DRG USPSC Sol_7200AA24R00072 (Supervisory Democracy Officer)_5.22.24 FE.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00072

ISSUANCE DATE: May 22, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 20,2024 at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (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.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and underrepresented 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 costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an offer.

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

Sincerely, Mir Ershadullah Contracting Officer

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

Solicitation # 7200AA24R00072 USPSC – Democracy Officer

Attachment 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 7200AA24R00072

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 05/22/2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 6/20/2024 at 2 PM

EDT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Preeti Pancholi, e-mail: ppancholi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Democracy Officer (up to six positions available)

6. MARKET VALUE: $163,964 - $191,900 equivalent to GS-15; Washington, D.C.

locality pay.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs is based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

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

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Intermittent - Two-year Base Period, with up to three one-year Option Periods, estimated to start on within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. The Personal Services Contractor hired under this contract will provide a minimum activation of 20 workdays to a maximum activation of 250 workdays on an annual basis. Duration of deployments are medium-term assignments, generally two (2) to ten (10) months. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for one year, not to exceed a total of five years including all option periods, for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: TBD

Option Period 1: TBD

Option Period 2: TBD

Option Period 3 TBD

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) Citizens mailto:ppancholi@usaid.gov

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret and up to Top Secret Security Clearance as provided by USAID based on programmatic needs.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. Recommended position title: Supervisory Democracy Officer

B. Organizational unit within the Agency: Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, (DRG) Management and Cadre Support Office (MCS) DRG/MCS

C. Official location or post of duty where the work is performed: Overseas, various locations, Washington DC, locations TBD

D. Position title and grade of the direct supervisor: Program Manager of the Tiger Team (M/MS/OMD), or designee, and while on assignment, Chief of Mission, Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director or designee.

E. Brief overview of the program and the role of the position within the program:

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

USAID currently manages over $1.7 billion a year on a broad range of democracy programs.

The DRG Bureau is the lead for the Agency in supporting overall efforts to advance DRG.

These efforts are critical to invigorate democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development.

The DRG Bureau's annual budget is over $268.8 million, with a staff of over 206, composed of U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs), contractors, and Fellows. The DRG Bureau currently has eight technical offices and one center: Anti-Corruption Center (ACC), Office of Civil Society, Labor, and Media (CLM), Office of Elections and Political Processes (EPP), Global Trends and Technology (GTT) Office, Office of Governance (GOV), Office of Justice, Rights, and Security (JRS), Management and Cadre Support (MCS) Office, Office of Policy, Learning, and Integration (PLI), and the Program Office (PO). USAID’s DRG’s vision is of a world where freedom is flourishing and democracy delivers for all. Its mission 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 Bureau achieves this by shaping policy and development agendas, generating knowledge and evidence that drives innovation, catalyzing partnerships and coalitions, and mobilizing cutting-edge programs and technical assistance to enable USAID’s Missions and partners to accelerate democratic development globally.

The MCS Office serves as the hub for management support and engagement with USAID’s global DRG staff (the “cadre”), by promoting resilience, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, as well as professional development for DRG staff across all hiring mechanisms. In addition to broad support to the cadre, this office houses the Backstop 76 (BS-76) Coordinator for Foreign Service Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding Officers.

In coordination with the Management, Management Services, Overseas Management Division (M/MS/OMD), the DRG Bureau’s MCS Office is hiring six Supervisory Democracy Officers under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC) to serve on an intermittent basis to provide rapid response to urgent demands, additional specialized skills, or requests for services that cannot otherwise be accomplished in a country where personnel have been displaced due to security issues, or where there has been a surge of activity that exceeds the Mission’s capacity. The USPSCs will be a part of the “Tiger Team '' and those serving in the Tiger Team must be prepared to work abroad in USAID missions, often with little time for preparations. DRG/MCS intends to contract for these services for a minimum activation of 20 workdays to a maximum activation of 250 workdays during each contract year. Duration of deployments are medium-term assignments, generally two (2) to ten (10) months.

This position is located in USAID Overseas Missions and is subject to the Chief of Mission Authority. The successful offeror(s) will be a part of the DRG Tiger Team and must be prepared to work abroad in USAID missions and embassies, often with little time for preparations.

F. Duties and Responsibilities

1. Describe the work to be performed in objective, mission-oriented terms, with specific tasks and duties:

The Supervisory Democracy Officer is a key advisor, skilled in applying strategic planning and policy formulation tools to develop and implement Democracy, Human Rights, Governance (DRG) and Crisis Stabilization programming. The Supervisory Democracy Officer serves as an expert and coordinator across different DRG programs and is responsible for the development and management of programs within a Mission’s democracy, human rights, and governance portfolio and provides policy recommendations and technical advice to high level officials within USAID, on both technical, country, regional and Agency-wide policy priorities related to democracy, human rights, and governance. The Supervisory Democracy Officer should have knowledge and experience in a variety of DRG and conflict and stabilization subsectors including: Democratic Elections and Political Processes;

Governance; Anti-Corruption; Countering Authoritarianism; Civil Society and Media;

Justice/Rule of Law, Human Rights, and Security; Countering Trafficking in Persons;

Countering/Preventing Violent Extremism; Atrocity Prevention; Gender-Based Violence;

Women Peace, and Security; Tribal and Communal Conflict; Children, Youth, and Conflict, and Citizen Security related to crime and violence prevention. The position is based on Mission needs and includes frequent travel to developing countries in all regions. The

Supervisory Democracy Officer’s position includes the following responsibilities with minimal day to day technical direction and supervision:

Program Planning and Design, Policy Development, and Management

● Guide Mission initiatives by working closely with implementing partners and counterpart officials at the level of Ministers and below to ensure that: a) USAID Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) programs deliver on their commitments in relevant sub sector areas b) new opportunities are identified and followed-up to expand and deepen USAID’s democracy assistance at the Mission, and c) the DRG Office is positioned to respond to new challenges within the country context, including but not limited to democratic backsliding and conflict.

● Provide technical advice for the identification of linkages of all activities in the Mission’s DRG portfolio with other components of the Mission’s portfolio and help manage the Mission’s senior contacts within the country’s civil, political, and business spheres within the USG Mission – as related to USAID’s democracy priorities.

● Design, procure and manage cutting-edge DRG programs in the areas including local governance, rule of law, anti-corruption, conflict mitigation, public sector development, legislative strengthening and civil society and other DRG programming.

● Complete design and procurement documents and supervise (or directly carry out) day to day responsibilities of a COR/AOR including approval of work plans and vouchers, carry out site visits and provide technical oversight and guidance to ensure that activities achieve their intended results within budget.

● Contribute to completion of annual reports, key internal reports and processes, and budget requests.

● Provide policy recommendations and technical advice to high level (Mission Director and above) officials within USAID, on both technical, country, regional and Agency-wide policy priorities related to DRG.

● Coordinate DRG activities with other Offices and USG Agencies.

● Comment on relevant sections of proposed legislation and prepare or review position papers, reports and other documents when requested.

Learning and Capacity-Building

● Research and evaluate intellectual think tank, academic, implementing partner, donor, and other resources which can be concentrated on, identifying concepts and solutions to critical problems in DRG. Relate such findings and knowledge to the development of programs, lessons learned, and policy formulation.

● Continually review worldwide political realities, institutional changes and expectations, and applicable research on sustainable development within the DRG arena and those of other development sectors relevant to cross-cutting programs and effectively apply the results to USAID assistance programs.

● Provide policy and program guidance ensuring that the Mission is kept abreast of key Washington reforms and field-based innovative approaches that directly impact DRG and other development conditions in targeted countries. Advise the Mission on how to ensure that program content is tailored to local context and assist in the design and implementation of projects to advance these reforms, innovative and locally-informed approaches.

Outreach, Relationship Building, Mentorship

● Coordinate with high ranking officials in other donor agencies on the content and approach of their DRG strategies and programs and particularly on cross-cutting work within DRG sectors, such as governance, rule of law, and anti-corruption,

● Meet with implementing partners to share promising practices and state-of-the-art techniques to advance DRG objectives in the country.

● Enhance and coordinate effective working relationships across sectoral 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 interaction.

● Tiger Team intermittent Supervisory Democracy Officers, from time to time, will assume the role of mentor to local hire staff or foreign service staff working in missions, providing training and guidance in order to meet the following objectives:

○ Improve and expand technical subject matter expertise in BS-76.

○ Obtain an in-depth understanding of the functions in relation to US foreign assistance delivery, concentrating on USAID’s structure and functions both internally and externally with implementers, host country governments and other donors.

○ Experience and gain an understanding of the overseas work environment and institutional culture of USAID.

○ Strengthen intercultural skills both within the workplace and the local environment.

○ Expand management and leadership skills.

○ Mentor, and guide DRG teams in strengthening individual and organizational mental health resilience including leaders, supervisors, and managers in managing emergency response preparations of DRG teams in backsliding democracies, closed and closing spaces and increasingly authoritarian environments.

● Support professional development, leadership and advancement opportunities for staff. Additionally, mentor and guide staff in managing emergency response preparations for ensuring their safety, security, mental health resilience and well being for risk mitigation, prevention, and response in backsliding democracies, closed and closing spaces.

● Mentor and guide CORs and AORs in risk mitigation, prevention, and response for ensuring safety, security, and well being of DRG Implementing Partners (IPs) and Program Participants (PPs) in closed and closing spaces.

2. Address each of the following characteristics in the duties and responsibilities:

a. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The successful offeror(s) perform under general administrative direction with wide latitude to exercise independent judgment. The successful offeror(s) typically serve as the highest-level decision maker responsible for approving policies with agency-wide impact, or comparable work of marked difficulty and national significance. The successful offeror(s) serve on the USAID Mission’s Senior Leadership Teams on developing program and policy issues. Within the established parameters, the successful offeror(s) will coordinate with USAID Missions and the US Embassy Senior Officials to implement programs, policies, and initiatives. The successful offeror(s) will exercise independent judgment in negotiating programs, project agreements with governmental and non-governmental counterparts; as well as advise the Ambassador, Mission Leadership, and/or USAID Washington on developments, crisis, or conflict issues relevant to USAID.

b. Level of complexity for work assignments: At the GS-15 level, duties are significantly varied requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods applied to a broad range of problems requiring substantial depth of analysis; decisions involve largely undefined areas and issues and require extensive probing and analysis to determine the scope of the problem.

a. Within the guidelines provided by the USAID/Mission, negotiate program and project agreements with governmental and non-governmental counterparts; and

b. Manage the development and implementation of programs that support country development objectives as defined by the Mission, Embassy, and USG interagency.

c. Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring support for the DRG team for improved individual and organizational resilience (particularly in backsliding democracies)

c. Knowledge level required: At the GS-15 level, the successful offeror(s) has mastery of a professional or administrative field to apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods. The successful offeror(s) makes decisions or recommendations that significantly change important policies or programs.

Including:

a. Providing guidance on the plans and activities of Mission portfolios.

b. Leading strategy development outlining future planning and vision in the formulation and implementation of Mission programs.

c. Representing USAID client mission interests in liaison with other

USAID divisions, the State Department, Interagency partners, external organizations, and implementers to ensure consistent programs and policy directions.

d. Supervisory Controls: The Supervisory Democracy Officer will take direction from and will report to the Program Manager of the Tiger Team DRG/MCS or designee, and while on assignment, Chief of Mission, Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director or his/her designee. During deployment, the supervisor at the USAID mission will set overall objectives and provide technical direction and day-to-day supervision. The successful offeror(s) and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and other assigned work, which is subject to mission approval and consistent with mission objectives, policies, and protocols. The successful offeror(s) are expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage tasks with minimal supervision while remaining in line with agreed upon work plans, overall mission objectives and supervision. For the purpose of contract, personnel, training, or general administrative matters, the Tiger Team Program Manager (Washington, D.C.) or designee will provide direction and oversight.

e. Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements: Judgment and ingenuity are required to interpret the intent of guides and to develop applications/guidelines.

a. Fill critical staffing leadership and requirements in the field, and on-call technical assistance, however they may not be delegated authority to make a final decision on personnel selection; and

b. Oversees FSN and PSC staff at post while working with and monitoring implementing partner organizations; and

c. Monitor and evaluate development programs, individual projects, and contractor and grantee performance.

f. Scope and effect of the work performed: The Supervisory Democracy Officer is a key advisor, skilled in applying strategic planning and policy formulation tools to develop and implement Democracy, Human Rights, Governance (DRG) and Crisis stabilization programming. The Supervisory Democracy Officer serves as an expert and coordinator across different DRG programs and is responsible for development and management of programs within a Mission’s democracy, human rights, and governance portfolio and provides policy recommendations and technical advice to high level officials within USAID, on both technical, country, regional and Agency-wide policy priorities related to democracy, human rights, and governance. The Democracy Officer should have knowledge and experience in a variety of DRG and conflict and stabilization sub sectors including: Democratic Elections and Political Processes; Governance; Anti-Corruption; Countering Authoritarianism; Civil Society and Media; Justice/Rule of Law, Human Rights, and Security; Countering Trafficking in Persons;

Countering/Preventing Violent Extremism; Atrocity Prevention; Gender- Based Violence; Women Peace, and Security; Tribal and Communal Conflict;

Children, Youth, and Conflict, and Citizen Security related to crime and violence prevention.

g. Level and purpose of contacts: The people contacted by the successful offeror(s) typically have diverse viewpoints, goals and objectives including U.S. Government agencies. The successful offeror(s) are required to achieve a common understanding among the various parties and propose satisfactory solutions, which address their various objectives in implementing programs.

The successful offeror(s) will justify, defend, and settle matters involving significant and controversial issues. The successful offeror(s) will engage in active participation in conferences, meetings, hearings or presentations involving problems of considerable consequence or importance, resulting in resolution through compromise and negotiation.

h. Supervision or oversight the position has over others (address the number and level of subordinates, and the degree of supervisory responsibility, if any):

These PSCs can be placed in various levels of leadership and will likely be asked to monitor and supervise FSNs and other PSCs as needed.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office setting, though the successful offeror(s) are likely to be assigned to areas where site visits and extraordinary travel time is involved and that may entail working out of temporary duty residences or hotel rooms. The successful offeror(s) will travel as a U.S. government employee and is subject to Chief of Mission authority. As such, the successful offeror(s) will be expected to conform to all embassy and/or USAID mission policies and procedures at the assignment location regarding housing, work hours, diplomatic protocols, and security. The successful offeror(s) may be required to staff field offices or other locations off-site of the USAID mission or embassy. Many of the overseas environments in which the successful offeror(s) may be required to work present a health risk such as: extreme air pollution, lack of potable water, or presence of waterborne and other communicable diseases.

Special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, exposure to severe weather conditions, working in non-permissive environments, restrictions on movement and/or evacuations of a USAID mission or embassy may occur.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education/Experience:

The minimum qualifications determine basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

At the GS-15 Equivalent Level:

● Bachelor's Degree with at least twelve (12) years of progressively responsible work experience in international development with eight (8) years of relevant overseas experience working with US missions or the US government overseas.

OR

● Master’s Degree with at least nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience in international development with six (6) years of relevant overseas experience working with US missions, or with the US government overseas.

● Must be a U.S. Citizen

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Selection Factors

Selection factors determine basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do no meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen

● USPSC Application Form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic/typed signatures will not be accepted;

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

● Professional references;

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors;

● Ability to obtain a Secret and up to Top Secret Security Clearance level security clearance within a nine month period after offeror acceptance. 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;

● 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.

Each sub-factor will be weighted equally within the rating factor. The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will select candidates to interview based on a preliminary review of applications. References will be checked only for those candidates interviewed.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. Upon completion of interviews and reference checks, TEC members will revise their scores for those candidates.

The Evaluation Factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.

Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

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

The candidate with the highest overall score will be selected based on the criteria below.

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) In a separate document, offerors must address each Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed below to demonstrate how they meet each factor, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and /or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Each factor response is limited to no more than 500 words. Please provide a word count after each response. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Offerors should include their name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

QRF 1: Technical Expertise (20 points)

● Demonstrated ability to lead and contribute to analysis of programming and mission operations and to provide recommendations on a wide-range of issues concerning DRG development issues such as but not limited to: governance, anti-corruption, justice and human rights, civil society, media, labor, rule of law, countering trafficking in persons, and democratic resilience.

QRF 2: DRG Program Management Experience (30 points)

● Demonstrated experience in developing, managing and monitoring DRG programs including program assessment and design, program management (implementation, monitoring and evaluation), adaptive management; and experience with and awareness of best practices in the DRG space.

QRF 3: Communication (25 points)

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

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

QRF 4: Teamwork/Customer Service (25 points)

● Proven track-record of working effectively and collaboratively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

● Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; and balanced judgment.

BASIS OF RATING

Offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factors, which will consider the offeror’s responses to the Evaluation Factors as well as information provided in other offer materials (e.g., form AID 309-2, resume). The most qualified offeror(s) will be interviewed. 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. Professional references and academic credentials will be conducted only 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. Reference checks will be used to further clarify the applicant’s relevant technical expertise, DRG program management experience, communication, and teamwork/customer service skills. 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 and the offeror will be assigned a “neutral” rating for professional references. The interview and professional reference checks will be evaluated in the final scoring.

Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:

1. Technical Expertise: 20 points

2. DRG Program Management Experience: 30 points

3. Communication: 25 points

4. Teamwork/Customer Service: 25 points

5. Interview: 20 points

Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned).

Total possible points: 120 points

Offerors may be requested to submit official academic transcripts or other certification showing that the offeror has obtained the required education level. Satisfactory verification of academic credentials is required prior to receiving an offer. 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. USAID reserves the right to select additional offerors to fill possible future vacant positions if vacancies become available during the selection process.

The selected offeror will be required to obtain a Secret and up to Top 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 the required level security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offeror acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

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

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically via e-mail to the Point of Contact specified in Section I, item 4.

Late offers will not be considered.

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

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

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer Form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. This form must be physically signed. Unsigned forms will not be accepted. Electronic/typed signatures will not be accepted.

2. 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. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week may not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

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

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

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

(a) Name of reference;

(b) Offeror’s relationship to the reference;

(c) Title of reference at current job;

(d) Reference current telephone number; and

(e) Reference current email address.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

• Address each of the Quality Ranking 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 will neither be read nor scored.

Submitted materials must be in English. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late 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 of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated.

False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

NOTE REGARDING UNIQUE ENTITY ID (UEI) NUMBERS AND THE SYSTEM

FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT: All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. Registration information is available at www.sam.gov and further guidance will be provided to the selectee regarding UEI and SAM registration.

NOTE: Registration for a UEI number and registration in SAM is FREE.

Interested offerors are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early to avoid any delays during contract award.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

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

2. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

3. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

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

(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/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

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

AAPD 06-08 AIDAR, Appendices D and J: Using the Optional Schedule to Incrementally Fund Contracts (JUNE 2006)

Appendices D and J are changed as follows:

Appendix D, Section 11, Optional Schedule With a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Resident Alien Contract No._____________ , the first paragraph under Table of Contents, (Optional Schedule) is changed as follows:

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

(Use of the Optional Schedule is not mandatory. It is intended to serve as an alternate procedure for funding U.S. PSCs or U.S. Resident Alien PSCs, regardless of the fund source.

The Schedule is for use when the Contracting Officer anticipates the contract will be incrementally funded.)

Appendix J, Section 11, first paragraph is changed as follows:

[Use of the Optional Schedule is not mandatory. It is intended to serve as an alternate procedure for funding Cooperating Country National and Third Country National PSCs, regardless of the fund source. The schedule was developed for use when the Contracting Officer anticipates incremental recurring cost funded contracts. It should be noted that use of the Optional Schedule eliminates the need to amend the contract each time funds are obligated. However, the Contracting Officer is required to amend each contract not less than twice during a 12 month period to ensure that the contract record of obligations is up to date and agrees with the figures in the master funding document.]

[END DEVIATED TEXT]

AAPD 06-10 – PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL

EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy.

When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S.

Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS- 3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.

In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

(End of Provision)

AIDAR 752.204-72 Contractor Access to USAID Facilities and USAID's Information Systems (APRIL 2018)

(DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-06c)

(a) HSPD-12 and Personal Identity Verification (PIV). Individuals engaged in the performance of this award as employees, consultants, or volunteers of the contractor must comply with all applicable Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) and Personal Identity Verification (PIV) procedures, as described below, and any subsequent USAID or Government-wide HSPD-12 and PIV procedures/policies.

(b) A U.S. citizen or resident alien engaged in the performance of this award as an employee, consultant, or volunteer of a U.S firm may obtain access to USAID facilities or logical access to USAID's information systems only when and to the extent necessary to carry out this award and in accordance with this clause. The contractor's employees, consultants, or volunteers who are not U.S. citizens or resident aliens as well as employees, consultants, or volunteers of non-U.S. firms, irrespective of their citizenship, will not be granted logical access to U.S. Government information technology systems (such as Phoenix, GLAAS, etc.)

and must be escorted to use U.S. Government facilities (such as office space).

(c) (1) No later than five business days after award, the Contractor must provide to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) a complete list of employees that require access to USAID facilities or information systems.

(2) Before a contractor (or a contractor employee, consultant, or volunteer) or subcontractor at any tier may obtain a USAID ID (new or replacement) authorizing the individual routine access to USAID facilities in the United States, or logical access to USAID's information systems, the individual must provide two forms of identity source documents in original form to the Enrollment Office personnel when undergoing processing. One identity source document must be a valid Federal or State Government-issued picture ID. Contractors may contact the USAID Security Office to obtain the list of acceptable forms of documentation.

Submission of these documents, to include documentation of security background investigations, is mandatory in order for the Contractor to receive a PIV/Facilities Access Card (FAC) card and be granted access to any of USAID's information systems. All such individuals must physically present these two source documents for identity proofing at their enrollment.

(d) The Contractor must send a staffing report to the COR by the fifth day of each month.

The report must contain the listing of all staff members…