Sol_7200AA25R00017 Senior Security Sector Advisor.pdf

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

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA25R00017

ISSUANCE DATE: December 10, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: January 16, 2025 at 4:30PM EST

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

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all Offer materials for their records.

At USAID, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is a priority, and we are greater than the sum of our parts. When we integrate DEIA in our programs, policies, partnerships, and people (workforce), we are better able to understand and meet the needs of those we serve worldwide. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Eileen Fanelli Contracting Officer

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 7200AA25R00017 USPSC – Senior Security Sector Advisor

Attachment 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA25R00017

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 10, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 16, 2025 at 4:30PM EST

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Casey Miskowski, email at cmiskowski@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Security Sector Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $139,395-$181,216 per year, equivalent to GS-14 including Washington, D.C.

Locality Pay

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Washington with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions.

This position has been designated as suitable for telework (2-8 days per pay period) in accordance with ADS 309 and Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Bureau guidelines. Telework may be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, estimated to start on or about 08/01/2025. Start date will be dependent on issuance of security clearance. The applicant must be available to start within 30 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for up to three additional years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: 08/01/2025-07/31/2027 Option Period 1: 08/01/2027-07/31/2028 Option Period 2: 08/01/2028-07/31/2029 Option Period 3: 08/01/2029-07/31/2030

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

mailto:cmiskowski@usaid.gov

The successful offeror will serve in the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) with the Office of Justice, Rights, and Security (JRS) in Washington, D.C. DRG’s mission is to shape policy and development agendas, generate knowledge and evidence that drives innovation, catalyze partnerships and coalitions, and mobilize cutting-edge programs and technical assistance to enable USAID’s Missions and partners to accelerate democratic development globally. DRG achieves this through high quality support to USAID Missions and Operating Units, generating and disseminating knowledge on best practices, and providing leadership on DRG to the wider U.S.

Government (USG) and the international development community.

JRS supports USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices (M/B/IOs) throughout all phases of the program cycle to help close the global justice gap; make human rights values and norms actionable, enforceable, and realizable; counter trafficking in persons;

and strengthen security sector governance to promote security for all. It serves Missions and other offices by: 1) providing state-of-the-art technical leadership in strategy and program design; 2) undertaking assessments and contributing to applied research that inform innovative, evidence-based and results-oriented activities; 3) translating knowledge and learning into accessible training, tools, and resources for the global DRG cadre; 4) stewarding funding and global field support mechanisms that enable Missions to respond to critical opportunities and urgent needs; 5) shaping USAID, interagency, and multilateral policy discourse and frameworks to enable more effective engagement and assistance; and (6) serving as technical representatives and collaborators with peer donors, civil society, and experts in our field.

The JRS Senior Security Sector Advisor (Advisor) will serve as a security sector governance1 technical expert at USAID. They will contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of USAID programs worldwide, represent this portfolio in internal USG and external fora, will spearhead applied research and thought leadership on security sector development strategies and interventions, and will help to strengthen the capacity of USAID on security sector needs, entry points, and opportunities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All members of the DRG workforce are measured on how they foster a climate of respect in interactions with others, value differing perspectives, and treat others in a

1 USAID defines security sector governance as the following: Security Sector Governance (SSG) is the concept used to determine how well the security sector provides security services. SSG relates to the formal and informal actors who are involved in the provision and oversight of security services at the national and local levels and assesses how these services are rendered. Ensuring the effective and responsible governance of the security sector is a key part of building democratic societies. There is a strong connection between security and governance since a safe and secure environment is essential for ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law, political stability, socio-economic development, and meeting essential human needs. USAID’s SSG programs ensure that security services operate in the interests of citizens, society, and the state

Please note that this position is not focused on information technology security, but rather this broader approach to working with security sector actors in developing countries to advance DRG goals. More information about USAID’s SSG approach can be found here:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/SecuritySectorReformTwoPager12.2020.pdf fair, equitable, and culturally sensitive manner. All employees are expected to adhere to equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies and value diversity and inclusion in performing everyday duties and responsibilities.

The JRS Senior Security Sector Advisor duties and responsibilities are varied and include functions that contribute to achieving USG, Agency, and Bureau strategic goals and to the broader JRS office and Agency mission and policies, as they relate to USAID’s security sector governance work. These general responsibilities will be carried out through a combination of Washington, DC-based support and overseas TDYs. The geographic scope of the Advisor’s work is world-wide and varied to reflect changing country and political context.

The Senior Security Sector Advisor position includes the following responsibilities:

a. Provide Technical Expertise

a. Conduct assessments to identify security sector governance-related needs, opportunities, and entry points for programming.

b. Share expertise and tactics about security sector governance tools and approaches in development contexts.

c. Design security sector governance-related strategies, activities, and acquisition and assistance mechanisms, and serve on procurement selection committees.

d. Support security sector governance-related monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

e. Develop and deliver security sector governance-related tools, guidance, and training, as stand-alone or integrated into other sectors.

f. Serve as contracting officer's representative (COR), agreement officer's representative (AOR), and/or activity manager for DRG awards.

b. Influence in the Agency and Externally

a. Maintain deep, up-to-date knowledge of security sector governance-related policies, strategies, and requirements.

b. Develop and manage relationships that connect people, tools, and resources across the Agency, the interagency and the broader global development landscape -- leveraging USAID’s security sector governance-related expertise and influence to enhance development impact.

c. Coordinate and collaborate with other Bureau technical sectors to create synergies and integrate security sector governance approaches and programming into other sectors.

d. Contribute to the development and management of Agency-level security sector governance-related policies, strategies, and related guidance.

e. Support or lead specific USAID policies, including updating or creating policies or tools related to security sector governance, civilian policing and citizen security and promote USAID engagement on these issues in the multilateral space.

f. Produce guidance, briefing materials, speeches, information, and reporting products for Agency and interagency actors, events, and meetings.

g. Represent USAID in USG interagency processes on security sector governance and related issues.

c. Innovate, Learn, and Address Emerging Security Sector-Related Issues

a. Inform the development of technical policies, guidance, and tools, and provide insights and evidence to improve security sector governance-related programming.

b. Build and synthesize learning and evidence across multiple countries, regions, sectors, and programs to assess and influence USAID’s work and that of other actors.

c. Encourage security sector learning and innovation, such as testing experimental approaches; addressing emerging issues; and in response to security sector governance-related Congressional, Presidential, or Administrator initiatives.

d. Actively engage in stakeholder consultations as necessary to incorporate the latest and most contextually appropriate security sector governance-related thinking and knowledge into Agency approaches.

e. Seek and allocate funding for experimentation, cross disciplinary learning, and trial of innovations, approaches, and technologies in security sector governance-related programming.

d. Manage Knowledge and Develop Capacity

a. Generate, aggregate, and disseminate information on current trends and best practices in security governance-related assistance, and provide guidance on policy and strategy design, implementation, and tools that client Missions, Bureaus, and Offices can use to improve their work.

b. Contribute to relevant security sector governance-related reporting, planning and communities of practice and advise on capacity building.

c. Work to improve and increase security sector governance-related knowledge, skills and abilities of staff throughout the Agency, including developing and implementing training, and supporting coaching, mentoring, and fellowships.

d. Share the latest evidence, emerging practices, and solutions in security sector governance-related programming.

e. Advise on capacity building and design and conduct security sector governance-related training.

e. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The Senior Security Sector Advisor will support the JRS Office and will be expected to demonstrate independent judgment in decision-making pertaining to security sector governance assistance and other related DRG and JRS programs and projects. They will exercise independent judgment while performing this work with wide latitude and exercise discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. The Advisor will receive administrative direction in regards to technical performance and policy guidance.

f. Knowledge level required by the position: The JRS Security Sector Advisor will possess either a graduate or professional degree in a relevant field, with at least five (5) years of experience providing technical assistance supporting security sector governance; OR have a bachelor’s degree with seven (7) years of experience providing technical assistance supporting security sector governance. This is because the role requires a high level of expertise in security sector governance in order to provide technical support to the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of security-related programming, and to assessment of security issues, as well as to act in an advisory capacity on these issues both within DRG and with other Bureaus/Agencies, and externally to the interagency and senior foreign officials. Knowledge expertise is both in security sector governance as well as how it interacts with other interconnected issues, multidisciplinary approaches, and conflicts among possible technical solutions.

The incumbent will also be able to apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to accepted methods and disseminate understanding of those new methods to the greater USAID and DRG cadre.

g. Supervisory Controls: The Advisor will report to the JRS Office Director or the Director’s designee. They will regularly work with other members of the JRS Office, coordinate with other Offices in the Bureau on shared priorities, engage and support USAID Mission personnel when on TDY and with individuals from other USAID operating units as appropriate. The Advisor and Office Director or designee will jointly develop a work plan that outlines specific priorities and deliverables, which the Advisor will independently plan, design, and achieve (with minimal supervision). Many of those lines of effort may require input and coordination with other USAID staff, which the Office Director will facilitate as needed.

h. Performance Guidelines: The JRS Security Sector Advisor will work within 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. As the role requires the incumbent to interpret and translate policy specific to security sector governance to the greater DRG cadre and beyond, the Advisor will demonstrate ingenuity and judgment in the interpretation, dissemination, and application of these policies to the work.

i. Level of complexity for work assignments: The JRS Senior Security Sector Advisor’s duties will be significantly varied to address complex problems related to security sector governance. The incumbent will regularly demonstrate an ability to design and manage new and ambitious approaches to addressing this broad range of situations, reflecting an ability to deeply analyze using data and research. They will support the security sector governance portfolio at USAID and significantly contribute to and lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of security-related assistance programs worldwide.

Specific duties will include: provide technical assistance throughout the program cycle;

influence in the agency and externally; innovate, learn, and address emerging security-related issues; manage knowledge and develop capacity.

j. Scope and effect of the work performed: The JRS Security Sector Advisor will be highly involved in formal responsibilities (impact and performance evaluations, assessments, studies, dissemination activities, and others) related to security sector governance within the JRS Office. They will assist with planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating these activities as needed to meet the needs of USAID M/B/IOs. This work will require independent analysis, defining conditions and criteria, and resolving critical problems using creative approaches. As an expert in security sector governance, the incumbent will work with other experts in the field and inter-agency to develop major aspects of programs that impact and further the achievement of DRG’s goals. The Advisor will guide, coordinate, and support this work at all levels of the organization.

k. Level and purpose of contacts: Under the direction of the JRS Office Director and/or the Director's designee, and in partnership with other JRS Office members, the Security Sector Advisor will work closely with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including the DRG Bureau, USAID staff in M/B/IOs, interagency colleagues, and implementing partners. Typical contacts are those with senior level professionals, contractor representatives and representatives of professional organizations. The incumbent will represent USAID to these organizations in different forums, including conferences, workshops, and panels as an expert in security sector governance.

Communications that reflect a final policy, planning, or budget decision of the Agency must be cleared by a U.S. Direct Hire employee.

The Security Sector Advisor will, through professional contacts, skillfully influence and motivate people or groups, and establish rapport in order to gain and relay information.

In doing so, they will also consult with other professional or technical personnel and user organizations of varying backgrounds. In these communications, the incumbent will demonstrate consideration of protocol, respect and empathy for others, and sound judgment and collegiality while advancing the agenda of DRG programming and goals relevant to security sector governance.

l. Supervision or oversight the position has over others: None, except perhaps occasional short-term interns or fellows.

m. Travel requirements, if any, including an estimate of the number or frequency of trips and locations: The USPSC should expect to spend up to eight (8) weeks of their time on temporary duty travel (TDY) assignments to USAID Missions overseas.

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

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. If traveling overseas, the incumbent may be subject to elements of physical exertion including longer periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying moderately heavy items.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

● Graduate (or equivalent) professional degree or higher from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution with study in a pertinent field, such as: public administration, development, international relations, political science, or law, with at least five (5) years of experience providing technical assistance supporting security sector governance, as defined previously in this solicitation.

● Overseas experience working in international development assistance, either long- or short-term assignments.

OR

● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign educational institution a relevant field such as public administration, development, international relations, political science, or law, with at least seven (7) years of experience providing technical assistance supporting security sector governance, as defined previously in this solicitation.

● Overseas experience working on international development assistance, either long- or short-term assignments.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Selection Factors

Selection factors determine basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen;

● USPSC Application Form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Typed signatures will not be accepted;

● USPSC Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification;

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

● Professional references;

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors;

● Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance as required by USAID. If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected offeror within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded; and

● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Evaluation Factors

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee 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.

The following Quality Ranking Factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors:

1. Technical Expertise (60 points):

• Demonstrated development programming experience related to security sector governance, such as designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far development programs.

• Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance and coordinating with partners, such as partner country governments and civil society, media, and international organizations, on development-related issues.

• Demonstrated experience with research and utilizing data and evidence related to security sector governance.

2. Communication (30 points):

• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and use public speaking effectively, including briefings for senior officials and substantive technical presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing with minimal editing or supervision, such as analytical and persuasive writing for policy issues, informative and prescriptive writing for reporting, information, program designs and solicitations, and analytical and critical writing for think pieces, assessments and evaluations.

• Demonstrated ability to quickly gather, analyze and synthesize information for use by third parties, including clear and concise drafting for use by principals.

3. Teamwork and Professionalism (10 points):

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to exhibit tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness while working in a variety of settings that may include high-level government officials, members of non-governmental organizations, civil society, and practitioners across cultures.

• Proven track-record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams.

• Demonstrated ability to provide quality, professional, and timely responses to work-related requests.

BASIS OF RATING: Eligible offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications, application submission requirements, and possess U.S. Citizenship will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs). In a separate document, offerors are required to address each of the QRFs and demonstrate how they meet each factor, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page. Failure to specifically address the QRFs may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

The evaluation of the QRFs will be based on the offeror’s responses in the supplemental QRF document as well as information provided in other written offer materials (e.g., form AID 309-2, resume) to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors. The most qualified offeror(s) may be interviewed. Professional reference checks will be conducted for offeror(s) who are interviewed. 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 lack of reference information will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably in the scoring of the QRFs. The interview and professional reference checks will be considered in the final scoring of the QRFs and may result in a revision of scores.

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. Interviews may be conducted in person, by telephone, or by video.

Total rating system is as follows:

1. Technical Expertise: 60 points

2. Communication: 30 points

3. Teamwork and Professionalism: 10 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Satisfactory verification of academic credentials is required prior to award. The selected offeror will be required to submit transcripts for the academic degree for which the offeror qualified for the position. If the selected offeror fails to submit the required academic credential documentation within the time period specified by the Contracting Officer, the offeror may be disqualified from further consideration for award. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements.

Transcripts from foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official Evaluation of Educational Credentials. It is the offeror’s responsibility to provide evidence that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. USAID will not pay for expenses related to obtaining transcripts or proof of creditability of foreign education. Click on the following link for a list of accredited organizations (https://www.naces.org/members) recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials. More information may be found at https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

The selected offeror will be required to obtain a Secret Level Security Clearance provided by USAID prior to contract award. Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship. If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected offeror within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If the required level security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offeror acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT: All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award.

This will assign you a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list in www.sam.gov or on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Registration information is available at www.sam.gov.

NOTE: Registration in SAM and assignment of a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is FREE. Interested offerors are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early to avoid any delays during contract award.

https://www.naces.org/members https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

USAID reserves the right to select additional offerors to fill possible future vacant positions if vacancies become available during the selection process.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically via e-mail to the Point of Contact specified in Section I, item 4. Late offers will not be considered.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please clearly reference the solicitation number in the offer and in the email subject line of the submission. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. This form must be physically signed. Unsigned forms will not be accepted. Typed electronic signatures, including typed in a script font, will not be accepted.

2. Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award.

• For the Apparently Successful Offeror:

o If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident

Legal Advisor (RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror.

o Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

Per PEB 24-01, “Personal Services Contractors (PSC) Practices Related to Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace”:

USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy at ADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SoLv-MWLAh_LjzScO5mqm965DdTqE3lCPpIZVPis0JQ/edit https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113

By acceptance of the contract, the contractor acknowledges having read, and agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures.

3. Complete resume in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the education and experience requirements as stated in the solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held

(month/year), and hours worked per week for each position if not full-time.

Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week may 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.

4. List of References. Offerors must submit the names and current contact information for three (3) professional references, who are not family members or relatives, who have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation.

Submitted references MUST include the following information:

(a) Name of reference;

(b) Offeror’s relationship to the reference;

(c) Title of reference at current job;

(d) Reference current telephone number; and

(e) Reference current email address.

5. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors in either

Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. The supplemental document must:

(a) Address each of the Quality Ranking Factors.

(b) Cite specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the Offeror has received that are relevant to each factor.

(c) Describe specific, illustrative examples for each factor to add additional context to information presented in the resume.

(d) Contain no more than 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

Submitted materials must be in English. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

Incomplete offers will not be considered. Late offers will not be considered and will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, 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 you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms, if required, after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

2. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

3. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

4. Emergency Locator (AID 450-1)

5. Fair Credit Reporting Act (AID 500-4)

6. Federal Tax Form(s) (W-4)

7. State Tax Form(s)

8. Direct Deposit Information

9. USAID Acquisitions & Assistance Vendor Request Form

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(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) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101.

(a) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(b) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

VII. TAXES

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

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

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S.

Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

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

LINE ITEMS

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: [e.g. R497]

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

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS] after negotiatio ns with Contractor

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.

AAPD 22-02 Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

Revised AIDAR Clause GP4 based on Class Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-24-3c

10. Work Schedule and Compensation (Pay Comparability and Locality Pay Adjustments) (JUL 2007) [Deviation (JUL 2022)]

a) Work Schedule. The contractor's work schedule shall not be less than 80 hours per pay period, unless otherwise provided in the Contract Schedule, and shall coincide with the work schedule for those employees of the USAID Mission, Bureau, or Independent Office, or the Cooperating Country agency most closely associated with the work of this contract. If the contract is for less than full time (80 hours per pay period), the annual and sick leave earned shall be prorated (see the General Provision of this contract entitled Leave and Holidays).

b) USAID promotes telework and remote work as workplace flexibilities for contractors.

However, telework and remote work are arrangements to facilitate the accomplishment of work. The ability to telework or remote work is not a right or an entitlement and not all PSC positions will be conducive to telework or remote work. Telework and remote work are discretionary tools and may be terminated for business reasons, performance, operational needs, or a contractor’s failure to comply with policy directives and required procedures and protocols. For a position that is authorized for remote work, an approved alternative worksite for the contractor will be approved in the Schedule of the contract. For positions that are not authorized for remote work, the contractor may be authorized to telework at the Agency’s discretion based on Agency policy as from time to time amended. If the position is suitable for telework, as telework is not a right or entitlement and is discretionary, the contractor must receive approval from their supervisor by submitting a Telework Agreement in accordance with Agency policy.

c) Locality Pay. A contractor based in the United States who is not authorized to remote work will be entitled to locality pay based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite.

A contractor based in the United States who is authorized to remote work will be entitled to locality pay based on the rate for the approved alternative worksite as specified in the Schedule of the contract. Any change to the approved alternative worksite will require a contract modification and may result in a change to the compensation as the locality pay will be adjusted accordingly.

A contractor serving abroad is not authorized to receive locality pay.

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

d) Compensation (Pay Comparability) Adjustments. The contractor's compensation shall be adjusted to reflect the pay comparability adjustments, which are granted from time to time to U.S. direct-hire employees by Executive Order for the statutory pay systems (usually in January). Any adjustments authorized are subject to the availability of funds and shall not exceed that percentage stated in the Executive Order granting the adjustment. Further, the adjusted compensation may not exceed the annual “USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (USAID CST)”, which is equivalent to the maximum rate for agencies without a certified SES performance appraisal system (or the equivalent hourly rate).

[END DEVIATED TEXT]

AAPD 21-05: Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (NOV 2023)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-1c)

(a) Annual Leave. (1) The contractor may accrue annual leave at the rate specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this clause as follows:

(i) If the contract period of performance is ninety (90) calendar days or more, and the contractor’s performance is continuous for the contract period of performance, the contractor is entitled to accrue annual leave as of the start date of the contract.

(ii) If the contract period of performance is ninety (90) calendar days or more, and the contractor's performance is not continuous during the contract period of performance, the contractor is entitled to accrue annual leave only for each instance of continuous performance of ninety (90) calendar days or more.

(iii) If the contract period of performance is less than ninety (90) calendar days, the contractor is not entitled to accrue annual leave.

(2) The rate at which the contractor will accrue annual leave is based on the contractor’s time in service according to the table of this paragraph (a)(2). The accrual rates are based on a full-time, 80-hour biweekly pay period, which will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter work schedule:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Rate 0 to 3 years 4 hours of leave for each 2-week period over 3, and up to 15 years

6 hours of AL for each 2-week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years 8 hours of AL for each 2-week period

(i) USAID will calculate the time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as--:

(A) An individual personal services contractor with USAID for any duration covered by Sec.

636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory authority applicable to USAID; and/or

(B) A former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire civilian employee; and/or

(C) An honorable active duty member of the uniformed services based on the definition in 5 U.S.C. 2101(3).

(ii) In addition to the information certified by the contractor in their Offeror Information form, the contracting officer may require the contractor to furnish copies of previously executed contracts, and/or other evidence of previous service (e.g. SF 50, DD Form 214 or 215) to conduct the due diligence necessary to verify creditable previous service.

(3) Annual Leave is provided under this contract primarily for the purposes of providing the contractor necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the Supervisor, must develop an annual leave schedule early in the period of performance, taking into consideration the requirements of the position, the contractor’s preference, and other factors. The maximum amount of annual leave that the contractor can carry over from one leave year to the next is limited to 240 hours. The contractor’s unused annual leave balance in excess of the 240 hour maximum at the end of the last pay period of each leave year will be forfeited, unless the requirements of the position precluded the contractor from taking such leave. The contractor may be authorized to restore annual leave for exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. The restoration of annual leave may be approved only by the USAID Administrator, cognizant Assistant Administrator or Head of an Independent Office reporting directly to the USAID Administrator, and cannot be delegated further. Annual leave restored must be scheduled and used no later than either the end of the leave year two years after either—

(i) The date fixed by the approving official as the termination date of the exigency of the public business or other reason beyond the contractor’s control, which resulted in the forfeiture; or

(ii) The end of the contract, whichever is earlier.

(4) The contractor must use all accrued annual leave during the period of performance. At the end of the contract, the contractor will forfeit any unused annual leave except where the requirements of the position precluded the contractor from taking annual leave. In this case, the contracting officer may authorize the following:

(i) The contractor to take annual leave during the concluding weeks of the contract, not to exceed the period of performance; or

(ii) Payment of a lump-sum for annual leave not taken based on a signed, written determination and findings (D&F) from the contractor’s supervisor. The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking annual leave, and the contracting officer must find that the contractor did not cause, or have the ability to control, such facts and circumstances. This lump-sum payment must not exceed the number of days the contractor could have accrued during a twelve (12)-month period based on the contractor’s accrual rate.

(5) The contractor may be granted advanced annual leave by the contracting officer when circumstances warrant. Advanced leave must be approved by the Mission Director, cognizant Assistant Administrator, or Head of an Independent Office reporting directly to the Administrator, as appropriate. In no case may the contracting officer grant advanced annual leave in excess of the amount the contractor can accrue in a twelve (12)-month period or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. At the end of the period of performance or at termination, the contractor must reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advanced annual leave provided to the contractor under the contract.

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID direct-hire employees. The contractor will accrue sick leave at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a maximum of thirteen (13) work-days per year based on a full-time, 80-hour biweekly pay period, and the rate of accrual will be prorated if the contract provides for a shorter work schedule. The contractor may carry over unused sick leave from year to year under the same contract, and to a new follow-on contract for the same work at the same place of performance. The contractor is not authorized to carry over sick leave to a new contract for a different position or at a different location. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave at the completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave. (1) The contractor may be granted home leave to be taken only in the U.S., its commonwealth, possessions, or territories, in one continuous period, under the following conditions:

(i) The contractor must complete twenty-four (24) continuous months of service abroad under this contract, and must not have taken more than thirty (30) workdays leave (annual, sick, or LWOP) in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories. The required service abroad will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S. (excluding any language training), travel time by the most direct route, and actual days abroad beginning on the date of arrival in the cooperating country. Any annual and sick leave taken abroad, excluding leave without pay (LWOP), will count toward the period of service abroad. Any days of annual and sick leave taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions, or territories will not be counted toward the required twenty-four (24) months of service abroad.

(ii) The contractor must agree to return immediately after completing home leave to continue performance for an additional—

(A) Two (2) years, or

(B) Not less than one (1) year, if approved in writing by the Mission Director before the contractor departs on home leave.

(iii) If the contractor agrees to meet the conditions in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause above by returning to the same USAID Mission under this contract or a new contract, the contractor may be granted thirty (30) workdays of home leave.

(iv) If the contractor agrees to meet the continued performance conditions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause and will be relocating to a different USAID Mission under a new USAID personal services contract immediately following the completion of home leave, the contractor may be granted twenty (20) workdays of home leave. USAID will provide the contractor these twenty days of home leave under this contract, not under the new contract.

(v) If home leave eligibility is based on paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this clause, prior to departure on home leave, the contractor must submit to the contracting officer at the current Mission, a copy of the new contract with a special award condition in the contract Schedule indicating the contractor’s obligation to fulfill the commitment for continued performance in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause.

(2) Notwithstanding the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause, the contractor may be granted advanced home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i)…