Final SOL for two F2F PSCs.pdf

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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA20R00035

ISSUANCE DATE: March 24, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 7, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

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

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

Sincerely, Paul Burford Contracting Officer

Solicitation for up to two USPSC Program Analysts 7200AA20R00035

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I. General Information

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA20R00035

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 24, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 7, 2020 AT

11:59 P.M. EST

4. POINTS OF CONTACT: Matthew Case, email at mcase@usaid.gov and Paul Burford, email at pburford@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Program Analyst (Up to two positions may be filled under this solicitation)

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-12/13 equivalent ($86,335 - $133,465) includes Washington locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Three-year base period estimated to start on July 1, 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise two additional option periods for one year each for the dates estimated as follows:

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. with approximately 15% of time dedicated to travel.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

INTRODUCTION

The congressionally-mandated John Ognowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program (F2F) is housed in the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (BRFS), and is funded through Title V of the Food for Peace (P.L. 480) Act. The BRFS supports the sustainable reduction of hunger and poverty and improved food security through the development of more competitive global agricultural and food systems. The Bureau is responsible for technical leadership, Base Period: July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023 Option Period 1: July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 Option Period 2: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 mailto:mcase@usaid.gov mailto:pburford@usaid.gov

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BACKGROUND

The objective of the F2F Program is to provide short term, U.S. agricultural technical assistance, on a people-to-people basis, to developing countries. As stated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Bill, the purpose of the F2F Program is "to assist in increasing food production and distribution, and improving the effectiveness of the farming and marketing operations of farmers." The Program currently involves eight programs, implemented through cooperative agreements that utilize the expertise of U.S. farmers, agriculturalists, land grant universities, private agribusinesses and non-profit farm organizations on a voluntary basis in response to local needs identified by host country farmers and organizations. A separate F2F Agricultural Volunteer Opportunities Project funds smaller specialized projects that involve new implementing partners. The F2F Program supports work on over 60 projects in approximately 40 countries, providing for up to 900 volunteer assignments annually with an annual obligation of $15 million. The current program covers Fiscal Years 2019 – 2023.

More Information on FFP is available at:

http://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/agriculture-and-food-security/food-assistance

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Center for Agriculture Led Growth in the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (BRFS/ALG) requires the services of up to two Program Analysts for the F2F Program. The position will be located in Washington, D.C with approximately 15% of the time traveling.

Program Analysts will support technical, programmatic, and financial management activities and will assist with coordinating communications and activities with USAID missions, other offices and centers within BRFS, and relevant operating units across the agency. They will help to coordinate, align and integrate F2F Program activities with broader USAID agricultural and rural development programs across BRFS in support of bureau objectives and will represent the F2F program both internally and externally.

A. Duties and Responsibilities

The F2F Program Analysts will be integral members of a broad technical team within the Center for Agriculture Led Growth and will provide significant technical and programmatic support to other staff members in the Center. Program Analysts will have Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) responsibilities and will:

a. Support strategic and program planning. They will be expected to maintain a strategic, as well as an activity-level specific, outlook to ensure that the rationale for the program and its components are clear and comply with authorizing legislation.

b. Support program management and technical oversight for USAID-funded implementing partners and the regular monitoring of activities in the field to ensure: (1) achievement of expected results; (2) effective coordination with the office of Food for Peace (FFP), http://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/agriculture-and-food-security/food-assistance

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USAID Missions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and (3) compliance with USG regulations and implementing agreements. A program analyst will serve as the AOR for one or more F2F contracts and agreements.

c. Support the management of program budgeting and financial monitoring, including the allocation of the annual budget among implementing partners, monitoring their expenditures, and ensuring the maintenance of reasonable reserves of funds.

d. Prepare internal USG documents and procedures needed to provide partners with required funds in a timely manner each year.

e. Provide support to others working on the F2F portfolio and its implementing partners on the formulation of annual work plans and progress benchmarks, and on the review and approval of said plans.

f. Serve on evaluation committees to identify successful applicants to F2F and other relevant USAID solicitations.

g. Draft scopes of work and requests for proposals required for the provision of technical assistance or new program initiatives.

h. Assist with the integration of F2F Program activities with broader USAID agricultural, food security and rural development programs and objectives, providing technical support to Mission programs, including in sector strategy and program development.

i. Encourage sound approaches and strategies for voluntary technical assistance in the agricultural sector to contribute to larger sustainable capacity building efforts in developing and transitional countries.

j. Represent and serves as a liaison for the F2F Program internally (BRFS) and externally to other agencies and stakeholders, particularly the USDA, Peace Corps, Millennium Challenge Corporation and the private sector. Internal contacts include, but are not limited to, the Office of Food for Peace, the Office of Acquisitions and Assistance and, and centers and offices within BRFS.

k. Ensures F2F Program alignment and programmatic contribution to related Agency priorities and initiatives, such as the Presidential Initiative Feed the Future (FTF).

Exercise of Judgment The work requires a high degree of independence, initiative, and judgment to assure effective implementation of the F2F Program. The incumbent must have demonstrated initiative and an ability to manage competing work priorities. The incumbent works closely with BRFS management.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

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II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications determine basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all the selection factors below are NOT considered qualified for the position.

1. Must be a U.S. citizen.

2. Ability to obtain a SECRET security clearance.

3. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university preferably in the field of agriculture, international relations or international development

4. A relevant Master’s Degree preferably in the field of agriculture, international relations or international development OR five years’ experience in responsible positions for international agricultural development programs.

5. Minimum of three years of experience working in grant and/or contract management of overseas development projects.

6. Minimum of one year working at GS-11 equivalent or above level of responsibility.

7. Level IV English ability (fluent) or equivalent is required. The Contractor must possess a high degree of proficiency in both written and spoken English.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance for FAR 52.215-1. The CO reservices the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant for FAR 15.30(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 provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Selection will be based on panel evaluation of the Technical Evaluation. Interviews, references and a writing exercise may be requested and used as part of the evaluation.

1. Demonstrated experience and specific examples in strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country context. Also in specific examples, description of background in and understanding of international development issues, particularly as they relate to agricultural development, international trade and agri-business development in developing countries. Specific examples of your familiarity with community development and/or community-based outreach programming and management. (30 points) https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

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2. Specific examples of experience in community development, international agricultural development, international trade, and agri-business development activities in a developing country or countries (20 points)

3. Specific examples of when you demonstrated effective skills in oral and written communication in preparing and presenting analyses, reports, provide guidance, solicit information, and the ability to communicate and interact effectively with others, including interpersonal skills (20 points)

4. Specific examples of your ability to exercise independent judgment, work under pressure and meet deadlines, liaise with multiple partners at all levels and adapt to rapidly changing needs (20 points)

5. Demonstrate in specific examples the level of excellence of your computer skills, including proficiency with Word, Excel, database, PowerPoint applications (10 points)

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 4, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I (mcase@usaid.gov and pburford@usaid.gov).

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Offerors are required to submit:

1. Cover letter providing a brief rational supporting your selection.

2. A current resume, with complete contact information.

3. Supplemental documentation specifically addresses the Evaluation and Selection Factors shown in this solicitation.

4. AID 302-3.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample.

USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. USAID reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:mcase@usaid.gov mailto:pburford@usaid.gov

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NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS

All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS

a. Employer’s FICA Contribution

b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment

d. Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

e. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

f. Annual and Sick Leave

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:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html

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1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

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

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

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:

- Accounting Info:

3 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:

- Accounting Info:

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

2001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service

Code:

Accounting Info:

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

a. AAPD 18-05: DESIGNATION OF USPSCS AND CCNPSCS AS

CONTRACTING AND AGREEMENT OFFICERS

b. AAPD 18-01: WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION FOR CONTRACTOR

EMPLOYEES

c. AAPD 16-02: CLAUSES AND SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

FOR FACILITIES ACCESS, SECURITY, AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

d. AAPD 15-02 REVISED 2: LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

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e. AAPD 10-01: CHANGES IN USG REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS FOR

HEALTH INSURACNE AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS

f. AAPD 06-08: AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: USING THE OPTIONAL

SCHEDULE TO INCREMENTALLY FUND CONTRACTS

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Minimum Qualifications