Final Solicitation - Sr Development Program Specialist (6 months) 2023.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72028023R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: 03/21/2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 04/04/2023

5:00 PM (Washington D.C. time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) - Senior Development Program Specialist

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 USPSC 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

Sincerely, Sean Hofmann Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72028023R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/21/2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 04/04/2023, 5:00 PM (Washington D.C. time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: MERP HR, email: usaidmerphr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Program Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908 - $129,878 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Base Period o/a 04/2023 to 10/2023

The contractor will serve as the Senior Development Program Specialist in the Program Office of USAID/Frankfurt for a total of up to six months of level of effort to be provided on an intermittent basis.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Frankfurt, Germany with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. The work is performed virtually or in an office setting with no special demands required to perform the work. If the employee travels, the work may additionally involve safety and/or security precautions. The selected candidate is expected to work eight hours per day out of which the incumbent should preferably be available during the core working hours of Middle East Regional Platform (MERP) which is 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Frankfurt, Germany time) excluding half an hour lunch time. Applicant is expected to be ‘telework ready’ with Computer system, internet and other necessary equipment required to perform his/her work effectively.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents, or both types of persons (USNs) and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are eligible offerors per AIDAR 702 and Appendix D.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility access.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

Works in a staff capacity, assists in all aspects of the “Program Cycle” from strategic planning to implementation and achieving monitoring and evaluation to policy formulation. Implements, with regular guidance and supervision, policies, practices, and procedures based on a demonstrated understanding of development theory, USG development and foreign policy priorities, USAID policies and guidance and the legislative framework governing foreign assistance and USAID.

Engenders critical thinking within the Mission and the interagency that examines assumptions and fully explores alternatives in plans, operations, and resources.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed.

1. Program Cycle Management: Guides supported Operating Units (OUs) in all aspects of the “Program Cycle” from strategic planning, to project and activity design and implementation to monitoring, evaluation, and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA), to policy formulation. Implements, with regular guidance and supervision, policies, practices, and procedures based on a demonstrated understanding of development theory, USG development and foreign policy priorities, USAID policies and guidance, and the legislative framework governing foreign assistance. Engenders critical thinking within the Mission and the interagency arena that examines assumptions and fully explores alternatives in plans, operations, and resources and adapts programming as necessary. Leads or assists in gathering and analyzing information and data for performance reporting; programming and performance-based budgeting; and program/policy coordination with other donors and USG agencies.

2. Strategic Planning: Advises and guides strategic planning, including the work of technical and Development Objective teams on strategic analysis and theories of change.

Understands and applies Agency strategy guidance, including strategic planning and analytical requirements, to create sound theories of change that include development hypotheses with clear causal linkages, and corresponding indicators at different levels;

adapts these theories and indicators as needed. Promotes collaboration by technical and functional teams in the strategy development process, including collaboration with host-country and inter-agency priorities.

3. Project and Activity Design: Leads or assists in the design and development of projects and activities based on the approved Mission strategy and theory of change. Demonstrates an understanding of project development and corresponding analytical requirements, Agency policy directives and sector strategies, and how to apply them. Understands and applies Agency project design guidance, including planning and analytical requirements, to create sound theories of change that include development hypotheses with clear causal linkages and corresponding indicators. Has adequate knowledge needed to lead or participate on Project Design Teams and to apply Agency policy, directives, and sector strategies regarding project design. Promotes technical team collaboration in the project development process and leads on adaptive management.

4. Budget and Resources: Provides expertise for budgeting of foreign assistance resources.

Demonstrates and applies an understanding of budget cycle and resource management processes, including legislative requirements to optimally align program-budget resources with strategy and policy objectives. Implements project-level multi-year budgeting processes that reflect all resources required to implement a project. Prepares annual reports and analyses related to the budget cycle. Receives and processes budget allowances, and coordinates with technical teams regarding funding requirements.

Maintains the OU’s planned and implemented budget. Analyzes budget data in order to propose budget solutions to pipeline issues, changes in country context, USG priorities, and programmatic performance.

5. Development Cooperation and Partnering: Supports and advocates for donor and host government coordination and strategic engagement to leverage development resources with external partners, including non-traditional partners.. Demonstrates and applies knowledge of aid and development effectiveness principles, supports donor coordination, and assists in US government interagency coordination to achieve common USG objectives.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA): Applies a sound understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and CLA principles and associated USAID policy and guidance. Plans, budgets and manages monitoring and evaluation activities in coordination with technical or Development Objective teams. Monitors and assesses program performance, progress, and follow-up from portfolio reviews. Assists technical offices to design and secure resources for data-quality assessments, project and activity monitoring, evaluation, and learning plans and events; and to determine the knowledge gaps for program learning and adaptation. . Applies an understanding of reporting requirements and formats through preparation of planning, budgeting, and performance reporting documentation, and guides staff in other offices to complete required documentation. Assists in applying learning to strategic planning, project and activity design and implementation through adaptive management.

7. Outreach and Communications: Assists and coordinates outreach and communication with various external entities, including the Embassy Public Affairs Section and LPA/Washington to support development and foreign policy objectives. Advises and assists technical teams on how to align communications products and branding and marking plans with development objectives, key messages, and Agency policy. Compiles and maintains USAID outreach materials, and assesses the need for additional materials such as program descriptions, success stories, country sheets, and web-based social media tools.

Demonstrates the ability to articulate Agency policies and US foreign policy, to communicate well with people at all levels, and to effectively facilitate discussions and/or meetings.

8. Reporting and Policy: Leads or assists in gathering and analyzing information and data for performance reporting; programming and performance-based budgeting; and program/policy coordination with other donors and USG agencies. Assists in providing staff support to the Mission Director on the application of development paradigms and aid and development effectiveness principles with host-country and international partners on matters of broad USG interest. Analyzes budget data in order to propose budget solutions to pipeline issues, changes in country context, USG priorities, and programmatic performance.

9. Regional Positions: Provides direct support (virtual or TDY) to USAID Missions in areas of backstop expertise to advance critical initiatives, bilateral/regional development objectives and/or operational targets or goals. May provide support to other Program Officers through the region as a “defacto deputy”.

Other Significant Facts

Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The incumbent is required to supervise and manage a complex program portfolio with unprecedented initiatives/activities that will require independent and innovative decision making which has significant impact on the development priorities of the Mission. Decisions will consider complex and competing factors where there is no clear solution.

Knowledge level required: The incumbent is expected to have extensive experience and knowledge, as well as serve as an expert, in all areas of the “program cycle” that is at the core of the work of USAID. This includes strategic planning to implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and policy formulation. Implements, with regular guidance and supervision, policies, practices, and procedures based on a demonstrated understanding of development theory, USG development and foreign policy priorities, USAID policies and guidance and the legislative framework governing foreign assistance and USAID.

Engenders critical thinking within the Mission and the interagency that examines assumptions and fully explores alternatives in plans, operations, and resources.

Level of Complexity for Work Assignments: The incumbent’s work is performed in a stressful environment where staff work in office spaces that are very close together. Duties are varied and require application of methods to a broad range of program challenges or situations with substantial depth of analysis required utilizing experience easily working with the myriad program development processes. The incumbent will draw upon his/her in depth understanding in resolving complex situations that arise. These areas of responsibility are complex and require significant analysis and coordination at high level.

Day to day activities will include a combination of strategic level management and policy guidance as well as operation responsibility at activity level.

Scope and effect of the work performed: The purpose of the work is to provide clarity, accountability, and assessment of the programs and projects implemented by the Mission and to project the results to the public at large in a manner that clearly shows the results and impact of the development work being performed.

Supervisory Controls: The incumbent is expected to plan and to develop policies, guidelines, and practices to achieve results within the Program Office and will have significant leeway in managing work. The incumbent will meet on a regular basis with the Mission Director for the purpose of informing Mission leadership on accomplishments as well as impending deadlines impacting the Mission as a whole. The incumbent will act and make decisions with minimal direct supervisory input.

Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements: The incumbent will draw upon the myriad policies, directives and handbooks related to the program cycle. The incumbent will draw upon his/her expert knowledge and experience in arriving at decisions affecting the Program Office.

Level and purpose of contacts: The incumbent will have contacts at the highest level of the Embassy and will meet national and local government officials for the purpose of reporting on program and project accomplishments as well as receiving feedback on the impact of USAID programs and projects.

Supervision or oversight the position has over others: The incumbent is expected to plan, and to develop policies, guidelines, and practices to achieve results and will have significant leeway in managing the office. The incumbent may be required to periodically supervise other staff.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Work is primarily of a sedentary nature but may require some occasional lifting and travel which can be lengthy and over rough roads or a series of short flights. Applicants must be physically and mentally capable of performing these functions efficiently and safely.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

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

1. Education: A Master's level graduate degree in a relevant major, such as international development, economics, international affairs, public administration, or business administration.

2. Experience: Minimum of 7 years of extensive and demonstrated experience directly related to programming, planning, and management for international development organizations.

3. Language: Fluent English writing and speaking abilities are required.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education, Experience and Language requirements will be further evaluated based on the two (2) Quality Ranking Factors listed below. The applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor

1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (25%): A demonstrated expert knowledge of strategic analysis and results frameworks; design and development of foreign assistance projects, including supporting analysis; budgeting of foreign assistance resources; donor coordination and strategic engagement with external partners; monitoring and evaluation, including application of learning; public communications; and gathering and analyzing information and data for performance reporting, programming, and performance-based budgeting.

2. Technical Skills and Abilities (25%): Must have solid program development skills. Must have the analytical ability to conceptualize program designs, plan how activities would unfold, and develop innovative strategies for implementation. The incumbent must also be able to integrate short and long-range objectives of the Mission with the practical realities on the ground in a politically sensitive situation. Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills in working with diverse cultures. Strong customer service orientation, excellent communications, analytical and diplomatic skills are a must. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and manage https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far operations in complex environments and in high pressure situations in an overseas diverse setting. Must have demonstrated professional development ability in working with a diverse workforce.

3. Management Skills and Aptitude (25%): The incumbent must possess a high level of expert management skills and the ability to multitask to maintain control of workflow in an environment that often changes day-to-day. Must have strong mentoring and coaching skills and a demonstrated experience in professional development of staff.

4. Communication Skills (25%): Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, including the ability to obtain, evaluate, and interpret reports, and to effectively communicate with USAID and Embassy personnel, national and local government officials, implementing partners and the public. The incumbent must have the ability to make oral presentations logically and persuasively. The incumbent must have the ability to communicate oral presentations logically and persuasively. The incumbent must have the ability to communicate orally and in writing quickly, clearly, and concisely.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit

a. Offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms

b. Letter of application/cover letter

c. Current resume/CV

d. Supplemental document specifically addressing the two QRFs

e. List of minimum three (3) professional references with contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses). The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

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

4. Applications must be submitted ONLY via usaidmerphr@usaid.gov and the email subject must say: SOL# 72028023R00001 - Senior Development Program Specialist.

5. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. The application must be submitted by the closing date.

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:

● Security Eligibility/Clearance

● Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

(1) BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (if applicable)

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation, if eligible) http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:usaidmerphr@usaid.gov

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Access to Embassy medical facilities when in Frankfurt.

(2) ALLOWANCES: (if Applicable)

The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available at https://aop rals.s tate.gov/:

(h) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(i) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

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

(k) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(l) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(m) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(n) Education Travel (Section 280)

(o) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(q) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations.

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

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

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

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

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

Insert the following clause in all solicitations and contracts for personal services with individuals performing in the United States or its outlying areas. COs may incorporate this requirement into new solicitations and resulting contracts for personal services with individuals performing outside of the United States or outlying areas (United States National (US), Cooperating Country National (CCN), and Third Country National (TCN), depending on local conditions.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT

2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info:

[insert one or more

1 LOT $

_TBD__

$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ https://www.usaid.gov/forms citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

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 .

M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-17-02c Class Justification for Personal Services Contracts

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

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

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

END OF SOLICITATION

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