Senior Metrics Advisor solicitation_2020.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523 www.usaid.gov

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA20R00048

ISSUANCE DATE: April 24, 2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID), is seeking offers from qualified individuals to provide personal services under a contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be submitted in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all submissions 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 related to this solicitation must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Section I of Attachment 1 of this solicitation.

Sincerely, /s/

G. Serapis Irby

Contracting Officer

SOL-7200AA20R00048

USPSC Senior Metrics Advisor

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-7200AA20R00048

ISSUANCE DATE: April 24, 2020

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 19, 2020

CLOSING TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 5:00 PM Eastern Time

POSITION TITLE: Senior Metrics Advisor in the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and

Humanitarian Assistance; Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human

Rights and Governance; Learning Division (DCHA/DRG/HR), USAID/Washington

MARKET VALUE: GS-14 Equivalent: $121,316 - $157,709 per annum

This position is for one (1) Washington, D.C. based USPSC. Offerors who live outside the

Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the position, based upon the selected offeror’s relevant earnings history, education, experience, and other skills and qualifications relevant to the position reported on the form AID-309-2. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Sunday Pay is authorized. The PSC should expect to spend up to 40% of her/his time on Temporary Duty Assignments (TDYs).

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: A two-year contract base with up to three one-year option periods to start ***,2020 through ***, 2021.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C., with possible travel as stated under STATEMENT OF DUTIES

ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to all U.S. Citizens

SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Background:

- As the home base for USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) programs, the DRG Center focuses on advocating for democratic governance, driving important research, and supporting over 90 field missions worldwide to develop programs. USAID’s DRG sector includes support for good governance, rule of law, elections and political processes, civil society and media, human rights, and other

DRG fields.

- USAID currently manages over $1.7 billion a year on a broad range of democracy programs covering justice, human rights, citizen security, civil society, media, local government, legislatures, constitutional reform, political parties, elections, anti-corruption, and anti-trafficking in persons. These efforts are critical to improve government effectiveness, accountability, transparency and legitimacy, and to ensure citizens are empowered to play a role in public affairs and the decisions that affect their daily lives. They also underpin the sustainability of the Agency’s socio-economic development sectors. The DRG Center leads the Agency in supporting overall efforts to advance democracy, human rights, and governance.

- The DRG Center's annual budget is over $146 million, with a staff of over 90, comprised of U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs), contractors, and Fellows. The DRG Center has nine technical divisions: Civil Society and Media (CSM), Cross-Sectoral

Programs (CSP), Elections and Political Transitions (EPT), Global and Regional

Policy (GRP), Governance & Rule of Law (GROL), Human Rights (HR), Empowerment and Inclusion (EI), Learning (L), and Strategic Planning (SP). The

DRG Center's goal is to promote peace, prosperity and freedom around the globe through self-reliant, citizen-responsive governance that respects human dignity and the rule of law. The DRG Center achieves this through high quality support to

USAID Missions, generating and disseminating knowledge on best practices, and providing leadership on DRG to the wider USG and the international development community.

- In collaboration with USAID practitioners and academic experts, L guides DRG learning initiatives, conducts impact and performance evaluations, advances measurement in the DRG sector, and commissions research to understand the most effective approaches to DRG assistance. To advance these efforts, the Learning

Division provides technical assistance and training, and currently manages four contracts worth over $100 million. The Division also 1 facilitates learning communities of practice inside and outside of USAID. With this emphasis on learning, DRG/L is the focal point for USAID’s implementation of the DRG Learning

Agenda, a dynamic collection of research questions that serve to guide the DRG

Center’s and USAID Field Missions’ analytical efforts.

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The Senior Metrics Advisor will serve as a top-level metrics and measurement expert for

USAID globally. The PSC will be experienced in quantitative and qualitative research methods and will assist USAID globally in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of DRG programs. S/he will report to the Chief of DRG’s Learning Division or his/her designee and will exercise independent judgment while performing challenging work which is varied and wide-ranging. The PSC will have wide latitude to exercise independent judgement and have decision making authority within his/her portfolio. He/she will receive minimal day-to-day technical guidance.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Metrics Advisor will leverage his/her considerable monitoring, evaluation, measurement and research expertise to liaise with leading organizations that measure concepts of democracy; identify and promote the utilization of measures that guide DRG strategy and programming for the agency (e.g., the Journey to Self-Reliance metrics);

guide the measurement of theories of change for DRG programming; and provide support to USAID Missions/Bureaus seeking to measure country contexts and conduct monitoring for learning. S/he will lead, advise and support the development of appropriate and practical approaches to DRG measurement and learning.

The incumbent is expected to carry out work assignments using independent professional judgment to ensure effective technical leadership and support for USAID’s DRG sector in Washington and overseas Missions. S/he will be responsible for work on countries or regions where additional DRG attention is needed through a combination of international travel and Washington-based support. S/he will work closely with USAID and other U.S.

Government colleagues, implementing partners, academics, and recognized experts in the

DRG sector to advance DRG metrics and learning initiatives. The incumbent’s responsibilities will be geographically world-wide, varied, and dynamic to reflect changing circumstances facing USAID and the DRG Center.

The Senior Metrics Advisor’s responsibilities will be to:

a. Serve as the senior metrics and measurement expert for USAID’s DRG sector including liaising with top democracy measurement organizations (e.g., V-Dem, Freedom

House), identifying and promoting metrics to guide DRG strategy and programming for the Agency, and guiding the measurement of theories of change for USAID programming.

b. Provide technical assistance on DRG monitoring, evaluation, and measurement to

Missions and Bureaus that are designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs and strategies, including providing expert advice to help develop or identify indicators and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plans, design and/or conduct evaluations (including rigorous impact evaluations such as randomized-control trials), monitor contractor and grantee performance, and/or measure strategy and/or program performance to improve overall DRG programmatic results.

c. Liaise with other measurement and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) experts in USAID, the Department of State, other USG agencies, NGOs, international donors, academic institutions, and the private sector to stay up-to-date on the latest developments around measuring democracy, human rights, good governance and related programs. This includes contributing to internal and external DRG learning communities of practice on issues related to DRG metrics and quantitative research. 2

d. Coordinate and/or contribute DRG metrics and learning expertise to agency wide DRG initiatives, including related to indicator selection, data analysis, data and evidence utilization, learning agendas, research methodologies, and strategy/policy/program development and implementation.

e. Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or Activity Manager for learning, evaluation, and research contracts and learning initiatives that link policy and field research with leading academics.

f. Develop and advance technical assistance tools and training related to DRG measurement, including the identification of targets and indicators, theories of change, and learning agendas, in addition to other learning methodologies and products employed by the DRG Learning Division. This will include helping the DRG cadre to learning how to access, interpret and utilize data to improve how they measure their DRG contexts and the performance of their DRG strategies, projects, activities, etc.

g. Promote the creation and utilization of DRG evidence generally by: a) supporting rigorous data collection and analysis that leads to the development of actionable findings and recommendations; b) advising on and overseeing the incorporation of evidence into

DRG trainings and dissemination materials for the USAID DRG cadre; c) participating in the incorporation of evidence into strategic and program planning at USAID Missions;

and d) providing technical assistance to USAID staff and partners in locating, interpreting, and acting on new evidence in the DRG sector.

h. Backstop one or more of the DRG Center’s technical divisions or working groups, serving as a member of their extended team and their point of contact for learning activities in their subsector. This may include serving on technical review committees or reviewing proposals related to learning, and incorporating partner activities into learning agendas, if appropriate.

i. Backstop one or more USAID Regional Bureau and related Missions to advance DRG learning activities. This includes establishing contact with, learning their portfolio of related activities, and supporting the development and implementation of appropriate learning activities. Illustrative support activities include meetings and calls with field missions and/or evaluators, TDYs to participate in the development of MEL plans, evaluations, support for other strategic learning processes, and to conduct training on

DRG learning approaches. This could include multiple-week visits to USAID partner countries, including critical restricted environment countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, South Sudan, and others to assist Missions in various stages of their learning agendas, to train USAID, host government or implementing partner staff, and to contribute to strategy development and project design.

j. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: At the GS-14 level, the Senior Metrics Advisor will serve as a top-level DRG metrics and measurement expert for USAID globally. The Senior Metrics Advisor will be experienced in quantitative research methods and will assist USAID globally in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of DRG programs. S/he will report to the Chief of DRG’s Learning

Division (or his/her designee) and will exercise independent judgment while performing challenging work. S/he will receive minimal day-to-day technical guidance and will make decisions related to his/her area of expertise and responsibility.

k. Knowledge level required: The Senior Metrics Advisor must demonstrate advanced mastery of a wide array of measurement, monitoring, and evaluation approaches and skills accompanied by a doctorate (preferred) with significant quantitative study in a pertinent field, including, but not limited to, political science, economics, statistics, sociology, or another social science field with strong quantitative research methods, and at least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in measurement, research and/or rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and learning related to democracy, human rights and governance in international development.

l. Supervisory Controls: The Senior Metrics Advisor will report to the Chief of the

Learning Division or her/his designee. The supervisor and Senior Metrics Advisor will develop a work plan that includes responsibilities and deadlines. The Senior Metrics

Advisor will also work closely with other USAID operating units and leaders, including

USAID Mission officials and contractors, and be accountable to them for the performance of high-quality work. The Senior Metrics Advisor will meet with his/her supervisor formally on a quarterly basis to discuss progress against the work plan, in addition to regular attendance at team meetings.

m. Performance Guidelines: The Senior Metrics Advisor will work within Agency guidelines that are often broadly stated and non-specific, requiring extensive interpretation. S/he will demonstrate sound judgement, technical expertise, ingenuity and innovation in the measurement of complex DRG contexts and activities.

n. Level of complexity for work assignments: The Senior Metrics Advisor’s duties will be significantly varied and will require a high degree of knowledge of complex processes and methods as they are applied to a broad range of circumstances. S/he will be required to support USAID regional Bureaus and Missions in making decisions on largely undefined issues and elements that require extensive research and analysis to determine the nature and scope of the problems, including the identification of targets and indicators, the design and implementation of research activities, the analysis of research findings, and the innovative incorporation of findings into the design of new programs.

The incumbent will be expected to contribute new approaches and new information to address continuing changes in the related programmatic, technological, and political environments. S/he will develop and coordinate country-specific learning and measurement strategies with defined goals, guidelines, and benchmarks. S/he will overcome complicated issues such as balancing political pressure from US Government colleagues and host country counterparts, incorporating multi-disciplinary approaches and recent research findings, and resolving conflicts among possible technical solutions.

o. Scope and effect of the work performed: The Senior Metrics Advisor will be highly involved in all L responsibilities (impact and performance evaluations, studies, dissemination activities, and others) and will support measurement and research activities in all DRG sub-sectors, including civil society and media, elections and political transitions, governance and rule of law, human rights, and others. S/he will plan, organize, direct, design, and coordinate these activities as needed to meet the needs of

USAID bureaus and missions. This work will require independent analysis, defining conditions and criteria, and resolving critical problems using creative approaches. The

Senior Metrics Advisor will contribute to interagency efforts to address critical DRG learning, measurement and research issues, such as high-profile self-reliance metrics, and will maintain regular working relationships with counterparts in the Department of State and other agencies as needed. The incumbent may be required to work as a team leader and guide and coordinate the work of technical staff.

p. Level and purpose of contacts: The Senior Metrics Advisor will serve as one of the

Agency’s lead technical experts in DRG measurement and research matters and will advise USAID and interagency counterparts on metrics. S/he may represent the US

Government in meetings with foreign governments and multilateral institutions, will communicate with U.S. congressional staff, the National Security Council, the

Department of State, and other interagency counterparts, and will maintain professional contact with senior level professionals of academic institutions and independent DRG organizations. The Senior Metrics Advisor will represent USAID to these organizations in different forums, including conferences, workshops, panels, and more. q. Supervision or oversight the position has over others (address the number and level of subordinates, and the degree of supervisory responsibility, if any): The Senior Metrics Advisor may supervise fellows and/or interns.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Senior Metrics Advisor will report to the Chief of the Learning Division or her/his designee. The Division Chief and PSC will develop a work plan that includes responsibilities and deadlines.

4. Supervisory Controls

The PSC will also work closely with other USAID operating units and leaders, including

USAID Mission officials and contractors, and be accountable to them for the performance of high-quality work. The Senior Metrics Advisor will meet with his/her supervisor formally on a quarterly basis to discuss progress against the work plan, in addition to regular attendance at team meetings.

5. Decision Making

The Senior Metrics Advisor will serve as a top-level metrics and measurement expert for

USAID globally. The PSC will be experienced in quantitative and qualitative research methods and will assist USAID globally in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of DRG programs. S/he will report to the Chief of DRG’s Learning Division or his/her designee and will exercise independent judgment while performing challenging work which is varied and wide-ranging. The PSC will have wide latitude to exercise independent judgement and have decision making authority within his/her portfolio. He/she will receive minimal day-to-day technical guidance.

6. Knowledge Required

The Senior Metrics Advisor must demonstrate advanced mastery of a wide array of measurement and monitoring and evaluation skills accompanied by a doctorate (preferred) or a Master’s Degree with significant quantitative study in a pertinent field, including, but not limited to, political science, economics, statistics, sociology, or another social science field with strong quantitative research methods, and at least 3 years (doctorate) or 7 years

(master’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in measurement, research and/or rigorous monitoring,

7. Guidelines

The Senior Metrics Advisor will work with guidelines from the Bureau and Agency, such as the Agency Evaluation Policy and the Open Data Policy, that are broadly stated and non-specific, requiring extensive interpretation. S/he will demonstrate sound judgement, technical expertise, ingenuity and innovation in the measurement of complex DRG activities.

8. Complexity

The Senior Metrics Advisor’s duties will be significantly varied and will require a high degree of knowledge of complex processes and methods as they are applied to a broad range of circumstances. S/he will be required to support USAID regional Bureaus and Missions in making decisions on largely undefined issues and elements that require extensive research and analysis to determine the nature and scope of the problems, including the identification of targets and indicators, the design and implementation of research activities, the analysis of research findings, and the innovative incorporation of findings into the design of new programs. The PSC will be expected to contribute new technologies and approaches or develop new information to address continuing changes in the related programmatic, technological, and political environments. The PSC will develop and coordinate country-specific learning strategies with defined goals, guidelines, and benchmarks. The PSC will overcome complicated issues such as balancing political pressure from US Government colleagues and host country counterparts, incorporating multi-disciplinary approaches and recent research findings, and resolving conflicts among possible technical solutions. The PSC will be expected to travel to and perform this work in USAID-supported countries.

9. Scope and Effect

The Senior Metrics Advisor will be highly involved in all L responsibilities (impact and performance evaluations, assessments, studies, dissemination activities, and others) and will support measurement and research activities in all DRG sub-sectors, including civil society and media, elections and political transitions, governance and rule of law, human rights, and others. The PSC will plan, organize, direct, design, and coordinate these activities as needed to meet the needs of USAID bureaus and missions. This work will require independent analysis, defining conditions and criteria, and resolving critical problems using creative approaches. The PSC will lead interagency efforts to address critical DRG learning, measurement and research issues, such as high-profile self-reliance metrics, and will maintain regular working relationships with counterparts in the Department of State and other agencies as needed. The PSC’s may be required to work as a team leader and guide and coordinate the work of technical staff.

10. Level and Purpose of Contacts

The PSC will serve as one of the Agency’s lead technical experts in measurement and research matters and will advise USAID and interagency counterparts on metrics. S/he will represent the US Government in meetings with foreign governments and multilateral institutions, Congressional staff, the National Security Council, the Department of State, and other interagency counterparts, and will maintain professional contact with senior level professionals of academic institutions and independent DRG organizations. The PSC will represent USAID to these organizations in different forums, including conferences, workshops, panels, and more.

The purpose of these contacts will be to advise leaders in the U.S. Government and in the

DRG sector more broadly on DRG metrics and the evidence underpinning USAID DRG strategies and programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. The PSC will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

POINT OF CONTACT: G. Serapis Irby

U.S. Agency for International Development

Office of Acquisition and Assistance

Tel: 202-916-2701

Email: girby@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

• Master’s or PhD degree in political science, international development/relations, anthropology, sociology, statistics, or a related social science field with strong background in quantitative research methods (verification required upon request for transcripts and/or certificates).

• With a Master’s degree, seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in international development related to measurement, applied research, and/or rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and learning related to democracy, human rights and governance. With a PhD degree, three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in international development related to measurement, applied research, and/or rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and learning related to democracy, human rights and governance.

• Relevant field experience working with U.S. government, international organizations, donor development agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector, academic organizations, or other agencies and processes involved in DRG issues.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with

FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR

15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Each Offeror will be rated and ranked by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) based solely on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) 1 through 3 below. QRF responses shall be submitted on letter sized paper 8 ½ x11, Times New Roman font size 12 and are limited to no more than 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will not be read or rated.

Interviews and reference checks will be conducted with the most highly ranked Offerors only.

Upon completion of interviews and reference checks, the Offeror with the highest QRF score will be selected.

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs):

1. Technical Expertise (50 points)

Demonstrated ability to provide high-level analysis and technically sound recommendations on complex measurement, program monitoring, and research issues for the DRG sector in dynamic country contexts. Demonstrated technical expertise in rigorous measurement, monitoring, and research methodologies including but not limited to 1) operationalizing complex concepts; 2) analyzing longitudinal data for trends; 3) drafting rigorous research designs that include power analyses; 4) employing methodologies that permit causal inference; and 5) adhering to the highest standards of academic research.

2. Communication (25 points)

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences, including high-level officials, academics, and field practitioners. Proven track record of quickly gathering, analyzing and synthesizing information for use by principals. Demonstrated ability to effectively adjust presentation styles and to summarize and explain highly complicated information to non-technical audiences. Demonstrated productive and positive working relationships and communication with colleagues and peers.

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

3. Teamwork (25 points)

Proven track-record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams, both as a team leader and as a team member. Sound judgment and collegiality when working in environments with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

Rating system is as follows:

i. Technical Expertise: 50 points

ii. Communication: 25 points

iii. Teamwork: 25 points

Total possible points: 100 points

Offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be further evaluated based on scoring of the

Evaluation Factors, which will consider the offeror’s responses to the Evaluation Factors as well as information provided in other offer materials (e.g., form AID 309-2).

The most qualified offeror(s) will be interviewed. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offeror(s) being considered for selection. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Interviews conducted in person will be held at

USAID offices in the Washington, D.C. region. While in person interviews are preferred, interviews by telephone or video may also be conducted.

Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by the offeror.

In the event that USAID is unable to obtain any information from references, the offeror will be assigned a “neutral” rating for professional references.

Offerors may be requested to submit official academic transcripts or other certification showing that the offeror has obtained the required education level. Satisfactory verification of academic credentials is required prior to receiving an offer. USAID reserves the right to select additional offerors to fill possible future vacant positions if vacancies become available during the selection process.

Secret Security clearance will be required after selection of the Offeror.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit:

1) A USAID form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts With

Individuals) with hand-written signature (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/);

2) Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, and submitted to the Point of Contact referenced in Section I of this solicitation;

3) Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation Number on all offeror submitted documents;

4) A resume must be attached to the form AID 309-2. Resumes must contain enough information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information must be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information enough to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

In order to fully evaluate offers, resumes must include:

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

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

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

Transcripts and/or certifications must be submitted.

5) Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs shown under Section III of this solicitation.

6) Names and current contact information of three professional supervisory references that have knowledge of the Offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation.

7) Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, and submitted to the Point of Contact identified in Section I. Offers submitted after the closing date/time will not be accepted.

8) To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation Number in the offer submission.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

By submitting your offer, you certify that all the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, and complete and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may result in your being eliminated from consideration for this position or being terminated after award and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS

AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

In accordance with FAR 4.1102 and ADS 309.3.1.13b(1), USPSCs must be registered in the

System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award. For general information about DUNS

Numbers and SAM, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6

Unique Entity Identifier and FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management.

https:/acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html or www.sam.gov.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE,

RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL

AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL

ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR

OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit items 2 through 6 after an

Offeror is selected for the contract award.

1. USAID Offeror Form AID 309-2

2. Standard Form 86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions

3. USAID Request for Security Action Form 6-1

4. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561) (see Department of State

M/MED, medical clearances guidance and instructions available at:

https://www.state.gov/guidance-medical-clearances/;

5. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) for DUNS Number responsibility and eligibility for award determination; and

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

7. Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC 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 (only if applicable to position):

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

(Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(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), 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:

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

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:

Item No. Services Quantity Amount

0001 Base Period Compensation, Benefits, and other direct costs

Award type:

Product Service Code:

Accounting Information:

1 TBD at award

1001 Option Period 1 Compensation, Benefits, and other direct costs

Award type:

Product Service Code:

Accounting Information

1 TBD at award

2001 Option Period 2 Compensation, Benefits, and other direct costs

Award type:

Product Service Code:

Accounting Information

1 TBD at award

3001 Option Period 3 Compensation, Benefits, and other direct costs

Award type:

Product Service Code:

Accounting Information

1 TBD at award

4001 Option Period 4 Compensation, Benefits, and other direct costs

Accounting Information

1 TBD at award

3. 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 .

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, contain changes to USAID policy and the PSC

General Provisions in accordance with USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract.

AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER

2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below.

The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC)

SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider

(FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision

10, Travel and Transportation AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

(April 2010), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under the corresponding General Provision, the contractor must provide

USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for

Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses

USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the

USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the

Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

(End of Provision)

AAPD 15-02 – LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (DEC 2017)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-20-2c)

(a) Annual Leave.

(1) The contractor is not entitled to annual leave if the period of performance of this contract is 90 days or less. If the contract period of performance is more than 90 days, the contractor shall earn annual leave as of the start date of the contract period of performance as specified in paragraph (a)(2) below.

(2) The contractor shall accrue annual leave based on the contractor’s time in service according to the following table:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation

0 to 3 years Four hours of leave for each two-week period

Over 3, and up to 15 years Six hours of AL for each two-week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year)

Over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two-week period

USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any

USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.

(3) (i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the

USAID Mission or USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.

(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the

Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.

(4) With the approval of the Mission Director or cognizant AA, as appropriate, and if the circumstances warrant, a Contracting Officer may grant the contractor advance AL in excess of the amount earned, but in no case may the Contracting Officer grant advance AL in excess of the amount earned in one year or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. The contractor agrees to reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advance AL provided during the contractor’s assignment under the contract.

(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID U.S. direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 workdays per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work. Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.

(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:

(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days; or if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for such shorter period of not less than one year, as approved in writing by the Mission Director prior to the USPSCs departure on home leave, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of

30 work days.

(ii) if the USPSC is returning to a different USAID Mission under a USAID personal services contract immediately following completion of the USPSC's home leave, for an additional two (2) years under contract, or for such shorter period of not less than one (1) year, as approved by the Mission Directors of the "losing" and "gaining" Missions, the contractor will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of not more than

20 work days. When the PSC is returning to a different USAID Mission, the former

Mission will pay for the home leave regardless of what country the PSC will be working in following the home leave;

(iii) if home leave eligibility is based on (c)(2)(ii) above, the USPSC must submit written verification to the losing Mission at the time home leave is requested that the USPSC has accepted a USAID personal services contract at another USAID Mission following completion of the home leave;

(iv) travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the number of workdays authorized for home leave;

(v) home leave must be taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories, and any days spent elsewhere will be charged to annual leave (AL.) If the PSC does not have accrued AL, the PSC will be placed on LWOP.

(vi) if the PSC does not complete the additional service required under (c)(2)(i) or (ii)

(that the Contracting Officer finds are other than for reasons beyond the PSC's control), the cost of home leave, travel and transportation and any other related costs must be repaid by the PSC to the Government.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (c)(2) above, that the USPSC must have served two (2) years overseas under personal services contract with the same Mission to be eligible for home leave, the USPSC may be granted advance home leave…