Sol_72061523R00016.pdf

Postal Address:

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) P.O. Box 629 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya Tel:+ 254-20-363-2000

Courier Address:

USAID/Kenya and East Africa c/o American Embassy United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya

Pouch Address:

American Embassy 8900 Nairobi Place Department of State Washington D.C.

20521-8900

Electronic:

Website:

Email:

Facebook:

Twitter:

usaid.gov/kenya usaid.gov/east-africa-regional usaidkea@usaid.gov USAIDKenya @USAIDKenya and @USAIDEastAfrica

SOLICITATION NO.: 72061523R00016

ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 31, 2023, 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Senior Development Outreach

Communications Specialist, GS-15

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens and/or U.S Resident Aliens to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with the solicitation instructions. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. Offers must be submitted electronically via email to nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above. Late, incomplete, or unsigned offers will not be considered. Scanned copies are accepted by email. Applicants must prominently reference the solicitation number in the application submission.

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 the attachment 1.

Sincerely, -s-

Kion Turner

Executive Officer http://kenya.usaid.gov/ http://kenya.usaid.gov/ mailto:usaidke@usaid.gov mailto:nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov

Attachment 1: Sol_72061523R00016

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72061523R00016

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 31, 2023, at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii < pbii@usaid.gov> and Noel

Sikasa <nsikasa@usaid.gov>

5. POSITION TITLE: U.S. Personal Service Contractor (U.S. PSC) Senior Development Outreach

Communications Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $117,518 to $152,771 annually equivalent to GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya. Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy.

Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two-year base period with three one-year options. Exercise of options will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, successful performance, and requisite approvals.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens and/or U.S Resident Aliens1. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Background/Introduction

The United States Agency for International Development Mission to Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA), requires an expert Senior Regional Development Outreach and Communications (S/DOC) Advisor to provide senior-level technical expertise to the development and implementation of communications strategies designed to support Kenya’s

Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for 2020 – 2025, and the East Africa Regional Development

Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) 2021-2026. The DOC will help to increase understanding among the Kenyan people, and other East African citizens, as well as the broader international audience, about the purpose and the impact of

USAID investments in the region’s development in order to advance the journey to self-reliance. Beyond this however, communications tools and methodologies, including digital tools and crowd sourcing systems that enable the Mission to hear directly from project beneficiaries who are our partners in development, will be developed to serve as an integral part of achieving development goals by influencing policy decisions and informing adaptive programming.

U.S. strategic objectives in Kenya include promoting U.S. economic prosperity, strengthening regional peace and security, and supporting the sustainable transformation and growth of Kenya’s key systems. U.S. assistance focuses on health, economic growth, countering violent extremism, democratic governance, education, youth employment, humanitarian assistance, and combating crime. USAID is transitioning from transactional relationships to

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

mailto:pbii@usaid.gov transformational partnerships, working with national and county governments, civil society, and the private sector to respond to Kenyans’ demand for increased inclusive development. The United States has a strategic interest in an integrated, democratic, secure, prosperous, and resilient East Africa. U.S. assistance in East Africa promotes regional partnerships to foster self-reliance; supports intra-regional economic integration and trade as the means to growth; and increases regional resilience to internal and external shocks (such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks). USAID partners with committed national governments, regional economic communities, civil society, and the private sector to identify and apply host country-owned, country led, and country managed solutions to national challenges.

Exceptional efforts to communicate Mission objectives and impact are vital to USAID/KEA’s ability to fully implement its program in Kenya. Similarly, USAID/KEA seeks to improve the quality and availability of information about U.S. foreign assistance and its benefits in the region to a broader audience. Humanitarian operations are integrated with development assistance in a Joint Planning Cell in the Horn of Africa, with USAID/KEA charged with communicating the combined impact of OFDA, FFP, agriculture and economic growth activities. Strong communications and outreach policies and strategies, and forward-leaning implementation is essential to USAID’s and the USG’s ability to build foreign relations in support of U.S. national interests. For these purposes, USAID established the Senior Development Outreach and Communications (S/DOC) Specialist position, an off-shore U.S.

Personal Services Contract position. This position will be in the Front Office of USAID/Kenya and East Africa and report directly to the Mission Director, USAID/Kenya and East Africa with day to oversight and direction from the

Mission Front Office Strategic Partnerships Specialist.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The S/DOC Specialist (hereafter referred to as “S/DOC”) will service the needs of USAID/Kenya and East

Africa and its area of responsibility.

A. Strategic Communications (35%):

The S/DOC is the expert authority on all communication and outreach strategies, policies, tools, and approaches for the USAID/Kenya and East Africa portfolios. This expert authority extends to all technical and program staff (approximately 300 staff), thereby affecting a large number of technical staff and having a direct effect on the scope, manner and effectiveness with which USAID translates high level decisions, initiatives, programs and activities into clear and direct messaging. The S/DOC position includes responsibilities critical to Agency operations and management and is delegated this expert authority in concert with the Bureau for Legislative and Policy Affairs to act on their behalf within the region on outreach and communications related to several Presidential, joint State-USAID and USAID

Initiatives, as well as activities implemented within the region, but managed from AID/Washington.

The S/DOC develops and manages comprehensive Development Outreach and Communication

Strategies, setting communication policy for USAID/Kenya and East Africa that promotes USAID and all

USG 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 Mission; and, strengthening Mission reporting functions to USAID/Washington, the Department of

State, and the U.S. Congress. The Development Outreach and Communication Strategies will innovatively translate the role and objectives of USAID and USG assistance into clear messaging, and define how information will be used to highlight the impact of USAID and USG assistance in Kenya and the region—with the aim of engaging audiences in a dialogue. The policies, communications strategies and outreach plans will include developing and testing new hypotheses and theories for opening new channels of communication and sustainably improving the flow of information on development activities to local audiences. The S/DOC manages all outsourced development outreach and communications-related services, as applicable or as needed. S/he supervises a team to utilize a broad range of innovative, effective and widely disseminated publicity tools to ensure target audience awareness of the scale and impact of USAID and U.S. generosity throughout Kenya and East Africa, ensuring targeted, coherent, and consistent messages to be used by staff and in Mission products.

As a senior official of USAID, the S/DOC also serves as the lead for all official communication needs of

USAID/Kenya and East Africa visitors from the U.S. Embassies, USAID/Washington, VIPs, etc. The

S/DOC is USAID’s sole point of contact for such visits and events, responsible for managing all aspects of outreach and communication related to USAID programming; maintains site visit schedules; reviews and clears briefing materials and scene setters; coordinates meetings and briefings with implementing partners, constituents, other donors, and officials; and, handles all logistics related to visits. It is fully expected that the materials developed by the S/DOC will be used in U.S. media coverage of events in- country and the region, and therefore geared toward a broad and experienced audience.

B. Development Outreach and Media Activities (35%):

To ensure appropriate, consistent, and accurate messaging and communication of USG and USAID program objectives and achievements in support of U.S. foreign policy, the S/DOC organizes, coordinates and implements press events for USAID activities in conjunction with the PAS, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Directors, technical teams, implementing partners, regional and/or local governments, and private sector counterparts. S/he directs DOC, Program Office and Technical Staff in the preparation and maintenance of information packages on the USAID and USG programs in Kenya and East Africa – with standard basic packages for differing purposes (media, the public, educational institutions, the

Governments of Kenya and East Africa, and County and local level governments, etc.), for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and, for USAID/Washington, the U.S. Embassy, etc. The

S/DOC monitors local and international press coverage for awareness of, and attitudes toward USAID and USG writ large, and provides continuous feedback to inform USAID staff on ongoing activities and future programming.

The S/DOC oversees the drafting of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments, and provides drafts to the PAS 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 both the English and the country’s official language, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations, websites, and other visual displays on USAID programs and their objectives; distributes reports on field trips and assessments conducted by USAID staff; and, participates in field trips as necessary.

C. Coordination of Communication Strategies, Staff and Activities (30%):

As the expert authority on outreach and communication, the S/DOC may be called upon to provide high-level, sophisticated support and guidance to the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, the USAID Mission Director for Kenya, and other U.S. Ambassadors and USAID Mission staff in the area of responsibility. With continual changes in geo-political climate, multi-sector programmatic needs, shifting political bilateral and multilateral relations between the U.S. and other government entities, and several Presidential Initiatives, the S/DOC’s duties include extensive analysis of complex issues. The S/DOC must continuously access and interpret often-nuanced information as it is made available or accessible. He or she must use expert judgment to create or adjust policy statements and messages for use by various levels of the

U.S. Mission in Kenya and the region.

The S/DOC coordinates with the Public Affairs Sections (PAS) in Kenya and East Africa; directs USAID staff on such coordination efforts; develops and oversees implementation of communication strategies, branding and marking plans of all partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID and USG humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives; and designs, implements, and updates the development communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID’s programs to external target audiences. S/he serves as USAID’s point of contact for all press relations, both international and local media and works closely with PAS on press relations while maintaining contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets. S/he exercises independent judgment and leadership to coordinate with the PAS, U.S. military, other USG agencies (e.g.

Treasury, Commerce, Agriculture), other donors, and USAID implementing partners to maximize exposure and accurate understanding of U.S. humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives in Kenya and the region.

The S/DOC represents USAID and the U.S. Mission at a senior level in all matters pertaining to

Development Outreach and Communication activities with the Kenyan and East African Governments or

Regional Economic Communities, other donors and development partners, domestic and international media, regional African organizations, and other groups and institutions; and, as appropriate, helps to build their capacity to manage public affairs and outreach activities. The S/DOC is a creative agent for dissemination of important information through government intermediaries. The S/DOC will accomplish his/her duties by managing, supervising, and guiding the Mission DOC team, providing oversight and guidance to a multi- million communications support mechanism, and engaging Mission communicators in a corporate communications strategy.

Specific Duties: S/he will have the following specific duties:

● Counsels and advises the USAID/Kenya and East Africa Mission Director and frequently directs USAID staff on all communication and outreach efforts;

● Leads the Mission’s development, outreach and communications team, ensuring overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives covering the entire USAID/Kenya and East Africa area of responsibility;

● Guides all USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information programs, oversees all USAID 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;

● Develops and guides a communications working group structure consisting of technical office PMAs and others, as well as Mission communicators (technical office DOCS).

● Substantially increases the effective and creative use of multimedia to enhance the message of development throughout Kenya and the region, through written and visual means; and

● Oversees all internal communications functions, including quality assurance of annual required and ad-hoc reports and communications with internal USAID and USG stakeholders, and developing internal communication products to inform Agency Kenya and East Africa stakeholders;

● Responsible for: drafting of speeches, talking points, and background briefings for media engagements, including the development of materials and preparation of speakers for radio, video and television sessions;

● Development of top line messages for the Mission and the development of message boards for use by staff throughout the Mission and the region;

● Compilation and dissemination of press packets, handling of protocol issues, site selection, staging, and on-site coordination of all media issues;

● Identification and scheduling of speakers and liaising with U.S. and local government officials as needed;

● Writing and/or editing of USAID programmatic and strategic fact sheets and briefing materials for public consumption;

● Writing and/or editing of Briefing Checklists (BCLs), scene setters, briefing materials and memoranda for the Ambassador, the USAID Mission Director or his/her designees when their participation in events is warranted; and

● Coordination of updates to USAID websites.

● Prepare and input into best practices, lessons learned, and other communications products on foreign assistance programming.

● Manage and guide the DOC team of five members, and a multi-million dollar communications support contract.

Position Elements

a. Degree of Responsibility for Decision Making: The S/DOC is the expert authority on all communication and outreach strategies, policies, tools, and approaches for the USAID/Kenya and East

Africa portfolios. This expert authority extends to all technical and program staff in both countries

(approximately 300 staff), thereby affecting a large number of technical staff and having a direct effect on the scope, manner and effectiveness with which USAID translates high level decisions, initiatives, programs and activities into clear and direct messaging. The S/DOC position includes responsibilities critical to Agency operations and management and is delegated this expert authority in concert with the

Bureau for Legislative and Policy Affairs to act on their behalf within the region on outreach and communications related to several Presidential, joint State- USAID and USAID Initiatives, as well as activities implemented within the region, but managed from AID/Washington.

b. Level of Knowledge: The S/DOC is the expert authority on all communication and outreach strategies, policies, tools, and approaches for the $3.2 billion multi-sectoral USAID/Kenya and East Africa portfolios.

This expert authority extends to all technical and program staff in both countries (approximately 300 staff), thereby affecting a large number of technical staff and having a direct effect on the scope, manner and effectiveness with which USAID translates high level decisions, initiatives, programs and activities into clear and direct messaging. The S/DOC position includes responsibilities critical to Agency operations and management and is delegated this expert authority in concert with the Bureau for Legislative and Policy

Affairs to act on their behalf within the region on outreach and communications related to several Presidential, joint State-USAID and USAID Initiatives, as well as activities implemented within the region, but managed from AID/Washington.

c. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will report to the Mission Director, who will provide administrative direction with assignments broadly defined. The S/DOC is expected to plan, design, and carry out duties independently. Review of work will be based on fulfillment of Communication Strategies objectives, effectiveness and influence of media and outreach campaigns and overall ability to serve foreign policy priorities.

d. Guidelines for Work: USAID Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025, USAID Kenya and East Africa Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) 2021-2026, Kenya

Integrated Country Strategy, USAID Kenya and East Africa Annual Program Statements, U.S. Africa

Strategy, USAID Regulations.

e. Complexity of Work Environment: The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. The responsibilities involve areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, interpretation and evaluating processes due to the difficult work environment in Kenya and East Africa.

f. Scope and Effect of Work Performed: The S/DOC counsels and advises the USAID/Kenya and East

Africa Mission Director and frequently directs USAID staff on all communication and outreach efforts. As a senior official of USAID, the S/DOC also serves as the lead for all official communication needs of

USAID/Kenya and East Africa visitors from the U.S. Embassies, USAID/Washington, VIPs, etc. The

S/DOC is USAID’s sole point of contact for such visits and events, responsible for managing all aspects of outreach and communication related to USAID programming; maintains site visit schedules; reviews and clears briefing materials and scene setters; coordinates meetings and briefings with implementing partners, constituents, other donors, and officials; and, handles all logistics related to visits. It is fully expected that the materials developed by the S/DOC will be used in U.S. media coverage of events in-country and the region, and therefore geared toward a broad and experienced audience.

g. Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent maintains highest-level contacts and conducts technical discussions with heads of UN agencies, NGO partners, donors, government officials, and other stakeholders.

h. Supervision over others: The incumbent will supervise a Local U.S. Personal Services Contract

Development Outreach and Communications Officer, and other DOC team members as needed or assigned. The Incumbent will supervise the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) of a multi-million communications support contract. On occasion the incumbent will supervise other Mission staff tasked to support important outreach efforts for VIPs, visits by government officials, and embassy-generated outreach efforts.

i. Travel requirements: The incumbent is expected to travel approximately 25 percent of the time. Work also requires some regional travel. These travels will involve liaising with U.S. Government officials, as well as officials from East African countries.

j. Support Items: The employee will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work. This will include a workstation that includes a desk, computer, file cabinets, network access, with the possibility for mobile computing devices based on need and Mission management approval.

k. Sunday Pay: Is not authorized.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the Evaluation and Selection

Factors, listed in below.

This is a highly important position in the USAID/Kenya and East Africa Mission, given its support of two operating units in an integrated platform (Kenya and East Africa), the depth, breadth and high political visibility of the portfolios and their strategic importance, and the large number of Foreign Service National and USDH staff whom the successful candidate will be required to advise, guide and mentor.

Education: A Master’s degree is required, preferably in the field of journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies, public relations or a related area.

Work Experience: A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, preferably in an international setting, is required (work performed internationally would ideally be in an international organization, corporation, donor, foreign government, or NGO). Overseas experience in a less developed/developing country for longer time periods is desirable, preferably in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance activities. Proven experience in innovatively disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required, as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns using a variety of media such as newspapers, radio, and social media, directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public. Experience in disseminating information on

USAID programs/projects/ activities is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to develop and establish communication policies and strategies, and to craft information messages in various media formats

(press releases, websites, stories, etc.), and targeting a variety of both internal and external 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 direction. Experience with international aid projects, especially in critical priority countries, is desirable. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences, etc.

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

Photoshop.

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

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.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated based on the criteria listed below.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, and/or education that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (maximum of 100 points). A selection committee will determine candidate scores through review of the written submission and, for candidates in the competitive range, an oral interview.

Education (10 Points): A minimum requirement for the position is a Master’s degree, preferably in the field of journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies, public relations or a related area.

Work Experience (40 Points): A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive professional experience in public relations, preferably in an international setting, which would include work in an international organization, donors, a corporation, for a foreign government, or an NGO is required. Overseas experience in a less developed or developing country for longer time periods is desirable, preferably in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance activities. 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. Prior experience disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is not required, but is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (35 Points): At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated success in:

● developing innovative, multi-pronged communication and outreach policies and strategies;

● media campaigns, special programs, press conferences;

● analyzing complex programmatic information;

● understanding USG national interests and diplomatic priorities in order to craft information messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences to meet numerous objectives simultaneously;

● outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments;

● the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure;

● considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments; and

● initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed upon timetables.

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

Communication Proficiency (15 Points): The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with the highest level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. The S/DOC must demonstrate the ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. S/he must also demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, sophisticated media and multimedia tools (including online platforms and social media) and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications and Google Suite, use desktop publishing software and one or more website development applications, and be familiar with Adobe Photoshop.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words. They may be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, lucidly and succinctly to the public. The samples must be written exclusively by the applicant. Co-written articles are not accepted. Final applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test.

Maximum Points Available: 100

Reference checks: Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

IV. APPLYING

1. Interested applicants are required to submit the following:

A. Offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

B. Cover Letter of not more than three (3) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of the position.

C. An up-to-date current CV/resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the Offers in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

D. Applicants also must address the above Section: Evaluation and Selection Factors, in a

Summary Statement to be included in the Offers. 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 above. The Summary

Statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

E. Applicants must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

F. Copies of diplomas, certificates or relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the

CV/resume.

G. Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers (if available) and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submission.

2. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 mailto:nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov

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

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

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

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the CO informs the successful offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

● Medical History and Examination (DS 1622 and/or DS 1843)

● Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

● Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

● Fingerprint Card(s)

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 and 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

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign

Areas)

(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)

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 clauses “General Provisions,” found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.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 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

2. Executive Order 14042 on Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Awards (Oct 2021)

PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

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

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

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

(End of clause)

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

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of

Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

3. Contract Cover page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEM

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

- Award Type: Labor Hour

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD at award after negotiations phase

0002 Option Period 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Labor Hour

- Accounting Info: TBD

0003 Option Period 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Product Service Code: R408

0004 Option Period 3 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ https://www.usaid.gov/forms

4. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs): AAPDs/CIBs for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPD 21-04- Executive Order 14042 on ensuring adequate COVID-19 Safety protocols for federal awards

(FAR Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)- October 12, 2021

- AAPD 21-01 - Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the

AIDAR Appendices D and J- March 26, 2021

- AAPD 18-02 REVISED - This AAPD extends and revises implementation of medevac regulations for

USPSCs and TCNPSCs under AIDAR Appendix D and J, § 12, clauses #25 in Appendix D, and #21 in

Appendix J. – December 18, 2019

- AAPD 10-01 – PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS- Changes in USG reimbursement amounts for health insurance and physical examination costs- 01/08/10

- AAPD 06-10- PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility – October 30, 2006

- AAPD 06-08 - AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts – June 23, 2006

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive

Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

6. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

[END OF SOLICITATION]

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman