FY22 CPS_CVP_USPSC Solicitation_STA_7200AA22R00084_06.24.22.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA22R00084

ISSUANCE DATE: June 24, 2022

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: July 25, 2022 at 3:00 PM EDT

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Technical Advisor - Washington, D.C. (GS-13/GS-14) under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

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

1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include:

a. Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week 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) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).

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

e. U.S. Citizenship.

NOTE: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. Offerors must specify in their offer materials whether they would like to be considered for the GS-13 or GS-14. Offerors who would like to be considered for both the GS-13 and GS-14 positions should submit separate offers specifying which grade level in the submission. Offerors will only be considered for the grade level specified in the submission. The offeror will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission. Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. This information should be clearly identified in your resume.

Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

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

3. Supplemental document specifically addressing each of the three (3) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.

4. USPSC Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete and sign the form. Due to COVID-19 and limited access to equipment, we are currently accepting electronic and typed signatures on the AID 309- 2 form.

NOTE ABOUT THE UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) NUMBERS AND SYSTEM

FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS: All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Your complete resume and the AID 309-2 form must be mailed or emailed to Keith Roland at kroland@usaid.gov.

Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received.

Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers.

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.

Offeror resources are available at www.otijobs.net/guidance-for-applying. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Keith Roland at kroland@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Jaclyn Humphrey

Acting Supervisory Contracting Officer

Solicitation #7200AA22R00084 USPSC - Senior Technical Advisor

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA22R00084

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 24, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 25, 2022 at 3:00 PM EDT

4. POINTS OF CONTACT: Keith Roland, email at kroland@usaid.gov and Jaclyn Humphrey, email at jhumphrey@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Technical Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated at the GS-13 and GS-14 equivalent level, D.C. locality pay (GS-13 $106,823 - $138,868 or GS-14 $126,233 - $164,102 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

Offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. If selected at the GS-13 equivalent grade level, following at least two (2) years at the GS-13 grade, the offeror may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-14 equivalent grade. In order to be advanced to the higher grade, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the higher grade and receive an excellent performance rating in the most recent annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee is performing successfully at the current grade and is considered ready to perform at the higher grade level.

Neither advancement nor extension of the contract is guaranteed.

Note: Offerors who submit an offer for the GS-14 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee, will not be considered for the GS-13 position if they have not submitted a separate application offer for the GS-13 level. Similarly, offerors who apply for the GS-13 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted a separate offer for the GS-14 position. Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. The Offeror will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, estimated to start within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC with possible travel overseas as stated in the Statement of Duties. Telework is allowed.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

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

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BACKGROUND

The position is expected to be located in the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS) in the Center for Conflict and Violence Prevention (CVP). The Senior Technical Advisor U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) will serve as a focal point and technical expert for technical assistance and programming support on prevention, conflict, violence, stabilization, countering violent extremism (CVE), or flexible programming and related monitoring, evaluation and learning activities supported by the CPS Bureau, to include the Complex Crises Fund (CCF), the Global Fragility Act (GFA), and other CPS programs. In this position, the Senior Technical Advisor will support the application of state of the art technical expertise and evaluation and learning approaches to ensure that activities are consistent with Agency policies and international best practices.

CPS seeks to create stable and peaceful societies. The CPS Bureau partners with USAID Missions and U.S. Embassies to contribute to peace and stability through programs, funding, and technical services focusing on social, communal, and political aspects of crises and political transition. CPS is USAID’s dedicated team for technical and analytical expertise on peacebuilding, conflict, and violence prevention. CPS responds to complex crises and opportunities and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.

CVP leads USAID’s efforts to identify and analyze sources of conflict. The Center supports USAID early responses to address the causes and consequences of fragility, conflict, and violence. The Center also integrates conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding approaches into policies, analyses, strategies, and programs. As a result, CVP advances USAID programs that prevent conflict, atrocities, and violent extremism before they spread; enhances partner countries’ self-sufficient peace operations, training, and deployment capabilities; and helps address countries’ governance challenges that are often the root cause of conflict.

To achieve these aims, CVP provides four key services. First, CVP leads Agency research and analyses on the causes and consequences of fragility, conflict, and violence. Our technical experts combine field experience, rigorous research, and inter-agency, as well as intergovernmental expertise to inform U.S. Government policy, Agency strategy, and mission programming. Second, CVP provides on-site support, counsel, and resources to missions and embassies worldwide. As geographic and thematic experts on the state-of-the art in conflict analysis and research, CVP staff work closely with regional counterparts in the design and implementation of strategies, programs, and assessments. Third, CVP develops and delivers highly effective training that builds USAID and USG expertise in peacebuilding, conflict sensitivity, and mitigating risks of violence. Fourth, CVP manages awards and projects, including the People-to-People Reconciliation Fund, that support USAID Mission, Bureau, and Independent Offices to design and deliver peacebuilding activities.

For more information, see:

https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/organization/bureaus/bureau-conflict-prevention-and-stabilization

Position Description at the GS-13 Level

Responsibility for Decision Making This USPSC position will serve as a Senior Technical Advisor for CPS. The USPSC will work closely with CPS staff and others. The supervisor for the position is the CVP Program and Operations Support Division Chief or his/her designee. The USPSC will perform her/his duties under administrative direction, with some latitude for the exercise of independent judgment (e.g., in program/project management) in the oversight and management of the CCF account (including gathering relevant country reports and updates and preparation written analysis of countries being considered for CCF funding; and supporting in preparation of draft decision memos, summaries, agendas and other related documents), supporting GFA implementation, and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) issues. As such, the USPSC must have relevant subject matter knowledge. Having knowledge in the field of global issues, the USPSC will help inform but not make policy.

Supervisory Controls Working closely with CPS staff and others and under the formal supervision of the CVP Program and Operations Support Division Chief or his/her designee, the USPSC will help to create a set of work objectives. The USPSC and supervisor will jointly develop a work plan that outlines projects (with deadlines), which the USPSC will work on with guidance. Such projects include efforts related to supporting CCF management and advising on bureau programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC may be asked to provide direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive CCF or other bureau funds and should be available for international travel.

Performance Guidelines The USPSC will be expected to learn administrative policies, precedents, and guidelines related to the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC will provide a range of services including, conducting background analysis, monitoring CCF and other activity implementation, assisting with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents, providing advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and developing and conducting trainings or workshops. Based on assignments provided, the USPSC will be expected to contribute to technical guidance and support to USAID

Missions and Operating Units (i.e., USAID Missions) in the form of planning, developing, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating activities. The USPSC will support preparation of draft decision memos, summaries and agendas and collect data on past proposals for CCF or other bureau funds or programming.

Complexity The USPSC’s duties will be varied, requiring the ability to contribute to and collaborate on analysis, consultations, and guidance on the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. As these interventions may take place in a range of country contexts, the USPSC will be required to support and contribute to interventions in situations featuring uncertainty and continual change (e.g., in legislative realities, programming opportunities or limitations in countries of interest). The USPSC will have the support of CPS staff and others and will be expected to support resolving problems related to the management of CCF and complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. The USPSC will link the bureau’s technical and sectoral areas with state of the art evaluation approaches to ensure monitoring and evaluation plans are consistent with Agency.

Scope and Effect The USPSC will work with others in the office and bureau to assess program effectiveness and contribute to analysis of how the bureau’s efforts are supporting USAID’s work. The USPSC’s work outputs will support both CPS and Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community, in particular around programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization efforts, will require the ability to work collaboratively on projects - liaising with stakeholders for inputs and support. The USPSC will maintain technical expertise through in person or online trainings relating to Agency monitoring and evaluation (M&E) policy and developments, and share timely recommendations on M&E practices and guidance in a useable form with other staff in the bureau and operating units receiving CCF or other bureau funds or assistance. With support from CPS staff and others the USPSC will work on multiple simultaneous work streams, many of which will require some project development responsibilities.

