SOL 72052122R00020 US TCNPSC Senior DOClp.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: 72052122R00020

ISSUANCE DATE: July 6, 2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 31, 2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third-Country National Personal Services Contract Senior Development Outreach & Communication (DOC) Specialist, 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

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052122R00020

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 6, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 31, 2022 11:59 pm, Haiti local time

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach & Communication (DOC) Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $ 95,973 - $ 124,764 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 October

2022.

The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start o/a October 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for four (4) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a October 2022 – October 2024 Option Period 1: o/a October 2024 – October 2025 Option Period 2: o/a October 2025 – October 2026 Option Period 3: o/a October 2026 – October 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: Secret.

mailto:usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Senior DOC Specialist will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Haiti’s programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Haiti, in accordance with the Mission’s communications strategy and evolving circumstances and in full coordination with broader USG strategy and objectives in Haiti.

It will be especially critical for the incumbent to be adept at eliciting and applying input from many sources in the Mission and throughout Haiti to ensure that USAID programs are actively and appropriately publicized. This will require senior experience in the public relations field, as well as a deep understanding of USG foreign policy. The use of judgment in these functions, as well as cultural sensitivity, is particularly important as it relates to USG foreign policy and relationships with the host government and public.

This position is a two-year contract, renewable based upon satisfactory performance and the continued need for the position by the Mission. The work requires close collaboration with the Embassy Public Affairs Section, Mission Director, Deputy Mission Directors, Mission senior staff, Mission Program Office, and staff, as well as USAID in Washington. It will be critical for the incumbent to have an understanding of the concerns and attitudes of the Haitian public, the Government of Haiti, and local staff and partners.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development Outreach and Media Activities (50%):

The Specialist directs the preparation and maintenance of information packages on the USAID and USG programs in Haiti – with standard basic packages for differing purposes (media, the public, educational institutions, the Government of Haiti and district and local level governments), for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and, for USAID/Washington, the US Embassy. The Specialist oversees the drafting of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments, and provides drafts to the PAO for dissemination, as appropriate; follows up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events; works with staff from throughout the Mission to develop and maintain public relations materials, to the extent possible in English, French and Creole, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations, websites, and other visual displays on USAID programs/projects/activities and their objectives; distributes reports on field trips and assessments conducted by USAID staff; and, participates in field trips as necessary.

The Specialist represents USAID and the US Mission at a senior level in all matters pertaining to Development Outreach and Communication activities with the Government of Haiti, other donors, the UN, domestic and international media, and other groups and institutions; and, as appropriate, assists the Government of Haiti to build their capacity to manage public affairs and outreach activities. The Specialist is a creative agent for dissemination of important information through Government of Haiti intermediaries.

The Specialist manages, in coordination with staff, an ongoing multi-media outreach campaign that targets and informs specific portions of the Haiti public, including assisting in the design of Scopes of Work (SOW) to be used in Requests for Proposals (RFP); may include participation in the evaluation and selection of parties to execute campaigns; and may include assistance in-kind to the Government of Haiti’s contractors executing promotional campaigns.

Press and Media Coordination (25%):

The Specialist monitors local and international press coverage for awareness of, and attitudes toward, USAID/Haiti and USG programs/projects/activities; provides feedback to inform USAID staff on ongoing activities and future programming; serves as lead for USAID/Haiti in contacting representatives of local and international media in Haiti, in order to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs/projects; organizes media tours and facilitates contacts among members of the media and USAID/Haiti IPs, in order to encourage in-depth coverage of USAID/Haiti programs/projects/activities in the local and international media; organizes and coordinates press events for USAID/Haiti programs/projects/activities, such as inaugurations, ribbon-cuttings, and project completions, including writing press releases, organizing background briefings for the media, compiling and disseminating press packets, dealing with protocol issues, site selection, staging and logistical issues, identifying and scheduling speakers, providing liaison with US and local government officials, and on-site coordination of media; and, assists the media to ensure coverage of public events. With Government of Haiti partners, the Specialist travels to the field for familiarization with programs/projects/ activities, to capture success stories for dissemination through the website, outreach folders, and the media, and to coordinate media coverage. The Specialist responds to general inquiries from the public and media about USAID/Haiti and USG programs/projects/activities, practices, and other general information requests; and, maintains an archive of USAID press and media exposure articles for analysis and historical documentation, in an easily accessible database.

USG Coordination (15%):

The Specialist assists the Embassy Office of Public Affairs (PAO), USAID/Haiti, and partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID and USG humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives; develops, designs, and implements the development communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID/Haiti programs to external target audiences.

The Specialist manages all development outreach and communications-related contracts for the implementation of the strategy – including the oversight and execution of the approved outreach campaigns; produces media-savvy clips and campaign slogans to ensure target audience awareness of programs/projects/activities funded by USAID/Haiti throughout the country; provides USAID/Washington and the Embassy with information on programs; advises Mission management and other USAID/Haiti staff on press and media relations; and, ensures a broadcasted, targeted, coherent, and consistent message comes from all USAID/Haiti staff and IPs.

Development Outreach and Communication Strategy (10%):

The Specialist counsels the USAID Mission Director and senior USAID Mission Staff on all communication and outreach efforts. Develops and manages a comprehensive Development Outreach and Communication Strategy that promotes USAID/Haiti programs to internal and external audiences, ensuring public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and other USG Agencies, facilitating information access and sharing within the entire US Mission to Haiti; and, strengthening Mission reporting functions to USAID/Washington, the Department of State, and the US Congress. The USAID/Haiti

Development Outreach and Communication Strategy defines the role and objectives of USAID and USG assistance, and how information will be used to highlight the impact of USAID and USG assistance to Haiti. The Specialist leads USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information programs, oversees all USAID/Haiti branding, provides guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media, and ensures a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and partners. The intention is to substantially increase the effective use of multimedia to enhance the message of development throughout Haiti, through written and visual means. Additionally, as a senior official of USAID/Haiti, the Specialist serves as the lead for all official USAID/Haiti visitors, from the US Embassy, USAID/Washington, VIPs. The Specialist manages and maintains site visit schedules, prepares briefing materials and scene setters, coordinates meetings and briefings with Implementing Partners (IPs), constituents, other donors, and officials; and handles all logistics related to visits. It is fully expected that the materials developed by the Specialist will be used in US coverage of events in Haiti, and therefore geared toward a broad and experienced audience.

OTHER POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will report to the PCPS Office Director, USAID/Haiti.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:

a. Relationship in the USAID Mission: The incumbent ensures that the many diverse elements of USAID and its constituencies play active roles in the development and implementation of USAID's public relations activities, taking a proactive role to ensure that these actions highlight the strong U.S.-Haitian partnership and emphasize the benefits that Haiti receives from American foreign assistance, while incorporating sensitivity to local issues and cultural considerations.

b. Relationship with Public Affairs Section: The Senior DOC Specialist works closely with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section on a range of activities including, but not limited to, public relations strategy development and contacts with the Haitian media.

S/He ensures that key operational linkages and feedback systems are maintained.

c. Relationship with USAID/Washington: The Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs

(LPA) and the Latin America Bureau in Washington are important stakeholders in public relations activities focused on U.S. foreign assistance to Haiti. The incumbent is the principal mission contact with LPA and is responsible for coordinating all appropriate actions with LPA's Public Relations Division and in ensuring that all Washington policies related to public relations are followed and that concerns, and local environment are communicated back to Washington.

d. Other Relationships: The DOC Specialist has a wide range of other contacts including the U.S. Embassy, involving the Office of the Ambassador, Government of Haiti ministry representatives, U.S. and Haitian journalists, and representatives from U.S. and Haitian television/Radio. The incumbent has a close relationship with USAID contractors, indigenous and U.S. NGOs, and other donors.

NOTE: If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least [2days/16hours per week] of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The S/EXO will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or a related degree to international development is required.

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of eight years of professional experience in public relations is required, at least one of which is with a U.S. government entity funding international development or economic assistance, or a private organization in this field funded by the U.S.

government. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required, as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public. Experience in disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, stories), and targeting a variety of audiences. Furthermore, candidates will demonstrate outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure; and, have demonstrated initiative and creativity. Candidates will be expected to show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction. Experience with international aid projects is desirable. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences.

Communication proficiency and other: The successful candidate will have a high level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a closely knit team environment. The candidate will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software, one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop.

Language Proficiency: The successful candidate will be native English speaker.

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

“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: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or a related degree to international development is required.

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of eight years of professional experience in public relations is required, at least one of which is with a U.S. government entity funding international development or economic assistance, or a private organization in this field funded by the U.S.

government. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required, as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public. Experience in disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, stories), and targeting a variety of audiences. Furthermore, candidates will demonstrate outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure; and, have demonstrated initiative and creativity. Candidates will be expected to show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction. Experience with international aid projects is desirable. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences.

Communication proficiency and other: The successful candidate will have a high level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a closely knit team environment. The candidate will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software, one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop.

● Work Experience 40 points

● Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 30 points

● Communication Proficiency 30 points

● Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: 20 points

● Education Pass/Fail https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Total Possible Point - 120

● 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.

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

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)

- List of a minimum of three (3) professional references with accurate telephone and e-mail information 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 mailto:usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2

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.

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 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 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

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

VI. 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.

VII. 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.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

(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)

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 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