SOL-72048624R00006 RH USSPSC DOCS Specialist (SIL 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 : 72048624R00006

ISSUANCE DATE : January 24, 2024 CLOSING DATE/TIME : February 25, 2024 (11:59 PM Bangkok Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (RH USPSC) – Development Outreach and 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, Stephanie Iceland-Leitzel Contracting Officer

USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia Bangkok, Thailand

SOL-72048624R00006

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048624R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 24, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM Bangkok Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $88,520 - $115,079 per annum equivalent to GS-13

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.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand

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 three 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

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

● Eligible Family Members (USEFMs and EFMs with U.S. permanent residence status (Green Card Holders) of U.S. Mission in Thailand; or

● U.S.-Thai Dual Citizens;

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

● Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

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

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access Clearance

11. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

mailto:RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

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. USAID/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, USAID/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 countries across Asia and the Pacific.

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

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent reports to the SRDOCS and collaborates closely with the technical teams and implementing partners to support outreach and communications coordination, and write and/or edit communications materials in support of the Mission’s overall outreach and communications strategy.

The incumbent will support USAID/RDMA in achieving its objectives by developing public information about USAID/RDMA activities that will help promote a better understanding of USAID programs. S/he is responsible for collecting, researching, and drafting information associated with the USAID Foreign Assistance program in the region, and supporting strategic external outreach and communications platforms and opportunities to raise awareness of it.

The specific duties of the Resident Hire DOCS Specialist will include but are not limited to the following:

1) DOCS Coordination, Planning and Organization Duties (50%)

• Helps organize public and internal events for USAID/RDMA, such as inaugurations and project completions by coordinating with the DOC team, USAID/RDMA technical teams, Embassy staff and project representatives on preparation and dissemination of press releases and background information, protocol issues, site selection and preparation, staging and logistical issues, scheduling and maintaining contact with speakers, and notification of appropriate U.S. and local government officials and media, as well as on-site coordination of media.

• Coordinates with USAID technical teams to identify upcoming events to be included on

USAID/RDMA’s weekly Events Calendar. Communicates deadlines for submitting events materials for clearance.

• In the absence of the SRDOCS, coordinates and secures appropriate clearances of responses to inquiries from the general public and the media on USAID programs, practices, and any other general external and internal information requests.

• Provides backstop support to DOC team members and USAID/RDMA’s client missions under the guidance of SRDOCS or his/her designee.

• Files and organizes DOC materials in USAID’s official systems, including documents, photographs and graphics, and video or audio files.

• Assists the DOC Team with special assignments, as requested.

2) Writing and Editorial Responsibilities (50%) Note: Allotment of time for each of these tasks will depend on current priorities in the DOC Unit.

Writing and Editing:

• Drafts key, strategic external and internal communications products that promote USAID/RDMA programs. Products include, but are not limited to: press releases, fact sheets, briefers, stories, social media messages and campaigns, outreach-related memos, external slide decks and public external remarks by USAID or other USG staff.

• Drafts pieces to highlight USAID/RDMA programs for USAID data calls, publications and strategic communications for the Mission such as newsletters and cables, and performance plan and report documents.

• Under guidance of the SRDOCS, prepares and updates a standard information package on USAID/RDMA for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, USAID and other U.S.

Government entities, etc. Examples of these materials may include scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about countries in the region.

• Provides editorial input for communications products, content, and visuals and uploads these on the Mission website. S/he carries out reviews for style, design, layout, and editorial considerations of publications authored or sponsored by USAID/RDMA. S/he edits or rewrites text for clarity and accuracy and simplifies technical jargon.

• In coordination with the rest of the USAID/RDMA DOC Team, serves as an advisor to Mission staff and implementing partners on the design, format, and content of communications products. S/he provides guidance, training, and coaching to Mission staff and implementing partners in developing effective communications materials.

• Helps USAID technical offices and implementing partners identify material for multimedia storytelling and assists with preparing this information for dissemination strategically through a variety of public platforms.

• Under the guidance of the SRDOCS, work with Washington-based communications staff in the Asia Bureau and pillar bureaus, including the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs.

Research and Fact Finding:

• Collects and edits public and internal USG information requests from Washington according to USAID/Asia Bureau and USAID/Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) guidance and ensures that systematic procedures are developed for this process.

• Remains current on USAID programs and trends and priorities in international development and specifically the Asia Region. Shares relevant information with the DOC Team and other USAID/RDMA staff as appropriate. Stores this information on a Google Drive accessible to all staff.

• Consults development resources from USAID and non-USAID information sources such as the World Bank, United Nations, other donor organizations, the media, and commercial databases to provide timely and relevant information for USAID/RDMA.

• Reviews and collects information from internal and external media aggregation services to identify publications and mentions of USAID and foreign assistance throughout the region and shares these results with the DOC Team and other interested USAID/RDMA staff members.

• Performs short- and long-term research for internal and public information needs of

USAID/RDMA.

• Maintains an accessible, systematic archive of the following: all public communications products, programmatic press clippings, photos and videos in conjunction with the Technical Office communications points of contacts, updates from USAID on communications policy and procedures, and branding and marking guidance and updates.

Social Media:

Works closely with the USAID/RDMA DOC Specialist to produce and edit social media content, including tweets, Facebook posts, infographics, pictograms, and videos, that engages and is relevant to Mission social media audiences. S/he may also work with the DOC Specialist to analyze social media performance and design publicly appealing social media campaigns based on that analysis.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

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

The incumbent will often be expected to use his/her own personal, well-informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems.

Excellent judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID/RDMA 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. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USAID/RDMA) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

ii. Supervisory Controls:

The DOC Specialist will be supervised by the SRDOCS or his/her designee at USAID/RDMA. The incumbent is expected to work independently under broad guidance. In collaboration with the incumbent, the supervisor will establish annual work objectives and review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies. The incumbent 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 will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of development news and trends that affect activities within the region and reach familiarity with USAID Branding and Marking regulations under the Agency’s Automated Directives System (ADS), especially ADS320 and AAPD 05-11 and General

Notices/Mission Orders/Mission Notices.

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. 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. 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 incumbent is an expert in development outreach and communications. The Resident Hire DOC Specialist is an essential member of the Program Office’s DOC Team, which is responsible for producing and disseminating public information about USAID/RDMA’s activities and for providing outreach and communications support to USAID/RDMA and its client bilateral missions.

vi. Level and purpose of contacts:

Frequent, mid- to high-level contact will be maintained with individuals or groups inside and outside the Agency, including host country media throughout Asia. Other contacts include but are not limited to USAID Mission Management, staff of USAID implementing partner organizations, USAID bilateral mission DOC teams, staff of embassy Public Affairs Sections throughout Asia, Embassy-Bangkok leadership (including meetings and presentations to the Ambassador), USAID Asia Bureau staff, and USAID Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs staff.

vii. Supervision or oversight the position has over others:

The supervision of other USAID staff is not contemplated.

D. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Regional and domestic travel may take 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 minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience related to communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism, of which a minimum of 3 years of strong writing, editing, and communication experience is required.

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:

Factor-1 Experience (25 points):

● At least five years of experience in communications, public relations or journalism is required.

● Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required.

● Proven experience in writing and editing is required.

● Previous work with the U.S. government or another international development organization is highly desirable.

● Public relations experience is an asset.

Factor-2 Knowledge (20 points):

● An eye for storytelling through photographs, and experience with photography, photo-editing and video editing is highly desirable.

● Knowledge of standard principles, methods and practices of communication and information management to design and implement public affairs events and outreach materials is preferred.

● Knowledge of digital media including social media and websites is required.

● Excellent knowledge of English grammar and American word usage and spelling is required.

● Familiarity with graphic design, printing, and publishing processes is desired.

● A broad understanding of issues related to international development is desired.

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

Factor-3 Skills and Abilities (30 points):

● Strong editing skills and attention to detail are required.

● Ability to craft information messages in various media formats, such as news releases, website stories, and talking points/speeches, targeting a wide variety of audiences.

● Fluent, native English (both written and oral) is required.

● Ability to communicate in Thai is advantageous.

● Excellent oral and written communication skills, including news and technical writing, editing and research skills are required.

● Strong organizational and project management skills within a multi-cultural work environment are a must.

● Ability to work independently, take the initiative once guidance is provided, manage several activities at once and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

● Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with Embassy and implementing counterparts, and exercise sound judgment.

● Excellent computer skills, including working use of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Google Docs and

Sheets, are required.

● Content management systems, basic web design, Acrobat, Publisher, Photoshop, Lightroom, and other page-making software are highly desired.

● Skills in creating content on social media platforms, such as Twitter (X), Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr, are highly desirable.

Factor-4 Writing Sample: (10 points):

Offerors must provide three writing samples with their application. Samples must be original writing (unedited by others); co-written articles are not accepted. These samples should be 500 to 1,000 words and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. It can be any public information, article, press release, brochure or fact sheet.

Total Application Scores: 85 points Writing Test: 15 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. Only offerors who are in the competitive range will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful offerors who are excluded or otherwise eliminated from the competitive range.

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 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- 72048624R00006”. 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.

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. Offerors must provide three writing samples with their application. Samples must be original writing (unedited by others); co-written articles are not accepted. These samples should be 500 to 1,000 words and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. It can be any public information, article, press release, brochure or fact sheet.

5. 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.

6. For USEFMs of U.S. Mission in Thailand – A copy of sponsor’s orders showing your sponsor’s assignment in the U.S. Mission Thailand and/or approved OF-126 with a copy of U.S. Passport biographical page are required;

7. For EFMs with U.S. permanent residence status (Green Card Holder) of U.S. Mission in Thailand – A copy of sponsor’s orders showing your sponsor’s assignment in the U.S. Mission Thailand and/or approved OF-126 with a copy of Green Card are required;

8. For U.S.-Thai Dual Citizens – A valid Thai ID card and U.S. Passport biographical page are required.

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.

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

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:

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

Note: 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.

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:

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)

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

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

Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: 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