Sol_72052622R00001-Senior Localization Advisor_signed.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052622R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: 03/23/2022

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 04/06/2022 at 17:00 (Asuncion time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Senior Localization Advisor, GS-14 equivalent

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.

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 questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment I.

Sincerely, Marty George Contracting Executive Officer USAID/Peru

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7205262200001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/23/2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 04/06/2022 at 17:00 (Asuncion time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Monica Ortiz, email at usaidparaguay@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Localization Advisor

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: The contract duration will be a maximum of one year estimated to start on June 1, 2022.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Paraguay with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to all U.S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance is required.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

USAID/Paraguay's strategy under the "Culture of Lawfulness'' Project Appraisal Document (PAD), calls for programmatic integration across the democracy and economic growth sectors, with a strong focus on the Agency’s Localization and Inclusive Development strategies. The Agency’s new vision includes working with and through local partners to ensure sustainable local development. Some of the initiatives under Localization include the New Partnerships Initiative and local capacity building efforts, also in line with the Agency’s vision for Local Works. The Culture of Lawfulness PAD has three components: Rule of Law, Formalization of Economic Opportunities, and Citizen Oversight, and a complementary Local Works program. All of these programs are to be immediately implemented through the Localization and Inclusive Development approaches.

The Senior Localization Advisor serves as USAID/Paraguay's short term expert Senior Advisor to guide the design of the Office of the Country Representative’s Localization and Inclusive Development strategy. The Senior Localization Advisor would guide the design and kick off the implementation of USAID/Paraguay’s Localization efforts, while mentoring the incoming Global Development Officer who will ultimately lead implementation. The incumbent will provide strategic guidance and mentor the mailto:usaidparaguay@usaid.gov

Paraguay team on the complex design related to Localization, including local capacity building, new partnerships initiative, local leadership development, among other related areas. He/she would also serve as the senior advisor on OCR engagement with Taiwan. He/she will report directly to the Country Representative.

The incumbent must be able to collaborate extensively, providing short-term expert advice at the highest levels, with local civil society and grassroots organizations, other USG agencies, international cooperation and a multitude of Paraguayan government entities. The incumbent must have the highest level of technical expertise and the skillset to mentor the officer whose anticipated arrival is August 2022, who will then lead the implementation of the Localization approach. This short term expert-advisor position also encompasses mentoring a strong cadre of local LES/FSN technical specialists, and requires strong interpersonal skills. Despite a relatively small portfolio, this is a highly visible position with direct access to leadership at Post and within the Paraguayan Government.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design USAID/Paraguay’s Localization Strategy 40%

1. Designs a vision for the Mission’s Localization and Inclusive

Development efforts, in close coordination with the Program Office and technical teams.

2. Provides strategic advice in the design and improvement of the Mission’s New Partnerships Initiative (NPI) plan.

3. Develops a plan for the Mission’s Local Capacity Building efforts.

4. Provides expert strategic guidance to shape the Mission’s Local

Works program.

5. Provides expert strategic advice in the design of Formalization activities related to Anti-Corruption and Governance reforms.

Implement USAID/Paraguay’s Localization strategy 60%

1. Provides expert advice to OCR, Embassy, USAID implementers, government counterparts and other donors on the Agency’s vision for Localization and Inclusive Development. Ensures a Localization approach is implemented throughout all technical activities.

2. Provides strategic advice and supports the start-up of new awards with local and underutilized implementing partners, in line with the Agency’s localization vision and local capacity building approach.

3. Coordinates the implementation of a Leadership Training for local leaders and office staff.

4. Provides expert strategic guidance for engagement with local private sector actors, in all program areas, and specifically for Rule of Law-related activities.

5. Provides strategic advice and guidance to OCR and the Embassy interagency on opportunities for engagement with Taiwan.

C. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The incumbent works under the supervision of the USAID/Paraguay Country Representative. Assignments are made orally and in writing and the incumbent is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the Country Representative, the Program and Resources Director, and/or others.

D. SUPERVISORY CONTROL:

The incumbent exercises full advisory responsibility over one USDH and at least eight high ranking FSNs. Advisory responsibilities include strategic advice and guidance in decision making processes, definition of preferred approaches, strategic advice and guidance in project start-up, training and mentoring high-level FSNs in the implementation of the Localization and Inclusive Development strategies.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent travel, at least one week per month, to project sites throughout the country are required.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A Master’s degree in an area related to International Development, such as Economics, Management, Social or Political Sciences, or International Development is required.

Experience: A minimum of fifteen years of professional expert experience in a field related to international and/or community development is required.

Language: Fluency in English and Spanish language is required (Level III, self-assessed) in both speaking and reading.

Job Knowledge: An in-depth, expert-level knowledge on the topics of international development, including community-led and inclusive development, and local capacity building are required. Knowledge of programmatic integration in the areas of rule of law, governance, anti-corruption, civil society oversight and economic formalization are highly desirable, as is contextual knowledge of Paraguay.

Skills and Abilities: The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills. The incumbent must have the ability to represent USAID to external audiences, to include engagement of ministerial and near-ministerial members of the GOP and leaders of non-governmental and private sector organizations in order to develop, further, and coordinate USAID Localization and Inclusive Development activities. S/he must also be capable of briefing Embassy and USAID officials, including the Front Office, as well as USG VIP visitors, non-governmental organization (NGO) stakeholders, and the public on the various aspects of USAID/Paraguay’s portfolio.

Judgment and discretion in determining development priorities and appropriate courses of action are critical.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

a) Interpersonal and communication skills: 35%

b) Job Knowledge: 35%

c) Language Proficiency: 20%

d) Education and Work Experience: 10%

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

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” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms

2. A cover letter of no more than 1 page that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation;

3. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which, at a minimum, describes education, experience and career achievements relevant to the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation;

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far http://www.usaid.gov/forms

4. Names of three professional references that have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation, including current and accurate contact information. This information may be included in in cover letter, resume/CV, or in a separate document.

5. Proof of U.S. Citizenship

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

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

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

*See Notice Regarding Any Cour 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.

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

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

2. Form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,”

3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843) **

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (SF-86) ** or

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

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

** Forms 3 through 6 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:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

[If the solicitation is also open to TCNs, the CO must insert the benefits and allowances specifically approved by the Mission Director for a TCN offeror in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B).]

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

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING

TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. 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

(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.

(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

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)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: to be specified in the award

1 LOT $TBD $TBD at award after negotiations with contractor

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

AAPDs/CIBs specifically applicable to this position include:

AAPD 16-03: Expanded Incentive Awards for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

AAPD 15-02 REVISED - Continuation of Deviation from the ‘Leave and Holidays’ clause, including Family and Medical Leave, for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

AAPD 10-03 Amendment 1: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPD 10-01: Personal Services Contracts -- Changes in USG Reimbursement Amounts for Health Insurance and Physical Examination Costs

AAPD 06-10: PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

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/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

[End of Solicitation] https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations