.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

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-24-3c

10. 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 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations 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 2023)

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

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation

0 to 3 years Four hours of leave for each two-week period over 3, and up to 15 years Six hours of AL for each two-week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two-week period

(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) 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.