SOL 72052122R00003 HIV Team Lead.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development American Embassy, Port-au-Prince Boulevard 15 Octobre, Tabarre 41 P.O. Box 1634 Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Tel: +(509) 2229-8000 Fax: +(509) 2229-8066 www.usaid.gov/ht

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052122R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 5, 2021

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Services Contract (US/TCNPSC) HIV Team Lead, USAID/Haiti

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 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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Leslie Petersen

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052122R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 5, 2021 11:59 pm, Haiti local time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/EXO HR Team; usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: HIV Team Lead

6. MARKET VALUE: $93,907 - $122,077 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) year base period estimated to start o/a March 2022.

The base period will be Two (2) years, estimated to start o/a March 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for three (3) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a March 2022 – March 2024 Option Period 1: o/a March 2024 – March 2025 Option Period 2: o/a March 2025 – March 2026 Option Period 3: o/a March 2026 – March 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port-au-Prince, Haiti with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful Permanent legal residents) or Third Country Nationals.

Hiring Preference:

In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there is no qualified U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals (TCN) will be considered. References 309.3.1.10 and 309.3.1.4.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The USAID Mission in Haiti has an annual operating budget of approximately $125 million and 168 staff. The Health Office represents about 60% of the budget with approximately $72 million in FY19 and FY20 with $3.2m for the COVID19 crisis response. Approximately $50 million of the health office budget is for programming under the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR is the United States governmental response for addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and is helping save the lives of those suffering from the disease. A USPSC will be recruited to serve as the HIV/AIDS Team Lead and manage USAID/Haiti’s response collaborating closely with interagency counterparts comprised of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State Department, and liaising with Government of Haiti Ministry of Health, other donors, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The HIV Team Lead will serve as a high-level HIV technical expert to USAID/Haiti’s Health Office and Mission leadership and represent USAID within the interagency and with external counterparts. The incumbent will be a part of the overall Health Office Management Team and be responsible for contributing to USAID’s PEPFAR results.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

HIV Technical Leadership, Team Management and Coordination & Reporting

Provide technical direction, team management, and coordination and reporting in implementing

USAID/Haiti PEPFAR-funded activities.

A. Technical Leadership (40%)

• Keep abreast of current and new HIV/AIDS issues, interpret technical HIV/AIDS guidance into actionable recommendations, and provide leadership in key programmatic areas across the PEPFAR portfolio.

• Lead programming of HIV testing, treatment and care services, as well as programming targeting to selected vulnerable groups and key populations such as Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), people living with HIV/AIDS, adolescent girls and young women as well as technical assistance in supply chain management.

• Develop and review USAID technical and financial inputs into the annual Country Operational Plan (COP) for USG Haiti PEPFAR with HIV team.

• Provide high level technical leadership to staff members and implementing partners (IPs) to ensure all IPs are maximizing integrated approaches that are strategic and cost effective.

• Lead refinement or reprogramming of COP technical approaches for scaling up USAID Haiti PEPFAR activities in targeted departments and districts.

• Keep Program, Finance and Contracting Offices abreast of OGAC fast moving technical directives and approaches, including directives to quickly expand local partners.

• Guide HIV team in modifying current programs and/or generating new designs which align with OGAC technical guidelines and program priorities to enhance effectiveness of HIV results.

• Represent USAID during consultations with HIV Technical Working Groups with Ministry of Health Officials, Donors, and NGO/private sector counterparts.

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

• Identify opportunities for working with new partners, including private sector entities to expand HIV activities and country ownership.

• Generate/adapt technical tools and materials for evidence based, state-of-the-art models to scale up HIV programs and reach vulnerable groups.

• Ensure staff inputs in the planning and execution of VIP visits to USAID HIV funded sites including preparing briefers, background materials and related documents.

• Guide staff in generating and documenting program activities, e.g. factsheets, blogs, and social media posts highlighting USAID HIV lessons learned, achievements and results.

• Advise senior management, Embassy and USAID/Washington on strategic decisions and technical approaches for expanding USAID PEPFAR funded activities in Haiti.

• Identify promising, innovative and sustainable models to advance PEPFAR funded activities within the context of Haiti.

B. Team Management and Mentoring (40%)

• Mentor and supervise (6) HIV Team members in COP strategy development, project design, program implementation and evaluation.

• Oversee management of all USAID/Haiti’s bilateral and field support HIV activities based on

OGAC guidelines and best practices in achieving results.

• Coach team in analysis and use of technical data for programmatic and strategic decision making for COP development and implementation.

• Manage planning, allocation and expenditures of the annual HIV/AIDS team budget and ensure timely obligations for sound financial accounting of funds.

• Lead staff through acquisition and assistance actions in collaboration with OAA, OFM and

Program Offices as per Agency guidance.

• Identify gaps in HIV team knowledge and opportunities for advancing empowerment and professional development.

• Serve as AOR/COR of at least two HIV activities: BRIDGE $10m Cooperative Agreement;

SPOTLIGHT $1.9m Cooperative Agreement

• Coach other AOR/CORs in managing awards, and monitoring and evaluating programs for results under the PEPFAR portfolio, including identifying problems and solutions.

• Ensure staff mastery and certification in GLAAS as requesters, refine skills in tracking accruals, generating quarterly pipelines, and active participation in Quarterly Financial Reviews.

• Provide detailed oversight of PEPFAR finances ensuring that funds are utilized according to USG policy/regulations, and that country programs are using resources effectively.

• Support AORs/CORs preparations to plan and execute routine review meetings with interagency counterparts and IPs and undertake periodic portfolio reviews to assess program progress and finance financial performance.

• Empower AORs/CORS to proactively manage projects and activities, identify problems and generate solutions.

• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to mission management to enhance professional development and empowerment of FSN staff.

• Coach staff in working closely with the GOH and other key stakeholders including the

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Global Fund and other international agencies working on HIV in Haiti.

• Improve staff skills in strengthening HIV/AIDS activities at the national and sub-national levels to ensure country ownership and technical capacity.

• Reinforce staff’s role in contributing to team cohesion and accountability in advancing

USAID’s HIV/AIDS priorities and aligning with GOH goals in its Journey to Self-Reliance.

• Serve as Acting Deputy Office Director, as needed.

C. Coordination and Reporting (20%)

• Coordinate with USG PEPFAR interagency team ensuring collaboration throughout the COP planning and implementation process.

• Represent USAID/Haiti at high level HIV meetings with IPs, donors, government, USG Agencies and international and local counterparts.

• Collaborate closely with the Global Fund on joint planning and implementation of the national HIV/AIDS program.

• Lead Health Office inputs for preparation of key PEPFAR quarterly, bi-annually, and annual reporting.

• Direct preparation, analysis and documentation for other reporting and periodic conference calls by USAID and the US Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) OGAC, as required.

• In collaboration with the interagency, plan, coordinate and participate in PEPFAR meetings and conferences within the interagency for COP development, review, negotiation and approval.

• Provide inputs into interagency documents, cables or other materials as requested by the mission, Embassy USAID/Washington and OGAC on HIV/AIDS activities.

OTHER POSITION ELEMENTS

Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The incumbent will have significant decision-making ability and latitude in planning and executing agreed HIV work assignments by the supervisor. S/he will have significant ability to make time sensitive technical decisions in consultation with the supervisor.

Level and purpose of contacts: As the Team Lead, s/he will present results on USAID HIV/AIDS trends and provide recommendations to the Office Director and Front Office on policies, strategies and programs to advance HIV/AIDS service delivery. The incumbent may often represent USAID at high level technical meetings and provide briefings on the HIV portfolio to the Front Office, Ambassador and other key USG stakeholders. The incumbent will also have frequent contact with counterparts with the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC), Office of Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) and USAID/Washington Global Health Bureau on USG priorities and technical programming of HIV investments. The incumbent contacts outside USG will include technical HIV/AIDS counterparts and host-country officials within

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti key Ministries, donors and Implementing Partners (IPs). The purpose of contacts whether inside or outside of USAID is to influence, motivate, or persuade persons or groups who are typically skeptical, resistant, or uncooperative in implementing USAID/Haiti PEPFAR programs.

Supervision Control: The incumbent will be supervised by the FSN Health Office Deputy Director. The supervisor will provide broad direction and outline work objectives. The incumbent is expected to work both independently and as a part of a team with little or no direction. The incumbent also has the authority to prioritize his/her own workload in the management of the HIV Team.

Supervision/oversight over others: The incumbent will directly supervise six (6) locally employed staff: two Project Management Assistants, Project Management Specialist (HIS), Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Advisor), Project Management Specialists (Supply Chain), And Project Management Specialist (Care & Treatment). In order to empower FSN staff, s/he will be required to mentor and provide on-the-job training to Program Management Specialists and Program Assistants to improve HSD team performance. The incumbent will also conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports and assist FSNs to take on more supervisory responsibilities, if appropriate. In the absence of the Deputy Office Director, the HIV Team may be called upon to serve in that capacity for a defined period of time.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, research and evaluation, international development or related field is required.

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in Public Health, Epidemiology, and/or related fields of health with at least five years of experience managing HIV/AIDS activities in developing countries.

Language Proficiency: French Level III and English Level IV required. French language proficiency will be tested.

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

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Prior Work Experience: At least five years of experience managing teams with three years’ experience managing the technical implementation of HIV/AIDS projects in developing countries. Experience leading coordination within and outside USG, especially building relationships with partners in the public and private sectors, host country nationals, bilateral and multilateral donors and/or NGOs is required.

Language: Given the nature of the position, effective written and oral communications are critical to perform successfully in this position. The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and make oral presentations. The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively and persuasively with Mission employees;

within the USG interagency and various Washington-based U.S. Government agencies; senior technical counterpart government officials; international and local organizations, including the private sector, donors and other embassies.

Job Knowledge: Professional knowledge of a broad range of public health, predominantly HIV/AIDS issues, program implementation and monitoring and knowledge of major health challenges in the region, preferably in Francophone cultural/work environments is required. In-depth technical knowledge of principles and practices of development in HIV/AIDS including services to vulnerable populations, OVC, testing, treatment and care and supply chain management; managing teams; and planning, designing, budgeting, and program implementation, monitoring and evaluation is required.

Skills and Abilities: The applicant must possess strong leadership, management, and supervision skills with demonstrated commitment to coaching, mentoring, team building, and professional development. Candidate must have a proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in managing HIV teams. Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain productive working relationships with staff and counterparts both inside and outside of USAID. The incumbent must also demonstrate strong technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in HIV/AIDS and program management. S/he must have the ability to serve in Acting Deputy Office Director capacity, as required. S/he must be able to work in a demanding, complex interagency and often high-stress environment to meet deadlines and ensure consensus in submitting quality work products to USG. Must be a self-starter with strong advocacy, diplomatic and leadership abilities.

• French and English Language Proficiency 10 points

• Work Experience 25 points

• Job Knowledge 25 points

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

• Abilities & Skills 40 points

• Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: Pass/Fail

Total Possible Point -100

• Applicants will be initially screened based on the extent to which the individual meets the minimum qualifications above.

• A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will review and evaluate the applications that meet the minimum requirements and will create a ranking of the most highly rated and technically qualified applicants based on the selection/evaluation criteria.

• The TEC may conduct interviews of the most highly rated applicants before making a selection recommendation to the Contracting Officer (CO). The interview may be one of the determining factors in the final selection, but an interview is not always necessary.

• A technical test and language testing may be required.

• Before a final candidate is selected the Human Resources Unit will perform professional reference checks and they will also be factored into the final selection. The offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

• Due to the volume of responses, individual acknowledgements regarding receipt of applications cannot be made. Only those applicants who are invited for an interview will be notified regarding the status of their applications.

III. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

Information for Personal Services Contracting (PSC) 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. (usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov)

3. Offeror must submit all required documents and clearly reference the Solicitation number on all submitted documents. Incomplete offer packages may be eliminated from further consideration. Only Offerors who meet the minimum requirements may be contacted.

4. Offerors must submit ALL of the following documents:

- A signed Form AID 309-2 Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracting (PSC)

- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.

- A cover letter or Summary Statement Addressing the evaluation factors This Summary https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2 https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2 https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor. The Summary Statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

- Relevant educational certificates (bachelor, master’s degree, etc.)

- List of a minimum of three (3) professional references with accurate telephone and e-mail information

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful candidate about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful candidate instructions about how to complete and submit the necessary forms for security and medical certifications.

V. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2);

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62); *

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86); * or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85); *

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting

Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US/TCNPSC 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) Annual and Sick Leave http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

*Note: A US citizen’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)]

TCNs do not receive identical allowances as USPSCs. However, subject to Mission Director approval, TCNs may receive specific allowances under AIDAR Appendix J sec. 4(c)(2)(ii) and allowances from AIDAR Appendix D.

VI. TAXES

The Mission does not assume any obligation or responsibility to withhold local income taxes from LE Staff salaries. LE Staff are fully responsible for accurately reporting taxable income to tax authorities and paying income taxes. Please note that all US citizens and legal permanent residents/green card holders are required to pay US taxes, which will be deducted through payroll.

VII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING

TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a

Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti

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)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

4001 Option Period 4 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_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 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 https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

ATTACHMENT 1 US/TCNPSC HIV Team Lead Port-au-Prince, Haiti