SOL-72048624R00007 RH USPSC DEIA Senior Advisor (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 : 72048624R00007

ISSUANCE DATE : February 9, 2024 CLOSING DATE/TIME : March 10, 2024 (11:59 PM Bangkok Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (RH USPSC) – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Senior 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.

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, Craig Smith Contracting Officer

USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia Bangkok, Thailand

SOL-72048624R00007

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048624R00007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 9, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 10, 2024, at 11:59 PM Bangkok Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: DEIA Senior Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $104,604 - $135,987 per annum 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.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period of one year, 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 four years as follows:

Base Period o/a June 2024 – May 2025 Option Period 1 o/a June 2025 – May 2026 Option Period 2 o/a June 2026 – May 2027 Option Period 3 o/a June 2027 – May 2028 Option Period 4 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 Asia Regional Training Center (ARTC) located at the Regional Development Mission for Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, is the Agency’s largest dedicated training facility, historically training over 3,500 USAID staff a year, from Asia and the rest of the world. Missions from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe and Eurasia all rely on ARTC for easily accessible and cost-effective training options for their staff. Since the closure of the Washington Learning Center, ARTC’s role as the Agency’s most significant staff training center has become more important than ever. ARTC also plays an important role as the facility of choice for regional and global USAID workshops/conferences. For the FY 23 year alone ARTC hosted (or will host) the Asia Deputy Mission Director Conference, Asia Environment Officers Workshop, Asia First Tour Officer Workshop, Asia FSN Conference, Asia Development Outreach Communications Conference, Global Health Conference, just to name a few.

USAID’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy sets a high bar for creating systemic change towards these principles. Specifically, the DEI Strategy states:

“In order to achieve the second of these goals: enhancing inclusion and equity for everyone in the workplace, Agency leaders will champion and enable staff participation in initiatives that work toward the betterment of the Agency’s efforts in DEI and actively engage with these groups to operationalize their recommendations and efforts. Agency leadership will establish and enhance training and capacity-building opportunities for all staff, including managers and supervisors, on diversity fundamentals, bias, and principles of inclusion -- all of which contribute to a respectful, safe, and inclusive work environment that enhances retention.”

Therefore, RDMA has identified the institutionalization of DEIA capacity and practices within the ARTC as a significant and high-impact opportunity to advance the DEI Strategy goals for the Agency. The first step in this process is to develop and hire a DEIA Senior Advisor as a key member of the ARTC staff, reporting to the ARTC Manager with an indirect line to the RDMA Front Office.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The DEIA Senior Advisor at the Asia Regional Training Center provides strategic and operational leadership to advance DEIA at USAID through the Agency’s largest training facility in these key areas:

1. FACILITATION OF DEIA EVENTS. Coordinate, design and deliver in-person and virtual DEIA workshops, conferences and training, reaching USAID staff regionally and beyond. This includes supporting Mission staff responsible for leading DEIA work so they can be more effective and successful in their respective Missions. These events will also focus on building capacity of FSOs under the new DEIA skill precept. (35%)

2. DEIA PEDAGOGY FOR ALL ARTC TRAINING. Ensure a strong DEIA pedagogical foundation in all ARTC training design and delivery, which reaches over 3,500 USAID staff a year. (25%)

3. SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR DEIA OFFICE AND CDO. Support the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer with targeted support on Agency DEIA work as requested, including outreach and recruitment and work with minority-serving institutions. (20%)

4. INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT. Collaborate with RDMA’s Senior Regional Inclusive Development Advisor and the Mission Gender Advisor to create better linkages between DEIA principles and USAID inclusive development programming in Asia, supporting the Regional Advisor in their capacity work with Mission’s Gender Advisors. (10%)

5. MISSION/EMBASSY IMPACT. Engage in RDMA's Diversity and Inclusion Group (DIG) and the US

Embassy Thailand's Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) to help create an anti-racist and anti-biased Embassy community. (10%)

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Providing vision and direction for ARTC in creating actionable long- and short-term goals for culturally responsive pedagogy and anti-racist and anti-bias teaching and learning experiences.

• Leading ARTC's efforts to fulfill those goals with the ARTC Manager, RDMA senior leadership, and the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer in USAID/Washington.

• Presenting ARTC's institutional values, goals, and vision related to diversity initiatives to both internal and external audiences.

• Continuing, in conjunction with senior leadership, to define and meet the definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, justice belonging, anti-racism, and anti-bias, and ensuring that these definitions align with the vision and strategy rooted within them.

• Being an accessible, visible, and effective resource for USAID staff and ARTC students on all DEIA matters and initiatives.

• Collaborating with ARTC, RDMA and the Office of the CDO to coordinate, develop, and implement programming and initiatives that advance DEIA work at USAID in ARTC operations that have a discernable impact on Mission operations globally.

• Working with the Office of the CDO and HCTM to develop strategies that attract and successfully onboard staff from historically excluded groups. Participate in USAID efforts to effectively engage Minority-Serving Institutions.

• Advance learning and impact evaluation from ARTC DEIA initiatives.

• Facilitate understanding and opportunities for linkages between DEIA and inclusive development, and how DEIA principles can be incorporated into Missions FSN empowerment action plans.

• Collaborate and engage in the RISE network to effectively institutionalize RISE training in ARTC to more effectively reach all staff in the Asia time zone.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

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

The incumbent provides strategic and operational leadership to advance DEIA at USAID through the Agency’s largest training facility. S/he provides vision and direction for ARTC in creating actionable long-and short-term goals for culturally responsive pedagogy and anti-racist and anti-bias teaching and learning experiences. The incumbent leads ARTC's efforts to fulfill those goals with the ARTC Manager, RDMA senior leadership, and the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer in USAID/Washington. While s/he is not a policy maker, the position has formal decision making authority in a broad program area concerning DEIA efforts and implementation for ARTC and RDMA. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed. The incumbent will often be expected to use his or her own personal, well-informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

ii. Level of complexity for work assignment:

The work of this position requires originating strategies, new programs, training techniques and developing new coursework in advancing USAID’s DEIA concept. The incumbent must remain abreast of Agency policy and direction and provide training/development programs on DEIA related to ensure staff capabilities align to meet Agency goals and objectives. The incumbent must work across multiple Operating Units simultaneously, with varying degrees of skill, size, scope and capacity. In addition, the incumbent must coordinate with USAID/RDMA, USAID/Washington and other key U.S. government entities. Also, the incumbent collaborates with RDMA’s Senior Regional Inclusive Development Advisor and the Mission Gender Advisor to create better linkages between DEIA principles and USAID inclusive development programming in Asia, supporting the Regional Advisor in their capacity work with Mission’s Gender Advisors.

iii. Knowledge level required:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree and five years of hands-on experience in designing and implementing DEIA and/or organization policies such as anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunities with a minimum of one year working to design and/or deliver educational curricula/training to adults. The position requires mastery of an area of DEIA specialization, and experience in instructional design and qualitative and/or quantitative research. The incumbent must also have teaching experience in adult education as a Teaching Assistant and/or Instructor of record.

iv. Supervisory controls:

The ARTC Manager will provide formal supervision. The incumbent also has an indirect coordination line to the RDMA Deputy Mission Director. However, the incumbent is expected to work independently under broad guidance and policy direction. 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.

v. Guideline for the required work, including reporting requirements:

The incumbent is required to understand major Agency-specific policies and procedures, and to self-educate about RDMA structure, agreements, and strategic vision. The incumbent will keep abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect the delivery of professional development, particularly on DEIA principles and inclusive development.

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

The incumbent supports the work of the Agency in responding to the executive orders that specifically focused on DEIA. S/he designs a strategic plan and serves as operational leadership in advancing DEIA at USAID through ARTC. The incumbent must exercise considerable judgment and ingenuity within their overall intent to devise and oversee the strategies, tactical approaches, and program initiatives that will strengthen the DEIA principles. The work of this position also requires originating new training techniques and developing new coursework. The incumbent must remain abreast of Agency policy and direction and cultivate DEIA principles to ensure alignment to meet Agency goals and objectives.

vii. Scope and effect of the work performed:

The work affects a large number of people and organizational culture in creating/strengthening a strong foundation of DEIA principles. The work includes planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating DEIA programs, all of which require creativity.

viii. Level and purpose of contacts:

Contacts are with individuals or groups inside and outside the Agency. Typical contacts include all levels at the organization, from senior leadership, senior level professionals, employees, contractor representatives and representatives of professional organizations. The incumbent provides technical advice regarding DEIA strategy, principle, concepts, training and developments, gap assessments, and coursework to advance DEIA at USAID. To effectively function, the incumbent will be required to maintain solid working relationships with high level personnel within USAID. The established method of communication and contact will be in person, by phone or through written communications. The purpose will be: 1) to maintain open lines of communication in advancing DEIA principles; 2) to maintain regular communication regarding the timely management of activities functions and procedures; and 3) to collect, obtain, and verify data pertaining to DEIA and inclusive development programs and activities . Consultations between the incumbent and clients can be held for explaining and assisting with strategizing proposals and objectives, securing cooperation, resolving problems, obtaining or furnishing information, and persuading audiences to take actions and accept recommendations.

ix. Supervision or oversight the position has over others:

Supervision responsibility has not been contemplated.

D. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires travel approximately 10% of the time, with the remaining regional support provided virtually.

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: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant professional discipline, for example Organizational Development, Education, Training and Development, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related subject.

Experience: At least five (5) years of demonstrated successful experience managing or coordinating professional development programs. Proven experience in curriculum development, assessment, and measuring the impact of programs. Proven experience performing successfully in a leadership and supervisory role. Experience working in communications and/or marketing.

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 Technical Knowledge and Professional Experience (35 points):

• Demonstrated engagement and expertise in the complexities of DEIA issues in the organization;

• Demonstrated experience in instructional design and qualitative and/or quantitative research;

• Teaching experience in adult education as a Teaching Assistant and/or Instructor of record.

Factor-2 Technical Skills (35 points):

• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize large bodies of information and transform them into detailed work plans and communication plans.

• Project management, superior organizational and time management skills.

Factor-3 Interpersonal, Team and Communication Skills (30 points):

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; interpersonal/problem solving skills; and leadership, analytical, and managerial skills;

• Demonstrated ability in facilitating productive professional relationships with other members of the working team, and successfully working within a multicultural team;

• Demonstrated skills and ability in providing small and large group training in DEIA

• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in-person and virtually across USG agencies and cross-culturally with diverse teams; and

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

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. 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.

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

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- 72048624R00007”. 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. 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. 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;

6. 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;

7. 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.

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

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:

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:

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

4001 OP 4 – 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