Firehouse - New Solicitation 7200AA22R00026.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 7200AA22R00026
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This is a solicitation from the U.S. Agency for International Development seeking offers from qualified individuals to provide personal services as U.S. Personal Services Contractors to serve as contracting and agreement officers on intermittent deployments. Offerors must have a minimum of ten years of experience in federal procurement rules and regulations, three years exercising warrant authority equivalent to a Level I warrant, and FAC-C Level I certification. The period of performance is intermittent base plus four option years. Contractors will deploy a minimum of 45 days annually to support USAID missions and embassies overseas, providing rapid response, subject matter expertise, and assisting where staffing needs exceed capacity. Duties may include acquisition planning, solicitation development, source selection, contract administration, and representation of USAID interests. The place of performance is overseas with possible initial training in Washington, D.C.
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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA22R00026
ISSUANCE DATE: March 17, 2022 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: February 28, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
(Multiple Review Periods - see Attachment 1)
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Contracting and Agreement officers (Multiple Positions)
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, Nathan Piper Contracting Officer
Nathan Piper Digitally signed by Nathan Piper Date: 2022.03.17 13:11:11 -04'00'
Solicitation for a USPSC Contracting and Agreement Officers (Multiple Positions)
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ATTACHMENT 1
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA22R00026
2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 17, 2022
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: This solicitation is open and continuous until February 28, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time. The following are the closing dates for each review period:
April 29, 2022, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time September 30, 2022, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time February 28, 2023 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
Offerors not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for positions available in subsequent review periods. Any review period may be canceled at USAID’s discretion.
4. POINT OF CONTACT: COFirehouse@usaid.gov
5. POSITION TITLE: Contracting and Agreement Officer
6. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a GS-15 equivalent level (current fiscal year rate $423.44 - $550.48) daily rate, non-locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value, based upon the offeror’s qualifications, previous relevant experience, past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Intermittent - Base (one year), with four (4) one-year option years.
STATEMENTS OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD/PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND
BENEFITS:
The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services overseas on a temporary, on-call basis as part of the Bureau for Management/ Office of Acquisition and Assistance - Staff Support Services (OAAS3) “Firehouse.” OAAS3 intends to contract for these services for a minimum activation of 45 workdays to a maximum activation of 250 work days during each contract year (consecutive days not required).
OAA will determine country assignments. As an intermittent USPSC, the contractor will deploy for assignments on a sporadic basis over the course of each contract year. There is no obligation by OAAS3 to provide assignments for a minimum number of days; and the contractor can provide “blackout” dates during which he/she will not be available to accept assignments as long as the
3 | P a g e contractor works a minimum of 45 days each contract year (consecutive days are not required). The blackout dates will be subject to approval by the OAAS3 supervisor, based on the needs in the field.
Upon identification of a temporary need and scope of work for an assignment in the field, OAAS3 will contact the contractor and provide the following information:
1. Date contractor is needed for the field assignment
2. Duration of Assignment
3. Place of Performance
The contractor will notify OAAS3 whether he/she is available for the assignment within one week.
At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a crisis may require the assignment to be curtailed or extended (not to exceed 250 days per year). The contractor shall notify OAAS3 at the time of commitment if his or her existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment, but will simply assist OAAS3 in recruiting a replacement. However, if a contractor is not available for the minimum number of work assignments offered during a contract year (a minimum of 45 days, consecutive days are not required), or performance reviews are rated unsuccessful, OAAS3 may choose not to exercise the option years of the PSC’s contract, thus terminating their contract after the first year. Subsequently, if unforeseen circumstances arise, and the contractor needs to curtail the assignment and leave post, the contractor must receive approval from OAAS3 and the Mission prior to departure.
As services provided by the contractor are on a temporary, on-call basis, health and life insurance reimbursements will be provided on a prorated basis based on the number of days during which the contractor actually provides services.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Overseas
There may be an initial orientation and training program in Washington, D.C. This may include training necessary to receive a USAID Level I Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Warrant or other required USAID or State Department training classes. After completion of appropriate training, the CO/AO will be considered available for overseas assignment. A portion of the assignment may be remote based on the needs of the mission and depending on potential or ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the country of assignment.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES
General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
The Rapid Staff Support Services (OAAS3), which is a staff services support function embedded in the Bureau for Management, Office of Acquisition and Assistance, Office of the Director, 4 | P a g e
Foreign Operations Division (M/OAA/OD/Foreign Operations), is hiring Contract and Agreement Officers, (CO/AOs) who will be U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs) on intermittent deployments; providing rapid response to urgent demands, additional specialized skills, or requests for services that cannot otherwise be accomplished in a country where personnel have been displaced due to security issues, transition between assignments, CO/AO vacancies, or where there has been a surge of activity that exceeds the capacity of that Mission’s personnel. The USPSCs will be a part of OAAS3’s “Firehouse” and those serving in the Firehouse must be prepared to work abroad in USAID missions and embassies, often with little time for preparations.
OAAS3 is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals with the desire to help support USAID missions abroad. This includes when faced with staffing shortages, natural disaster, political instability or turmoil, internal conflict or otherwise in need of support due to unforeseen circumstances. OAAS3 intermittent USPSCs are expected to deploy a minimum of 45 workdays per contract year to remain active OAAS3 Firehouse members.
Since its inception, this office has provided over 20,000 days of mission support in deployments to countries such as Burundi, Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Honduras, Somalia, South Sudan, and Democratic Republic of Congo. As a member of OAAS3’s team of responders, the USPSC CO/AOs would be available at short notice to provide medium to long-term management and leadership assistance to USAID Missions with pressing staffing and talent needs.
USPSCs are considered employees of USAID for all purposes except programs administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – such as federally sponsored health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. However, there are several other similar benefits that USPSCs may participate in, such as partial reimbursement for health and life insurance costs, as well as full coverage of workers’ compensation, among other benefits. For more complete information on USPSC benefits, please see pages 13 - 15 of this solicitation.
Statement of Duties
While every deployment is different, the USPSC Contracting and Agreement Officer may be responsible for the full breadth of administrative and management functions associated with new and on-going activities as they relate to various types of acquisition and assistance instruments abroad. In particular, the incumbent will be required to assess the acquisition and assistance needs of the USAID Mission and deliver timely support ensuring that USG and USAID interests are protected/promoted, coordinated, and policy is properly and consistently implemented.
The incumbent will likely be expected to report regularly on his or her work to the Chief of Mission or his/her designee and senior USG officials in-country and in Washington. He or she will also be expected to provide OAAS3/Washington with regular reports that include observations, problems, and recommendations. Leadership, oversight, supervision and backstopping of several different development portfolios may be encountered in the mission. The Contracting and Agreement Officer may be required to:
Serve as a member of the USAID’s Mission Senior Leadership Team.
Manage special cross-cutting initiatives and task force groups to accomplish programmatic goals.
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Support contracting and procurement activities by reviewing and analyzing data and providing assistance and advice on contracting and grant actions.
Assist in the formulation, coordination and management of strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures for establishing and implementing acquisition and assistance programs.
Manage the planning, solicitation, evaluation, cost/price analysis, negotiation, administration and closeout of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements as well as other USAID award instruments.
Coordinate activities with other USAID offices, the Department of State, other USG agencies, and host country officials.
Acts as a liaison with counterparts in other USAID regional offices and central bureaus on behalf of the Mission to facilitate Mission Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) activities.
Develop reports and responses to Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congressional inquiries, responses to Inspector General (IG), and other inquiries.
Perform a variety of duties related to special projects involving program issues that contain complicated A&A elements.
Appoint acquisition & assistance technical representatives and support the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and management of project implementer’s performance.
Oversee staff and implementing partner organizations, excluding direct hire staff.
Provide on-site training and mentoring for new staff both in Washington and the field as required.
Advise Ambassador, Mission Leadership, and/or USAID Washington on development, crisis, or conflict issues relevant to USAID that affect A&A functions and activities.
Supervisory Relationships and Controls
The Contracting and Agreement Officer (USPSC) will take direction from and will report to the OAAS3 Program Manager when not on assignment; and when activated, to the Chief of Mission, Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director or his/her designee.
During deployment, the supervisor at the USAID mission will set overall objectives and provide technical direction and day-to-day supervision. The incumbent and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and other assigned work, which are subject to mission approval and consistent with mission objectives, policies, and protocols. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision while remaining in line with agreed upon work plans, overall mission objectives, and supervision.
For the purpose of contract, personnel, training or general administrative matters, the OAAS3 Program Manager (Washington, D.C.) or his/her designee will provide direction and oversight.
Guidelines
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Judgment and ingenuity is required to interpret the intent of guides and to develop applications/guidelines. The Contracting and Agreement Officer may be required to:
Fill critical staffing leadership gaps and requirements in the field, often in non-presence countries or temporarily filling a USAID Representative or Officer in Charge position, including the provision of support to new country start-ups and on-call technical assistance;
Implement and manage the assigned country program in the absence of the USAID Country Representative or Officer in Charge in the field, including assessing project sites and selecting contractor and grantees to work under programs;
Oversee staff and implement and implementing partner organizations; and Monitor and evaluate development programs, individual projects, and contractor and grantee performance.
Complexity
At the GS-15 level, duties are significantly varied requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods applied to a broad range of problems requiring substantial depth of analysis; decisions involve largely undefined areas and issues and require extensive probing and analysis to determine the scope of the problem. The Contracting and Agreement Officer may be required to:
Negotiate program and project agreements with governmental and non-governmental counterparts within the guidelines provided by the USAID Mission;
Manage the development and implementation of the assigned country program as the USAID Country Representative or Officer in Charge, including assessing project sites and selecting contractors and grantees to work under the Mission’s Country Program.
Scope and Effect
At the GS-15 level, work includes isolating and defining unknown conditions and resolving critical problems or developing new theories affecting the work of other experts. The Contracting and Agreement Officer may be required to:
Serve as one of USAID Mission’s Senior Leadership Team’s on development program and policy issues;
Lead discussions related to the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), the Framework for Foreign Assistance and other Mission’s plans and provide leadership to a Mission Program Office in determining the implications for country program design, monitoring and evaluation, and developing appropriate indicators based on the CDCS, Framework and other Mission strategic guidance.
Personal Contacts
At the GS-15 level, contacts are with high-ranking officials (SES, Corporate Executives and above) outside the employing agency at national or international levels in highly unstructured settings.
Contacts may include Members of Congress, leading Representatives of Foreign Governments, Presidents of large national and international firms and a similar level of contact.
The contractor may be required to:
Advise Ambassador, Mission Leadership, and/or USAID Washington on development, crisis, or conflict issues relevant to USAID.
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Represent USAID client mission interests in liaison with other USAID divisions, the State Department, Interagency partners and external organizations to ensure consistent programs and policy directions; and
Develop reports, and responses to Government Accountability Office (GAO), Congressional, inquiries, responses to Inspector General (IG), and other inquiries.
Purpose of Contacts
The people contacted by the incumbent may have diverse viewpoints, goals and objectives including U.S. Government agencies. The incumbent is required to achieve a common understanding among the various parties and propose satisfactory solutions, which address their various objectives in implementing programs. The incumbent will justify, defend, and settle matters involving significant and controversial issues. The incumbent will engage in active participation in conferences, meetings, hearings or presentations involving problems of considerable consequences or importance, resulting in resolution through compromise and negotiation.
Knowledge of the objectives and operations of USAID and the US Government and/or similar program activities of other international donor organizations is highly desirable.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Firehouse members must be able to obtain and maintain a Class 1 State Department medical clearance for the duration of the period of performance.
Work is primarily performed in an office setting, though the incumbent is likely to be assigned to areas where site visits and extraordinary travel time is involved and that may entail working out of temporary duty residences or hotel rooms. The incumbent will travel as a U.S. Government employee and is subject to Chief of Mission authority. As such, the incumbent will be expected to conform to all embassy and/or USAID mission policies and procedures at his or her assignment location regarding housing, work hours, diplomatic protocols, and security. The incumbent may be required to staff field offices or other locations off-site of the USAID mission or embassy.
Many of the overseas environments in which the incumbent may be required to work present a health risk such as: extreme air pollution, lack of potable water, or presence of waterborne and other communicable diseases. Special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, exposure to severe weather conditions, working in non-permissive environments, restrictions on movement and/or evacuations of a USAID mission or embassy may occur. OAAS3 Firehouse members may be in positions overseas that lead to mental stress, and may require arduous physical exertion, by prolonged sitting, standing, riding in and getting out of vehicles, and operating manual or stick-shift motor vehicles. The duties may require:
entering and maneuvering in facilities accessible only by stairs, long flight times, and carrying heavy baggage and items. The incumbent must be able to operate in an environment that requires endurance and ability to evaluate surroundings. The incumbent must be physically and mentally capable of performing these functions efficiently and safely.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
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The minimum qualifications determine basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the following qualifications are considered NOT qualified for the position.
Education: Any baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university AND at least 24 semester hours from an accredited U.S. college or university among these disciplines: accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and organization and management.
Experience: Minimum ten (10) years of on-the-job experience that directly relates to Federal Government procurement rules and regulations and federal financial assistance under 2 CFR 200 and 700 (or its predecessors) in a position with duties equivalent to the GS-1102 job.
A minimum of three (3) years exercising warrant authority within the US government or in the private sector equivalent to, or greater than, a Level I ($5 million) A&A warrant.
Training: The incumbent must have FAC-C Level I certification as determined by FAI at http://www.fai.gov/certification/specialist.asp. Offerors must be able to obtain a current certification or a current Certificate of Achievement.
AND
Must be a U.S. Citizen Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance provided by USAID.
Ability to obtain a Department of State Class 1 Worldwide MEDICAL clearance and maintain for the duration of the period of performance.
Ability to obtain a USAID Contracting and Agreement Officer’s Warrant within 6 months of starting the contract and maintain the warrant for the duration of the period of performance.
Ability to use a computer and keep up to date with current technologies commonly used at USAID offices, i.e. knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, relevant statistical/analytical software, and the internet-based documents and software.
Offeror must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) or Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Sanctions List.
Must never have had a Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Warrant revoked by a US Government Agency
Ability to participate in Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) training.
Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
Offerors must submit:
Complete resume. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I.
Offers must submit evidence of academic and training credentials.
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR,
SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NONDISQUALIFYING
DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE
ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
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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 for each review period 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.
Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications in Section II will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed below. The QRFs are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors for each review period in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the ranking factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. Those Offerors determined to be in the competitive range, if applicable, will also be evaluated on interview performance and professional reference checks, which will result in the final evaluation for each offeror in the competitive range.
Quality Ranking Factors
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated understanding of U.S. Government procurement regulations and ability to advise, assist and lead procurement processes ensuring auditable due diligence.
Demonstrated experience working with all aspects of awarding and administering Acquisition (Contracts) and Assistance (Grants, Cooperative Agreements) instruments including those valued at $10 Million and above.
Demonstrated knowledge of the procurement cycle including planning, design, solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, award, administration and closeouts of acquisition and assistance instruments, including bilateral or multilateral programs with host governments, local in-country organizations, or and/or international organizations.
Demonstrated ability to advise, assist and occasionally lead strategic planning of organizational requirements in resources, staff and programs related to an international assistance effort.
Demonstrated ability to provide informed advice and counsel to Mission and Foreign Service Leadership on development, crisis, or conflict issues relevant to international relief, stabilization, transition and/or development objectives.
Demonstrated ability to communicate strategically with senior United States and foreign government officials, as well as senior officials of international organizations, diplomatic commissions, the private sector, and NGOs.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a demanding, fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
Demonstrated ability to live and work in sometimes austere, conflict-prone environments.
Demonstrated ability to function with minimal supervision and lead diverse multi-disciplinary teams and fulfill leadership, training and supervisory roles for USAID Mission OAA employees.
Demonstrated ability to utilize a major foreign language (e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian) in the course of conducting business with local staff and partners.
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Interview Performance: Offerors selected for interview will be assessed on the quality of their interview performance, with a focus placed on demonstration of the ‘Knowledge, Skills and Abilities’ listed above during the interview along with the quality of offerors’ communication and interpersonal skills.
Professional References: OAAS3 reserves the right to contact a current or previous supervisor for references.
NOTE: Face-to-face interviews may be conducted in Washington D.C. OAAS3 will not pay for expenses associated with the interviews but will conduct telephone or videoconference interviews for those not available in Washington D.C. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror.
IV. APPLYING
Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit the following:
1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:
(a) All full time paid positions, job title, location(s), hours per week, and dates held (month/year), for each position in US and overseas necessary to demonstrate the minimum requirements listed in Section II above have been met. Unless stated otherwise, part-time hours will be prorated at 20 hours worked per week. Unpaid, part-time and any experience that does not include dates (month/year) and locations will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements Dates (month/year), hours per week, and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Please specify unpaid or part time work. Unless stated otherwise, part-time hours will be prorated at 20 hours worked per week. Unpaid, part-time and any experience that does not include dates (month/year) and locations will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
(c) Names and contact information (phone and email) for all supervisors within the last 5 years.
(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
2. USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I.
Applicants are required to complete, sign and date the form. AID 309-2 is available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2.
3. Academic Verification (Unofficial Transcript or Proof of Diploma)
Additional documents will be accepted only if they demonstrate how the applicant meets the minimum requirements or evaluation factors. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
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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: 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. If Secret clearance is not obtained within nine months after receipt of the award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.
NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within 30 days after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Class 1 Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.
NOTE: REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION
This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.
NOTE: Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.*
* See Appendix 6 - Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII.
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.
Forms outlined below can found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do
1. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561) **
2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **
3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) **
4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) **
5. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form) **
6. Declaration of Federal Employment (OF 306) **
VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
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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 & Sick Leave
2. ALLOWANCES: (If Applicable).
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 Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).
c) Post Allowance (Section 220).
d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).
e) Post Differential (Chapter 500).
f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)
g) Danger Pay (Section 650).
VII. TAXES
USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, and 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:
CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.
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 clauses “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/aid-309-
1 Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award.
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(continues on following page)
LINE ITEMS
ITEM NO
(A)
SUPPLIES/SERVICE
S (DESCRIPTION)
(B)
QUANTITY
(C)
UNIT
(D)
UNIT
PRICE
(E)
AMOUNT
(F)
0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info:
[insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info:
[insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
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ITEM NO
(A)
SUPPLIES/SERVICE
S (DESCRIPTION)
(B)
QUANTITY
(C)
UNIT
(D)
UNIT
PRICE
(E)
AMOUNT
(F)
2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info:
[insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
- Accounting Info:
[insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]
1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
4001 Option Period 4 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]
1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_
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ITEM NO
(A)
SUPPLIES/SERVICE
S (DESCRIPTION)
(B)
QUANTITY
(C)
UNIT
(D)
UNIT
PRICE
(E)
AMOUNT
(F)
- Accounting Info:
[insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]
3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins
(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.
AAPD 06-10 - PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 1 to the solicitation.
AAPD 21-05: Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors
AAPD No. 21-05 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 2 to the solicitation.
FAR 52.222-50 - COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (NOV 2021)
FAR clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 3 to the solicitation.
AAPD 18-02 - MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES
AAPD No. 18-02 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 4 to the solicitation.
FAR 52.223-99 ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR
FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22- 01c)
FAR clause 52.223-99 is hereby incorporated as Appendix 5 to the solicitation.
Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 This Notice is hereby incorporated as Appendix 6 of the solicitation.
4. 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
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Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provisions 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations
5. 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.
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APPENDIX 1
AAPD 06-10 - MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
(OCTOBER 2006)
(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.
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;
(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 DS3067, 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
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(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 PROVISION)
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APPENDIX 2
AAPD 21-05: Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors
Leave and Holidays [Deviation (NOV 2021)]
(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 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.
(ii) 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, 40-hour workweek, which will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter workweek:
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
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(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
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(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, 40-hour workweek, and the rate of accrual will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter workweek. 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
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(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 paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this clause, prior to departure on home leave, the contractor must submit to the contracting officer at the current Mission, a copy of the new contract with a special award condition in the contract Schedule indicating the contractor’s obligation to fulfill the commitment for continued performance in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause.
(2) Notwithstanding the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause, the contractor may be granted advanced home leave subject to all of the following conditions:
(i) Granting of advanced home leave would serve in each case to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and
(ii) The contractor has served…
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