Sol_72026822R00001.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72026822R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: 8/12/2022

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 8/26/2022

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.

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 the attachment.

Sincerely, Sean Hofmann

Contracting Officer

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72026822R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 8/12/2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 8/26/2022 (17:00 Beirut time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Sean Hofmann, shofmann@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Local Development Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $112,890 -$146,757 equivalent to GS-15

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, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : USAID/Lebanon (Beirut) with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions.

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 year with possible option periods, estimated to start in October 2022.

The base period will be 1 year, estimated to start in October 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional optional periods for 6 months for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023 Option Period 1: 10/1/2023 – 3/31/2024 Option Period 2: 4/1/24 – 9/30/2024

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S.Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Level

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Basic Function

Under the general direction of USAID/Lebanon’s Mission Director, the incumbent will provide strategic level management and policy guidance to a team of six cooperating country nationals (CCN) who manage a portfolio of 10 awards. In addition, the SLDS will be assigned some operational responsibility at an activity level. The SLDS will coach and mentor USAID/Lebanon CCN staff on USAID policies and procedures as articulated in the ADS and Mission Orders as well as on project design and implementation.

The incumbent will also represent the Mission at public events; liaise with Lebanese government officials and implementing partners; and coordinate assistance efforts with Interagency colleagues and other donors.

Furthermore, s/he must maintain effective and productive working relationships with other Embassy staff;

interlocutors in Washington, DC; and USAID implementing partners.

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Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Programming strategy guidance and implementation

Employing extensive experience and technical knowledge, the SLDS will lead overall program strategy development and implementation. This includes but is not limited to reporting to and advising the Mission Director on program strategy conception and implementation as well as providing guidance to LDO CCN staff as they manage the implementation of individual assistance activities. The Specialist will provide intellectual leadership, policy guidance, and programming direction in the area of local governance reforms and LDO program investments.

The Senior Local Development Specialist will provide expert advice on the development of policies, regulations and institutional arrangements, particularly those in the local governance and civil society sectors including the GOL. The position will provide high-level policy advice and technical assistance to USAID partners to support the implementation of on-going reforms and interventions. S/he will advance the quality of essential service delivery in designated sectors in the country. The Specialist will provide technical and management oversight to USAID’s investments in local governance, civil society, and a wide range of sub-national/locally identified municipal level activities, and design, lead, and direct new programs in elections and anti-corruption programming. This position will liaise with key stakeholders to identify areas of collaborations and provide strategic guidance and substantive input that ensures important sector reforms and the coordination of efforts to improve quality of and promote democratic processes.

The SLDS will oversee the procurement and management of LDO assistance activities. This includes but is not limited to developing activity design processes, participating in Technical Evaluation Committees, and providing strategic guidance to implementing partners on program implementation approaches. The incumbent will ensure LDO activities successfully integrate with other technical office activities to successfully meet program objectives and will make adjustments to the country strategy and related-program activities to reflect changes in U.S. foreign policy priorities and/or to respond to the fluid operating environment in Lebanon.

2. Office and program management

The Specialist will advise on program management-related issues and concerns related to the LD Office portfolio. The incumbent provides management oversight of development plans and programs for technical assistance within the multi-sector portfolio including, but not limited to, local governance, civil society, essential service delivery in renewable energy and water, and a wide variety of locally identified municipal level activities. S/he contributes to and coordinates the work related to the conceptualization, design, documentation, and/or management of LDO programs/projects. This includes leading and overseeing the development of scopes of work and/or program descriptions for new LDO activities, concept papers, program approval documents, requests for proposals/applications, budget estimates, project assessments, evaluations and other related efforts.

The incumbent will be responsible for managing the preparation of the LDO team operational plan, portfolio reviews, and reporting for relevant initiatives, and other standard and ad-hoc, Washington-specific reports and briefing documents. The Specialist will draft and review cables for amplification of USAID equities within the USG interagency. S/He ensures the team creates and carries out a communications strategy with the Program Office. The SLDS will provide oversight to ensure adherence to USAID policies and procedures by CCN staff.

The SLDS will undertake other required tasks, which are consistent with the supervisory, advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of this position. S/he advises, provides guidance, and on-the-job training on technical, administrative, and procedural issues and activities as needed by staff as it relates to the planning and implementation of an effective USAID program and the professional development for Local Development Office staff. The incumbent conducts individual annual performance reviews for CCN staff as well as develop annual work development plans with local staff. Review and approve training requests.

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3. Mission Representation and Coordination

The SLDS fosters and maintains strategic partnerships with mid- to senior-level Government of Lebanon officials, U.S. Embassy, other USAID stakeholders, the donor community, private sector partners, and civil society to enhance collaborative efforts that achieve mutual goals and objectives. The Specialist is responsible for engaging appropriate GOL entities and officials in high-level policy discussions on issues related to USAID’s democracy and governance portfolio. The SLDS will participate in individual and group meetings with various stakeholders, including national and municipal government officials, other bilateral and multilateral donors, USAID partner organizations and beneficiaries. In addition, the incumbent will represent USAID at official programming events, such as ribbon cutting and closing events.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A Master’s Degree in a field related to international development, such as political science, international affairs, public policy, economics, social sciences, or development studies or related is required.

Previous Experience: Minimum of 15 years of responsible, professional experience in international development is required. At least five years of this requirement should involve working with an international assistance donor organization, in leadership and decision-making positions involving strategic planning, budgetary analysis, and program oversight. Experience in developing country context working with diverse teams, host governments, international donors, and NGO implementers is a must. Professional experience should also include the design and development of international development programs, monitoring implementation and assessing results. Familiarity with the Middle East/Lebanon issues and politics is preferred.

Language: English fluency is required. Arabic language ability would be advantageous.

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: Maximum number of points 5.

All candidates meeting only the minimum requirement (please see above the minimum qualification related to education requirement) will receive a maximum of 5 points.

2. Prior Work Experience: Maximum number of points 20 .

All candidates meeting only the minimum requirement (please see above the minimum qualification related to prior work experience requirement) will receive the maximum of 10 points.

Up to a maximum of additional 10 X points will be assigned if a candidate has more than 15 years of relevant experience. Prior experience with the U.S. Government is a plus.

3. Knowledge: Maximum number of points is 35.

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

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A detailed and comprehensive knowledge of governance issues is required. Current and in-depth professional-level knowledge of international development theories, concepts, approaches, and best practices, planning and operating systems is required, especially as they relate to the overarching problems of managing LDO–related activities in Lebanon, and the problems and policies in the country from the business, political, civil society, and social perspectives.

Familiarity with USG programming cycle and latest programming guidance, policy regulations, practices and field mission operations are required. The ideal candidate should have knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of the host country, development problems in the LDO sector in Lebanon and the region; the resources, resource constraints, and overall development prospects and priorities of the GOL.

4. Skills and Abilities: Maximum number of points is 30.

Demonstrated history of effectiveness in a multicultural team environment, working with a wide range of individuals and organizations in a developing country context. Proven ability to explain complicated processes clearly, facilitate productive multidisciplinary teamwork, motivate subordinates and professionally mentor less experienced colleagues. Strong human relations skills and demonstrated ability to be persuasive, culturally sensitive, and diplomatic with a range of audiences, including successful relations with high level officials, such as the host government, Embassy and USG, VIP visitors, NGO, and donor representatives. Excellent interpersonal skills.

Superior written and oral communication skills are required along with demonstrated ability to gather and convey information clearly and concisely, to make oral presentations and prepare verbal interpretation, concise documents, reports and other written materials.

The SLDS must demonstrate excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.

In addition, the incumbent is expected to utilize independent professional knowledge and sound judgment in the oversight of planning, implementing, and monitoring USAID’s Local Development programs in Lebanon. Flexibility and a pragmatic, results-oriented approach is also essential. The ideal candidate will have a combination of experience managing assistance programs geared toward the delivery of such essential public services as electricity, water, and solid waste management, as well as democracy and governance programming.

Superior intellectual, analytic, and problem-solving skills to address development challenges and resolve implementation obstacles exemplified through work history. Advanced organizational and management skills, including excellent ability to synthesize information, identify needs, and set realistic priorities, keep multiple tasks on track and meet tight deadlines is required. Demonstrated supervisory skills and ability to professionally represent USG.

5. Security/Medical Clearance: Maximum number of points is 10

Ability to obtain the security level and medical clearances as required. Active security and medical clearance will be considered an advantage.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Please send all listed documents to usaidmerphr@usaid.gov

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

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

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

4. Eligible offerors are required to complete FACT training – FACT training certificate is required if training is completed mailto:usaidmerphr@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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5. Offerors are required to submit a Current Resume with Cover Letter, and a list of three references who are not friends or family members, along with their contact information.

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

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

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

1. Security Clearance related document:

OF-306

Copy of Candidate's Resume e-QIP Signature forms e-QIP SF86/85/85P (Determined by combination of Position Designation Public Trust & National Security Sensitivity level)

AID 6-85 and AID 6-85a (if applicable)

AID 500-6 (if candidate claims dual citizenship)

2. Medical Clearances or Statements

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position.

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) Annual and Sick Leave

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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) Post Differential

(b) Post Hardship Differential

(c) Danger Pay

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. 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.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

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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

ITEM

NO (A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUAN

TITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $_TBD__ $_ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $_TBD__ $_ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- 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 https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

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https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

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