PEPFAR Senior Strategic Information (SI) Advisor.pdf

USAID/Tanzania 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani

P.O. BOX 9130

DAR ES SALAAM

Tel: 255-22-2294490 Fax: 255-22-2294421 www.usaid.gov/Tanzania

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062120R00007

ISSUANCE DATE: September 15, 2020

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: October 06, 2020, 5:00 P.M. EAT

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

Senior Strategic Information (SI) Advisor

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, Timothy Pruett

Contracting Officer

72062120R00007

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72062120R00007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 15, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 06, 2020, 5:00

P. M. EAT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Hussein Tuwa, e-mail at htuwa@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: PEPFAR Senior Strategic Information (SI) Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: USD $92,977 – USD $120,868 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Year with four option years, estimated to start on November 02, 2020.

The base period will be November 02, 2020 to November 01, 2021, estimated to start on November 02, 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for four years - for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: November 02, 2020 to November 01, 2021

Option Period 1: November 02, 2021 to November 01, 2022

Option Period 2: November 02, 2022 to November 01, 2023

Option Period 3: November 02, 2023 to November 01, 2024

Option Period 4: November 02, 2024 to November 01, 2025

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U. S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The HO is USAID/Tanzania’s largest team with responsibility for a FY 2019 operating year budget of approximately $395 million, making up most of the total

Mission budget. The 51-person team in the HO manages a complex, robust and integrated health program including interventions in HIV/AIDS, Maternal Child

Health and Nutrition, tuberculosis, family planning, global health security and malaria. All health activities are guided by USAID/Tanzania’s Country

Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). USAID/Tanzania’s Program and

Operations team supports the technical teams in the HO to carry out the following functions outlined in ADS200: activity design, budgeting, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.

This position would be based in the Program, Analysis, and Operations Team and would lead the PEPFAR SI Unit. The incumbent will focus on leading three critical components, namely:

1) Providing technical assistance for the development, coordination and evaluation of the USAID/Tanzania’s PEPFAR strategic information systems, including analysis of epidemiology and service utilization statistics

2) Leading the harmonization and alignment of USAID’s project-supported information systems/databases with PEPFAR’s information requirements.

3) Guiding project and activity design and implementation through analysis of gaps and project needs for relevant PEPFAR indicators

The success of this position requires leadership from a seasoned advisor who possesses extensive technical expertise in program monitoring and evaluation;

data use and analysis; surveillance; and health information systems. Additionally, strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills are critical to effectively collaborate, communicate and negotiate with national and sub-national government counterparts, the PEPFAR interagency, other donors, and civil society groups.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The PEPFAR Strategic Information Technical Advisor position is in the

USAID/Tanzania Health Office in Dar es Salaam. The incumbent serves as a key member of the Health Office and plays a leadership role providing expertise and guidance in areas related to PEPFAR strategic information. The PEFAR SI

Technical Advisor provides technical expertise in program monitoring and evaluation; data use and analysis; surveillance and health informatics for

PEPFAR-funded activities. S/he also provides technical advice and guidance to

Government of Tanzania officials in multiple ministries at national, regional and local levels.

S/he will design, analyze, and translate a variety of quantitative and qualitative data, including national as well as U.S. Government (USG) specific, into concrete programmatic implications/inputs. This will include epidemiological, service utilization, and human resource related statistics to draw conclusions to inform programmatic and policy dialogue within the USG and for national counterparts as needed.

The incumbent is responsible for leading and providing technical direction and expertise to the USAID PEPFAR SI Unit, which supports all target setting, monitoring, and reporting for PEPFAR-funded activities. S/he serves as activity manager for select HO awards and is actively involved in the planning, design, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of those awards and plays a critical role in strategic information program coordination, analysis of progress and project design for inclusion in the annual Country Operational Plan (COP), CDCS, Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and other reporting documents.

The PEPFAR SI Technical Advisor maintains highly collaborative interagency relationships and ensures that data generated by program monitoring and other strategic information systems are of high quality and used for program planning, policy development, advocacy, and program evaluation. The incumbent plays a leadership role within the PEPFAR technical work groups, playing a key role in the development of annual and long-term strategic information strategies. The incumbent represents USAID within multiple GOT and donor technical working groups and maintains collaborative working relationships with mid-to-senior level government officials in the GOT, donors, USG agencies and non-governmental organizations. This requires sound judgment, diplomacy and tact in negotiating and working closely with the GOT and other stakeholders, and in the provision of ongoing guidance to implementing partners on health strategic directions and activities.

Specific activities of the PEPFAR SI Technical Advisor will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Technical Leadership and Expertise (60% of time)

● Provide technical leadership and expertise on PEPFAR program monitoring and data use and analysis; surveillance and health informatics to the USAID

Mission, the broader USG and host country stakeholders.

● Mentor FSN staff to support professional development, including strengthening strategic information technical expertise and leadership skills.

● Design, coordinate and/or deliver cohesive training and capacity building effort for USAID Mission, the broader USG and host country stakeholders that transfers and enhances capacity to design, introduce and implement appropriate

M&E systems.

● Develop and/or participate in development of guidance and frameworks for local procedures, policies and processes that will institutionalize and support capacity development for high quality design, monitoring, evaluation and reporting

● Play a leadership role in the PEPFAR working groups, developing multi-sectoral programming and providing technical guidance and direction.

● Coordinate updates to the HO PMP and HO sections of the Mission’s PMP that are PEPFAR-funded.

● Strengthen implementing partner and GOT capacity to respond to planning and reporting requirements and utilize data to make policy and programmatic decisions.

● Collaborate with USG partners and other stakeholders on mutually identified critical operational research and/or targeted public health evaluation questions, provide assistance in development of strategies to address those questions, and help disseminate findings to the broader community.

2. Program Management (30% of time)

● Provide leadership in the day-to-day technical guidance of PEPFAR strategic information activities. Provide technical input on annual work plans and performance monitoring plans for HO implementing partners. Conduct regular site visits to review program implementation and meet with beneficiaries.

Based on the information collected during field visits, communicate findings and recommendations to team members and, as appropriate, implementing partners and GOT counterparts.

● Ensure that PEPFAR implementing partners are in compliance with relevant regulations and procedures. Based on personal observations, assessment reports, performance statistics and other available data, make programmatic recommendations to program managers.

● Ensure that data generated by PEPFAR strategic information systems are of high quality and used for program planning, policy development, advocacy, and program evaluation.

● Provide strategic technical advice for, and prepare portions of, key USG planning and budget documents, such as the PEPFAR COP, semi-annual and annual progress reports, Congressional Notifications and the Operational Plan.

3. Representation/Coordination (10% of time)

● Coordinate and collaborate with the GOT, other donors, United Nations agencies and other key stakeholders on planning, implementation and policy issues related to strategic information.

● Strengthen collaboration with donors and other stakeholders to reduce funding overlaps, strengthen technical collaboration, provide technical assistance and enhance the long-term sustainability of strategic information program activities.

● Develop good working relations with USG technical advisors in Tanzania, country programs/local offices, and headquarters technical advisors; exchange information and experience; contribute actively to a broader strategic information learning community.

● Represent USAID, and the USG as appropriate, on relevant USG interagency, GOT and donor working groups and in technical discussions on issues related to strategic information programming.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The position is directly supervised by the Programs, Analysis, and Operations

Team Lead in the Health Office (HO) at USAID/Tanzania.

4. Supervisory Controls

The position is expected to provide direct supervision and mentorship to two

Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs) in Dar es Salaam. Responsibilities will include supporting professional development, including technical expertise and leadership development, among CCN staff.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education (10%)

● Possession of an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in the field of public health informatics, epidemiology, demography, statistics, computer science, or related field required.

2. Relevant Work Experience (35%)

● Eight to ten years of progressive and responsible experience in public health, including experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, program planning and budgeting is required.

● At least three years working on PEPFAR programs, either for USG or implementing partner on strategic information or health information systems.

● Experience in program design, strategic planning, and program management, implementation and evaluation of HIV/AIDS and TB programs and/or other health related programs with demonstrated technical expertise in strategic information, particularly in a developing country context is highly preferred.

● Experience and knowledge of other donor programs and donor coordination processes in HIV/AIDS, TB, etc., such as the Global Fund or WHO is preferred.

● Understanding and knowledge of USG regulations and procedures preferred to include knowledge or experience working with the President's Emergency Plan for

AIDS Relief.

3. Technical Knowledge and Ability (35%)

● Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of best practices in program monitoring and evaluation; data use and analysis; and surveillance.

● Demonstrated knowledge and capacity in statistics and quantitative analysis.

● Demonstrated competency in information management systems.

● Demonstrated competency in data analysis tools such as STATA/SPSS, SPECTRUM, ArcGIS, etc.

● Demonstrated experience in technical skills transfer and/or mentoring.

● Strong quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.

● Must be able to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form.

● Must be able to prepare precise and accurate reports and to develop and present briefings.

4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (20%)

● Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and maintain a wide range of senior-level and working-level contacts with health programs in governmental, non-governmental, and private-sector circles.

● Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate in an interagency setting, often under pressure of short deadlines and multiple demands.

● Demonstrated leadership ability and interpersonal skills including flexibility, patience, facilitation, team building and conflict/problem solving skills required in a cross-cultural environment are required.

● Demonstrated excellent writing and speaking/presentation skills in English is required, and in preparing analytic briefings for key USG and other leaders/decision makers.

● Strong financial management and administrative skills to track the performance of implementing partners as needed.

● Computer literacy, including ease and skill in using word processing programs, email, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software; and familiarity with the worldwide web.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The Contracting Officer (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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. For purposes of this solicitation, Offerors will be required to have the minimum qualifications expressed in Section II and will be assessed based on the following factors:

1. Education - (10 Points)

2. Relevant Work Experience - (35 Points)

3. Technical Knowledge & Abilities - (35 Points)

4. Communication & Interpersonal Skills - (20 Points)

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum

Qualifications as stated in Section II above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors. Please note that not all applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre authorized. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

After the closing date for receipt of offers, a selection committee will be convened to review offers and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Offers from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered or scored. Reference checks will be made only for offerors considered as finalists.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-

2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

Interested applicants must submit the following: (1) a current Form AID 302-

3, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contract-attached to this solicitation; (2) a current resume or curriculum vitae; (3) a cover letter, not to exceed three pages, addressing how the applicant meets the Required

Qualifications {(a) education; (b) prior work experience; (c) knowledge, (d) skills and abilities}; and (4) any other documents (certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned, etc.) that address the qualification requirements of the position as listed above, and a list of three (3) to five (5) references with complete contact information, including email address and telephone numbers.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far http://www.usaid.gov/forms

Submittals should be sent to USAID/Tanzania PSC Applications mailbox, at daressalaampscsap@usaid.gov.

I. 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. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

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)

II. 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

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized

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

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

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

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

III. TAXES

mailto:daressalaampscsap@usaid.gov http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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

IV. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID

Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal

Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. 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)

QUANT

ITY

(C)

UN

IT

(D

U

NI

T

PR

IC

E

(E)

AMOU

NT

(F)

Base Period -

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

R497

1 LOT $

_TBD

$_TBD

at

Award after negotiat ions with

Contrac tor_

Option Period 1 –

Compensation, Fringe Benefits and

Other Direct Costs

(ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

1 LOT $

_TBD

$_TBD

at

Award after negotiat ions with https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Contrac tor_

Option Period 2 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

$_TBD

at

Award after negotiat ions with

Contrac tor_

Option Period 3 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

$_TBD

at

Award after negotiat ions with

Contrac tor_

Option Period 4 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

$_TBD

at

Award after negotiat ions with

Contrac tor_

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.

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 Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel, there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, politics, marital status, physical handicap, HIV/AIDS status, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations