Sol_7200AA23R00058 Final _FE.pdf

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

ISSUANCE DATE: April 27, 2023 QUESTIONS DUE DATE: May 11, 2023 CLOSING DATE: May 26, 2023

CLOSING TIME: 5:00 PM EST

SUBJECT: Solicitation for GS-13 Equivalent Personal Services Contract (PSC) for Senior Communications

Advisor, for Europe & Eurasia E&E Communications Team Program Office, in the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia Deputy Assistant Administrator (E&E/DAA), USAID/Washington.

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position, candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation.

Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the Evaluation Criteria.

Resumes must be attached to the USAID form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts) and applicants should write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address these criteria. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the AID 309-2. Applications received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

Applicants are responsible for submitting the AID-309-2 so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation. Applications must be submitted in an email to the person specified below. An application received after the closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received on time.

Questions Questions must be received by the questions closing date May 11, 2023 before 5:00 EST, by email to Sr. Contract Specialist Ony Razafindratovo at orazafindratovo@usaid.gov and with a copy to the Supervisory Contracting Officer Ms. Artaveya Carter at acarter@usaid.gov.

Submission of proposals Submission of proposals in response to this solicitation must be in accordance with the instructions in Section VI of this solicitation and must be directed by email to Ony Razafindratovo at orazafindratovo@usaid.gov and with a copy to the Supervisory Contracting Officer Ms. Artaveya Carter at acarter@usaid.gov.

All email submissions must contain the solicitation number, RFP# 7200AA23R00058, in the subject line.

Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals.

Sincerely, Artaveya J. Carter Supervisory Contracting Officer

M/OAA/RM/AEM

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA23R00058

ISSUANCE DATE: April 27, 2023

QUESTION DUE DATE: May 11, 2023

CLOSING DATE May 26, 2023

POSITION TITLE: USPSC GS-13 Senior Communications Advisor, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia

MARKET VALUE: This position for US Personal Services Contractor

Senior Communications Advisor has been established at GS-13 equivalent (Salary of $112,015 up to $145,617 per year) with locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant work experience and work history, salary and education background.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in Washington, D.C.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with four (4) one-year option periods.

Subject to satisfactory performance, requirements of the position, and availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.

This position has been designated as suitable for Telework, subject to meeting the telework policy requirements (see ADS 309man). The contractor will be authorized to perform the services under this contract from the official USAID worksite where the contractor will perform services on-site for a certain number of days per pay period and perform the remaining days at an alternative worksite (the contractor’s residence)

SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all U.S. Citizens

RFP# 7200AA23R00058

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REGISTRATION IN SAM REQUIRED: All individuals contracted as USPSCs are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number in System for Award Management (SAM) – www.sam.gov

II. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia’s (E&E) is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal service as a Senior Communications Advisor under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the solicitation. The Government contemplates awarding one (1) contract with a (1) one base year and (4) four option years.

Background

The incumbent will serve as Communications and Outreach Advisor for the E&E Bureau, working closely with LPA and E&E Bureau leadership. As a Senior Communications Advisor, the incumbent will be responsible for researching, creating and regularly updating general and targeted materials, developing a communications strategy and planning approaches, improving internal communications within the Bureau related to the legislative process, and managing the flow of written communication for the Assistant Administrator and others, as they relate to strategic communications / outreach to all audiences. S/he also serves as the critical link between the E&E Bureau and Development Outreach Coordinators (DOCS).

As such, s/he will be expected to review communications materials generated by the field, provide guidance on press inquiries, and website content. S/he will also support or coordinate efforts to advocate for E&E programs within USAID, with other agencies, and with important stakeholders.

Working closely with LPA, s/he will operate proactively to stay abreast of planned relevant Congressional hearings, briefings and requests for information and facilitate the E&E Bureau's response to such events.

III. POSITION DESCRIPTION / OVERVIEW

Knowledge Level Required by the Position

At the proposed grade level, the incumbent is expected to have proven experience in communications and congressional relations, in a foreign assistance or other relevant internationally facing context specifically the will possess expertise in: 1) Development and execution of coherent foreign assistance communications and outreach strategy; 2) Knowledge of Agency program goals and objectives; and 3) Providing customer service and communications expertise to a wide range of customers within the Agency, Congress and USAID Missions.

The incumbent will possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution in communications, public affairs, international relations, or related field with

3 | Page at least five (5) years of demonstrated professional development experience OR Graduate degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution in international relations or related field with three (3) years of proven development experience is required.

Supervisory Controls

The Senior Communication Advisor reports to the E&E/DAA, GS-15, direct supervisor. The incumbent is expected to exercise some degree of independence and initiative in defining and carrying out her/his duties, prioritizing overall activities, managing available resources and working in conjunction with other E&E Bureau personnel to achieve common objectives. The incumbent works under direction of the E&E Bureau's Program Office Director.

This position is a one-year personal services contract with options for four additional years. The incumbent will establish a work plan in consultation with the Division Chief who will guide the incumbent’s work schedule and assignments.

Guidelines

The incumbent shall develop communications and strategies and guide the work of print or web-based publication and determine the appropriateness of published material. Lead the coordination of documents and data bases/electronic files. Facilitate E&E missions' and offices' efforts to prepare responsive briefing materials for senior agency management and prepare or review written materials relevant to Congressional relations activities. Develop methods to draft or assist drafters in preparing speeches, testimony, talking points, statements, and related documents, by gathering program and budget information from E&E Offices and Missions. Prepare or review written materials relevant to Congressional relations activities and lead the Bureau response to these critical efforts.

Level of Complexity of Work Assignments

The incumbent must keep abreast of E&E priorities, programs and emerging issues to enhance understanding and minimize misperceptions of USAID policies, priorities and programs. The individual must appropriately respond to routine and ad hoc inquiries or requests for funding from the general public, including small and disadvantaged businesses and provide support to Bureau and E&E missions.

Scope and Effect

Represent E&E Bureau interests to senior-level U.S., host country government and multilateral officials as well as non-governmental organizations and private sector entities and liaise with USAID implementing partners, donor organizations and other interested parties. Provide input to strategic planning, briefings and presentations as directed.

Personal Contacts

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Contacts are with persons both in other Bureaus within the Agency and outside the Agency which may include consultants, contractors, or business executives in a moderately unstructured setting.

Contacts may also include the head of the employing agency or program officials several managerial levels removed from the employee when such contacts occur on an ad-hoc basis.

USPSC is expected to maintain contact within the inter-agency and other stakeholders on issues relating to E&E Bureau interests. Serves as principal officer responsible for responding to public inquiries on USAID /E&E programs and unsolicited proposals for funding

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to influence managers or other officials to accept and implement findings and recommendations on organizational improvement or program effectiveness. May encounter resistance due to such issues as organizational conflict, competing objectives, or resource problems.

Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The requirement for temporary duty assignments to consult with implementing partners may, however, may expose the successful candidate to difficult working surroundings and security risks during the course of travel.

Work Environment

Washington, D.C. with possible overseas and domestic travel. This position has been designated as suitable for Telework, subject to meeting the telework policy requirements (see ADS 309man).

The contractor will be authorized to perform the services under this contract from the official USAID worksite where the contractor will perform services on-site for a certain number of days per pay period and perform the remaining days at an alternative worksite (the contractor’s residence).

Support items

The USPSC will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will be expected to perform the following tasks in significant collaboration with Washington based staff, but with minimal day-to-day supervision:

Specific Duties - Senior Communications Advisor:

● Develops an outreach/ communications strategy, working closely with Bureau leadership and staff and the LPA Public Liaison Officer, on outreach, public relations, information topics, including outreach to ethnic American communities with special interests in USAID /E&E programs.

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● Researches, creates and regularly updates general and targeted materials for internal and external audiences, such as topical and Mission briefs on current issues of interest to Congress and the public. Such briefs should be readily available to assist Bureau leadership and others in informing interested members of the public, the development community, and other agencies about USAID's programs.

● Guides the work of print or web-based publication and determines the appropriateness of published material. Oversees the coordination of documents and data bases/electronic files, including program documents, fact sheets, and briefing books to ensure that information is accessible, streamlined, and updated.

● Facilitates E&E missions' and offices' efforts to prepare responsive briefing materials for senior agency management and assists the E&E Front Office in assuring Bureau products for such tasks are timely and comprehensive.

● On press and media matters, works closely with the LPA Press Officer regarding media inquiries about USAID/E&E's programs. Helps draft press releases and develops briefing materials for the media.

● Facilitates Bureau responses to queries from elected officials, other government agencies, community organizations, other donors and the public about E&E activities that could affect the public view of the Agency or prompt Congressional action. Makes recommendations regarding the dissemination of information to correct misperceptions and enhance public understanding.

Interfaces with the mission-based Development Outreach and Communications Specialists in the field.

● Represents E&E in USAID internal communications team and routinely informs and engages Bureau staff on Agency-wide communications initiatives and activities.

Legislative Liaison:

● In conjunction with LPA, keeps abreast of Congressional interests and concerns and helps senior

E&E managers to anticipate and be responsive to such interests. Stays abreast of planned relevant Congressional hearings, briefings and requests for information and facilitates the E&E Bureau's response to such events.

● Prepares or reviews written materials relevant to Congressional relations activities. In close coordination with the LPA Bureau, drafts or assists drafters in preparing speeches, testimony, talking points, statements, and related documents, by gathering program and budget information from E&E Offices and Missions.

● Reviews correspondence submitted by other offices for completeness and conformity with requests made and directives issued. Such materials are for use by E&E officials when addressing Senior Agency management, external international development organizations, and with Members of Congress and Congressional staff

● As required, prepares testimony, briefing papers, talking points, analytical papers, and questions and answers for the USAID Deputy Administrator and the USAID Administrator in preparation for Congressional hearings and briefings.

Responsibility for Decision Making

Assess, define and deliver appropriate outreach/ communications strategies for USAID missions to address country-specific and/or regional needs. Serve as an advisor for missions, Bureau

6 | Page leadership and other U.S. Government agencies on issues related to strategic communications and messaging. Conceptualize new approaches to increase the reach and messaging of USAID-supported activities.

Supervisory Relationship

The Senior Communications Advisor will report to the E&E/DAA, GS-15, direct supervisor.

Security Level Required: Secret

Travel Requirements: The position may require travel to the Europe and Eurasia region, which may involve special safety and/or security precautions.

V. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Education

The incumbent will possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution in communications, public affairs, international relations, or related field with at least five (5) years of demonstrated professional development experience OR Graduate degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution in international relations or related field with three (3) years of proven development experience is required.

Qualifications/Required Experience:

1. The incumbent must have the ability to interact with a broad range of internal and external partners and function successfully as a member of a fast-paced multi-functional office.

2. The incumbent should have demonstrated initiative and ability to manage competing work priorities and work independently.

3. The incumbent should have strong organizational and interpersonal skills and be team-oriented and able to take direction from and interact effectively with several team members.

VI. EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

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 offerors 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 offerors. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The Technical Evaluation Committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

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QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the position will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The relative order of importance of each factor follows:

QRF#1 Written communication skills, capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (print & multimedia). (20 points)

QRF #2 Proven strategic communications and outreach planning and implementation experience, including devising strategies and tactics in a successful communication or public relations campaign utilizing various techniques to reach out to diverse audiences. (20 points)

QRF #3 Understanding of US legislative processes, foreign assistance legislation, and of Congressional perspectives on such assistance. (20 points)

QRF #4 Demonstrated verbal and presentation skills. (10 points)

QRF #5 Advance computer skills, including database, graphics, web-based, and related MS software. (10 points)

QRF #6 Excellent interpersonal and team skills, including the ability to work with governmental and non-government contracts and to work with teams, exercising judgment and taking action to guide and support the completion of assignments involving others. (15 points)

QRF #7 Initiative and sound judgment, including demonstrated ability to work proactively within parameters laid out by the supervisor to carry out communications and legislative-related functions. (5 points)

Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Applicants are to include name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or QRFs may result in an applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample.

E&E/DAA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. USAID may evaluate the applicant’s professional references and academic credentials. EE/DAA reserves the right to make additional selections from this solicitation.

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NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

The Applicant Rating System is as follows:

QRFs have been assigned the following points:

QRF #1- 20 points QRF #2- 20 points QRF #3- 20 points QRF #4- 10 points QRF #5- 10 points QRF #6- 15 points QRF #7- 5 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Interview Performance: Pass/Fail Reference Checks: Pass/Fail

VII. HOW TO APPLY:

Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following:

1) A USAID form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts - available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/), with hand-written signature. Form AID 309-2 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected;

2) A resume must be attached to the AID 309-2. Resumes must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination of meeting experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

3) Offeror submissions must clearly reference the solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

In order to fully evaluate applications, 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.

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4) A supplemental document of up to two pages that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training directly address the QRFs should be attached.

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

6) To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on the application, as the subject line in any email, e.g., RFP#

7200AA23R00058

7) A cover letter of not more than one (1) page may be submitted, but is optional.

By submitting the application materials, the applicant certifies that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, and complete and made in good faith. The applicant agrees to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to the application may result in being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation, and submitted to the Point of Contact.

Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors Please be advised that upon award, the contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor 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. * USPSCs/TCNPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission policies and/or directives from US Department of State regarding COVID -19 requirements.

VIII. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

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

1) USAID form AID 309-2 (To be submitted with application).

2) Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)**

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

4) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)**

5) Fingerprint Card (FD-258)**

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

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IX. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

A. 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

B. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas):

(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)

X. TAXES

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

XI. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) AND CONTRACT INFORMATION

BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and the PSC General Provisions in accordance with USAID regulations and contracts. See http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

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/ads/policy/300/aidar.

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2. Contract Cover Page form AID 302-4 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and the PSC General Provisions in accordance with USAID regulations and contracts.

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.

(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 6 Expenses (July 1993), 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

12 | Page 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 expenses 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

13 | Page carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

End of Provision

HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12) (SEPTEMBER 2006)

In response to the general threat of unauthorized access to federal facilities and information systems, the President issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12. HSPD-12 requires all Federal agencies to use a common Personal Identity Verification (PIV) standard when identifying and issuing access rights to users of Federally-controlled facilities and/or Federal Information Systems.

USAID will begin issuing HSPD-12 “smart card” IDs to applicable contracts, using a phased approach.

Effective October 27, 2006, USAID will begin issuing new “smart card” IDs to new contractors (and new contractor employees) requiring routine access to USAID controlled facilities and/or access to USAID’s information systems. USAID will begin issuance of the new smart card IDs to existing contractors (and existing contractor employees) on October 27, 2007. (Exceptions would include those situations where an existing contractor (or contractor employee) loses or damages his/her existing ID and would need a replacement ID prior to Oct 27, 2007. In those situations, the existing contractor (or contractor employee) would need to follow the PIV processes described below, and be issued one of the new smart cards.)

Accordingly, before a contractor (including a PSC* or a contractor employee) may obtain a USAID ID (new or replacement) authorizing him/her routine access to USAID facilities, or logical access to USAID’s information systems, the individual must provide two forms of identity source documents in original form and a passport size photo. One identity source document must be a valid Federal or state government-issued picture ID. (Overseas foreign nationals must comply with the requirements of the Regional Security Office.) USAID/W contractors must contact the USAID Security Office to obtain the list of acceptable forms of documentation, and contractors working in overseas Missions must obtain the acceptable documentation list from the Regional Security Officer. Submission of these documents, and related background checks, are mandatory in order for the contractor to receive a building access ID, and before access will be granted to any of USAID’s information systems. All contractors must physically present these two source documents for identity proofing at their USAID/W or Mission Security Briefing. The contractor or his/her Facilities Security Officer must return any issued building access ID and remote authentication token to USAID custody upon termination of the individual’s employment with the contractor or completion of the contract, whichever occurs first.

The contractor must comply with all applicable HSPD-12 and PIV procedures, as described above, and any subsequent USAID or government-wide HSPD-12 and PIV procedures/policies, including any subsequent related USAID General Notices, Office of Security Directives and/or Automated Directives System (ADS) policy directives and required procedures. This includes HSPD-12 procedures established in USAID/Washington and those procedures established by the overseas Regional Security Office. In the event of inconsistencies between this clause and later issued Agency or government-wide HSPD-12 guidance, the most recent issued guidance should take precedence, unless otherwise instructed by the Contracting Officer.

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The contractor is required to include this clause in any subcontracts that require the subcontractor or subcontractor employee to have routine physical access to USAID space or logical access to USAID’s information systems.

End of Provision

XII. 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. AAPD 21-04 EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 ON ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY

PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION) (FAR Deviation No. M-OAA- DEV-FAR-22-01c) 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70

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-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.

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(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.

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 is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

541990

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $TBD__ $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

541990

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $TBD__ $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

541990

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $TBD__ $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

541990

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $TBD__ $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

4001 Option Period 4 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code:

541990

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $TBD__ $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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

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The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

7. AAPD 06-10 – Personal Services Contractors (PSC) Medical Payment Responsibility AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

8. AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for USPSCs AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

9. AAPD 18-02 REVISED - Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

AAPD No. 18-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 4 to the solicitation.

10. AAPD 21-05 - Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors AAPD No. 21-05 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 5 to the solicitation.

11. FAR 52.222-50 – Combating Trafficking In Persons

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 6 to the solicitation.

12. FAR 52.204-24 – Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment (December 2021) FAR Clause 52.204-24 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 7 to the solicitation.

13. FAR 52.204-25 – Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment (December 2021).

FAR Clause 52.204-25 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 8 to the solicitation.

ALL QUALIFIED OFFERORS 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.

END OF THE SOLICITATION