SOL-72048623R00003 USPSC Senior Regional HIV Advisor_signed.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Regional Development Mission for Asia Athenee Tower 25th Floor, Wireless Road Tel: 66-2-257-3000 Bangkok 10330 Thailand Fax: 66-2-257-3099

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72048623R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2023 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: February 5, 2023

11:59 PM Bangkok Time / 11:59 AM Washington, DC Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Regional HIV Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified person 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, Stephanie Iceland-Leitzel Executive Officer/Contracting Officer USAID/RDMA, Bangkok, Thailand

SOL-72048623R00003

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048623R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 5, 2023, at 11:59 PM Bangkok Time / 11:59 AM Washington, DC Time.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Regional HIV Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $99,908 - $129,878 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation to be negotiated only within the market value of the position and will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history.

The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. An offeror hired from off-shore will be entitled to established off-shore benefits (housing, transportation, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances.). Offers will be accepted from U.S. Citizens who reside in Thailand, but such individuals will be entitled only to performance and comparability pay increases, annual and sick leave, and reimbursement for life and health insurance.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be three years, estimated to start in June

2023. Based on Agency need, availability of funds and satisfactory performance, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods of up to two years as follows:

Base Period o/a June 2023 – May 2026 Option Period 1 o/a June 2026 – May 2027 Option Period 2 o/a June 2027 – May 2028

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

• Must be U.S. Citizens;

• Demonstrated ability to obtain a FACILITY ACCESS level security clearance;

• Demonstrated ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

• Must have the ability to obtain a permit to stay and work under U.S. Mission Thailand;

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

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access Clearance Level

11. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

This solicitation is intended to support the procurement of a Senior Regional HIV Advisor to provide technical and representational leadership and coordination on behalf of USAID for HIV programming in the region. The advisor will serve as a strategic advisor in the sector, capable of identifying and cultivating sustainable investments in innovative approaches to the provision of HIV prevention and treatment services.

The advisor’s efforts should catalyze investments on the part of a more diverse set of private sector, civil society and host-country government partners in the people, organizations, and systems necessary to enhance national HIV responses.

The advisor will represent USAID regionally to promote regional visioning and collaboration to bring innovations and resources to bear on country-level challenges and the achievement of country-specific objectives, and to aid in the dissemination and resourcing of effective and efficient service delivery models introduced with USAID support. This will entail regular engagement with colleagues in other organizations, agencies, sectors, and missions in the region, as well as the provision of technical support as needed to these partners in order to foster collaboration and promote the exchange of best practices for strengthening HIV policy and programming.

PEPFAR

The U.S President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative lays out principles and strategic priorities to guide future U.S. Government-funded HIV programming globally, focusing on sustainable control of the epidemic by reaching the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS’ (UNAIDS) ambitious 95-95-95 global goals: 95 percent of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95 percent of them on ART and 95 percent of them virally suppressed by 2030. PEPFAR 3.0 reflects the need to undergo a realignment of geographic and programmatic focus and reinvestment in high HIV prevalence areas and populations to more efficiently and effectively reduce transmission and incidence. PEPFAR’s five action agendas—Impact, Efficiency, Sustainability, Partnership, and Human Rights—will direct the work and catalyze the goal of controlling the epidemic and achieving an AIDS-free generation.

PEPFAR Asia

In line with the global objectives of PEPFAR, the PEPFAR Asia Region goal is the achievement of epidemic control across the one Operating Unit, comprising 12 countries. These countries are:

Burma, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Tajikistan, and Thailand. The region is committed to continue coalescing to maximize impact and promote efficiencies to advance and sustain epidemic control, with special attention to key populations (KPs), people living with HIV (PLHIV), and those at risk within their networks. The Asia Region will continue to advocate for the advancement of progress toward epidemic control by using data-driven approaches, by which country teams will continue to invest in the highest burden areas, and scale up differentiated service delivery models for KP with fidelity;

work with governments to increase domestic financing for HIV services; facilitate community-based organization to diversify funding sources for sustainability; strengthen policy frameworks, systems, and technical capacity for evidence-based programming; and improve the HIV clinical cascade.

The PEPFAR Asia Region Coordination Unit (PARCU), with guidance from the regional PEPFAR Asia Executive Council, will translate best practices quickly and efficiently into programmatic impact. Field teams will enhance regional connectivity efforts by sharing expertise across the region through the facilitation of technical exchanges among countries, sharing effective approaches and best practices to KP programming – such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), index and self-testing, harm reduction programming, gender-affirming service delivery, differentiated service delivery models, reducing stigma and discrimination, improving data use, same day and community-based ART initiation and community-led monitoring, social contracting and social enterprise financial model.

USAID/Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA)

RDMA’s Office of Public Health (OPH) is a technical assistance hub providing a wide array of design, monitoring, and evaluation-related services to bilateral missions. The OPH Program focuses on building regional partnerships, and the development and implementation of innovative intervention models. It also aims to strengthen innovation, science and technology, implementation/procurement reform and talent management reform. Its strategic approach includes a key focus on analyzing and compiling strategic information in order to use data for decision making by policy-makers and program managers on programmatic direction and resource allocation; design and implementation of plans to collect and analyze monitoring and evaluation data, and operations research in order to understand which programs and program components are working; and serving as a regional platform to share lessons learned and best practices across the region. Additionally, RDMA aims to serve as a clearinghouse for sharing cutting-edge technical expertise and ideas to client missions.

Resource leveraging is a key strategy for making the best use of RDMA resources in Asian countries. Leveraged funds from non-U.S. Government sources include host country agencies, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), multilateral agencies, other bilateral agencies, foundations, international NGOs, local NGOs, and the private sector. This may include: leveraging other funds for scaling up U.S. Government models, coordinating funds to implement a shared program or complementary activities, building NGO capacity to implement other (non-USAID) funded projects, or providing technical assistance in support of successful implementation of non-U.S. Government-funded activities (e.g., GFATM). RDMA OPH staff work in close collaboration with U.S. Embassies, U.S. Health & Human Services/U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC), other U.S. Government agencies, National AIDS Programs, other donors, international NGO implementing partners, local NGOs, and civil society organizations to design, award, manage, monitor, evaluate, and report on PEPFAR. The regional development mission does not implement programs in USAID bilateral missions unless these represent regional activities that also stand to benefit other countries in the region. In such instances, USAID RDMA collaborates closely with the host mission to implement planned regional activities.

HIV and AIDS

Under new PEPFAR leadership led by Ambassador Nkengasong, a new strategy called 5 by 3 will guide implementation in country and regional programs effectively in order to control the epidemic.

The 5 by 3 strategy consists of 2 parts; the first one is called the five pillars that include Health Equity for priority population, Sustaining the response, Public health system and response, Transformative partnerships, and Science. The second part is called the three enablers consisting of community leadership, innovation, and leading with data.

While the individual country contexts and the package of U.S. Government-funded interventions in each setting differ, the overall RDMA HIV and AIDS strategy has played a critical role in helping to develop and scale up a comprehensive package of services for key populations including, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender (TG) women, and PLHIV. Elements of this service package include enhanced peer outreach and social network strategies; HIV counseling and testing;

condom and lubricant distribution and marketing; peer-driven recruitment based on social media platforms and virtual networks; sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis and treatment;

linkages to treatment services; and key population community-based organization sustainability.

RDMA has also supported strategic information, capacity building of civil society, community mobilization, policy development, and stigma and discrimination reduction as critical supportive interventions for KPs.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

The Senior Regional HIV Advisor will serve as the HIV Team Lead in RDMA’s Office of Public Health and report to the Director of the Office of Public Health. The incumbent will oversee the HIV team, directly supervising three team members, and be expected to play a critical role in mentoring staff; ensuring value for money in USAID investments in HIV in the region; promoting and resourcing innovative, high-impact service delivery strategies; and supporting the technical work of the RDMA HIV team and of other HIV teams in the region. These duties will include – but will not be limited to – design and develop technical scopes of work for USAID HIV investments, provide strategic and priority direction, and foster innovations and exchange best practices across the region. The incumbent serves as the Agency Representative to PARCU and as a senior technical advisor for USAID HIV programming in the region. The advisor will be expected to serve as a technical resource to missions in the Asia region, and to support when and where feasible the provision of project design, evaluation, and other forms of technical assistance to these missions and to other regional partners.

The incumbent will provide technical guidance to the RDMA HIV portfolio and agency representation to the U.S. Government interagency team in all facets of USAID’s HIV activities under the RDMA OPH portfolio. In close collaboration with the RDMA HIV team, the Senior Regional HIV Advisor plays a key role in strategic oversight of USAID’s implementing partners.

The incumbent also coordinates current or emerging technical priorities between and among the various U.S. Government agencies responsible for PEPFAR implementation, liaising routinely with staff at RDMA, USAID/Washington, U.S. HHS/CDC, the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), including OGAC’s multiple representatives to the Asia Region, and ensuring proper technical coordination and communication. The position will work in close collaboration with HIV experts in the USAID Global Health Office of HIV and AIDS (GH/OHA).

As a resident regional USAID position based in Bangkok, the incumbent will be expected to serve in a technical leadership role and liaise with management officials including respective national Ministry of Health (MoH) partners, GFATM, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, JICA, AusAID, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS, etc.; and to represent RDMA OPH at health sector technical working group meetings when feasible and requested.

The incumbent will play a lead role in supporting the RDMA HIV team in responding to OGAC, OHA and USAID planning and reporting requirements, including annual Regional Operational Plans (ROPs), semi-annual and annual reports, ad-hoc reports, and other documentation as required by OGAC, OHA, and USAID. In addition, the incumbent will provide advice and counsel to the Mission Director, OPH leadership, and RDMA Senior Management on HIV technical priorities, as requested.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Regional HIV Advisor provides technical guidance and agency representation for HIV programming--duties and responsibilities will include:

1) Serve as the USAID Agency Representative to the PEPFAR Asia Regional Coordination

Unit (PARCU) (30%)

• Accelerate implementation and follow-up of technical recommendations for programs, in conjunction with the field teams and GH/OHA

• In conjunction with agency field teams, coordinate the planning, implementation, and reporting of agency regional PEPFAR program to ensure that funds are allocated strategically across countries and technical areas

• Support the Regional PEPFAR Coordinator to manage the overall annual ROP and the submission of quarterly and annual reports and other documentation as required by OGAC

• Engage and convene key stakeholders in support of PEPFAR objectives, including multilaterals (e.g. UNAIDS and the Global Fund), bilaterals (e.g. A/FAO), private sector/foundations (e.g. AHF)

• Manage, coordinate and report interagency program progress and results and determine need and allocation of technical temporary duty (TDY) travel and Technical Assistance (TA) needs across the region, in conjunction with OGAC, OHA, and country teams.

• Provide recommendations to strengthen the capacity and function of the PARCU Executive Committee

2) Provide technical leadership and oversight that strengthens USAID’s PEPFAR implementation, under the Asia Regional Platform, to achieve greater country-level and regional impact: (30%)

• Provide technical guidance in the development of an approved yearly Regional Operational Plan

• Oversee and manage regional technical assistance

• Enhance partnerships among the (1) Non-governmental entities and (2) Multilateral

Organizations to increase AID effectiveness and advance USAID’s HIV programming for the new Asia Regional Platform, including accelerated and routine Global Fund (GF) engagement

• Provide technical support to client missions to improve effectiveness and efficiency of HIV programming based on in-country assessments

• Support the capacity building of individuals, communities, organizations, or systems to lead effective local/regional HIV responses

3) Improve management of Bangkok office personnel resources in support of PEPFAR goals for the Asia Regional Platform (10%)

• Support the hiring and onboarding of current vacancies in support of PEPFAR programming in the region.

• Support the organizational structure for OPH that builds on staff strengths and reduces duplication to enhance overall performance (e.g. retain, equip and empower existing technical teams in Thailand to maintain quality programming and achieve results in country and regionally.)

4) Provide technical leadership in overseeing the pivot of HIV programming in Thailand

(15%)

• Lead USAID efforts to transition Implementing Partner, through approval of work plan and national government, from active case finding/direct service delivery to a national level TA role for improved and maintained quality of HIV services among key populations in Thailand.

• Provide technical leadership in the development of sustainable approaches for an effective HIV response in Thailand, which also serve as models for the Asia Region.

5) Ensure that RDMA’s technical assistance priorities are jointly established and implemented with client Missions. (10%)

• Incorporate lessons learned and best practices on HIV key populations programming across the region and translate them into programming to achieve quality results.

• In concert with bilateral Missions and HQ, contribute to the RDMA Client Services tracking system and the OHA TA provision framework, that is responsive to the region and agency needs.

6) Other Duties (5% level of effort)

• Organize and participate substantively in meetings of U.S. Government interagency teams and meetings including USAID partners and other donors.

• Organize site visits and prepare orientation materials for delegations from the OGAC, Congress, White House, State Department, RDMA and other agencies.

• Establish and maintain contacts with counterparts in the non-presence countries and their various HIV related programs, United Nation Agencies, other bilateral donor partners, and NGO partners working in HIV.

• Seek opportunities to explore new mission-supported options such as the development of public/private partnerships.

• Prepare correspondence and cables related to implementation, management, and evaluation of assigned HIV activities.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS:

i. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position:

The incumbent is required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and support the development of applications and guidelines in implementing innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems.

Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID, Regional Development Mission Asia office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, independent judgment is required in working effectively with officials of the Ministries and the private sector, in overseeing contractor activities, coordinating multi-sectoral efforts in support of USAID/RDMA development objectives, and in collecting, analyzing, and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

ii. Supervisory Controls:

Formal supervision and evaluation will be by the Office of Public Health Office Director, who advises on general responsibilities to meet USAID/RDMA strategic objectives and goals. The position also requires a proactive role in coordinating and collaborating with other U.S.

Government agencies in Asia in program implementation. In collaboration with the incumbent, the immediate supervisor will: 1) establish annual work objectives and performance measures; 2) review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies, and implementation of best practices; 3) provide regular feedback to incumbent throughout the Performance Evaluation Period; 4) prepare the annual Evaluation Report as/when required; and 5) obtain input from the appropriate peers, counterparts and team members. The Advisor is expected to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed.

iii. Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements:

The incumbent is required to quickly understand mission and Agency specific policies and procedures which govern project design and activity management in addition to the USAID/RDMA’s established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats.

When provided, guidance from the supervisor is primarily with regard to policy, priorities, results to be achieved, basic approaches to be followed, and in the case of assembling a report, the nature and basic content of reports are provided. Oral guidance from the immediate supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect overall emerging infectious disease and animal health activities within the region, including but not limited to latest research and available data, the Agency’s Automated Directives System (ADS), General Notices/Mission Orders/Mission Notices, U.S. Government Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents.

iv. Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position’s responsibilities:

The position operates in a complex work environment as it works across 12 country programs;

interfaces with GH/OHA as well as a number of US Government agencies; supports highly detailed and complex budget and program planning as well as reporting requirements; in addition to team management responsibilities.

v. Scope and effect of the work performed:

This position typically guides and supports the work of 12 PEPFAR country programs across Asia, directly contributing to control of the HIV epidemic and implementing an approximately $115 million annual program.

vi. Level and purpose of contacts:

To effectively function in this position, the incumbent will be required to establish and maintain solid working relationships with all categories of USAID staff and U.S. Embassies in the region; engage a U.S. Government inter-agency network including the Department of State, Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Agriculture, CDC and other U.S.

Government personnel in the field and in Washington; senior management staff at United Nation agencies (e.g., World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization), other international and donor organizations; senior counterparts of regional organizations such as ASEAN and APEC; international and local NGOs; Faith Based Organizations, private sector representatives and the general public. With local contacts, the incumbent will be required to develop and maintain relationships with senior level government officials in the Ministries of Public Health, the Ministries of Agriculture, and senior level academic, business and community leaders in the region. The incumbent actively participates in substantive discussions and negotiations of design/implementation issues and matters of national health policy with senior management level counterparts at line Ministries. In the USAID mission, the incumbent actively participates in substantive discussions and recommends U.S. positions on policy issues up to the level of Office Director.

vii. Supervision or oversight the position has over others:

The incumbent directly supervises three team members and will provide guidance and leadership to the entire RDMA HIV team to achieve the Mission’s strategic objectives.

D. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Up to 30% regional travel is anticipated.

E. SUPPORT ITEMS:

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

13. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A Master’s degree in social science, public health, or related disciplines appropriate for the position.

Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of working experience on HIV with an international development agency or on international development programs is required. Five (5) of those years should be in the management of HIV programs and residency in a developing country.

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.

Rating factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.

The rating factors are as follows:

Education and Other Academic Training (5 points)

• Additional points will be awarded for educational degrees above the established minimum, for advanced training in relevant areas, and for education in HIV-specific areas.

Professional Experience (40 points)

• Demonstrated good working knowledge of international development agency policy and requirements, project management procedures and systems, and experience with national and provincial level health sector development.

• Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience in health analysis and planning, and in strategic planning and management of HIV programs in developing countries is required;

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership and technical guidance in setting strategy and technical guidelines for HIV program implementation and working collaboratively with civil society and government partners in developing countries (Asia experience preferred);

• Demonstrated experience liaising with middle/senior level government officials, development 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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far partners, non-government organizations to advocate for the adoption of state-of-the-art policies, practices and approaches to respond to HIV in developing countries (Asia experience preferred);

• Demonstrated experience working with key populations affected by HIV, such as men who have sex with men, transgender women, people who inject drugs, and sex workers. Experience working with key populations in Asia is preferred;.

• Experience and knowledge of business practices, as well as donor coordination processes in HIV and AIDS and/or TB, such as the Global Fund, is strongly preferred;

• Experience reviewing and approving long-term HIV strategies, project work plans, and other project implementation planning;

• Demonstrated experience in providing programmatic inputs on budgetary needs and allocations based on analyses of strategic priorities and anticipated programming costs for HIV.

Technical Skills (30 points)

• Demonstrated technical knowledge of theory and practice related to HIV and AIDS prevention, care and treatment is required;

• Technical knowledge of HIV prevention and behavior change interventions among key affected populations (men who have sex with men, transgender women, sex workers, and people who inject drugs) is required;

• Demonstrated knowledge of current research developments in both HIV, particularly in relation to key populations, epidemiological trends and methods;

• Demonstrated effective ability to analyze health policy, epidemiological trends, and health service statistics and apply those findings to the strategic oversight of the current U.S.

Government strategy and in the design and implementation of new HIV policies and programs.

Interpersonal, Team and Communication Skills (25 points)

• Excellent experience working with teams and individuals with a demonstrated ability to effectively provide technical leadership, oversight, and constructive guidance to individuals and teams working on HIV programs;

• Demonstrated outstanding communication skills—writing and speaking—and interpersonal skills, flexibility, patience, conflict management;

• Demonstrated experience working with individuals living with HIV is preferred;

• Demonstrated problem solving skills in developing countries is required;

• Experience in publishing peer-reviewed articles and in communicating technical priorities in writing to international audiences is strongly preferred;

• Demonstrated success in providing technical leadership and in helping organizations to program limited resources in ways that establish a critical and tangible focus on current and emerging technical priorities;

• Demonstrated timely decision-making ability, judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, strong interpersonal and team building skills, and strong strategic planning skills.

Offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation and Selection Factors. The qualified offerors may also be evaluated on writing test and interview performance. Only offerors who are in the competitive range will be contacted. No responses will be sent to unsuccessful offerors who are excluded or otherwise eliminated from the competitive range.

Offerors should address the Evaluation and Selection Factors in their application package, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to the factors. Failure to address the Evaluation and Selection Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The qualified offerors may be invited to be interviewed, either in person or by telephone/video call at USAID’s discretion. USAID/RDMA will not pay for any expenses associated with interviews.

Reference checks will be conducted for the highly ranked offeror(s).

Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Email submissions must be sent to RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov with the subject line “SOL- 72048623R00003”. To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that offers be sent in as email attachments.

Eligible offerors are required to submit the following:

1. Fully completed and signed copy of the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for

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

Offerors should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. The form can also be found in Attachment 2 of this solicitation.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV);

3. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Section III: Evaluation and Selection Factors);

4. A minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including two references which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the offeror’s past performance.

NOTE: Submission of a resume/CV alone IS NOT a complete offer. This position requires the completion of all forms and supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials may result in your not being considered.

Late offers may not be considered. Please note all offers must be signed (hand-signed or digitally)

– unsigned offers will NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in your email and any cover letter.

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. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)

2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

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

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) mailto:RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/forms

5. Finger Print Card (SF-87). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of Offshore-Hire 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

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 Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

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

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

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:

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 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Compensation and Fringe Benefits/Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

1001 Option Period (OP) 1 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

2001 OP 2 – Compensation and ODCs Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

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.

5. 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

- End of ATTACHMENT 1 -http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72048623R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: February 5, 2023

11:59 PM Bangkok Time /

11:59 AM Washington, DC Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Regional HIV Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified person 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, Stephanie Iceland-Leitzel

Executive Officer/Contracting Officer

USAID/RDMA, Bangkok, Thailand

U.S. Agency for International Development

Regional Development Mission for Asia

Athenee Tower 25th Floor, Wireless Road Tel: 66-2-257-3000

Bangkok 10330 Thailand Fax: 66-2-257-3099

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048623R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 5, 2023, at 11:59 PM Bangkok Time / 11:59 AM Washington, DC Time.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Regional HIV Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $99,908 - $129,878 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation to be negotiated only within the market value of the position and will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history.

The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. An offeror hired from off-shore will be entitled to established off-shore benefits (housing, transportation, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances.). Offers will be accepted from U.S. Citizens who reside in Thailand, but such individuals will be entitled only to performance and comparability pay increases, annual and sick leave, and reimbursement for life and health insurance.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be three years, estimated to start in June 2023. Based on Agency need, availability of funds and satisfactory performance, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods of up to two years as follows:

Base Period o/a June 2023 – May 2026

Option Period 1 o/a June 2026 – May 2027

Option Period 2 o/a June 2027 – May 2028

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

· Must be U.S. Citizens;

· Demonstrated ability to obtain a FACILITY ACCESS level security clearance;

· Demonstrated ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

· Must have the ability to obtain a permit to stay and work under U.S. Mission Thailand;

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

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access Clearance Level

11. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

This solicitation is intended to support the procurement of a Senior Regional HIV Advisor to provide technical and representational leadership and coordination on behalf of USAID for HIV programming in the region. The advisor will serve as a strategic advisor in the sector, capable of identifying and cultivating sustainable investments in innovative approaches to the provision of HIV prevention and treatment services.

The advisor’s efforts should catalyze investments on the part of a more diverse set of private sector, civil society and host-country government partners in the people, organizations, and systems necessary to enhance national HIV responses.

The advisor will represent USAID regionally to promote regional visioning and collaboration to bring innovations and resources to bear on country-level challenges and the achievement of country-specific objectives, and to aid in the dissemination and resourcing of effective and efficient service delivery models introduced with USAID support. This will entail regular engagement with colleagues in other organizations, agencies, sectors, and missions in the region, as well as the provision of technical support as needed to these partners in order to foster collaboration and promote the exchange of best practices for strengthening HIV policy and programming.

PEPFAR

The U.S President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative lays out principles and strategic priorities to guide future U.S. Government-funded HIV programming globally, focusing on sustainable control of the epidemic by reaching the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS’ (UNAIDS) ambitious 95-95-95 global goals: 95 percent of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95 percent of them on ART and 95 percent of them virally suppressed by 2030. PEPFAR 3.0 reflects the need to undergo a realignment of geographic and programmatic focus and reinvestment in high HIV prevalence areas and populations to more efficiently and effectively reduce transmission and incidence. PEPFAR’s five action agendas—Impact, Efficiency, Sustainability, Partnership, and Human Rights—will direct the work and catalyze the goal of controlling the epidemic and achieving an AIDS-free generation.

PEPFAR Asia

In line with the global objectives of PEPFAR, the PEPFAR Asia Region goal is the achievement of epidemic control across the one Operating Unit, comprising 12 countries. These countries are: Burma, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Tajikistan, and Thailand. The region is committed to continue coalescing to maximize impact and promote efficiencies to advance and sustain epidemic control, with special attention to key populations (KPs), people living with HIV (PLHIV), and those at risk within their networks. The Asia Region will continue to advocate for the advancement of progress toward epidemic control by using data-driven approaches, by which country teams will continue to invest in the highest burden areas, and scale up differentiated service delivery models for KP with fidelity; work with governments to increase domestic financing for HIV services; facilitate community-based organization to diversify funding sources for sustainability; strengthen policy frameworks, systems, and technical capacity for evidence-based programming; and improve the HIV clinical cascade.

The PEPFAR Asia Region Coordination Unit (PARCU), with guidance from the regional PEPFAR Asia Executive Council, will translate best practices quickly and efficiently into programmatic impact. Field teams will enhance regional connectivity efforts by sharing expertise across the region through the facilitation of technical exchanges among countries, sharing effective approaches and best practices to KP programming – such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), index and self-testing, harm reduction programming, gender-affirming service delivery, differentiated service delivery models, reducing stigma and discrimination, improving data use, same day and community-based ART initiation and community-led monitoring, social contracting and social enterprise financial model.

USAID/Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA)

RDMA’s Office of Public Health (OPH) is a technical assistance hub providing a wide array of design, monitoring, and evaluation-related services to bilateral missions. The OPH Program focuses on building regional partnerships, and the development and implementation of innovative intervention models. It also aims to strengthen innovation, science and technology, implementation/procurement reform and talent management reform. Its strategic approach includes a key focus on analyzing and compiling strategic information in order to use data for decision making by policy-makers and program managers on programmatic direction and resource allocation; design and implementation of plans to collect and analyze monitoring and evaluation data, and operations research in order to understand which programs and program components are working; and serving as a regional platform to share lessons learned and best practices across the region. Additionally, RDMA aims to serve as a clearinghouse for sharing cutting-edge technical expertise and ideas to client missions.

Resource leveraging is a key strategy for making the best use of RDMA resources in Asian countries. Leveraged funds from non-U.S. Government sources include host country agencies, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), multilateral agencies, other bilateral agencies, foundations, international NGOs, local NGOs, and the private sector. This may include: leveraging other funds for scaling up U.S. Government models, coordinating funds to implement a shared program or complementary activities, building NGO capacity to implement other (non-USAID) funded projects, or providing technical assistance in support of successful implementation of non-U.S. Government-funded activities (e.g., GFATM). RDMA OPH staff work in close collaboration with U.S. Embassies, U.S. Health & Human Services/U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC), other U.S. Government agencies, National AIDS Programs, other donors, international NGO implementing partners, local NGOs, and civil society organizations to design, award, manage, monitor, evaluate, and report on PEPFAR. The regional development mission does not implement programs in USAID bilateral missions unless these represent regional activities that also stand to benefit other countries in the region. In such instances, USAID RDMA collaborates closely with the host mission to implement planned regional activities.

HIV and AIDS

Under new PEPFAR leadership led by Ambassador Nkengasong, a new strategy called 5 by 3 will guide implementation in country and regional programs effectively in order to control the epidemic. The 5 by 3 strategy consists of 2 parts; the first one is called the five pillars that include Health Equity for priority population, Sustaining the response, Public health system and response, Transformative partnerships, and Science. The second part is called the three enablers consisting of community leadership, innovation, and leading with data.

While the individual country contexts and the package of U.S. Government-funded interventions in each setting differ, the overall RDMA HIV and AIDS strategy has played a critical role in helping to develop and scale up a comprehensive package of services for key populations including, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender (TG) women, and PLHIV. Elements of this service package include enhanced peer outreach and social network strategies; HIV counseling and testing; condom and lubricant distribution and marketing; peer-driven recruitment based on social media platforms and virtual networks; sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis and treatment; linkages to treatment services; and key population community-based organization sustainability. RDMA has also supported strategic information, capacity building of civil society, community mobilization, policy development, and stigma and discrimination reduction as critical supportive interventions for KPs.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

The Senior Regional HIV Advisor will serve as the HIV Team Lead in RDMA’s Office of Public Health and report to the Director of the Office of Public Health. The incumbent will oversee the HIV team, directly supervising three team members, and be expected to play a critical role in mentoring staff; ensuring value for money in USAID investments in HIV in the region; promoting and resourcing innovative, high-impact service delivery strategies; and supporting the technical work of the RDMA HIV team and of other HIV teams in the region.