DRG USPSC Sol_7200AA25R00026 (Senior Governance Advisor)_12.19.24 FE.pdf

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

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA25R00026

ISSUANCE DATE: December 19, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: January 29, 2025 at 4:00 pm EST

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) for the Office of Governance (GOV) Senior Governance Advisor at the GS-14 Equivalent Level.

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 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 this solicitation.

Sincerely, Eileen Fanelli Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 7200AA25R00026

Office of Governance (GOV), Senior Governance Advisor

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA25R00026

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 19, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 4:00 pm EST.

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Office of Governance (GOV), Senior Governance Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $139,395 -$181,216 equivalent to GS-14, at the Washington, D.C. locality rate. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Washington with temporary duty travel (TDY) overseas estimated at 10% of work hours per year. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions. This position has been designated as Telework eligible (6 days per payperiod).

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two-year base period, with up to three (3) one-year option periods based on Agency need, not to exceed a total of five years including all option periods as illustrated below, assuming a start date in May 2025.

Base Period May 2025 – April 2027 Option Period 1 May 2027 – April 2028 Option Period 2 May 2028 – April 2029 Option Period 3 May 2029 – April 2030

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident/Resident Alien

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

This position is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG). 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 mailto:ppancholi@usaid.gov 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, comprised of 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 (ACC); 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 (PO). 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 Office of Governance (GOV) is one of the DRG Bureau’s technical offices. GOV meets Agency and DRG Bureau objectives by providing technical leadership and support on national and subnational governance, effective national institutions, public sector reform, economic governance and public financial management. GOV supports resilient, transparent, and accountable executive and legislative institutions at all levels of government. GOV helps partner governments to strengthen capacity to provide responsive services to their citizens, mobilize and manage public resources, and promote locally led development and inclusive economic growth.

Working as part of GOV, the Senior Governance Advisor will help the DRG Bureau meet high demand for technical assistance by providing support – both on TDY and in Washington D.C. – to Missions, Embassies, and other USG operating units. The Senior Governance Advisor will support the development of strategy and country-level plans, the design and evaluation of programs, development of performance indicators, assessments, and the integration of evidence-based, best-fit governance approaches into cross-sectoral programming. The Senior Governance Advisor may also serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)/Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) for at least one of GOV's implementing mechanisms, and/or alternate COR/AOR or activity manager of other GOV-managed activities. On TDY and in Washington, the successful offeror will work closely with USAID and Department of State colleagues to: identify opportunities for USAID to support governance priorities; design activities responding to those opportunities; work with partners to effectively implement those activities; monitor the impact of those activities; and other associated technical and managerial assistance. The successful offeror will develop performance indicators, assessments, design and evaluate programs, and provide other Mission technical support. The successful offeror will coordinate with intra- and interagency colleagues on strategy, policy, and resource allocation issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General – The Senior Governance Advisor’s responsibilities will be geographically worldwide, varied, and dynamic to reflect changing circumstances facing the U.S. government, USAID, and the DRG Bureau. The successful offeror will have recent, demonstrated professional experience regarding accountable governance approaches that include at least two of the following areas:

open and accountable governance (e.g., information disclosure, public participation, feedback loops); public sector audit and oversight, inclusive of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and legislative oversight; and public integrity institutions, norms, and behaviors. The PSC will strengthen USAID’s governance programs worldwide and will carry out work assignments using independent professional judgment to ensure the provision of effective technical leadership.

The successful offeror will be responsible for work on countries or regions where additional governance attention is needed through a combination of TDYs and Washington-based support.

The PSC will serve as a technical authority on complex and dynamic political and governance challenges and develop USAID designs, plans, and strategies related to accountable, democratic governance approaches that may include open and accountable governance (e.g., information disclosure, public participation, feedback loops); public sector audit and oversight, inclusive of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and legislative oversight; and public integrity institutions, norms, and behaviors, or related development approaches in developing country contexts. The successful candidate will incorporate USAID policies and strategies, as well as Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) and Thinking and Working Politically (TWP) approaches appropriately in their work. The PSC will be responsible for drafting guidance documents, toolkits, training modules, and other products that disseminate best practices in institutional strengthening, planning, design, and monitoring. The PSC will participate in and serve as a subject matter expert in intra- and interagency meetings on governance-related topics. The PSC will be required to achieve and maintain certification to manage responsibilities as a COR and

AOR.

The PSC will develop and coordinate country-specific governance assistance strategies with specific goals, guidelines, and benchmarks in line with DRG and Agency Policy. The PSC will collaborate with colleagues at US Embassies and USAID Missions to address complicated issues, incorporate multi-disciplinary approaches and recent research findings, and may need to mediate among competing interests and possible technical solutions. The DRG Bureau supports USAID’s work worldwide and the PSC will be expected to travel to and perform this work on occasion in restricted environments, or limited/non-presence USAID countries.

The development and coordination of the country-specific governance assistance strategies will be complicated by interconnected issues, multidisciplinary approaches, and often may need to mediate among possible technical solutions. The PSC will determine best courses of action based on prior expert research and experience and have excellent communications and persuasion skills to influence USG approaches.

Supervisory Relationship – The PSC will report to GOV’s Office Director or Deputy Office Director, or their designee. The GOV Office Director or Deputy Office Director (or designee) will supervise the PSC and set overall objectives. The Supervisor and PSC will together develop a work plan that includes projects and deadlines. The PSC will also work closely with DRG Bureau leadership and USAID Mission officials (when on TDY). The PSC will independently plan, design, and carry out sector assessments and activity design, implementation, and evaluation exercises that are considered technically complex.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) - All members of the DRG workforce are measured on how they foster a climate of respect in interactions with others, value differing perspectives, and treat others in a fair, equitable, and culturally sensitive manner.

All employees are expected to adhere to equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies and value diversity and inclusion in performing everyday duties and responsibilities.

Senior Governance Advisor Specific Duties and Responsibilities at the GS-14 Equivalent Level are:

a. Conduct multiple-week visits to USAID partner countries, including critical restricted environment countries and others to perform various GOV assessments and assist with Mission strategy and activity design, activity procurement, and activity implementation tasks;

b. Provide support to new country start-ups and on-call technical assistance;

c. Manage, review, and monitor the plans and activities of DRG implementing partners and ensure coordination of partner programs with USAID Mission and international organizations;

d. Execute closeout activities related to governance programs.

e. Provide technical assistance to ongoing evaluations of DRG programs in the field.

f. Participate in assessing the feasibility of a country as a candidate for a DRG program.

g. Participate in conceptualizing and designing global, regional, and country-specific programs and assistance approaches.

h. Serve as a liaison with other USAID Bureaus and operating units and the interagency to ensure coordinated program and policy direction.

i. Within the guidelines provided by the relevant DRG/Washington D.C. Office Director or

Supervisor, support the negotiation of program and project agreements with governmental and non-governmental (NGO) counterparts.

j. Manage designated USAID GOV Office programs, ensuring alignment with USG policy priorities and responsiveness to Agency needs and overseeing activity implementation, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner.

k. Develop relationships with NGOs, international donors, USG agencies, academic institutions, and others interested in the DRG global, regional, and country programs.

l. Participate in selecting contractors and grantees to work under DRG programs.

m. In close collaboration with the relevant DRG/Washington D.C. staff, assist in the development of DRG strategies and policies for assigned countries, and technical areas.

n. Create assessments, monitoring, and evaluation targets and measurement goals that measure actual program impact. Maintain expertise in public sector institutional strengthening and governance indicators or impact evaluations to effectively influence the implementation and learning of USAID DRG programming. Monitor and evaluate the country program, individual projects, and contractor and grantee performance.

Level of complexity for work assignments – The PSC duties are significantly varied and require broad knowledge of complicated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of circumstances requiring a substantial depth of analysis. The PSC is required to support USAID Regional Bureaus and Missions in making decisions on largely undefined issues and elements that require extensive analysis to determine the nature and scope of the problems. The PSC is expected to contribute new technologies and approaches or develop new information to address continuous changes in the related programmatic, technological, and political environments.

Performance Guidelines – The Senior Governance Advisor works with guidelines from the Bureau and Agency that are broadly stated and require thoughtful interpretation. The PSC demonstrates sound judgment, technical expertise, ingenuity and innovation in all aspects of work.

Scope and effect of the work performed – The PSC is highly involved in all governance sub-sectors, but with a specific focus on accountable, democratic governance approaches that draws from knowledge on open and accountable governance (e.g., information disclosure, public participation, feedback loops); public sector audit and oversight, inclusive of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and legislative oversight; and public integrity institutions, norms, and behaviors, or related development approaches in developing country contexts. The PSC is considered a subject matter expert and has excellent communication skills. The PSC plans, organizes, directs, designs, and coordinates assistance, assessment, and evaluation activities to meet the needs of USAID Bureaus and Missions, which directly affects the development of major aspects of the Mission’s programs that affect a substantial number of people. This work requires independent analysis, defining conditions and criteria, and resolving critical problems using creative approaches. The PSC collaborates with interagency efforts to address critical governance issues, such as high-profile political transitions, and maintains regular working relationships with counterparts in the intra- and interagency as needed. The PSC’s work requires working as part of a team and coordinating with technical staff.

Level and purpose of contacts – The PSC serves as one of the Agency’s lead technical experts in governance matters and advises USAID and interagency counterparts on matters relating to the U.S. Government’s response to GOV issues worldwide. The PSC represents the U.S. Government on such matters in meetings with foreign governments and multilateral institutions. The PSC represents USAID to Congressional staff and other interagency counterparts. The PSC maintains professional contacts with senior management officials of independent organizations advancing GOV issues, including think-tanks, assistance implementers, professional organizations, and academic institutions. The PSC represents USAID to these organizations in different forums, including conferences, workshops, panels, and more. Participation takes place when the GOV issues are complicated by interconnected issues, multidisciplinary approaches, and/or when conflicts among possible technical solutions exist. The PSC determines best courses of action based on research and prior experience and has excellent persuasion skills to influence USG policy.

Supervision or oversight the position has over others – None.

Support Items – The Senior Governance Advisor will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office setting, the work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Overseas travel may result in longer periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying moderately heavy items.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

At the GS-14 equivalent level the Senior Governance Advisor’s education and experience must meet the following:

• Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution with study in a field such as: political science, international development, public administration, or a related social science.

• Five (5) years of recent experience providing professional, technical assistance with demonstrated specialization in accountable, democratic governance approaches that include at least two of the following categories: open and accountable governance (e.g., information disclosure, public participation, feedback loops); public sector audit and oversight, inclusive of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and legislative oversight; and public integrity institutions, norms, and behaviors, or related development approaches in developing country contexts.

Or

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution with study in a field such as: political science, international development, public administration, or a related social science.

• Seven (7) years of recent experience providing professional, technical assistance with demonstrated specialization in accountable, democratic governance approaches that include at least two of the following categories: open and accountable governance (e.g., information disclosure, public participation, feedback loops); public sector audit and oversight, inclusive of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and legislative oversight; and public integrity institutions, norms, and behaviors, or related development approaches in developing country contexts.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the Contracting Officer (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.

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 U.S. Permanent Resident/ Resident Alien;

● 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;

● Professional references;

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

Evaluation Factors

Each sub-factor is equally weighted within the QRF.

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs):

QRF 1: Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of principles, concepts, and methodologies involved in the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of technical assistance programs related to accountable, democratic governance approaches that include at least two of the following areas: open and accountable governance (e.g., http://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far information disclosure, public participation, feedback loops); public sector audit and oversight, inclusive of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)and legislative oversight; and public integrity institutions, norms, and behaviors.

• Demonstrated professional experience in developing countries providing technical guidance and assistance to partner country government institutions, civil society, international organizations and/or other relevant actors regarding accountable, democratic governance.

QRF 2: Communication

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex development challenges and political dynamics in clear, concise communication for ease of utilization by partners, senior officials, and other stakeholders. Demonstrated capacity and experience communicating effectively orally and in writing with various audiences (including high-level officials, academics, and/or development practitioners), and ability to gather, analyze and synthesize information. The offeror's written communication ability will also be evaluated based on the written materials submitted in the offer.

QRF 3: Teamwork

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to exhibit tact and resourcefulness while working in a variety of settings that may include high-level government officials, members of non-governmental organizations, civil society, and practitioners across cultures, and a track record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams.

BASIS OF RATING

Applications from Offerors will be first evaluated to determine they meet the minimum qualifications required for the position described above. Offerors who fail to meet the minimum qualifications will not be further evaluated. USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history and performance at any point in the evaluation process.

Written submissions from Offerors that meet the minimum requirements will be further evaluated to determine the highest ranked applicants based on the following weighted scoring of the QRFs:

QRF 1: Technical Expertise: 60 points QRF 2: Communication: 25 points QRF 3: Teamwork: 15 points

Total possible points: 100 points

The highest ranked Offeror or Offerors may be invited for an interview and tested on their writing and/or presentation abilities. 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. Interviews may include specific questions regarding aspects of an Offeror’s educational and professional experience and standardized questions. The interview may also include a written test to evaluate the Offeror’s technical expertise, communication and technical skills. If tested, the Offeror will be asked to draft a one-page sample memo and/or present an analysis of a scenario on a defined DRG and/or GOV topic. The scenario specifics and a sample memo template will be provided to Offeror.

The Offeror’s responses to interview questions and test, if given, will be incorporated into the Government’s overall evaluation of an Offeror’s Technical Expertise, Communication, and Teamwork to determine the Offeror’s overall likelihood of successful performance. The candidate with the highest overall score will be selected based on the evaluation factors.

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.

Reference Checks: Professional references will be incorporated into the Government's overall evaluation of an Offeror’s Technical Expertise, Communication, and Teamwork to determine the Offeror’s overall likelihood of successful performance.

USAID may check references at any time, including before an Offeror is interviewed. References for those highest rated Offerors who are determined to fall within a competitive range and are interviewed will be checked. USAID reserves the right to seek references from other individuals who are familiar with the Offeror’s work in addition to the references provided by the Offeror.

USAID will not only solicit feedback on the Offeror’s technical abilities and knowledge, but also on observed standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for the individual by applying these values to daily behaviors and interactions with past team members/work colleagues.

Additionally, per PEB 24-01, “Personal Services Contractors (PSC) Practices Related to Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace” the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) encourages COs to include the following reference check question asking references if they are aware of the offeror having previously received a disciplinary action for sexual misconduct:

To your knowledge, has (offeror's name) received a disciplinary action for sexual misconduct related to their previous contract or employment? If so, please explain. “Sexual misconduct” is an umbrella term that encompasses any inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature or that is sex-based, including abuse, assault, exploitation, harassment, intimate-partner violence, stalking, voyeurism, and any other such conduct that is sexual in nature or that is sex-based which is non-consensual or has the purpose or effect of threatening, intimidating, denigrating, or coercing a person.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the close date and time specified and submitted electronically via email to the point of contact named in Section I. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Submitted materials must be in English. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Offeror materials must clearly reference the Solicitation number and Offeror’s name on all submitted documents. Eligible Offerors must complete and submit:

1. 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. A complete resume in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. To fully evaluate your written offer, your resume must include:

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

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

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

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

3. List of References. Offerors must submit three (3) professional references, who are not family members or relatives, who have knowledge of the Offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth herein. At least one (1) 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.

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

a. Address each of the Quality Ranking Factors.

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

c. Cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor.

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

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

5. Self-Certification related to sexual misconduct found in Procurement Executive Bulletin(PEB)

PEB 24-01, found at https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/resources-for-partners/procurement-executive-bulletins-pebs. The self-certification can be found as tab 1.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

In conformance with ADS 309.3.1.14, USAID will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the necessary forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Forms related to Security and Access including:

a. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

b. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) or Questionnaire for Non-

Sensitive Positions

c. Fingerprint Card

2. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

3. Medical History and Examination Form (Prior to TDY)

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

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

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

a. Employer's FICA Contribution

b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment

d. Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

f. 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. Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

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

d. Post Allowance (Section 220) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FE7WGQJQhx2qYgpmPwGwGBvHFyLDr_fz/view https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/resources-for-partners/procurement-executive-bulletins-pebs https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/resources-for-partners/procurement-executive-bulletins-pebs https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

e. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

f. Education Allowance (Section 270)

g. Education Travel (Section 280)

h. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

j. Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

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

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

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: R497 - Accounting Info:

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: R497 - Accounting Info:

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: R497 - Accounting Info:

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

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info:

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

4. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for

Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

AAPD 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:

(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;

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

(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)

AAPD 18-02 Revision 3: Revisions to Medevac Policies for USPSCs and TCNPSCs (DEC 2023) (Class Deviation M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-2c)

Section 12, GENERAL PROVISIONS for a Contract With a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad

GP 25. Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Services Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Services [Deviation (DEC 2019)]

A contractor who is required to relocate abroad and accompanying eligible family members;

or a contractor on official travel status abroad on temporary duty or training, will be provided Medevac services through the Department of State, Bureau of Medical Services, similar to that provided to U.S. Government employees in 16 FAM 300 Medical Travel.

Medevac costs that will be covered by USAID include travel and per diem, but do not include medical care costs.

To be eligible for Medevac services covered by the Department of State Medevac program, the contractor and accompanying eligible family members must obtain and maintain international health insurance coverage in accordance with the clause of the contract entitled, “Insurance.”

[END CLAUSE]

AAPD 21-05: Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors Class Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-1c

GP 5. Leave and Holidays Leave and Holidays [Deviation (NOV 2023)]

(a) Annual Leave.

(1) The contractor may accrue annual leave at the rate specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this clause as follows:

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

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

(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 Rate 0 to 3 years 4 hours of leave for each 2-week period over 3, and up to 15 years 6 hours of AL for each 2-week period

(including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years 8 hours of AL for each 2-week period

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

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

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

(C) An honorable active-duty member of the uniformed services based on the definition in 5 U.S.C. 2101(3).

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

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

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

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

(4) The contractor must use all accrued annual leave during the period of performance.

At the end of the contract, the contractor will forfeit any unused annual leave except where the requirements of the position precluded the contractor from taking annual leave. In this case, the contracting officer may authorize the following:

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

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

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

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID direct-hire employees. The contractor will accrue sick leave at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a maximum of thirteen (13) work-days per year based on a full-time, 80-hour biweekly pay period, and the rate of accrual will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter work schedule. The contractor may carry over unused sick leave from year to year under the same contract, and to a new follow-on contract for the same work at the same place of performance. The contractor is not authorized to carry over sick leave to a new contract for a different position or at a different location. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave at the completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

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

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

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

(A) Two (2) years, or

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

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

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

(v) If home leave eligibility is based on…