Level and Purpose of Contacts The USPSC will engage with individuals and groups from CPS and USAID - typically through meetings, calls, and consultations (on an as-needed, as-appropriate basis) - as an important step in advancing USAID’s approach, research agenda, and programmatic priorities related to CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC will join more senior staff in engagements with higher level professionals and technical representatives of USAID Missions, USAID Bureaus, development institutions (i.e., bilateral donor counterparts), private philanthropic foundations, and representatives of implementing partners. Through such engagements, the PSC will support and contribute to the CCF account, GFA support, and programming in complex environments and crises and on fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC will be expected to thoughtfully and professionally encourage the cooperation of people or groups and will be expected to work with a variety of professional and technical personnel to thoughtfully advance this work.

Statement of Duties

Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Programming and CCF Support:

● Support background analysis on issues related to CCF or its programs, to include gathering relevant country reports and updates, collecting data on past proposals, and preparing written analyses of countries being considered for CCF funding.

● Capture information from regional and technical bureaus at USAID, Department of State, and Department of Defense related to relevant programming.

● Support the preparation of draft proposal summaries and meeting agendas.

● Advise on bureau programming in complex environments and crises, including approaches for integrating gender equality and women, peace, and security (WPS) objectives in bureau programs, and strengthen USAID’s ability to participate in assessments or other work in the field to determine potential need for CCF-funded and other bureau programs.

● Assist proponents/recipients to strengthen CCF proposals, program designs, work plans, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plans, and other related technical documents.

● Monitor CCF and other relevant activity implementation, including use of budget resources.

● Support bureau on new tools for tracking the CCF budget as well as a bi-annual crosswalk of obligations and expenditures.

● Support field and Washington D.C.-based mid-cycle portfolio reviews.

● Produce briefing materials on CCF and CCF-supported and other activities.

● Assist with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents for the full project cycle including strategic planning, solicitations, scopes of work, budgets, and other materials as needed.

Technical Assistance:

● Support in the provision of direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive bureau support, including CCF, and be available for temporary assignment duty to provide technical assistance to USAID Missions.

● Support the review and analysis of acquisition and assistance regulations and policies for supporting project design or management.

● Provide support related to GFA implementation, MEL, or policy efforts.

● Support in the provision of expert advice to USAID staff and implementing partners on

MEL planning and methodology, as well as on collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) as it relates to prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization.

● Support operating units and offices in Program Cycle implementation, including developing performance management plans (PMPs) and project and/or activity MEL plans.

● Support in the provision of advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming.

● Support the design monitoring tools for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization programming.

● Support the facilitation of planning, design and/or management of specific CLA strategies and activities.

● Assist in developing, capturing, sharing and testing methods, models and tools to further CLA in the program cycle for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence, and stabilization programming.

● Track post-evaluation actions and synthesize learning.

● Support in the provision of technical assistance and other support to facilitate CLA in

Mission programs and within the bureau.

● Develop and deliver written materials and briefings to familiarize staff and partners with evaluation study designs, CLA principles, methods, tools and approaches.

● Support and/or lead internal/hybrid evaluation teams to bolster the technical evaluation skills of mission staff around conflict, violence and stabilization programming.

● Disseminate monitoring, evaluation, and learning findings and create communication products in various formats to inform decision makers, Mission staff and practitioners, and external stakeholders.

Capacity Development:

● Provide support in organizational systems for MEL and/or CLA.

● Support the development of and conducting of trainings, workshops, facilitated learning conversations and other capacity-building opportunities around MEL and/or CLA around conflict, violence and stabilization.

● Support incorporation of recommendations from evaluations and technical, contextual, and experiential learning into program cycle processes.

● Seek out, understand, and map local expertise available to support field monitoring and evaluation tasks (e.g., surveys, evaluations, data collection, analysis, etc.).

Additional:

● Perform services under this scope of work at physical locations other than Washington D.C. headquarters, including within other bureaus, offices or units not to exceed six (6) months.

Position Description at the GS-14 Level

Responsibility for Decision Making This USPSC position will serve as a Senior Technical Advisor for CPS. The USPSC will work closely with CPS staff and others. The supervisor for the position is the CVP Program and Operations Support Division Chief or his/her designee. The USPSC will perform her/his duties under administrative direction, with some latitude for the exercise of independent judgment (e.g.., in program/project management) in the oversight and management of the CCF account (including gathering relevant country reports and updates and preparation written analysis of countries being considered for CCF funding; and supporting in preparation of draft decision memos, summaries, agendas and other related documents), supporting GFA implementation, and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) issues. As such, the USPSC must have relevant subject matter knowledge. Having knowledge in the field of global issues, the USPSC will help inform but not make policy.

Supervisory Controls Working closely with CPS staff and others and under the formal supervision of the CVP Program and Operations Support Division Chief or his/her designee, the USPSC will help to create a set of work objectives. The USPSC and supervisor will jointly develop a work plan that outlines projects (with deadlines), which the USPSC will work on with guidance. Such projects include efforts related to supporting CCF management and advising on bureau programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC may be asked to provide direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive CCF or other bureau funds and should be available for international travel.

Performance Guidelines The USPSC will be expected to learn administrative policies, precedents, and guidelines related to the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC will provide a range of services including, conducting background analysis, monitoring CCF and other activity implementation, assisting with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents, providing advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and developing and conducting trainings or workshops. Based on assignments provided, the USPSC will be expected to contribute to technical guidance and support to USAID Missions and Operating Units (i.e., USAID Missions) in the form of planning, developing, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating activities. The USPSC will support preparation of draft decision memos, summaries and agendas and collect data on past proposals for CCF or other bureau funds or programming.

Complexity The USPSC’s duties will be varied, requiring the ability to contribute to and collaborate on analysis, consultations, and guidance on the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. As these interventions may take place in a range of country contexts, the USPSC will be required to support and contribute to interventions in situations featuring uncertainty and continual change (e.g., in legislative realities, programming opportunities or limitations in countries of interest). The USPSC will have the support of CPS staff and others and will be expected to support resolving problems related to the management of CCF and complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. The USPSC will link the bureau’s technical and sectoral areas with state of the art evaluation approaches to ensure monitoring and evaluation plans are consistent with Agency policies and international best practices.

Scope and Effect The USPSC will work with others in the office and bureau to assess program effectiveness and contribute to analysis of how the bureau’s efforts are supporting USAID’s work. The USPSC’s work outputs will support both CPS and Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community, in particular around programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization efforts, will require the ability to work collaboratively on projects - liaising with stakeholders for inputs and support. The USPSC will maintain technical expertise through in person or online trainings relating to Agency monitoring and evaluation (M&E) policy and developments, and share timely recommendations on M&E practices and guidance in a useable form with other staff in the bureau and operating units receiving CCF or other bureau funds or assistance. With support from CPS staff and others the USPSC will work on multiple simultaneous work streams, many of which will require some project development responsibilities.

Level and Purpose of Contacts The USPSC will engage with individuals and groups from CPS and USAID - typically through meetings, calls, and consultations (on an as-needed, as-appropriate basis) - as an important step in advancing USAID’s approach, research agenda, and programmatic priorities related to CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC will join more senior staff in engagements with higher level professionals and technical representatives of USAID Missions, USAID Bureaus, development institutions (i.e., bilateral donor counterparts), private philanthropic foundations, and representatives of implementing partners. Through such engagements, the USPSC will support and contribute to the CCF account, GFA support, and programming in complex environments and crises and on fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The USPSC will be expected to thoughtfully and professionally encourage the cooperation of people or groups, and the USPSC will be expected to work with a variety of professional and technical personnel to thoughtfully advance this work.

Statement of Duties

Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Programming and CCF Support:

● Conduct background analysis on issues related to CCF or its programs, to include gathering relevant country reports and updates, collecting data on past proposals, and preparing written analyses of countries being considered for CCF funding.

● Capture information from regional and technical bureaus at USAID, Department of State, and Department of Defense related to relevant programming.

● Prepare draft proposal summaries and meeting agendas.

● Advise on bureau programming in complex environments and crises, including approaches for integrating gender equality and women, peace, and security (WPS) objectives in bureau programs, and strengthen USAID’s ability to participate in assessments or other work in the field to determine potential need for CCF-funded and other bureau programs.

● Assist proponents/recipients to strengthen CCF proposals, program designs, work plans, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plans, and other related technical documents.

● Monitor CCF and other relevant activity implementation, including use of budget resources.

● Support bureau on new tools for tracking the CCF budget as well as a bi-annual crosswalk of obligations and expenditures.

● Conduct field and Washington D.C.-based mid-cycle portfolio reviews.

● Produce briefing materials on CCF and CCF-supported and other activities.

● Assist with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents for the full project cycle including strategic planning, solicitations, scopes of work, budgets, and other materials as needed.

Technical Assistance:

● Provide direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive bureau support, including CCF, and be available for temporary assignment duty to provide technical assistance to USAID Missions.

● Support the review and analysis of acquisition and assistance regulations and policies for supporting project design or management.

● Provide support related to GFA implementation, MEL, or policy efforts.

● Provide expert advice to USAID staff and implementing partners on MEL planning and methodology, as well as on collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) as it relates to prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization.

● Guide operating units in Program Cycle implementation, including developing performance management plans (PMPs) and project and/or activity MEL plans.

● Provide advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming.

● Design monitoring tools for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization programming.

● Facilitate the planning, design and/or management of specific CLA strategies and activities.

● Assist in developing, capturing, sharing and testing methods, models and tools to further CLA in the program cycle for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence, and stabilization programming.

● Track post-evaluation actions and synthesize learning.

● Provide technical assistance and other support to facilitate CLA in Mission programs and within the bureau.

● Develop and deliver written materials and briefings to familiarize staff and partners with evaluation study designs, CLA principles, methods, tools and approaches.

● Support and/or lead internal/hybrid evaluation teams to bolster the technical evaluation skills of mission staff around prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization programming.

● Disseminate monitoring, evaluation, and learning findings and create communication products in various formats to inform decision makers, Mission staff and practitioners, and external stakeholders.

Capacity Development:

● Provide support in organizational systems for MEL and/or CLA.

● Develop and conduct trainings, workshops, facilitated learning conversations and other capacity-building opportunities around MEL and/or CLA around conflict, violence and stabilization.

● Support incorporation of recommendations from evaluations and technical, contextual, and experiential learning into program cycle processes.

● Seek out, understand, and map local expertise available to support field monitoring and evaluation tasks (e.g., surveys, evaluations, data collection, analysis, etc.).

Additional:

● Perform services under this scope of work at physical locations other than Washington D.C. headquarters, including within other bureaus, offices or units not to exceed six (6) months.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

At the GS-13 Senior Technical Advisor level:

Education/Experience Required:

1. Master’s degree or higher with significant study and/or experience in a pertinent field, including but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology (verification required upon request for transcripts and/certificates) AND at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.

OR

2. A Bachelor’s degree with study in a pertinent field, including but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology (verification required upon request for transcripts and/certificates) AND at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.

At the GS-14 Senior Technical Advisor level:

Education/Experience Required:

1. Master’s degree or higher with significant study and/or experience in a pertinent field, including but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology (verification required upon request for transcripts and/certificates) AND at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.

OR

2. A Bachelor’s degree with study in a pertinent field, including but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology (verification required upon request for transcripts and/certificates) AND at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.

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.

Each sub-factor will be weighted equally within the rating factor. The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will select candidates to interview based on a preliminary review of applications. References will be checked only for those candidates interviewed. The TEC can request references from others who know the candidate’s work in addition to the references provided by the candidate. Upon completion of interviews and reference checks, TEC members will revise their scores for those candidates.

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

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

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

1. Technical Expertise (30 points)

● Demonstrated ability to provide high-level analysis and technically sound recommendations on complex crises issues, policy design or support, and/or dynamic country contexts.

● Demonstrated technical expertise in conceptualizing strategies and designing evidence-based programs and MEL activities to address complex crises, fragility, conflict, violence, and stabilization issues.

2. Mediation and Conflict/Problem Resolution and Teamwork (20 points)

● Demonstrated ability to identify potential problems or obstacles to achieving mission objectives, mediate or mitigate the effects of, and resolve those problems.

Type of problems/conflicts mediated or resolved can include conflicts due to personalities, organizational cultural differences, shift in political priorities, changes in funding levels, others.

● Proven track record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams, as a team leader (if applicable) and as a team member.

● Sound judgment and collegiality when working in environments with colleagues of diverse backgrounds, diverse opinions, and diverse roles and responsibilities.

3. Communication (20 points)

● Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with high-level officials with minimal editing or supervision.

● Proven track record of quickly gathering, analyzing and synthesizing information for use by principals.

● Demonstrated productive and positive communication with colleagues and peers.

4. Interview (30 points)

● Offeror should demonstrate his/her knowledge and capabilities of the position requirements through his/her responses to the interview questions.

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the responses to Evaluation Factors 1, 2, and 3. Offerors who meet these minimum qualifications will be reviewed against set Evaluation Factors. Offerors are required to address Evaluation Factors 1, 2, and 3 in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:

1. Technical Expertise: 30 points

2. Mediation and Conflict/Problem Resolution and Teamwork: 20 points

3. Communication: 20 points

4. Interview: 30 points

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

Total possible points: 100

The most qualified offeror(s) may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, offers (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the offerors writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an offeror has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive offerors USAID reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history. If the offeror had a previous position with USAID, the TEC and/or CO are encouraged to obtain reference checks from the previous supervisor(s) or CO(s).

See ADS 309.3.1.11.a.4

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please clearly reference the solicitation number in the offer, and in the email subject line of the submission.

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

1. Complete resume. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the education and experience requirements as stated in the solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week may not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

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

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

NOTE: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. Offerors must specify in their offer materials whether they would like to be considered for the GS-13 or GS-14. Offerors who would like to be considered for both the GS-13 and GS-14 positions should submit separate offers specifying which grade level in the submission. Offerors will only be considered for the grade level specified in the submission. The offeror will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission.

Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

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

(a) Name of reference;

(b) Offeror’s relationship to the reference;

(c) Title of reference at current job;

(d) Reference current telephone number; and

(e) Reference current email address.

3. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Evaluation Factors. Responses are limited to no more than 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

5. 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. Due to COVID-19 and limited access to equipment, we are currently accepting electronic and typed signatures on the AID 309-2 form.

Unsigned forms will not be accepted.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Via email: kroland@usaid.gov

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated.

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

NOTE REGARDING UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) NUMBERS AND THE

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

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

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

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

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

2. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

3. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Paid Parental Leave

2. ALLOWANCES

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations

(Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Post Differential Chapter 500 and Tables in Chapter 900.

(b) Living Quarters Allowance Section 130.

(c) Temporary Lodging Allowance Section 120.

(d) Post Allowance Section 220.

(e) Supplemental Post Allowance Section 230.

(f) Payments During Evacuation Section 600.

(g) Education Allowance Section 270.

(h) Separate Maintenance Allowance Section 260.

(i) Danger Pay Allowance Section 650.

(j) Education Travel Section 280.

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING

TO PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

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

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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

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

0002 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

0003 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

0004 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…