Solicitation USTCNPSC Senior HIV AIDS Advisor.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72069524R0001

ISSUANCE DATE: November 20, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: December 15, 2023 12:00 p.m. (Central Africa Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. or Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (US/TCNPSC), Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors/Applicants:

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 a 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.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a personal services contract (PSC), 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 Attachment1.

Sincerely, Reid H. Ahl, CM Contracting Officer

P.O.Box.:1720, Bujumbura – Burundi Tel: +257 22 24 36 25 Fax: +257 22 24 36 13

ATTACHMENT 1 Solicitation No: 7206952400001

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7206952400001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 20, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 15, 2023, 12:00 p.m. noon African Central Time.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resources Office, email at usaidburundihr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908 to $129,878 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market valued. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be 2 years estimated to start o/a January 15, 2024 to January 14, 2026. Based on Agency needs the Contracting Officer may exercise additional 3 option periods of 1-year for the dates estimated as follows:

Base period January 15, 2024 to January 14, 2026 Option 1 January 15, 2026 to January 14, 2027 Option 2 January 15, 2027 to January 14, 2028 Option 3 January 15, 2028 to January 14, 2029

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bujumbura, Burundi.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Nationals (including U.S. Citizens and Lawful U.S. Resident Aliens).

Third Country Nationals are also eligible offerors per AIDAR Appendix J. U.S. national (USN) means an individual who is a U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. Third country national (TCN) means an individual who is neither a cooperating country national nor a U.S. national but is a citizen or lawful permanent resident (or equivalent immigration status) of any country other than the countries which are prohibited sources.

mailto:usaidburundihr@usaid.gov

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Duties

The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor provides technical leadership and assistance in all areas under USAID/Burundi’s PEPFAR portfolio and will support the integration of HIV activities with other health areas, such as family planning and maternal and child health. The incumbent serves as a senior Advisor in public health, exercising considerable judgment and discretion in dealing with senior- and mid-level partners in other USG agencies, with the Government of Burundi (GOB), other donors, other local organizations, and Implementing Partners (IPs). The Advisor is involved in policy dialogue, and the development of health activities with the GOB, other PEPFAR agencies, and other stakeholders on a consistent basis. The Advisor will provide technical assistance to the GOB, including participation in the review and evaluation of existing policies on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, health systems strengthening, and other relevant policies, providing recommendations and suggesting modifications to existing policies or the creation of new ones.

The incumbent has a direct leadership role in the development of the annual PEPFAR Country Operational Plan and monitoring its implementation over the course of the fiscal year. The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor also plays a key role in monitoring the financial management (mortgage and pipeline) of the USAID PEPFAR portfolio, ensuring timely obligations, accruals, and financial compliance. S/he acts as a senior representative of USAID in formal and informal settings related to the position. The incumbent assists with strategic planning and design of development activities, intermediate results, and measures of achievement, as well as conceptualizing the design, documentation, and management of the HIV/AIDS and Health sector activities in Burundi. S/he supports the HIV/AIDS sector by researching, reviewing and analyzing data to provide technical assistance and advice on sector issues to both internal and external audiences, including senior-level GOB officials. The incumbent provides day-to-day oversight and management of five professional and administrative staff responsible for program implementation, compliance and reporting. The HIV/AIDS Senior Advisor is part of the USAID/Burundi Health Team and reports to the Health Director, who provides overall technical and operational leadership of the Health Team.

2. Duties and Areas of Responsibility

Provide vision, strategic direction and leadership to the HIV/AIDS team in the design and implementation of all projects/activities in the portfolio ensuring they meet PEPFAR and USAID objectives, and respond to GOB priorities and strategies.

Direct team members to ensure quality monitoring and reporting on HIV/AIDS activities for USAID including completion of the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan, PEPFAR quarterly, semi-and annual reports, ensure compliance with key policies and documents.

Reviewing technical quality of programs/projects/activities in the field, by conducting frequent site visits, meeting with program planners, managers, and senior government counterparts in the field as a representative of USAID, providing expert technical assistance, monitoring progress, and reviewing and analyzing results;

Providing strategic, programmatic, and technical leadership on HIV/AIDS and related linkages across the health portfolio, including health promotion, health systems strengthening, malaria, reproductive health, maternal/child health, and family planning;

Coordinate the work of technical personnel in conducting conceptual systems analyses, evaluations, or investigations of highly unstructured and/or interconnected problems involving controversial and complex administrative or programmatic issues and problems;

Perform other duties as assigned by the Health Director, the Country Representative, or any personnel acting in these positions.

Technical Leadership (40%):

● Provide senior technical leadership support and assistance to the GOB Ministry of Health to the National AIDS Control Program and participate in national HIV/AIDS strategic planning and monitoring activities.

● Provide high-level technical leadership and direction to strengthen key HIV/AIDS and TB institutions at national, provincial and district levels to ensure that all implementing partners are well coordinated and that scale-up of activities are successfully implemented in targeted counties.

● Provide high-level technical assistance and serve as advisor to selected vulnerable groups such as OVC, people living with HIV/AIDS, and key populations.

● Analyze existing epidemiological, demographic, geographic, and health data, including IP data, and leading efforts to use data to inform programs/projects/activities management and design;

● Integrate the results of various studies and analyses into comprehensive technical briefings, reports, and technical papers, providing technical advice and counsel both within and outside the organization – as an expert in the field;

● Provide technical assistance to Contracting Officer Representatives and Agreement Officer Representatives (CORs/AORs), activity managers, and others by providing technical guidance to IPs;

Program and Project Management (40%):

● Lead all USAID/Burundi’s bilateral and centrally-funded HIV/AIDS initiatives, including planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation.

● Seek opportunities to implement strategies that enhance efficiencies, innovation, and research to ensure the sustainability of the HIV program in Burundi

● Along with other Team Leaders, actively support management and program integration opportunities in strategic and cost-effective ways, with a focus on strengthening activities across all sectors.

● Provide supervision and project management mentorship to 4-6 local staff, ensuring technical expertise is integrated into USAID programs/projects/activities; Supervise, mentor, and provide management oversight to the HIV/AIDS team. Support staff professional development, including technical and leadership skills, to ensure team has relevant skills to achieve program objectives.

● Manage the planning, allocation and expenditures of the annual HIV/AIDS team budget under the direction of the Senior Health Team Leader. Ensuring up to date PEPFAR budgets, timely obligations, well documented accruals, and quarterly pipeline analyses. Effectively manage the multimillion-dollar PEPFAR funding portfolio. Provide detail-oriented oversight over the PEPFAR budget, ensuring that funds are utilized according to USG policy/regulations, and that country programs are using PEPFAR resources effectively. Ensure a high degree of fiscal integrity in the program.

● Direct the preparation of analysis and documentation required under the USAID and PEPFAR quarterly and annual reporting processes.

Coordination and Representation (20%)

● Participate in related technical working groups, and collaborating within USAID, other PEPFAR partners, and the Ministry of Health to define priorities in HIV/AIDS for Burundi;

● Participate in the review and evaluation of existing policies, providing recommendations and suggesting modifications to existing policies or the creation of new policies to support and/or enhance USAID health activities;

● Promote USG interagency collaboration and strengthening coordination with other multinational partners involved in HIV/AIDS and other health areas, such as the Global Fund and others;

● In partnership with the Health Director, serve as the USAID/Burundi contact person for all HIV/AIDS related activities. regularly represents USAID/Burundi at meetings with implementing partners, donors, government, USG agencies, and international and local partners. Serves as USAID’s primary focal point on the USG PEPFAR interagency team (“Liaisons”).

● Work closely with the GOB, and other key stakeholders to strengthen USAID/Burundi’s coordination of HIV/AIDS activities at the national and sub-national levels to ensure greater country ownership and technical capacity.

● Strengthen USAID/Burundi’s collaboration with other development partners, to reduce funding overlaps, strengthen technical collaboration, provide technical assistance and enhance the long-term sustainability of program activities.

● Provide technical coordination with other technical teams at USAID/Burundi working in collaboration with the health portfolio.

● Coordinate dissemination of lessons learned among all HIV/AIDS stakeholders; including the USG, other development partners, and the GOB at all levels.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor is supervised by the Health Director who provides on-site line management.

4. Supervisory Controls May exercise full range of normal supervision over between four and six locally hired program management specialists, providing overall supervision, policy guidance, and coordinating the work of these employees to achieve program objectives.

If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal service contractor must provide at least eight hours per week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) in the HIV/AIDS team designated by USAID. The PSC

Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the incumbent’s progress toward achieving this training requirement.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education and work experience requirements must be met at time of application.

a. Education: Must possess an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) or the equivalent in international public health, epidemiology, social sciences, health care, or international development.

b. Prior Work Experience: Five years of progressive professional experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring medium-to-large scale public health programs, including programs related to HIV/AIDS, with at least four years’ substantive supervisory experience of a diverse team is required. Demonstrated technical leadership on large and comprehensive HIV programs, with at least five years’ experience in resource-poor settings, is required. Direct work experience with PEPFAR-funded programs and policies is required. Demonstrated experience working with high level host country counterparts, in-country program managers, policy makers and a broad array of international health service providers and community leaders is required.

c. Language: Fluency in English and French is required.

d. Job Knowledge: Mastery of an area of expertise (HIV/AIDS) and the President’s Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) acquired through study and professional experience. Work is complicated by issues that arise from working in the U.S. government interagency with competing priorities.

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.

The technical evaluation committee (TEC) may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

USAID Policy specifies that U.S Citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCN). Therefore, USN and TCN offerors will not be evaluated together. USAID will 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 evaluate USN offerors first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

The basic eligibility requirements for this position are:

- Authorization to work in Burundi;

- Complete application submitted as outlined in the Section IV;

- Eligible to obtain security certificate for Facility Access;

- Medically cleared to work at USAID/Burundi;

- Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, those that meet the minimum qualification requirements (Education and Experience) will be referred to a TEC. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The TEC will review and score the applications to create a list of applicants to be further evaluated. Short-listed candidates will be evaluated based on information presented in the application, skills test, interview, and obtained through reference checks against the Evaluation Factors listed below. An applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities.

BASIS OF RATING

Applicants are rated as outlined below. The TEC will consider all offerors below the full performance level on an equal basis for their demonstrated potential to rise to the full performance level.

English Proficiency Assessed by the TEC*

Application Review 15 points

The TEC will review the cover letter, application form, and résumé (or curriculum vitae) assessing the extent education and experience reflect the required job knowledge and prior work experience (see II.b. Prior work experience and II.d. Job Knowledge).

Skills Test 25 points

A skills test will be administered to assess the offerors’ job-related knowledge and skills to include technical knowledge of HIV/AIDS, standard health program and modern project management processes, and familiarity with modern office systems.

Interview 60 points

Interview questions will be intended to explore the offerors’ experience, job knowledge, and skills regarding the functional roles of the position. They will also assess the ability of the offeror to work productively and effectively within USAID/Burundi. There will be at least one question regarding the concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).

*English and French language proficiency will be assessed throughout the rating process.

Total Possible 100 points

Reference Check PASS/FAIL

A “FAIL” Reference Check would result from information regarding confirmed illegal or unethical activities or a preponderance of negative feedback from numerous references; e.g., not a single critical comment.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER (APPLYING)

1. Offerors are required to complete and submit by email the below documents in order to be considered:

a. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, Form AID 309-2 (available on-line);

b. A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that describes how the Offeror’s qualifications meet position requirements as outlined in II.b. and II.d.;

c. Current résumé or curriculum vitae not exceeding four pages;

d. Names of three professional references, including at least one current or former supervisor, that have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties of this position; this information may be included in the cover letter or résumé/CV.

e. Education certificates / diplomas / degrees or other specialized qualifications that address the requirements of the position as outlined in II.a.

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

3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

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. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306);

2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1622 & or DS1843);

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85);

4. Fingerprint Card (SF-87);

5. Statement of Prior Service (SF-144A).

VI. BENEFITS/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 https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

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

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment

d. Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (USN only)

f. Leave and Holidays

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 Quarters 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)

j) Danger Pay (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income Taxes. Third Country Nationals are required to comply with laws and regulations and rulings of the cooperating country or any agreement concerning such withholding entered into between the cooperating government and the United States Government.

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

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC and TCN 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.

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National 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 by the illustrative table (no information required for offer submission):

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

2 years 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: R497

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

Option Period 2- Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

Option Period 3- Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

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

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

AAPD/CIB No. Title/Issued Date Subject Category

AAPD 22-02

(PDF 327 KB)

Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal

Services Contracts with Individuals – July 13, 2022

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 21-05

(PDF 422K)

Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for USPSCs –

November 23, 2021

USPSC Paid Parental Leave Timekeeping/Payroll Process

[41K PDF]

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 21-01

(PDF 220K)

Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID Personal Services

Contracts with Individuals Under the AIDAR Appendices

D and J – March 26, 2021

Acquisition Management

AAPD 20-08

(PDF 373K)

Leave and Holidays for CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, including

Country Leave for Qualifying Posts for Eligible TCNPSCs –

December 20, 2022

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 18-02

(PDF 77K)

Revisions to Medevac Policies for USPSCs and TCNPSCs –

February 16, 2022

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 10-01

(PDF 47 kb)

Personal Services Contracts: Changes in USG

Reimbursement Amounts for Health Insurance and

Physical Exam Costs – 01/08/10

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 06-10

(PDF 80 kb)

PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility – October

30, 2006

Personal Services Contracts https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-22-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-05 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-05 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/USPSC-PaidParentalLeave-TimekeepingPayroll-Process.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-20-08 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-10 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-10

AAPD 06-08

(PDF 35 kb)

AIDAR, Appendices D and J: Using the Optional Schedule to Incrementally Fund Contracts – JUNE 23, 2006

Personal Services Contracts

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.

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION June 2023 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman http://PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov