Sol_72052023R00006 Agriculture Program Specialist signed (1).pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052023R00006

ISSUANCE DATE: February 27, 2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. (Guatemala Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Resident Hire for Agriculture Program Specialist (GS-9)

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.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V 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 question must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment.

Sincerely, Guadalupe Ramirez Contracting Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development USAID Building, Tel: 502- 2422-4000

Carretera El Salvador Guatemala City, Guatemala Website: www.usaid.gov

Attachment 1 Sol No. 72052023R00006

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO)

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052023R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 27, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

(Guatemala Time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Coy Lindsay, email at clindsay@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Agriculture Program Specialist (GS-9)

6. MARKET VALUE: $49,028.00 - $63,734.00 equivalent to GS-9

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Guatemala City, Guatemala with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a 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 will be 1 year. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise 2 one-year option periods, not to exceed a total period of performance of 3 years:

Base Period 7/23/2023 – 7/22/2024

Option Period 1 7/23/2024 – 7/22/2025

Option Period 2 7/23/2025 – 7/22/2026

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents residing in Guatemala who are eligible to work in Guatemala. This includes Eligible Family Members (EFMs) within the United States Embassy Community.

● Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (“green card holder”);

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO)

● U.S. resident alien means a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States;

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section

● Be able to obtain facility access authorization;

● Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

● Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested;

● Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained

● The ability to obtain the security background investigation, medical clearance, temporary/permanent Guatemala residency and legal permission to work in Guatemala, within a reasonable amount of time is required for the position.

10. CLEARANCES: Security Clearance. The selected offeror must be able to obtain and maintain a Facility Access clearance as provided by USAID.

Medical Clearance. Appropriate medical clearance from the Department of State (DS), Office of Medical Services.

If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: USAID/Guatemala’s EGO has a staff of 14, comprising 4 Foreign Service Officers and 10 Foreign Service Nationals. EGO’s total portfolio is in excess of $200 million across four technical areas: private sector, agriculture, environment (including biodiversity, renewable energy, and sustainable landscapes funding directives), and Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance programming. Due to the expansion under the Root Causes Strategy and receiving $20 million in supplemental funds to offset global food security impacts from Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine, there is a critical need for additional support for new activity design and activity management; as well as support for monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems related to these activities.

The Resident Hire USPSC Agriculture Program Specialist is an integral part of the Agriculture team within the Office of Economic Growth (EG) and reports to the Agriculture Team Lead. S/He provides technical advice on new project development, supports managing existing projects, and monitors and evaluates activities within the agriculture and food security sectors. The Specialist supports the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and nutrition-sensitive agriculture practices, as well as the use

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO) of evidence-based agriculture and food security research to improve smallholder productivity, profitability, and food security. The Specialist manages relationships with USAID-supported research centers and activities managed in USAID/Washington. Thus, the position serves as Activity Manager and may serve as the Alternate Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) for programs and activities.

The Specialist supports cross-sectoral programming to reduce poverty, chronic malnutrition and irregular migration in Guatemala. This requires close coordination with other USAID offices, USG Agencies, Government of Guatemala staff, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other donors. S/He represents USAID in working-level meetings and makes presentations on behalf of the Agency. S/He is also expected to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish, both in writing (e-mail, memorandums, and official letters) and verbally (in person and telephone).

Duties and Responsibilities of the position:

Project Management and Monitoring – 45%

The EG Office partially manages USAID/Guatemala's Development Objective 2: Improved Levels of Economic Growth and Social Development in the Western Highlands and fully manages Intermediate Result 2.1: "Broad based economic growth and food security improved" from the USAID/Guatemala’s CDCS for FY 2020-2025. Resident Hire USPSC Agriculture Program Specialist provides technical, administrative, and management direction necessary for timely implementation of activities related to agriculture, rural development, and food security. S/he supports monitoring and reporting on project indicators and develops presentations relating to project achievements and results.

Given the cross-cutting nature of food security, economic growth, and the environment, the incumbent will work across multiple sectors to address agriculture and food security issues.

The Specialist is expected to support the work of the CORs/AORs, Alternate CORs/AORs, and/or Activity Managers of USAID assistance or acquisition agreements. The duties of this position will include but are not limited to: reviewing annual program work plans, reviewing branding and marking plans, maintaining records of official program and financial reports, ensuring implementing partners are adhering to sound financial management practices, liaising with USAID’s Office of Procurement and Office of General Council on program implementation issues.

The incumbent will work closely with CORs and AORs and the Office of Financial Management to review and assess quarterly accrual reports by learning the accrual

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO) spreadsheet format and cross-checking data. The incumbent will pay particular attention to the data pertaining directly to activity indicators and to financial indicators (e.g., expenditures, burn rate/pipeline analysis and congruity of expenditures against activities, need for incremental funding). The incumbent will assist with the drafting of internal USAID documents (Action Memos, Waivers, Environmental Checklist, etc.)

associated with meeting USAID regulations and processing amendments to EGO agreements. The incumbent will collect program data and contribute quantitative and qualitative input into the Mission's Operational Plan, Performance Plan & Report, Feed the Future Monitoring System, and other required program impact reports.

Strategic Planning and Project Design – 25%

The Resident Hire USPSC Agriculture Program Specialist is a key agriculture team member in the Economic Growth Office (EGO) and supports the technical team on new project development and design through his/her technical experience in agriculture, rural development, and food security. The Specialist serves as a member of Mission teams responsible for providing support to the Feed the Future (FtF) Team on the design and evaluation of USAID assistance, including the CDCS and FtF and Western Highlands and Verapaces Integrated Program activities.

Analysis and Communications – 30%

The Specialist keeps abreast of the latest research and developments in the agriculture and food security fields, conducts field consultations, and tests the validity of underlying development assumptions. Through the Specialist’s research and consultations, s/he will conduct analysis related to the areas of agriculture and food security in order to improve the design and implementation of USAID/Guatemala’s programs and achieve the goals of the CDCS. S/he provides technical advice on other agriculture productivity projects related to different crops and advising on conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. S/he will be expected to succinctly communicate analyses of agriculture and food security issues in written form and at meetings. The incumbent prepares briefing documents, success stories, and responses to requests from USAID/Washington and participates in the drafting of annual technical, programmatic and fiscal reports.

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO)

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

Level of complexity of work assignments: The Resident Hire USPSC Agriculture Program Specialist must use sound judgment in addressing tasks and responsibilities, and in setting work-related priorities. This is particularly important in dealing with working-level contacts within the Mission, Embassy, and with contractors/grantees, IPs, other donors, and host-government officials.

Knowledge level required: The Resident Hire USPSC Agriculture Program Specialist must be proficient in keyboarding and in operating computers with standard software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Platforms, and other software programs as designated. The specialist must be proficient in using the Internet, virtual meeting platforms, and Email. In addition, the specialist should demonstrate a basic knowledge of the agriculture sector in Guatemala and the region and experience partnering with diverse stakeholders.

Supervisory Controls: The jobholder reports directly to the Agriculture Team lead, and receives day-to-day direction and work assignments from the Office Director when needed.

Guidelines: ADS, FAR, Acquisition and Assistance, and ethics information available for AORs/CORs, Project Agreements, Contracts, Grants, Regulation 216, Country Plan, and USAID policy statements (including the Global Food Security Strategy for Guatemala).

Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position’s responsibilities: The incumbent will work in a multicultural team which requires strong communication and teamwork skills.

Scope and effect of the work performed: The scope of the work will be focused on the advancement of agriculture and food security activities in Guatemala. The position will be engaged in leading the office in activity design processes as required in the USAID program development and implementation cycle, including serving as lead for required analyses and steps from design to award, as well as serving as an Activity Manager for central activities, and overall FtF portfolio reporting and performance tracking. In addition, the position will respond to reporting requirements related to the Root Causes Strategy and the use of Ukraine Supplemental funds.

Level and purpose of contacts: Contacts will be maintained virtually, in person, by phone, or by written or electronic communication with Office and Mission staff, and with relevant senior Host Government officials, private-sector representatives, and staff of other foreign donor institutions. The nature of these contacts will be technical and

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO) administrative.

Supervision/oversight over others: Continuing supervision of other Mission staff is not contemplated. This job will have no oversight or supervision.

Authority to make commitments: The jobholder does not have the authority to commit the USG to the expenditure of funds.

Travel requirements: Travel will be rare and will be just in case the incumbent may be sent on a TDY or site visits.

Support Items: Personal computer, telephone, printer, etc. Office equipment $2,500 to up to $4,000.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Minimum qualification requirements: In order to be considered for the position, an offeror must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Offerors will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered.

A. Education: University degree (BA, BSc) in agriculture, biology, natural resources management, environment, food security or related field required.

B. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible, professional experience in agriculture, rural development, and/or economic growth, experience. Prior project management experience and technical knowledge in the field of agriculture and food security is required. Experience working in Guatemala or in the region is desirable.

The ability to obtain the background investigation, medical clearance, and legal permission to work in Guatemala, within a reasonable amount of time is required for the position.

C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of rural agriculture development, agricultural practices, food security, and rural social issues in Guatemala and the region. A working knowledge of agricultural research, technology, value chains, production systems, markets, and policies as well as

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO) nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart agriculture, gender and food security is desired.

Knowledge of USAID programs and project management procedures is desirable but not required. Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, word processing, and spread sheet preparation and analysis is required.

D. Language Proficiency: Advance level(fluent) English language proficiency, in both speaking and writing, as well as Advance level (fluent) Spanish language proficiency, in both speaking and writing, is required. USAID reserves the right to test language proficiency.

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.

Offerors meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the offer. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews and reference checks with the top ranked short-listed offerors. The interview and references will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

A. Education and Technical Knowledge and Abilities (Weighted 25% based on application review)

● Relevant academic qualifications;

● A thorough knowledge of rural agriculture development, agricultural practices, food security, and rural social issues in Guatemala

● Ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of most of the following:

agricultural research, technology, value chains, production systems, markets, and policies as well as nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart agriculture, gender and food security. Knowledge of USAID programs and project management procedures is desirable but not required.

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

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO)

B. Professional Experience (Weighted 40% based on application review and interview with case study)

● Experience in Agriculture Development

● Experience in Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture activities

C. Interpersonal, Leadership and Communication Skills (35% based on application review and interview)

● Fluent in speaking and reading English

● Fluent written and verbal communication skills in Spanish;

● Interpersonal and teamwork skills;

● Ability to work effectively in a team environment;

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals.”

2. 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.

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

a. A signed cover letter of no more than three (3) pages that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the work requirements.

b. A Curriculum Vitae which must contain sufficient and clearly identified information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

i. Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed.

Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

ii. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

iii. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO) accomplishments. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification.

4. Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the applications.

5. Application must be submitted ONLY via email to guatemalavacancies@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: USPSC SOL#72052023R00006 – Agriculture Program Specialist for EGO. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

6. 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.*

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

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 Form (Department of State Forms)

2. Request for Security Action, (AID 6-1)

3.Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306)

VI. BENEFITS

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 mailto:guatemalavacancies@usaid.gov

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO)

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

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/ads/policy/aidar

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT

2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/aidar

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO)

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

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 in 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 in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an 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 .

Line Items:

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at Award after

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g.

R497]

- Accounting Info:

[insert one or more negotiati ons with

Contracto r_ https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ https://www.usaid.gov/forms%20

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO) citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1001 Option Period 1 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at Award after negotiati ons

- Product Service Code: [e.g.

R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS] with

Contracto r_

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD

at Award after

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g.

R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS] negotiati ons with

Contracto r_

4. 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.

AAPD 22-02 Telework and Remote Work Policy for US Personal Service Contracts with Individuals, July 13, 2022

AAPD 21-05 Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for USPSCs USPSC Paid Parental Leave Timekeeping Payroll Process, November 23, 2021

AAPD 21-04 Executive Order 14042 on Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Awards (FAR Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c), June 6, 2022

AAPD 21-01 Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the AIDAR Appendices D and J, March 26, 2021 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

Agriculture Program Specialist Economic Growth Office (EGO)

AAPD 18-02 Revisions to Medevac Policies for USPSCs and TCNPSCs, February 16, AAPD 10-01 Personal Service Contracts – Changes in USG Reimbursement Amounts for Health Insurance and Physical Examination Costs, January 8, 2010

AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical expense payment responsibility, October 30, 2006

AAPD 06-08 AIDAR, Appendices D and J: Using the Optional Schedule to Incrementally Fund Contracts, June 23, 2006

5. 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 .

6. 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/basic-page/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations%20 https://www.usaid.gov/basic-page/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov