Sol_72016920R00003.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development

U.S. Embassy

Bulevar Kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica 92

11000 Belgrade, SERBIA

Tel: (381-11) 706-4035

Fax: (381-11) 361-8267 http://serbia.usaid.gov

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72016920R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: 07/17/20

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 08/16/20

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, Sections I through V of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all

Offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit

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

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

Sincerely, Carlos Sebastián Gutiérrez

Contracting Executive Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72016920R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 07/17/20

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 08/16/20 (17:00 Serbia time -

Central European Time GMT+1)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: HR/Belgrade, email at belgrade_jobs@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications

(DOC) Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $ 92,977 -$ 120,868 equivalents to GS – 14.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be one year, estimated to start on mid October 2020. Execution of contract is pending a full approval of NSDD-38.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods

NTE 5 years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period October 2020 – October 2021

Optional Period 1 October 2021 – October 2022

Optional Period 2 October 2022 – October 2023

Optional Period 3 October 2023 – October 2024

Optional Period 4 October 2024 – October 2025

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Serbia/Belgrade, with possible travel – in

Serbia up to 20% of regular working hours.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Introduction: The Supervisory Development Outreach and Communication (S/DOC)

Specialist provides senior-level guidance and supports overall management of all public relations for the USAID Mission to Serbia. S/he provides general guidance and advises implementing partners (IP) on advocacy and outreach best practices and ensures USAID key messages are routinely communicated. The incumbent contributes to the formulation, annual review and implementation of the Development Outreach Communications

Strategic Plan and is responsible for collating strategic plan indicators on a quarterly and annual basis. Because the Mission is starting its Country Strategy Development Strategy

(CDCS), the S/DOC Specialist will take on the additional responsibility of advising how the complex political environment of Serbia creates a public relations environment which restricts the programmatic options available to the Mission.

The Supervisory Development Outreach Communications (S/DOC) Specialist is a member of the Program Strategy and Coordination Office (PSCO), which includes as a primary responsibility the production and dissemination of public information regarding the

Mission and its development portfolio. The S/DOC Specialist will lead the DOC team within PSCO to investigate, analyze, collect, manage, and distribute information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in Serbia. A crucial objective is to develop strategic informational material used to educate and promote better understanding of

USAID programs for both Serbian and American audiences. Equally important, is to ensure outreach activities further Mission and U.S. Embassy strategic goals. To effectively achieve these objectives, the S/DOC Specialist will work closely with the Embassy Public Affairs

Section (PAS), USAID staff, local news agencies, as well as USAID partners. The S/DOC

Specialist will be USAID/Serbia’s primary point of contact and liaison for all information requests on program activities. S/he will supervise a highly motivated team of two Serbian professionals.

Duties and responsibilities of the position:

Strategic Development

Provides expert advice to inform development of Serbia’s Country Development

Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) with respect to: (1) how proposed USAID programs and activities will be perceived by the media and portrayed to the public, (2) how the public may react to particular initiatives, and especially the Countering Kremlin Malign

Influence(CMKI) initiative.

Leads the development and implementation of the Mission's multi-year communications strategy (aka DOC strategy) defining all goals, objectives and intermediate results to be achieved and outlining the potential means for doing so;

Using audience research study results and other relevant audience data, lead the development and implementation of the mission’s communications strategy and outreach plan. Monitor and evaluate progress toward communications objectives as outlined in the mission-approved communications strategy.

Informs and shapes Embassy-wide communications strategy and helps to identify

USAID's contribution to that strategy;

Reviews and, as necessary, revises the DOC strategy to ensure it is current and aligned with Embassy-wide communication goals.

Supervision:

Lead the mission’s DOC team comprised of three full time members (including the

S/DOC Specialist position) to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives. Advise and coordinate with communication specialists in other technical offices at the mission, as well as with implementing partner communication specialists.

Develops and implements annual DOC Unit outreach plan encompassing the use of all available and appropriate media (print, TV, radio, video, social, etc.);

Creates annual work plans (AWPs) and defines responsibilities for DOC Unit staff (two

FSNs) so as to implement DOC Unit outreach plan;

Evaluates DOC Unit staff performance-serving as the rater for staff evaluation performance reviews (EPRs);

Identifies staff needs and opportunities to improve staff capacity to execute duties;

Serves as a coach to DOC Unit staff to improve professional growth;

Outreach Management

Guides all systems and protocols for the development of outreach efforts;

Establishes and ensures overall quality control standards for DOC materials; Provides

DOC Unit gap assessments and develops scopes of work to procure required services

(news services, polling, media purchasing, printing, technical assistance, etc.) to fill those gaps;

Establishes and maintains contacts with the Chiefs of Party and public affairs personnel of USAID/Serbia's implementing partners and ensure overall communications coordination;

Works with PAO to expand coverage of USAID assistance through print, broadcast, the

Embassy's website, and social media.

Coordinates travel and outreach activities for the Mission Director, Ambassador, Deputy

Chief of Mission and Office Directors for USAID events;

Determines content and provide oversight of all social media and internet-based efforts

(i.e., USAID/Serbia webpage, USAID/Serbia Facebook account, USAID/Serbia Twitter account, etc.).

Conducts regular pre-event briefings for the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission and

USAID Mission Director to ensure they are properly prepared;

Coordinates with the Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS), USAID's Bureau for

Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), and with host-country governments, implementing partners, grantees, and the media to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of

U.S. development assistance and initiatives in Serbia;

Plans, researches, drafts and/or develops press releases, fact sheets, videos, social media materials, events or other materials that are timely, useful, and accurate to garner the greatest public and media attention;

Supervises events and serves as USAID's media liaison at program event sites;

Oversees preparation of schedules, briefing books, event memos, scene setters, etc.

(including speeches and talking points) in collaboration with Mission staff, PAO, and

USAID's partners/grantees, ensuring they meet quality standards and deadline requirements;

Develops signing ceremonies, inaugurations and/or dedications of USAID projects.

Reviews proposed speeches, videotapes of project activities, brochures, booklets, handouts, signs and other public relations materials to evaluate quality, sensitivity to local culture, and accuracy;

Negotiates on behalf of USAID with host-government representatives, international organizations, and local parties on public events and public outreach in order to maximize positive coverage of USAID.

Technical Expertise

Serves as Mission's public communications expert-including advising on communications and outreach components of all existing and new USAID activities;

Serves as technical advisor to the Embassy's Outreach Working Group;

Keeps current on Serbia and U.S. news and events, as well as political and policy issues;

Advises Embassy Executive Office and Mission management regarding USAID media relations and outreach matters;

Alerts Mission management about articles, broadcasts, and media trends affecting

USAID's programs;

Develops and maintains close professional contact with the Serbian media;

Advises USAID contractors and grantees and advises them about the quality of publicity material;

Serves as the Mission's expert on USAID branding and marking (ADS 320) regulations and USAID Graphics Style Manual guidelines, ensuring that Agency standards are met and seeking guidance from LPA on disputes and/or waiver requests;

Works directly with Government of Serbia counterparts, advising them on means to maximize publicity of joint events-ensuring the USAID's best interests are represented;

Capacity Development

Develop and deliver materials (including leading training courses) to improve USAID partners' (particularly local partners') ability to promote and explain USAID assistance

(this includes meeting USAID branding and marking standards and the development of materials to develop USAID-supported projects);

Develop and deliver materials (including leading training courses) to improve partners overall communication capacity in order to achieve project goals and to help local organizations increase their ability to advance organizational, advocacy and project goals;

Train USAID/Serbia staff-developing staff ability to use communications more effectively to achieve project goals, to advise partners, and to adhere to USAID standards and requirements.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum

Qualifications listed below. Consideration for further selection process will be based on a panel evaluation of the Minimum Qualifications Requirement. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted.

1. Education: A bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, international relations or development, public administration or a related field is required.

2. Previous Experience: A minimum of eight years’ experience with three years in a supervisory capacity, of a progressively responsible experience in marketing, strategic communication, or journalism. Experience with diplomacy or covering international affairs/development is required. The incumbent must have demonstrated experience using social media; organizing and conducting roundtables and other events; producing web content and videos; planning and delivering training; and working collaboratively with journalists.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

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

1. Education: (20 points) – see minimum qualification required above

2. Previous Experience: (25 points) - see minimum qualification required above

3. Knowledge (25points): A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies is required. The incumbent should have https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-15-contracting-negotiation https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far knowledge of messaging/marketing/social marketing. S/he must demonstrate: the ability to establish and maintain good relations with the media and sound judgment in representing the U.S. Government when discussing USAID activities with the media are essential; and thorough knowledge of development activities, projects, and programs. Incumbent must have expert knowledge of branding and marking, in addition to being able to master internal policies and regulations, internal Embassy protocols, and COR/AOR responsibilities.

4. Skills and Abilities: (30 points) Native-level (5/5) written and oral English communication skills are required, as well as the ability to present complex information in easily understood terms. S/he must have the ability to create compelling messaging across a variety of media, including print, blogs, social media, video, and speeches. (S/he must have experience with the planning or execution of video content.) S/he must also have the ability to creatively tell the

USAID story and convey key messages through multi-faceted strategic communication campaigns. Candidates must possess broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to convert concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies. A demonstrated ability to supervise staff, work as a team member, and provide leadership is required. Must be comfortable working independently, managing several activities at once and working under very short deadlines. Must have personal initiative, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently. Demonstrated writing/editing skills is required, as is hands-on experience in public relations or event organization. Proficiency in Google and

Microsoft Office (particularly MS Word and Excel) is required. Familiarity with

Acrobat CS5 (primarily Photoshop) and Web design, social media and content submission tools are required.

5. Reference Verification: (Pass/Fail) Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

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

The availability or a fast process of revalidating the required clearance level will be looked at favorably. Completion of the FACT training, valid during the anticipated period of performance will be taken into considered during the selection.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror

Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Offerors must submit a cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The

CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing.

Offerors must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives.

References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

Offerors must also provide two to three examples of original outreach materials totaling no more than 8 pages (12 point font, double spaced). Materials should be selected to demonstrate the skills and abilities listed in the evaluation criteria (Section III) above.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3 and submitted to the Point of Contact specified in Section I.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position of this Solicitation.

Send signed complete applications to belgrade_jobs@usaid.gov. Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application.

NOTE: This position requires the submission of complete forms and/or supplemental materials as described herein above. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. The Applicant must sign AID 309-2. Please note that incomplete and/or unsigned applications will NOT be considered.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

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

(1) AID 309-2 can be downloaded from: https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

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

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

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

https://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

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)

(d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(e) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

(Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101.

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

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 .

4. 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 .

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations