Senior DOC Advisor 2022 (1).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: 72062122R00006

ISSUANCE DATE: February 07, 2022

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 06, 2022, 5:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Development and

Outreach Communications (DOC) 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, Reid H. Ahl, CM

Contracting Officer http://www.usaid.gov/Tanzania

ATTACHMENT 1 72062122R00006

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72062122R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 07, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 06, 2022, 5:00 P. M. EAT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Hussein Tuwa, email at htuwa@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach and Communications Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 - $124,764 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two Years with three option years, estimated to start on June 05, 2022.

The base period will be June 05, 2022 to June 04, 2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting

Officer may exercise additional option periods for three years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: June 05, 2022 to June 04, 2024

Option Period 1: June 05, 2024 to June 04, 2025

Option Period 2: June 05, 2025 to June 04, 2026

Option Period 3: June 05, 2026 to June 04, 2027

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

Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: American Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The major duties and responsibilities of the Senior DOC include increasing understanding of U.S.

government foreign assistance in Tanzania, supporting targeted social and behavior change communications efforts, and encouraging dialogue with key stakeholders in Tanzania and the

U.S. in support of foreign assistance objectives in Tanzania. The Senior DOC is responsible for providing oversight, advice, and guidance in developing and implementing the Mission’s communication strategy and budget. Close collaboration with the Mission’s Front Office, Embassy Front Office, USAID senior management team, USAID staff, implementing partners, and the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) will ensure that (1) outreach activities support the Embassy and USAID/Tanzania’s strategic goals, (2) Embassy and Mission personnel are properly apprised of USAID public outreach activities; (3) policies and procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly followed; and, (4) U.S. government interests are protected.

In addition to supervising the Mission’s DOC team, the Senior DOC is also responsible for building capacity within the Mission and with implementing partners to develop more effective communication plans and materials aligned with the DOC strategy.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

1) Strategic Communications Planning, Content Development, and Supervision (40% of time)

● Lead the development and implementation of the Mission’s communication strategy and outreach plan, which promotes public understanding of, and support for, USAID programs.

Ensure public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and provide information to USAID/W and the U.S. Embassy.

● Maintain a list of key talking points across sectors and topics, to include social behavior change messaging to affect development change.

● Lead the development and dissemination of content, across all key platforms that tells the

USAID/Tanzania story in a compelling manner in order to achieve defined social behavior change communication goals and engage Tanzania’s thought leaders and influencers in an ongoing conversation about USAID and development in Tanzania.

● Monitor and evaluate progress toward communication objectives as outlined in the communication strategy. This includes establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the communication strategy, identifying indicators, and measuring progress to assess effectiveness and impact of outreach activities.

● Oversee the monitoring and analysis of local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Information gathered will inform ongoing activities and future programming.

● Formulate and implement innovative outreach activities that advance development objectives as outlined in the Mission’s CDCS.

● Coordinate with PAS and other USG agencies to ensure that USAID communications are in line with the broader Embassy goals.

● Adhere to the Embassy Media Policy and PAS issued guidance/standard operating procedures on communication and outreach processes.

● Serve as the primary liaison with PAS in the execution of USAID events, the dissemination of USAID publicity materials, and on any other issues that may arise.

● Represent USAID in planning relevant Embassy events and site visits by the Ambassador and other high-level visitors.

● Collaborate closely, and enable others from the DOC team to engage, with the Embassy’s

PAS to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID’s programs and initiatives. Work in concert with PAS in developing activities designed to highlight U.S.

assistance as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID/Tanzania Mission Director.

● Lead and supervise the Mission’s DOC team to ensure the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives. The team is composed of one full-time local hire USPSC and two Foreign Service National (FSN) staff.

● Advise, guide, and build the capacity of Mission and implementing partner staff to develop effective communication plans and materials aligned to the Mission’s DOC strategy.

● Formulate and manage the Mission’s communication and outreach budget. Given USG and

Agency directives to reduce expenditures on publications, travel, and conferences, the incumbent must identify cost-effective ways to achieve communication goals.

2) Event Planning and Management (25% of time)

● Provide customer-focused support to technical teams to facilitate the planning and execution of events that successfully meet identified communication goals to specific audiences.

● Plan and schedule a calendar of events with the DOC team and technical team staff, including project managers, host country officials, NGOs, and implementing partners.

● Serve as DOC advisor on the outreach component of events, in coordination with PAS, Front

Office, technical teams, and implementing partners. Directs and coordinates all

USAID/Tanzania public events, including conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Supervises drafting, editing, and distribution of all fact sheets, reports, and public documents. Organize press packets, address protocol issues, participate in site selection and staging, manage logistics, and recommend appropriate USG representation.

● Review and edit press releases, scene setters, and talking points drafted by USAID staff and implementing partners for USAID events.

● Manage documentation of USAID events, including video, documentaries, photos, updates to

Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts.

● Serve as a lead point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the

Embassy, USAID, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities.

● Serve as control officer or participate in teams planning VIP visits. Lead preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products to support these visits.

● Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of high-level visitors throughout the country.

3) Public Information and Publicity Materials (20% of time)

● Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission with technical offices and outside the Mission with implementing partners.

● Build the capacity of implementing partners to develop timely, accurate, effective, and well-written media materials through regularly scheduled in-house workshops.

● Oversee the drafting, editing, organization, and dissemination of a standard information package of publicity materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, project briefs, country profile, development objective summary, presentations, responses to requests for information, and all other public information materials related to USAID/Tanzania activities. Materials must be tailored for both internal audiences (incoming staff, high-level visitors, LPA, Congress) and external audience (general public and media).

● Present development topics in clear, concise English and translate sometimes complex or highly technical language into a format easily understood by the general public.

● Generate and maintain a standard set of narrative data related to the Mission’s development portfolio for general use in briefers, outreach materials, communications, etc.

● Develop and maintain online outreach content, including websites, social media, etc.

● Oversee preparation of a weekly summary of events and submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media sites.

● Coordinate and oversee USAID/Tanzania’s branding and marking efforts. Serve as brand expert, and advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events. Design and conduct workshops on the implementation of branding guidelines. Serve as technical point of contact on waivers to branding requirements in relationship to media.

4) Media and Public Relations (15% of time)

● Manage information and media outreach activities in coordination with the Front Office, PAS, and technical teams. Ensure strategic selection of events and optimal representation by USG personnel to more effectively and efficiently communicate USAID messaging.

● Work with PAS to manage USAID/Tanzania’s relationship with international, regional, and local press, including encouraging accurate reporting, equity, and troubleshooting as necessary. Interact with local media contacts. Process materials and address any necessary changes to ensure that items go to press on time. Provide advice to the Mission and to

USAID/LPA regarding appropriate press contacts.

● Advise and work with PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/Tanzania programs, including TV, radio, and other media. This may include arranging interviews, preparing talking points, organizing briefings, and media tours of USAID projects.

● Work closely with the Front Office and USAID staff on press and media relations to ensure targeted and coherent messages consistent with the Communication Strategy from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

● Respond to inquiries from the general public, media (in coordination with PAS), and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

● Oversee development of effective media outreach materials, ensuring accurate information and presentation of development topics and the impact of USAID programs in a format easily understood by the general public.

3. Supervisory Relationship: The Senior DOC will supervise and lead the Mission’s

DOC team to ensure the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives. The team is composed of one full-time local-hire USPSC and two Foreign Service National (FSN) staff. In addition, the Senior DOC will provide advice, guidance, and capacity-building services to USAID staff and implementing partner communication professionals to implement the Mission’s DOC strategy.

4. Supervisory Controls: The Senior DOC will be supervised by the Director of USAID’s

Program Office or his/her designee. Work products and recommendations submitted by the incumbent are expected to be of a high technical quality, consistently aligned with the DOC strategy and the Mission’s Media Policy. The incumbent will be expected to work independently, taking initiative in determining, planning, and executing assignments. The position maintains wide latitude to exercise independent judgement.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

• A Bachelor’s Degree in the field of public relations, journalism, international development/relations, public administration, English, marketing, communications, or a related field, is required.

• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience with at least three years in a supervisory capacity, in public relations, strategic communications and outreach, diplomacy, journalism, or a related field is required.

• Previous work experience with an international development organization overseas is strongly preferred. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. The incumbent must have successful demonstrated experience in using social media; organizing and conducting events; producing web content, videos, podcasts;

planning and delivering training; and working productively with journalists and other key influencers within the community. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable. Experience in report writing, events planning and execution, website management, and social media is required.

• Level IV English ability (fluent) is required. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications.

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.

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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

To meet the basic eligibility requirements for this position the offeror must:

- Be a U.S. citizen;

- Submit a complete application (Offer) as outlined in the section IV;

- Be eligible to attain clearance for Facility Access;

- Be cleared medically to work in Tanzania;

- Be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek, including weekends, as may be required or necessary.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, those that meet the minimum qualification requirements (Education and Experience) will be referred to a technical evaluation committee (TEC).

Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be referred.

The TEC will review and score the applications to create a list of applicants to be interviewed. Short-listed candidates will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and interview and obtained through reference checks. References of short-listed candidates will be checked;

applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities. (If an applicant does not want a current employer contacted, please highlight such a request in the application cover letter. USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.)

BASIS OF RATING

Applicants are rated as outlined below. Reference checks will be conducted and are rated as pass or fail.

Application Review 25 points

The application will be scored based on information provided based on the quality of experience supporting the statement of duties outlined in this solicitation.

Interview Performance 75 points

Interview questions will be intended to explore the candidate’s:

• Knowledge in planning and executing media campaigns and programs;

• Demonstrated ability in successfully crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, fact sheets, success stories, talking points, scene setters, etc.) that target a variety of audiences;

• Demonstrated ability in extensive writing and editing experience; and

• Demonstrated ability in successfully establishing and maintaining collegial relations with press and media contacts.

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Reference Check Pass/Fail

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, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

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 309-2, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contract; (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.

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

4. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.*

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

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. 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)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:daressalaampscsap@usaid.gov

(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) Paid Parental, Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Relocation Expense

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)

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. Executive Order 14042 on Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Awards (OCT 2021)

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.

Insert the following clause in all solicitations and contracts for personal services with individuals performing in the United States or its outlying areas. COs may incorporate this requirement into new 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 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf solicitations and resulting contracts for personal services with individuals performing outside of the

United States or outlying areas (United States National (US), Cooperating Country National (CCN), and Third Country National (TCN), depending on local conditions.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR- 22-01c)

(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)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of

Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying

Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying

Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ https://www.usaid.gov/forms is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTI

TY

(C)

UNI

T

(D)

UNIT

PRIC

E (E)

AMOU

NT

(F)

1130008 Base Period -

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

R497

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at

Award after negotiati ons with

Contract or_

1130008 Option Period 1 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

R497

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at

Award after negotiati ons with

Contract or_

1130008 Option Period 2 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

R497

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at

Award after negotiati ons with

Contract or_

1130008 Option Period 3 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

R497

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at

Award after negotiati ons with

Contract or_

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov