SOL-72048624R00003 USPSC SUPVY DOCS (Signed).pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) Athenee Tower, 25th Floor, Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

SOLICITATION NUMBER : 72048624R00003

ISSUANCE DATE : October 25, 2023 CLOSING DATE/TIME : November 24, 2023 (11:59 PM Bangkok Time / 12:59 PM Washington, DC Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) – Supervisory Regional Development and Outreach Communications Specialist

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.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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

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

Sincerely, Avani Baluci Contracting Officer

USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia Bangkok, Thailand

SOL-72048624R00003

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048624R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 25, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 24, 2023, at 11:59 PM Bangkok

Time / 12:59 PM Washington, DC Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Regional Development and Outreach Communications Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $117,518 - $152,771 per annum equivalent to GS-15

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. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from 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: The base period of two years, estimated to start in June 2024. 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 2024 – May 2026 Option Period 1 o/a June 2026 – May 2027 Option Period 2 o/a June 2027 – May 2028 Option Period 3 o/a June 2028 – May 2029 mailto:RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

• Must be U.S. Citizens;

• Demonstrated ability to obtain a SECRET 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: Secret Clearance

11. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

The U.S. Agency for International Development Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) opened in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2003. RDMA leads USAID’s strategic policy engagement with the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and oversees USAID staff at the U.S. Mission to ASEAN based in Jakarta, Indonesia. USAID/RDMA provides operational and technical programming support to bilateral missions across Asia, including Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and the non-presence country of China.

Additionally, RDMA interacts and works closely with established USAID Missions in the region like the Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia, as well as Embassy Public Affairs Offices (PAOs) in all countries.

RDMA also serves as the regional hub for services including contracting, administration, and disaster response. The RDMA Mission portfolio includes a broad range of economic growth, democracy, health, and environment activities. The RDMA’s Development Outreach and Communications Strategy will inform future communications outreach activities.

As USAID/RDMA’s professional expert in development outreach communications, the Supervisory Regional Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (SRDOCS) is an essential and indispensable member of the Program Office (PRO). PRO is responsible for producing and disseminating public information about RDMA’s activities. A crucial objective for RDMA and its client missions is to develop strategic information to educate and promote better understanding of USAID programs for audiences in the region and the United States.

The SRDOCS sets up effective, collaborative relationships and systems with these USAID Missions and Embassy PAOs to ensure that the RDMA understands and follows protocols required by those units. The SRDOCS analyzes, collects, manages, and distributes information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in the region. The SRDOCS is RDMA’s primary point of contact and liaison for all information requests on program activities and is in charge of a unit that includes two Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contractors (CCNPSC) and one Eligible Family Member (EFM) positions.

The SRDOCS’ knowledge, leadership, and expertise have a major influence on RDMA’s and other Missions Senior Management Teams’ policies on development outreach and communications. The SRDOCS also collaborates closely with RDMA and client countries technical offices and implementing partners, providing oversight, advice and guidance in developing and implementing the RDMA’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Strategy.

S/he maintains regular contact with and collaborates with U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) to ensure that Senior Embassy personnel are properly apprised of RDMA-managed public activities and projects and that policies and procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly adhered to and that USG interests are protected. S/he works with other USAID Missions in Asia and the Pacific, as well as US Embassy PAOs to ensure that the RDMA has an established protocol for preparing, clearing, and issuing public affairs materials and for outreach events. S/he also serves as principal liaison with the Agency’s Asia Bureau Outreach Team and the Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington (USAID/LPA).

The SRDOCS is located in the Program Office and reports directly to the Program Office Director or his/her designee. The Program Office Director or his/her designee serves as the overarching policy advisor for the DOCS. The DOCS’ recommendations on development outreach will assist the Mission management in making policy decisions. The SRDOCS also collaborates closely with the technical offices and implementing partners in developing and implementing the Mission’s overall Communication Strategy.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The specific duties of the Supervisory Regional Development Outreach and Communications Specialist will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Regional Communication Strategies: 15%

a. The SRDOCS develops, reviews, and implements USAID's Regional Development

Outreach and Communications Strategy, in coordination and consultation with LPA and the USAID bilateral Missions’ outreach strategies. The goal is to promote USAID’s work in the region to external and internal audiences, facilitating information access and sharing among the bilateral Missions, and USAID/W, and strengthening the reporting functions of bilateral Missions. The Regional Communications Strategy should take into account the cost/benefits of particular inputs to outputs in order to optimize communications tools and distribution to the broadest audiences possible.

Incumbent will manage and track DOC annual budget and performance monitoring.

b. The SRDOCS will be responsible for overseeing implementation of policies and procedures for USAID regional communications including templates for various communications tools, standards for creating and finalizing DOC materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events. S/he will advise on the selection, targeting, and placement of potential DOC materials in keeping with USAID's Regional Development Outreach and Communications Strategy.

c. The SRDOCS will serve in a liaison role and work closely with client mission DOCS, U.S.

Embassy PAOs, Department of State media hubs, and other interagency stakeholders in the region to provide USAID input to interagency efforts, and to communicate back to other USAID Missions and offices.

d. The SRDOCS must also take into account the need to identify and focus on key sectors that have a natural appeal to local interests as well as USG policies; the importance of ensuring that publicity material used will be non-controversial; and that the material is visually appealing, well-defined, and contains a human interest element.

2) Regional Liaison with USAID Mission DOCs: 20%

a. The SRDOCS is responsible for coordinating with bilateral missions and aggregating outreach and communications efforts in the region. S/he provides thought leadership, innovative outreach, and state-of-the-art skills to other Asia DOCS. Coordination includes, but is not limited, to: tracking outreach and communications activities for USAID assistance in the region; synthesizing similar activities into a regional message of USAID assistance; assisting bilateral USAID Missions in planning and executing large scale outreach or communications activities; and reporting to USAID/W (Asia Bureau and LPA) on emerging trends and high profile activities. S/he serves as a technical advisor, resource and backstop for DOCS in USAID bilateral Missions. S/he also provides guidance and support to USAID/RDMA and USAID bilateral Missions on high-level visits.

b. S/he supports Agency training for Mission outreach and communications staff, and helps design and conduct specialized training for Asia Bureau and Mission staff when appropriate.

c. S/he advises/assists USAID Field Missions in the Asia region with communications strategies and outreach activities and supports LPA in communicating new outreach initiatives and approaches to Missions.

3) Relations with the Media and Partners: 15%

a. The SRDOCS is responsible for communications on all RDMA activities and activities related to USAID’s work in the region as a whole, in coordination with the Asia Bureau and LPA, including reporting on the media, preparing summaries of significant articles and broadcasts, and monitoring media trends that affect the work of USAID overall in the region, including trends in USAID non-presence countries. S/he supports Embassy Bangkok in maintaining close, frequent, professional contact with regional and local media and media linkages with major universities, think tanks, research organizations, and international development research institutions across the region. To fulfill this requirement, close coordination with the Asia Bureau, LPA, USAID bilateral Missions, Embassy PAOs, and Department of State media hubs needs to be sustained.

b. The SRDOCS keeps abreast of events in the region to ensure that appropriate media and social media coverage is provided. S/he helps RDMA team members define appropriate activities for coverage, and accompanies journalists and TV/radio crews to site locations for filming. S/he advises RDMA staff on all aspects of communication protocol; for example, if press coverage is not recommended because of cultural sensitivities.

c. The SRDOCS supervises the DOC team in planning, drafting, and/or editing press releases, fact sheets, and other publicity material for RDMA and in support of conveying the message of USAID’s work in the region overall. S/he coordinates with USAID technical offices, USAID bilateral Mission DOCs, the Asia Bureau, LPA and with Embassy PAOs and Department of State media hubs to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written material for local and other media.

d. The SRDOCS increases the sharing of lessons learned and best practices among regional bilateral and multilateral institutions on successful and culturally relevant development approaches to enhance the design, monitoring, and evaluation of USAID programs in the region.

4) Regional Media Programs: 10%

a. The SRDOCS designs regional media programs. This includes, but is not limited to, programs that build the communication skills of USAID partners and regional platforms (e.g., ASEAN), professionalism and capacity of local media, encourage diverse voices and perspectives, and strengthen regional media networks. Ultimately, these programs are designed to increase the accuracy of reporting concerning development.

b. The SRDOCS manages existing and new media programs, including monitoring and reporting on performance and addressing implementation challenges in coordination with partner organizations.

5) Public Events and Activities: 10%

a. The SRDOCS supervises the planning, scheduling, and implementation of activities to present RDMA programs to the public. This may include a range of communications tools and distribution to a variety of audiences, with particular field trips to specific events or activities, as well as outreach and media coverage for overall programming.

b. S/he will support planning and implementing events to increase the sharing of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories among USAID Missions in the region, and regional institutions on successful and culturally relevant development approaches to enhance the design, monitoring, and evaluation of USAID programs in the region.

c. S/he coordinates field travel and public affairs activities, as well as (when appropriate and in coordination with USAID bilateral Mission DOCs) those that may engage U.S.

Ambassadors and other senior interagency officials for USAID events. Incumbent serves as the primary USAID coordination point for public events regarding USAID’s role in non-presence countries where RDMA manages assistance.

d. For site visits or events that involve senior U.S. officials, the SRDOCS ensures that all information related to the events (e.g., backgrounders/scene setters, schedules, talking points, speeches, etc.) are prepared, meet quality standards and time requirements, and cleared as appropriate.

e. S/he supports signing ceremonies, inaugurations, and/or dedications of RDMA projects in adherence to the coordination procedures outlined by RDMA for engaging with bilateral missions. The SRDOC ensures that all related activities to the event follow RDMA procedures, e.g. press releases for placement in the USAID’s homepage, blogs, forums, and/or newsletters.

6) Publicity Material: 10%

a. The SRDOCS will develop the capacity of RDMA and USAID to disseminate information through a wide variety of visually appealing, well-defined modalities such as print materials, electronic channels, regional portals, and social networking tools.

b. The SRDOCS reviews proposed speeches, videotapes on project activities, brochures, booklets, handouts, signs, and other public relations materials to evaluate quality, propriety in terms of sensitivity to local culture, and accuracy of content.

c. The SRDOCS serves as the brand expert, and advises USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events. S/he designs and conducts workshops on the implementation of branding guidelines. S/he serves as technical point of contact on waivers to branding requirements in relationship to media.

d. S/he works with RDMA staff to develop briefing materials for handouts and other special needs. Prepares VIP briefing and press packets for use during site visits or media events, and selects information to be included.

e. S/he manages the preparation and updating of regional and country profiles, which must be coordinated with RDMA staff, USAID bilateral Missions, the Asia Bureau, and LPA. Develops a good database of information on where USAID is working in particular areas of the region to be available for site visits and reporting, as needed.

7) Editorial Quality Control: 10%

The SRDOCS contributes to editing of official reports, correspondence, and documents produced by RDMA including annual reports and yearly funding requests.

S/he provides input to ensure that documents meet quality standards.

8) Maintenance of RDMA and Country External Websites and Social Media Presence:

10% The SRDOCS oversees the maintenance of the RDMA, China and Thailand external websites to ensure that content has optimal impact on providing information about USAID and its programs for a wide range of audiences. Supervises the DOC team in the selection of information displayed on the website, clears website content, and oversees content placement.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

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

The Regional SRDOCS has considerable independence and exercises professional judgment in developing and managing regional development outreach and communication strategies and activities, and in interacting with a wide range of stakeholders. S/he must be able to react to and interpret changing priorities and circumstances in the Asia region media and their effects on USAID outreach and communications efforts. This position will normally serve as the decision maker for RDMA’s DOC strategy and operations. The SRDOCS is the key member of a small staff charged with the execution of that outreach and communications strategy. The work will be of outstanding difficulty in relations to the breadth of responsibility with various actors in the regional – both internal and external to the USG. Planning and executing the strategy will require the incumbent to exercise unusual attainment in developing the correct contacts concurrent with programs administered by the Bangkok Public Affairs Officer of the Embassy and other US missions in Asia.

ii. Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent will receive direction from the supervisor in terms of broadly defined communication missions and functions. Working within PRO, this incumbent must be the highest level official technically responsible for administering the communications strategy and plan.

Under the small office structure of the mission, s/he will receive some supervision, but will require a large degree of independent action. Work assignments are typically under the auspices of the larger USAID DOC focus, however, they may take on the nature of an entire results package for the regional effort. The creation of such results packages (including social media package development) will require innovation and strong organizational skills operating within a multicultural work environment. The incumbent will be expected to work with a large degree of independence and vision to support a substantial portfolio.

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

Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices, the USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co- Branding Guide, and the USAID Communications Manual.

The ADS and PPL will provide general direction and guidelines for agency policy, and broad sweeping guidance will be provided by mission management and are generally available. Due to the regional nature of the client base, and the high level of complexity, guidelines will be difficult to compartmentalize. Judgment and ingenuity will be required in the application of the guidelines- especially with respect to differences from regional players (embassy PAOs).

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

The complexity of numerous host governments’ organizational structure and the resultant media framework environment caused by differing media systems may cause considerable obstacles for working across this expansive region. The resultant effect on the incumbent's responsibilities and the level of management expertise necessary to navigate host-country support and semi-independent media offices will be significant. The stage of the activity (formative vs established) of this position will have some impact on the nature of relationships as well as on daily tasks. As USAID/RDMA’s professional expert in development outreach and communications, the SRDOCS is an essential and indispensable member responsible for producing and disseminating public information about RDMA’s activities. A crucial objective, for not only USAID/RDMA, but for all its client countries, is to develop strategic information to educate and promote better understanding of USAID programs for audiences both in the region and the United States.

Additionally, to more effectively achieve this objective, the SRDOCS must interact and work closely with established USAID Missions in the region as well as Embassy Public Affairs Offices (PAOs) in all countries. Working with a high degree of independence, the incumbent will be asked to make decisions about operations, approach, interpretation, and evaluating processes and apply those to his/her duties. The duties and responsibilities will create a turbulent complexity in the position, at least initially.

v. Scope and effect of the work performed:

The position is recognized inside of and outside of the RDMA Mission as the expert on communications strategy, media relations, and USAID branding requirements. The position will be counted on by the Front Office and consults directly with the Mission Director or his/her delegate on relevant policy issues. The SRDOCs knowledge, leadership and expertise have a major influence on RDMA’s and other Missions Senior Management Teams’ policies. The incumbent will guide Contracting (Agreement) Officer Representatives experts to clarify rules related to the USAID mission communication strategy, and US Embassy communication and protocol requirements. The incumbent serves also as the focal point, coordinator and technical point of contact for implementation of Agency project-branding efforts. The communication efforts for this position represent a major portion of the mission portfolio as they provide guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media and ensure a targeted coherent and consistent message from all of the USAID staff and partners.

vi. Level and purpose of contacts:

The incumbent will be expected to establish and maintain important contacts externally in its DOCS coordination and information management duties. Communications may contain sensitive Agency information or necessitate a high-level authority associated with its transmission. The level of contacts will be with groups in inside of and outside of the official USG community.

Personal contacts are with Mission Directors, Senior USAID Overseas Missions staff, local, professional and international media, senior U.S. embassy personnel, including the Ambassador, senior USAID/W Bureau and other senior staff, implementers and institutional contractors chiefs of party, leadership of international organizations such as ASEAN, local community leaders, as well as key senior host country officials and counterparts. Internal communications will take place in a relatively structured setting as the incumbent may be asked to brief senior management (Mission Director and Chief of Mission) on media events and appropriate messages (done in coordination with the PAO). Contacts outside of the mission-including social medial contacts and public outreach will require operating in an unstructured and very diverse media/client environment.

vii. Supervision or oversight the position has over others:

The SRDOCS directly supervises one FSN staff and will provide guidance and leadership to the entire DOC team (up to 3 positions).

D. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Regional travel may make up 25% of the incumbent’s time, relative to the nature of the tasks assigned to the Incumbent.

E. SUPPORT ITEMS:

The PSC will be provided with the 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 THE POSITION

Education: A Bachelor's Degree in communications or similar field is required.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of demonstrated successful experience in outreach, communication, public relations or a related field is required. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Relevant outreach and communications experience will be considered, as applicable.

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.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

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.

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

The rating factors are as follows:

Factor-1 Education and Other Academic Training (15 points):

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

Factor-2 Technical Experience (35 points):

Additional points will be awarded for relevant experience above the minimum requirement which may include demonstrated experience in (1) leading outreach or communication strategies or projects for international development organizations; and (2) working with local, regional, and international media/press, and developing media contacts; (3) international experience; and (4) supervisory experience or experience in managing team.

Factor-3 Technical Knowledge (20 points):

● Demonstrated knowledge of designing outreach and communications strategies and ability to implement them.

● The successful candidate must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, speeches, stories, videos, etc.) targeting a variety of appropriate audiences across different cultures.

● Thorough knowledge of media and press organizations at varying levels (local, regional, national, and international).

● Established success in maintaining positive working relationships with outreach and communications colleagues at all levels of hierarchy within an institution.

● Solid knowledge of planning and executing public events, site visits and similar events of different sizes featuring a variety of principals.

● Knowledge of development agency work, business practices and protocols, and a general understanding of U.S. foreign and development policies are highly desired.

Factor-4 Technical Skills and Ability (30 points):

● Demonstrate exceptional leadership, management, supervisory skills and team management.

● Have excellent English writing, oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills.

● Have good coordination, teamwork, project management, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills within a multicultural work environment.

● Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure.

● Demonstrate ability to take initiative and be creative.

● Ability to make sound judgment and provide advice on best media outlets available.

● Ability to craft strategic narratives and messaging, and amplifying this messaging through a variety of communications products.

● Have good computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

● Have familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and website content development and Content

Management Systems preferably.

● Have excellent social media skills (X, Facebook, etc.).

● Photographic and graphic design skills are also a plus.

Offerors must provide at least two English-language professional writing samples with their application. These samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words), and should demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public.

Samples must be by the offeror; co-written articles are not accepted. A writing test may be administered to successful Offerors.

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

Total Application Scores: 100 points Interview Performance: 100 points Total Possible Points: 200 points

Offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation and Selection Factors. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked will be interviewed and possibly followed with professional reference checks. Only shortlisted offerors will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful offerors.

Offerors should address the Evaluation and Selection Factors 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 most qualified candidates 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 then be conducted for most qualified candidates.

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- 72048624R00003”. To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that offers be sent in as email attachments.

mailto:RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

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.

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.

5. Offerors must provide at least two English-language professional writing samples with their application. These samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words), and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public.

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)

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:

https://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES

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

(a) 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:

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

3001 OP 3 – 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

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

– 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 mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov