Sol_72039124R00001 Final.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72039124R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: December 8, 2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: December 31, 2023

5:00 PM (Pakistan time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for United States Personal Service Contractor (USPSC), Development Outreach and Communications Specialist, GS-13 Equivalent

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.

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, Samuel Matthews Supervisory Executive Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development Tel: +92-51-208-0000 Embassy of the United States of America Fax: +92-51-208-8061 Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad www.usaid.gov/pk

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Solicitation Number: 72039124R00001

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72039124R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 8, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 31, 2023, 5:00 p.m. (Pakistan time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Anjum Gardezi, email at hrislamabad@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $84,546 - $109,908 equivalent to GS-13 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 5 years estimated to start on/about June 2024 “The base period will be one (1) year, estimated to start on/about June 2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for four (4) years for the date(s) estimated as follows.”

Base Period: o/a June 2024 to May 2025 Option Period 1: o/a June 2025 to May 2026 Option Period 2: o/a June 2026 to May 2027 Option Period 3: o/a June 2027 to May 2028 Option Period 4: o/a June 2028 to May 2029

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: US Embassy compound in Islamabad, Pakistan.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens only

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSC – Secret.

mailto:hrislamabad@usaid.gov

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

USAID/Pakistan seeks a qualified United States Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) to serve as a Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Program Specialist for an initial assignment of one year with four-year options. The successful candidate will be assigned to and required to perform the duties outlined below at the USAID Pakistan Mission in Islamabad.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

A. BACKGROUND:

USAID/Pakistan manages one of the most complex United States Government (USG) assistance programs in the world. The Mission’s high profile and politically sensitive portfolio is implemented across technical sectors (Climate and Sustainable Growth, Health, Education, and Governance) by more than 120 staff positions, including 18 U.S. Direct Hire (USDH) positions. USAID works closely with the interagency teams at the U.S. Embassy and is a critical component to U.S. foreign assistance work in Pakistan.

B. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The Development Outreach and Communications USPSC reports directly to the USAID/Pakistan Director for Program Office or his or her designee. S/he functions with a degree of independence in the management and planning of the tracking day-to-day tasks, prioritizing and adapting work plans based on frequent high-level urgent tasks, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and of sufficient quality. The USPSC DOC coordinates closely with the FSN DOC counterpart, and works with Mission staff, particularly the Mission front office, to implement development, outreach, and communications efforts to:

● increase the awareness of USAID/Pakistan civilian assistance programs implemented in Pakistan;

● increase awareness of the benefits of USAID/Pakistan civilian assistance programs to communities and individuals across Pakistan;

● increase Pakistanis’ knowledge of the fact that USAID/Pakistan is a USG entity; and

● Increase knowledge of and appreciation for USAID programs and policies within the U.S.

Government and International Development community.

The USPSC DOC is responsible for consistency in messaging between USAID under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The USPSC DOC also serves as a ‘translator’ of complex USAID processes (e.g.

budget, procurement, project design, etc.) to the broader audience to ensure the intricacies of those process are conveyed to the final recipient whether it’s a journalist, the Ambassador, or a visiting Congressional Delegation. The USPSC DOC is directly involved in all outreach events related to the Mission Director and the Ambassador, including speaking material, logistics and on-site coordination.

The USPSC DOC provides technical input in the production and development of new materials and supports the production, creation, and smart use of innovative outreach tools such as factsheets, talking points, press releases for press events, for the dissemination of information to multiple national and international audiences. A key function of this position will be to collaborate closely with the technical offices and implementing partners in developing and implementing the Mission’s communication strategy. Furthermore, the DOC team, in collaboration with the FSN DOC counterpart, will seek to build capacity within the Mission and with implementing partners to develop more effective communication plans and materials.

The USPSC may supervise, part-time or full-time, one Eligible Family Member (EFM) American editor/communications specialist.

C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The DOC will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Pakistan’s programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Pakistan, in accordance with the Mission’s public strategy and evolving circumstances.

The specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Communication Planning, Execution and Analysis 25%

● Ensure communication resources (contracts, mission staff) are deployed strategically in support of key communication objectives in alignment with USAID/Pakistan priorities and strategy.

● Align Pakistan communication messages and activities with USAID-wide communication strategy and initiatives (for example the Journey to Self-Reliance).

● Formulate and implement innovative outreach materials and engagements that advance mission development objectives as outlined in the Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).

● Formulate and manage the communication and outreach budget for the Mission.

● Plan for the procurement of additional DOC related services and products, receiving appropriate approvals, drafting specifications and requests for offers, and coordinating with the Executive Office or Contracting Office.

● Collaborate with the DOC team and train technical office staff and implementing partners on developing effective communication plans and materials and ensure branding, marking, and messaging compliance and consistency by all implementing partners in their outreach and communications efforts.

● Identify and execute metrics to measure effectiveness of communication materials and activities as outlined in the communication strategy. This includes establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the communication strategy, identifying indicators and measuring progress to assess effectiveness and impact of outreach activities. Also includes monitoring local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Information gathered will be used to inform ongoing activities and set direction for future programming, messaging, and outreach.

● Work with the mission’s monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) specialists to capture and effectively share information related to USAID interventions, for example in developing materials such as infographics and social media campaigns.

● Use creative and innovative approaches to communicate messages to key stakeholders.

● Perform other outreach and communication duties/activities as needed to support the U.S.

ambassador, USAID mission director and USAID/Washington.

Supervision and Coordination 20%

● Supervise, part-time or full-time, one EFM American editor/communications specialist.

● Coordinate with the DOC team, including the regional DOCs within the U.S. consulates in

Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. Clear on all outreach products, provides overall strategic input for their DOC work and coordinates their DOC work with outreach activities in Islamabad.

● Represent USAID in planning Mission events for the Mission Director, the Ambassador and other high-level visitors.

● Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities within USAID/Pakistan and to other branches of the U.S. Government, the Government of Pakistan, implementing partners, other donors, the UN, World Bank, and other stakeholders.

● Serve as the senior advisor to Mission management regarding all public information, media relations, and outreach matters.

● Collaborate and coordinate with the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS), which has the overall lead on media engagement and public messaging in country, to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development assistance efforts and initiatives in Pakistan.

● Collaborate and coordinate with USAID’s Asia Bureau, and State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in Washington, DC, as needed.

● In collaboration with the relevant Agreement Officer Representative or Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/CORs) and the Office of Acquisition and Assistance, provide oversight on the management of the various procurements managed by the DOC team. This includes reviewing and approving all outreach plans developed by outreach and documentary implementing partners, for example, quarterly public relations plans and documentary production plans.

● Maintain, cultivate, and utilize the network of implementing partner outreach professionals.

Public Information and Publicity Materials 25% In collaboration with the DOC team:

● Coordinate information dissemination within the Mission; with the Mission’s Development Objective teams, offices, and technical staff; and with all relevant non-U.S. Government organizations.

● Oversee the drafting, editing, organization and dissemination of timely and accurate public information materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses to requests for information and all other public information materials related to USAID activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, and as needed, in Urdu, and prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, power points, and web use.

● Develop, implement, and update USAID’s social media strategy relevant to Pakistan to complement the broader communications strategy, this includes online outreach, including websites, social media, etc.

● Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach.

● Oversee submissions for USAID public information platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media sites and ensure all public materials are updated on a regular basis.

● Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency’s Graphic Standards Manual.

● Oversee and provide regular training to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking; work closely with AOR/CORs to ensure adherence to branding in the field; and seek guidance from LPA on any disputes or waiver requests.

● Manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package (for example talking points and data points) on USAID programs in Pakistan for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, and for USAID/Washington, Department of State, the U.S. Congress, including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about Pakistan.

● Oversee the maintenance of the Mission’s English-language Web materials to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.

● Seek opportunities to ensure public materials are translated into/prepared in Urdu or pertinent regional languages.

● Serve as editor on outreach and publicity materials.

Media and Public Relations 20% In collaboration with the DOC team:

● Manage information and media outreach activities, in coordination with PAS, the Front Office and technical teams. Ensure strategic selection of events and optimal representation by USG personnel to more effectively and efficiently communicate USAID messaging.

● Work with PAS to manage USAID/Pakistan’s relationship with international, regional, and local press, including encouraging accurate reporting, equity, and troubleshooting as necessary. Process materials and address any necessary changes to ensure that items go to press on time.

● Advise and work with PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID programs including TV, radio and other media. This may include preparing talking points, organizing briefings, and setting up media tours of USAID projects.

● In collaboration with PAS, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

● Respond to inquiries from the general public, media—in coordination with PAS—and other sources about USAID programs.

● Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming, as well as the effectiveness of the communications strategy.

● Oversee development of effective media outreach materials, ensuring accurate information and presentation of development topics and the impact of USAID programs in a format easily understood by the general public.

Public Events 10% In collaboration with the DOC team:

● Serve as the USAID’s primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other U.S. Government agencies or entities. Serve as control officer or participate in teams planning VIP visits. Lead preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products to support these visits. Develop in advance a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of high-level visitors throughout the country.

● Organize, coordinate, or oversee the coordination of press events for USAID projects in conjunction with PAS, Front Office, technical teams and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Organize press packets, manage protocol issues, site selection, venue branding and marking, staging and logistical issues and identify USG representation.

● Ensure adequate updating of the event tracking calendar used by the DOC team.

● Review, edit and clear press releases, briefing checklists/scene setters, talking points and memorandums for the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Mission Directors, and USAID office directors and other high-level staff.

● Ensure press releases, speeches, talking points, BCLs and scene setters drafted by implementing partners for USAID events meet quality and formatting standards. Shepherd all press releases and interview requests from within the Mission and implementing partners through the approvals and clearance process, including PAS and LPA, ensuring all required edits or changes are addressed.

● Manage documentation of USAID events, including video, documentaries, photos, and updates to Facebook, YouTube, and other social media accounts.

● Organize background briefings for media; compile and disseminate press packets; and provide on-site coordination of media.

1. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable)

The selected candidate will be required to complete the one-week mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course prior to proceeding to USAID/Pakistan. FACT is a mandatory course for service in Pakistan.

2. Supervisory Relationship

The incumbent will report to the Program Office Director or his/her designee, consulting and receiving direction as necessary. Most of the work will emerge through an understanding of on-going duties and responsibilities with specific assignments coming from the OPM Director and mission management.

3. Supervisory Controls

The incumbent may supervise the work of one EFM American editor/communications specialist. In addition, the incumbent coordinates and advises on the work of the three regional CCN DOCs within the U.S. consulates in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. Although not their direct supervisor, the DOC reviews and clears on outreach products produced by the regional DOCs, provides strategic input for their work, and coordinates their work with outreach activities in Islamabad.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of public relations, journalism, international development/relations, English, marketing, communications, or related field, is required.

b. Prior work experience: The incumbent must have a minimum of five years of demonstrated successful experience in public relations, journalism, or related field. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. The incumbent must demonstrate a minimum of two years of supervisory experience and must be able to collaborate with, mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners. Strong preference will be given to candidates familiar with Pakistan. Experience in report writing, events planning, and execution, website design, and social networking media is strongly preferred. Previous work experience with an international development organization is strongly preferred.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

c. Visas, Security and Medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required visas and security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification.

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

EVALUATION FACTORS

Applicants who clearly meet the minimum Education and Prior work Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

FACTOR #1:

Education (15 points)

A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of public relations, journalism, international development/relations, English, marketing, communications or related field, is required.

FACTOR #2:

Experience (30 points)

The incumbent must have a minimum of five years of demonstrated successful experience in public relations, journalism, or related field. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. The incumbent must demonstrate a minimum of two years of supervisory experience and must be able to collaborate with, mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners. Strong preference will be given to candidates familiar with Pakistan. Experience in report writing, events planning, and execution, website design, and social networking media is strongly preferred.

Previous work experience with an international development organization is strongly preferred.

FACTOR #3:

Technical Knowledge (30 points)

The incumbent should have knowledge of messaging/marketing/social marketing. 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 be capable of crafting strategic communication plans and information messages in various media formats, including print, blogs, social media, video, press releases, and speeches, targeting a variety of audiences. S/he must also have the ability to think creatively about other means to tell the USAID story and convey key messages through multi-faceted strategic communication campaigns. S/he must have experience, knowledge and skill engaging with the private sector. S/he must have supervisory experience and the skill to manage competing high-profile priorities. Excellent leadership, coordination, and organizational skills within a multicultural work environment are required. Must have a broad understanding of issues related to international development and be able to translate them to a general audience.

Knowledge of local, regional and international press, and regional development issues, is desirable.

FACTOR #4:

Skills and Abilities (25 points)

Native level fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. Given the nature of the position, demonstrated effective written and oral communication is a requirement. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to lead and work in teams required. Familiarity with Urdu and other regional languages preferred. Excellent organizational, critical and strategic thinking skills required. Strong staff development and management skills preferred. Strong computer skills in the full range of MS software, including spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and graphics, is preferred. Experience with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, RSS feeds and other social media platforms strongly preferred.

Applicants should provide at least two writing samples of communications products with their applications. The samples should include a writing sample of 750 to 1,000 words. They can be excerpts from longer articles or papers and do not have to be specifically written for this application. An additional sample could include social media posts, videos, infographics, or other graphic design products. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. Co-written/co-designed samples will not be accepted – the applicant must be the sole author/designer.

Maximum Points Available: 100 Education 15 points Professional Experience 30 points Technical Knowledge 30 points Skills (includes writing samples) 25 points

The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. After the closing date for the receipt of applications, applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a short list of applicants developed.

2. Following this initial review and short listing, a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates which do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Those applications from qualified applicants meeting the required minimum qualifications will be assessed based on the evaluation factors. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

3. USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone or via google meet.

Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

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.

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, item 4.

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

4. A type-written and signed cover letter of no more than two (2) pages specifically applying for this position and addressing the minimum requirements and evaluation factors of the position.

5. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements.

6. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must 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.

7. Please submit attachments in PDF and Word formats. Application packages must be submitted electronically to hrislamabad@usaid.gov

8. 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.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:hrislamabad@usaid.gov

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 be found at: http:/www.usaid.gov/forms/ and https://www.opm.gov/forms/standard-forms/

(1) Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2)

(2) Contractor Physical Examination Form (AID Form 1420-62) *

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

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

(5) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258) *

*The above listed forms (2 through 5) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary Visas and 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 Visas, 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

(g) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service per Post policy.

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 http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ https://www.opm.gov/forms/standard-forms/ http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

a. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

c. Post Allowance (Section 220)

d. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

e. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

f. Danger Pay (Section 650)

g. Education Allowance (Section 270)

h. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

i. Education Travel (Section 280)

Islamabad currently has a 30% Post Differential allowance and 35% Danger Pay, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. U.S. Resident hire PSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances. Pakistan is a no-dependent post.

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.acquisition.gov/aidar/appendix-d-chapter-7%E2%80%94direct-usaid-contracts-u.s.-citizen-or-u.s.-resident-alien-personal-services-abroad

2. 52.223-99 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, https://www.acquisition.gov/aidar/appendix-d-chapter-7%E2%80%94direct-usaid-contracts-u.s.-citizen-or-u.s.-resident-alien-personal-services-abroad https://www.acquisition.gov/aidar/appendix-d-chapter-7%E2%80%94direct-usaid-contracts-u.s.-citizen-or-u.s.-resident-alien-personal-services-abroad

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.

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

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

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.

AAPDs/CIBs (if) applicable to this position include:

AAPD 16-03: Expanded Incentive Awards for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

AAPD 15-02 REVISED - Continuation of Deviation from the ‘Leave and Holidays’ clause, including Family and Medical Leave, for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

AAPD 10-03 Amendment 1: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPD 10-03: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs

AAPD 10-01: Personal Services Contracts -- Changes in USG Reimbursement Amounts for Health Insurance and Physical Examination Costs

AAPD 06-10: PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

6. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

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

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

END OF SOLICITATION

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov