Resident Hire USPSC - Senior Technical Advisor CICSO SGND.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER 72053224R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: September 11th, 2024 CLOSING DATE: October 9th, 2024, at 4:00pm AST

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Senior Technical Advisor & Co-Deputy Office Director - Caribbean Inclusivity Citizen Security

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 the attached information.

Sincerely, Natalya Komarova Supervisory Contracting & Agreement Officer

ATTACHMENT I

I. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72053224R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 11th, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 9th, 2024, at 4:00pm AST

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Roxsana Soto, rosoto@usaid.gov, HR Specialist, rosoto@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Technical Advisor & Co-Deputy Office Director

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent (US$104,604.00 – $135,987.00 per annum) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kingston, Jamaica

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two (02) years, estimated to start on/around November 2024. Based on Agency needs, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three (03) additional one (01) year extensions, pending approval, needs for the position, NSDD-38 approval, performance, and funding, not to exceed a total of five (5) years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: November 2024 – November 2026 Option Period 1: November 2026 – November 2027 Option Period 2: November 2027 – November 2028 Option Period 3: November 2028 – November 2029

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens (including permanent legal residents) who reside in Jamaica legally and have the right to work in Jamaica.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: If a U.S. Citizen, the successful offeror shall be required to submit paperwork to obtain a “Secret” level Security Clearance as a pre-condition for employment and have passed a Facilities Access security clearance to start work. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

mailto:rosoto@usaid.gov

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1) GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF CONTRACT

USAID Contract to perform personal services as Senior Technical Advisor & Co-Deputy Office Director in USAID/Jamaica’s Office of Caribbean Inclusivity Citizen Security under a Resident Hire USPSC. The position has been classified at the Grade GS-14.

2) STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED

The locally engaged USPSC Senior Technical Advisor and Co-Deputy Office Director for the Office of Caribbean Inclusivity Citizen Security (CICSO) will provide strategic and technical guidance and support to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) portfolio, to include:

a) STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (35%)

The incumbent will advise the Embassy, USAID/Jamaica and OCS Office Director, as well as other Embassy Kingston officers as required, on the direction and implementation of the OCS citizen security portfolio, centered around youth crime and violence prevention, and the rest of the OCS portfolio on cybersecurity, democracy, good governance, and more to include setting priorities for strategic actions.

S/he will contribute to the development of USAID Jamaica’s strategic planning documents, performing research and providing analysis on citizen security and USAID’s contributions to the CBSI and USG Foreign Assistance goals and objectives. This may include drafting background documents outlining the history of citizen security and programming; donor mapping; participating in field research and/or assessments; preparing high-level briefings;

and developing internal and external communications on citizen security topics of interest;, such as briefing papers, technical presentations, and trends analysis.

Under the guidance of the OCS Office Director, s/he will work with project design teams to ensure technical excellence and coherence with local contexts with the aim of improving collaboration, building synergies, and elevating development results related to citizen security and USAID/Jamaica programming in Jamaica.

The incumbent will provide strategic advice and assistance to the CICSO team in the planning and analysis of CICSO activities. This includes coordination with relevant technical team members and experts across USAID offices, and drafting, reviewing, and commenting on activity planning documents.

Conduct external stakeholder consultations supporting the planning, evaluation, and implementation of citizen security programs, including the private sector to build synergies in programming and leverage funds.

Conduct stakeholder consultations related to the design of programs, and prepare activity appraisal documents, pre-obligation documents and other documents related to new program design. Lead activity approval document preparations and review process in coordination with OCS team members. These efforts will involve drafting and reviewing critical programmatic documents for approval, such as program descriptions, scope of works, approval and decision memos, and other technical documents.

Design and implement inclusive development approaches, such as promoting and facilitating implementation of USAID/Jamaica’s Caribbean Regional Inclusive Leadership and Localization Initiative for the Mission; private sector engagement; FSN Empowerment at USAID/Jamaica;

and other USAID strategic priority initiatives.

• Support the planning, design, and operationalization of programs, activities, policies, and procedures critical to implementation.

• Research, capture, and translate inclusive development lessons learned from Agency internal staff and external partners to ensure best practices in support of implementation.

• Designs, develops and manages special events, forums, conferences, and public engagement activities to foster Mission partnership with the Jamaican diaspora and private sector.

• Works in collaboration with Regional POCs to develop inclusive development programs, and assist in the formulation of immersive learning opportunities for students and career enhancement experiences for faculty at HBCUs and other MSIs.

Develops policies, procedures, communications, and training to facilitate inclusive American cultural exchanges with Jamaicans.

b) TEAM MANAGEMENT: 30% Serve as Co-Deputy Office Director of CICSO and provides oversight and management of staff and portfolio.

Manage staff to ensure that work is adequately divided among the team.

Lead and assist in the creation of programmatic and administrative standard operating procedures for the unit potentially to be shared as best practices with all regional Caribbean partners and others in the Agency.

Strategically engage FSNs, Payne Fellows/Alumni and others in support of localization, private sector engagement, and inclusive development. Explore mechanisms and activities to generate practical opportunities that strengthen connections between existing and incoming Payne Fellows/Alumni, Jamaican and other students/Fellows, implementing partners, and MSIs.

Facilitate outreach, networking, and staff engagement in locally-led strategy development, inclusive development, private sector engagement, and implementation of these activities.

Supervise the Digital Development Advisor (DDA), (and potentially others at the discretion of the Office Director). The DDA will support the strengthening of Jamaica’s digital ecosystem, including policy and regulation and establish partnerships on digital development in line with USAID and U.S. Government priorities and goals.

Serve as the acting Office Director as needed and when appropriate.

c) PROJECT/PORTFOLIO OVERSIGHT: 20% Serve as Agreement/Contracting Officer's Representative or Alternate for one or more citizen security-related contracts or cooperative agreements, managing all technical, administrative, reporting, monitoring and evaluation as well as financial aspects of related citizen security programs and activities. As such, the incumbent will be expected to provide technical oversight direction/advice to contractors and/or, grantees.

Track the financial status and expenditures of citizen security activities and forecast future needs.

Maintain complete and auditable files of all procurement documents that meet USG requirements.

Represent USAID/Jamaica’s OCS portfolio to the Government of Jamaica, at international donor meetings, and across the US government interagency and provide leadership among the team to ensure programs achieve their objectives.

Ensure that USAID/Jamaica’s anti-crime & violence prevention and all OCS activities are in line with USAID and USG policy, and to the extent possible, in line with international and local best practices and complementary to the efforts of other donors. The incumbent will also be required to assess potential new activities to make certain that USAID anti-crime and violence prevention programming and policy in Jamaica address key issues in the sector and that investments in the sector produce positive results under the CBSI rubric.

Coordinate and participate in regular Portfolio Reviews and identification of major issues related to citizen security programs for the OCS.

Prepare internal reporting requirements for citizen security-related activities including program management reviews, annual reports, cables, project agreements, correspondence and other documentation.

d) COMMUNICATIONS (15%) Prepare memoranda, speeches and talking points, briefing papers, and official correspondence for USAID to share with the State Department and other USG agencies, and external audiences as appropriate.

Build and maintain relationships with the Government of Jamaica, civil society, private sector, community leaders, faith-based-organizations, and donor representatives.

Represent USAID at interagency and external working groups as directed.

Inform OCS Director and relevant colleagues about political and security events that affect program implementation and impact USAID activities.

Prepare and success stories, fact sheets, think pieces, and periodic reports and bullets on USAID/Jamaica’s citizen security programming for both Jamaican and American audiences.

Prepare internal reporting requirements for citizen security related activities including program management reviews, annual reports, cables, project agreements, correspondence and other documentation, as required.

Supports Mission coordination of visits from officials from the U.S. Government, host nation, state government, and other partners.

Duties involve intensive programmatic, administrative, engagement, and outreach functions that require simultaneous problem resolution.

3) Supervisory Relationship

The position reports to the Office Director of the Office of Citizen Security (OCS) at USAID/Jamaica and is the Senior Technical Advisor and Co-Deputy Office Director for the OCS as well as the lead for the Caribbean Regional Inclusive Leadership and Localization Development Unit (CRILLDU) at the Mission.

4) Supervisory Controls

The position will directly supervise at least one FSN 11 Digital Data Advisor. The position will be the co-deputy director of the OCS and will have full administrative and management responsibilities as divided among the senior OCS leadership.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the duties described above such as in criminal justice, public policy, public administration, economics, business, international development, management, or other related social sciences, or a related discipline.

Coursework in violence reduction, citizen security, crime and violence prevention, working with at-risk youth, or conflict mitigation will be beneficial.

Prior Work Experience: At least eight years of professional experience coordinating humanitarian or development programs, working with at-risk youth, crime and violence reduction, citizen security, gang violence reduction or countering violent extremism in the US or abroad is required.

Experience with Inclusive Development, Youth Empowerment and Engagement; facilitating outreach, networking, and staff engagement in locally-led strategy development and implementation along with private sector engagement. Must have demonstrated personnel management and supervisory experience in an office setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The ability to work as a member of a team in a culturally diverse environment is required. The incumbent must be able to work diplomatically and effectively under pressure, with the ability to multitask in the performance of daily activities and responsibilities is required. Strong communication abilities (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are required. Demonstrated knowledge of socio-cultural factors affecting citizen security, gang violence, or conflict in developing countries. Knowledge of the conflict dynamics in Jamaica, its people and the development challenge it faces. Knowledge and experience with development programs such as conflict prevention, citizen security, anti-gang violence, countering violent extremism, governance, and other relevant areas. Relevant degree and/or demonstrated coursework in a relevant subject.

The ability to synthesize information from different sources and compile it in short, easy to read documents for policymakers is required. The ability to organize and analyze data/information, and independently author memos, reports, program summaries, fact-sheets, and scopes of work is required. Proficiency in delivering concise presentations on technical subject matters. Designs, develops and conducts specialized briefings and orientations for managers, supervisors and employees on citizen security, citizen security and inclusive development requirements, responsibilities and goals. Also ensures partners (governmental and private sector) are also apprised. Provides program guidance and consultation services to help mitigate and eliminate attitudes and behaviors that create barriers, including workplace dissatisfaction. Assists management in reviewing and addressing personnel and management policies, practices, and procedures that may create barriers to having full representation and use of constituent groups in the workforce. Develops plans and strategies to address marginalization and other related issues identified in assessments and reviews of organizations and works with the organization’s POCs to implement appropriate solutions. Works in collaboration with regional stakeholders and USAID/W points of contacts to develop programs and assist in the development of policies, procedures, communications, and training to enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives, eliminate barriers to opportunities, and address under-representation. Assesses current program initiatives regarding diversity and uses those assessments to propose and develop new initiatives.

Research best practices and use findings to make or recommend informed decisions.

Professional level proficiency in business applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard office software is required.

The Senior Technical Adviser – Citizen Security position requires the ability to work effectively with a wide array of individuals and institutions and an in-depth knowledge of international relations and peace and security issues as related to international development programming. Experience in contract/grant management is required. Prior work and/or program management experience in support of host country governments in countries undergoing reform processes or political transition is also required. The successful offeror will possess excellent political analysis, knowledge of citizen security, Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), or countering gang violence issues, as well as writing and reporting skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a high stress and politically charged environment. Strong team-building skills are essential.

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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Prior Work Experience: (50 points)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (50 points)

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted.

PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an email address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/ESC reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Submission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section.

Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

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. Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing.

2. Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

3. 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.

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

5. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO.

If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.

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:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms

(1) AID 309-2

(2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)*

(3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)* http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms

(4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*

(5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended*

(6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974*

(7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*

(8) Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561).

Forms 2 through 8 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

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

ALLOWANCES: Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) . Please note that due to the length of the contract, some of these allowances would not apply.

(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), and (j) Danger Pay

Allowance (Section 650)

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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

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

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

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

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

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

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

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

(End of clause)

3. 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: