SOL 72052122R00006 USTCNPSC Elections Political Processes Advisor.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: 72052122R00006

ISSUANCE DATE: December 23, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: January 13, 2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Services Contract

(US/TCNPSC) Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor, 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

Solicitation #:72052122R00006

Senior Election & Political Processes Advisor

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052122R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 23, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 13, 2022

11:59 pm, Haiti local time

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $ 110,460 - $ 143,598 equivalent to GS-15

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 (TCN)

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 are no qualified U.S. Citizens

(including permanent legal residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals will be considered.

References 309.3.1.10 and 309.3.1.4.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

If a U.S. Citizen, the apparently successful offeror shall be required to obtain a “Secret” level

Security Clearance as a pre-condition for employment. For a TCN, an `Employment

Authorization’ is required as a pre-condition for employment. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

( 1) Purpose of the Contract:

USAID/Haiti is seeking the services of a USPSC/TCNPSC to serve as Senior Election

& Political Processes Advisor in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

(2) Introduction:

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor will provide technical leadership and management of the elections and political processes portfolio at USAID /Haiti. The objective of this position is to provide strategic and technical guidance, and program management support to the Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) Office at USAID/Haiti with a focus on its election and political processes program.

(3) Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor will manage the high-profile elections and political processes program, and will work closely with, coordinate, and seek advice from the DRG Office Director, Deputy Mission Director or his/her designee, the Mission Director or his/her designee, and other USAID Senior Staff.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

A. Program Management

● If the incumbent does not have an active AOR/COR certification, or in the timeframe prior to receiving AOR/COR certification, the incumbent will serve as technical advisor to the current

Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) for the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes

Strengthening (CEPPS) Associate Award implemented by the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute and the International Foundation on Electoral Systems and/or other partners working in the elections and political processes sub sector.

● When the incumbent earns AOR/COR certification, s/he will serve as the AOR of the CEPPS

Associate Award and/or other mechanisms providing support to elections and political processes activities. The incumbent will provide overall technical and financial management of the elections and political processes activity in line with USAID's AOR responsibilities.

● S/he will stay informed of developments in the field of elections and political processes and constitutional reform in Haiti, provide strategic technical guidance and direction to implementing partners, assess partner performance, verify progress reports and activities are responsive to respective scopes of work, attend key meetings with partners and stakeholders and report on activities in a timely manner, monitor results, resolve problems as they arise and provide regular updates on the political environment to the DRG Office Director and senior USAID staff.

● Provide regular, detailed updates (oral and written) to USAID/Haiti DRG Office Director on the status of the elections, political processes and constitutional reform activities in Haiti.

● Draft correspondence and reports related to elections, political processes, consensus building and constitutional reform activities, including reviews and comments on implementing partners' proposals and budgets as well as the political relevance and impact of their activities.

B. Internal USG Coordination

● At the request of the DRG Office Director, the incumbent will provide briefings, strategic and technical advice, and policy recommendations to USAID/DRG, USG Mission, the interagency and/or high-level U.S. government stakeholders on effective implementation of USAID/Haiti's elections and political processes program, and broader consensus building efforts in Haiti towards constitutional reform.

● The incumbent will coordinate activities with internal USG stakeholders in managing technical assistance to the Provisional Electoral Commission, efforts towards constitutional reform, capacity building of GOH institutions, civic engagement in electoral and political processes, and all aspects ofUSAID/Haiti's elections and political processes activity.

C. External Stakeholder Coordination

● Coordinate activities closely with GOH electoral officials and technical advisors, foreign donors and other key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the CEP, United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The incumbent will work closely with external stakeholders to determine progress in planning and implementing electoral procedures, including party and candidate registration, training of electoral workers, voter education and registration campaigns, and all other activities associated with USAID's elections and political processes program.

● Participate in donor coordination meetings on elections and political processes, as requested by the DRG Office Director or senior Mission management and submit written meeting notes and recommended follow-up actions.

● In coordination with the DRG team and the Political section of the U.S. Embassy, work closely with external election stakeholders, both GOH and international, in identifying punctual technical assistance needs and in selecting and scheduling specialized consultants, Haitian and international, to carry out specific activities as needed.

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

Very High. The incumbent will be responsible for providing high-level, strategic and technical advice and policy guidance to the USAID mission, USAID's Haiti Team based in Washington, DC and other key counterparts within the Embassy. The incumbent will also be expected to represent

USAID at technical level working meetings with electoral stakeholders, provide advice and guidance to the CEP, as well as to other donors. The incumbent will be expected to make programmatic decisions, in coordination with the DRG Office Director, that represent both the

USG's interests as well as reflect international best practices in elections and political processes program management.

E. Level of complexity of work assignments:

Very High. The incumbent must be able to balance multiple priorities and continually assess the actual program needs within the parameters of USAID's elections and political processes programming. Due to the highly complex, contentious and at times violent political environment in

Haiti, the incumbent must constantly assess programming in the context of the political landscape and ensure that USAID's program activities support transparent, credible and peaceful electoral processes. This position requires a high-level of technical expertise in election and political processes program design, management and implementation.

F. Knowledge level required:

Very High. The position requires a high level of knowledge and experience designing, managing and/or implementing elections and political processes programs in insecure environments in the international context. As noted above, Haitian elections can be highly contentious. Knowledge and experience working on elections and political processes in Haiti is preferred, but not required.

G. Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position's responsibilities:

Very High. The electoral field in Haiti is quite complex and requires diligent tracking and focus in order to ensure that USAID programs continue to respond to existing needs. Elections are often postponed or critical decisions can occur hours before elections are actually scheduled to begin. As a result, the position's responsibilities will rarely be exactly the same from day to day.

Therefore, the incumbent must be flexible and willing to adapt to the dynamic electoral environment.

H. Scope and effect of the work performed:

This position will serve as USAID's and the Embassy's primary point of contact on elections in

Haiti. The scope of the work will vary as the electoral calendar and specific activities evolve. However, the position will include writing briefing documents, providing input to reporting papers, managing USAID's elections and political processes portfolio, representing USAID at high-level meetings both inside and outside of the

Embassy and possibly designing new electoral strengthening programs.

I. Level and purpose of contacts:

This position will require high level contacts within members of the CEP, political parties, civil society, the donor community, and other key stakeholders.

J. Supervision/oversight over others: None - this is a non-supervisory position.

K. Guidelines: (availability of them for required work): USAID Automated Directives System

(ADS), Mission Orders, Foreign Affairs Manual, Administrative Notices, Contracts, Grants, etc.

(4) Supervisory Controls: Incumbent is expected to act independently, in coordination with and direction from USAID/Haiti's DRG Office Director.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

● Education/Experience required for this position: A Bachelor's degree in political science or social sciences plus seven years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure contexts.

OR

A Master's Degree in political science, public policy, law or international relations, or a law degree plus five years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure environments.

● Language Skills: Level IV (fluent) English is required. French at a level C1 (Advanced French) or higher based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) rating system. Ability to read and speak at a professional level in English and French on the core programmatic areas is required and will be tested.

● Abilities & Skills: Day-to-day experience managing USG-funded contracts and grants.

Experience managing and/or working successfully with teams. Strong written and oral communication skills, presentation skills, and interpersonal skills.

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.

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

“USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will

USAID evaluate TCN offers.]

Education/Experience required for this position: A Bachelor's degree in political science or social sciences plus seven years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure contexts.

OR

A Master's Degree in political science, public policy, law or international relations, or a law degree plus five years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure environments.

● Abilities & Skills: Day-to-day experience managing USG-funded contracts and grants.

Experience managing and/or working successfully with teams. Strong written and oral communication skills, presentation skills, and interpersonal skills.

● Education: (20 points)

● Prior Work Experience & Knowledge: (40 points)

● Language Proficiency: (20 points)

● Abilities & Skills: (20 points)

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

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.

● 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.

II. 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

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

5. 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

III. 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.

IV. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

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 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) Annual and Sick Leave

*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)] http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ 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

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 many allowances from AIDAR Appendix D that are on par with other offshore hires.

V. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State 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.

VI. 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. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR

FEDERALCONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-

FAR22-01c)

(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

(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.

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)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F) https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

2 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_

4. 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

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 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