SOL_72051422R00009_DPS_GIS_GS-11_.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72051422R00009

ISSUANCE DATE: April 27, 2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 11, 2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor Short term (USPSC)

Resident Hire. - Single Vacancy

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. For further information about USAID/Colombia please visit https://www.usaid.gov/colombia.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

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

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment 1 or to BogotaUSAIDHRTeam@usaid.gov

Sincerely, Erumis Urena

Deputy Executive Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development Cra 45 # 24B – 27 Gate 2 Bogotá

COLOMBIA

Tel: (571) 275 2000 Fax: (571) 275 2319 www.usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/colombia mailto:BogotaUSAIDHRTeam@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/

ATTACHMENT 1 72051422R00009

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL: 72051421R00009

2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 26, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR

RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

May 10, 2021

4. POINT OF CONTACT

EXO/HR, Bogotausaidhrteam@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE:

Development Program Specialist (Geospatial Information

Systems - GIS)

6. MARKET VALUE:

$56,983 - $74,074 per annum - Equivalent to GS-11

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be 12 months, estimated start in

June 2022

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

USAID/Colombia with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS All Interested U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent resident aliens lawfully admitted who, at the time of recruitment, reside in

Colombia.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

As an employment precondition, the successful offeror is required to obtain a HSPD-12 level security clearance

The purpose of this solicitation is to contract a lawful U.S. Citizen or U.S Resident alien to provide personal services in Colombia (also referred to as a “resident hire USPSC”). Resident Hire U.S.

Personal Services Contractor means a U.S. citizen or resident alien who, at the time of contract award,

i) resides in the cooperating country for reasons other than U.S. government or non-U.S.

government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement, that provides repatriation to the U.S., or

ii) (ii) is a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident alien who resides, or will reside, in the cooperating country for the purpose of U.S. government or non-U.S.

government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S per AIDAR Appendix D.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The USAID Development Program Specialist (Geospatial Information System [GIS) is located in the Program Office (PRO) of USAID/Colombia. S/he reports to the FSO in charge of MEL and no supervision of other staff is contemplated. The primary purpose of this position is to increase the

Mission’s capability to strategically plan, monitor, evaluate, and report on its development activities by using GIS.

The Geospatial Information Specialist will analyze key data sets and generate data visualization products, including interactive maps and animated visualizations, to communicate analytical findings to internal USAID decision-makers and external audiences. Analytical findings will inform development programming within USAID/Colombia to influence decision-making in sectors such as agriculture, economic growth, environment, energy, democracy, governance, health, and human rights and will also be used for communication/outreach products. The

Specialist’s work will directly affect strategic planning, program design, monitoring, evaluation and learning for the USAID/Colombia Mission. Creation of these analytical programming products require a high level of expertise.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

Strategic Planning and Technical Assistance - 60%

● Facilitate discussion and advise key offices within the Colombia Mission to articulate a vision and plan for integrating geospatial information and analyses into strategic planning, program design, monitoring, evaluation and learning. Prepare briefing materials to build support for the use of data visualization and data analysis throughout the Mission.

● Using both publicly available data and data from USG and GOC contacts, develop analytical dashboards and data-driven, web-based, interactive maps to readily visualize programming results and facilitate analyses for senior decision-makers to prioritize development needs.

● Provide on-demand geographic analysis and visualization products related to issues such as vulnerability, conflict, poverty, health, education, natural resources, etc., to inform

USAID programming decisions.

● Assist with preparation of strategic plans (CDCS), project and activity designs, program descriptions (PD) and Scopes of Work (SOWs) by incorporating data analysis to help set goals, objectives, targets and anticipated results. Present this information in compelling visuals.

● Acquire, validate, and manage a database of geospatial data, including retrieval of historic geospatial data previously funded via USAID projects.

● In consultation with the USAID GeoCenter, actively participate in USAID's global network of GeoSpecialists and Data Analysts. Liaise with networks across Latin

American to strengthen the Agency's community of practice in GIS and data analytics.

● Serve as Agreement/Contracting Officer's Representative (AOR/COR) for procurement mechanisms related to geospatial analysis, data analytics, and monitoring and evaluation.

Capacity Building - 30%

● Conduct training on best-practice data collection, management, analysis and visualization for Mission staff and USAID partners; communicate the value of data visualization.

● Serve leading and convening roles with partners that report GIS Information.

● In response to demand, facilitate discussions among key partners to articulate a vision and plan for integrating data analyses into strategic planning.

● Provide a technical perspective to partners, introducing and supporting practices and processes that enable incorporation of data-informed decision making and analytical capacity in their programming.

● Provide technical guidance relating to GIS implementation and mapping activities by

USAID consultants and implementing partners, including technical recommendations / specifications on the use or purchase of GIS and data visualization software.

Reporting and Communication - 10%

● Communicate analytical findings to internal USAID decision-makers and external audiences in usable formats.

● Provide professional advice on how to display, either hard copy or electronic format, geospatial products in order to facilitate delivering the message and/or inform decisions.

3. Supervisory Relationship: The Specialist works under the direct supervision of the FSO

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Lead.

4. Supervisory Controls: Supervision of other staff is not expected.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: Bachelor’s degree in geography, engineering, architecture, topography, cartography, or equivalent field is required. Professional certification in Geographic

Information Systems (GIS) is required.

b. Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional-level experience in geospatial data management, analysis, and cartographic production; performance monitoring and evaluation; and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data is required. The

Specialist must have demonstrated experience in using tools to process, analyze and display data (e.g., Python, ArcGIS, Web AppBuilder software, data mining tools) and in building analytical dashboards. Experience implementing one or more of the following: geospatial meta-data standards, workflows, data-sharing protocols, GIS best practices is required.

c. Post Entry Training: Within the first two years, the Specialist should complete: all required coursework to become COR/AOR. The Specialist should also attend any

Washington-organized GIS Specialist training and/or conferences. Extensive on-the-job training and Agency-specific courses required to fulfill certain responsibilities will also be provided as long as the resources and opportunities are available.

d. Job Knowledge: The Geospatial Information Specialist must have strong knowledge of

GIS and mapping technology, data analysis and visualization practices.

e. Skills and Abilities: The Specialist must have the following abilities:

● Ability to apply geospatial technology for analyses related to such diverse sectors as agriculture, democracy and governance, economic growth, education, environment, and health.

● Ability to apply geographic and data analysis to international development challenges, to inform solutions related to topics such as climate change, food security, human health, wildlife, migration, economic development, human rights, peacebuilding, and urban planning.

● Ability to collect, manage, and analyze remotely sensed data sets from disparate sources and in different formats.

● Ability to obtain, clean, visualize, evaluate and interpret factual data, and prepare concise, accurate and complete reports is required.

● Ability to communicate and work with a diverse set of individuals who have varying degrees of familiarity with geospatial analysis.

● Technical knowledge of industry-standard GIS software (e.g. ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS, MapBox, Leaflet.js, CartoDB, etc.), and creation of geospatial data products in developing country environments.

● Ability to develop workflows and automate processes using different tools (e.g. Python, Web AppBuilder, etc.) to increase efficiencies and assist with the automation of tasks.

● Quantitative skills in data collection, cleaning, processing, and reproducible analysis.

● Exceptional computer skills and knowledge of software program applications authorized for USAID use, such as MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.

● Effective communication skills to present and advocate for data, analysis, and visualization concepts relevant to USAID policies and data quality practices. Primary audiences include USAID staff and implementing partners who may have limited experience with geospatial analysis and data visualization tools.

● Excellent interpersonal communication, writing, and presentation skills by using highly developed (high frequency and of a critical nature) oral communications in both English and Spanish, including: Presentations/public speaking, Counseling or negotiating, Tact and diplomacy, Influencing/persuading, Complex explanations, as well as routine transmission of information

● Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships across government entities, donor organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and private-sector organizations.

● Ability to collaborate in a team environment and work independently to achieve Mission objectives.

● Ability to conduct introductory training in the use of geographic information and data for development programming.

f. Language Proficiency: Level IV English and Spanish (reading, writing, speaking) 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.

A. Selection Process

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed.

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

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

B. Evaluation Factors:

Those applicants who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their application as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills. On a supplement document included with the application package, applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples to address each factor. Responses are limited to 500 words (approx. 1/2 type written page) per factor.

Applicants should describe specifically and accurately experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the factor. Applicants should include their name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in the applicant not receiving full credit for pertinent experience.

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses.

Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The Applicant Rating

System is as follows:

Evaluation Factors:

Factor #1: Job Knowledge 25 points

Factor #2: Skills and Abilities 20 points

Factor #3: Work Experience 20 points

Factor #4: Written Communication 10 points

Interview Performance 25 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

All offers must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line: SOL: 72051422R00009 –

Development Program Specialist (Geospatial Information System – GIS) to bogotausaidhrteam@usaid.gov

Attention: Executive Officer

USAID/Colombia

Human Resources Office

Offerors must submit their application by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3 and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section 1.

mailto:bogotausaidhrteam@usaid.gov

Offers must be submitted in accordance with the instructions in the section titled “How to Apply”.

Incomplete offer packages may be eliminated from further consideration. All documentation will be reviewed to ensure offerors meet the minimum requirements, and offerors who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored.

Offerors may be invited to take a written technical test. Final offerors may be interviewed.

Reference checks may be requested. The offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. 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;

USAID will delay such reference checks pending the offeror’s concurrence.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2 “Offeror

Information for Personal Services Contracts with individuals” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

2. Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the requirements of the position (maximum 3 pages) – PDF format.

3. List (not a written letter of reference) of a minimum of three (3) professional references with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, and with working/accurate telephone and e-mail information. These professional references must not be family members or relatives. The offeror's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor (Three contacts in one page) – PDF format.

4. Supplemental Narrative with written responses to the evaluation criteria – education, prior work experience, job knowledge, skills and abilities stated in “Section II - Minimum

Qualifications Required for this Position”, (Times New Roman 12 and maximum 2 pages)

– PDF format.

5. Copy of education degrees (bachelor, master’s degree, etc.). Transcripts are not needed, neither are translations – PDF format.

6. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, Item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

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

8. Ensuring adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the CO informs the successful candidate of being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide him/her instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306).

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17).

3. Medical clearance.

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-85).

5. Fingerprint Card (FD-258) if it is needed for security.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

(a) Employer’s FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(f) Annual Sick Leave

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. Notice Regarding any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223.99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is n a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the

Executive Order (hereinafter,” Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or connection with a covered contract is an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in the Excluded State or

Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM No.

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTI

TY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

Award Type: Cost

Product Service Code: R497 Agency/Bureau: 72/72 Appropriation: 7219/201037 BFY/Fund: 514-DOAG-514-012 Program Area: PO2. Program Element: PO2.1 EOCC: 1130000 and EOCC: 1210000

LOT

LC$TBD

LC$TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at https://www.usaid.v/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.

https://www.usaid.v/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman