SOL-72061722R00002..pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-72061722R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: December 10, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: January 14, 2022, 16:45 PM Kampala Time

Subject: Solicitation for US/TCN Personal Service Contractor

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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Sean Mendoza Supervisory Executive Officer

Solicitation 72061722R00002

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-72061722R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 10, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 14, 2022, 4:45 PM Kampala Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Grace Nakaddu, gnakaddu@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Supply Chain Systems Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977 - $120,868, equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two years, estimated to start on or about May 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise three one-year periods for the dates estimated as follows:

Base period May 2022 to May 2024 Option period 1 May 2024 to May 2025 Option period 2 May 2025 to May 2026 Option period 3 May 2026 to May 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kampala, Uganda with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) Citizen or Resident Alien – offshore or resident in Uganda and Third Country Nationals (TCNs).

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful Offeror must obtain a U.S. Government

Employment Authorization-Facility Access.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement of the Purpose of the Contract

In light of the major supply chain reform efforts with USAID/Uganda taking over full leadership of USG supply chain efforts, as well as the cross-cutting nature of supply chain elements within the OHH portfolio that require technical and strategic support, USAID seeks to recruit a Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead who will:

• Exercise strategic, technical leadership and provide oversight in the coordination of interagency partners and processes to promote reform of Uganda’s public sector health commodities supply chain system.

• Manage the USAID Supply Chain Unit to function optimally while supporting supply chain activities across OHH, PEPFAR interagency, and to external partners including Government of Uganda (GoU) and the Global Fund.

mailto:gnakaddu@usaid.gov

• Effectively coordinate with USAID technical teams, USG interagency, GOU, Global Fund, implementing partners and other key stakeholders.

• Build the capacity of Supply Chain Unit members to drive both internal and external supply chain process reforms and provide strategic technical support to GOU and supply chain local partners.

• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and transparency of supply chain data and analyses within the Office of Health and HIV and the interagency.

• Communicate issues and decisions related to the health supply chain to senior U.S. government and

Government of Uganda leadership as well as colleagues within both government systems.

• Oversee management of OHH supply chain procurements, warehousing, and technical assistance contractors.

• Oversee and/or participate in OHH and USAID internal planning processes as a supply chain expert, and support development of relevant supply chain policy, data, and related strategic planning as required.

• Initiate, manage and monitor all activities required to implement the terms and conditions of supply chain-related activities.

BACKGROUND

Uganda’s Health Commodities and Supply Chain Landscape According to Uganda’s 2015 National Medicine Policy and the National Pharmaceutical Sector Strategic Plan 2015-2020 (NPSSP), the Ugandan pharmaceutical sector includes both public and private actors. The private sector consists of both private not-for-profit (PNFP) and private for-profit (PFP) sites. The PFP actors are concentrated in urban centers and engaged mainly in the sale of pharmaceuticals. The Ministry of Health (MOH) sets policy and strategic direction while district governments engage in service delivery under Uganda’s decentralized health care delivery model. MOH through the Pharmacy Department (MOH/PD) is responsible for the overall coordination of the pharmaceutical sector, as well as for providing oversight of policy implementation. Moreover, MOH/PD is responsible for quantifying national requirements for pharmaceutical products and harmonization of the supply chain management system, as well as promoting rational use of pharmaceutical products.

While MOH/PD has overarching authorities, it is by no means the only supply chain actor. Other major partners include:

• The National Drug Authority (NDA), the national medicines regulatory agency, assures the quality of all medical commodities that enter the country and operates a drug quality control laboratory which has been prequalified by WHO since January 2015.

• The Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) was officially created in the Office of the President with independent authority and mandate to investigate misuse of healthcare resources, including medicine mismanagement, e.g., suspected commodity leakage and/or counterfeit substitutions.

• The National Medical Stores (NMS) and the Joint Medical Stores (JMS), two health supply chain systems financed through the Government of Uganda, together supply the full range of commodities needed to support health care service delivery in Uganda in the public and PNFP sectors.

• GOU manages the NMS which was established as a Statutory Corporation (i.e., parastatal) in 1993 by an Act of Parliament with the central responsibility for procuring, warehousing, and distributing pharmaceutical products to all public health facilities.

• JMS, licensed by Uganda’s NDA to engage in import, export, wholesale of medicines and related health care supplies, is the leading and oldest private pharmaceutical store in Uganda engaged in procurement, warehousing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products to 3,106 private health facilities.

• External development partners fund more than 70% of public expenditures on medicines and selected health commodities, and almost all funding for laboratory commodities. Direct public sector investments by several external development partners include: the Global Access for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI), the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), USAID, The Global Fund and The World Bank.

Overview of USAID/Uganda’s Supply Chain Assistance and Support All Mission activities are organized under USAID/Uganda’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for 2016-2021, with the following overall goal: Uganda’s Systems Are Accelerating Inclusive Education, Health and Economic Outcomes. The strategy seeks to address the impact that Uganda’s increasing demographic dividend will have on the ability of the Ugandan government to meet its population’s social service and development needs over the next twenty-five years. In particular, the strategy focuses on the average Ugandan who, statistically speaking, is a fourteen year old girl living in a rural community. USAID’s future vision intends to address impediments to her benefiting from education, health, and economic programs, thus paving the way for an overall environment of inclusive growth for all Ugandans.

USAID provides support to Uganda’s health sector through its Office of Health and HIV/AIDS (OHH), which is the largest technical team in the Mission with 70 staff positions and an average annual budget of US$300M. The OHH is divided into six technical units: Health System Strengthening Unit (HSS), HIV &TB Unit (HIV/TB), Malaria Unit (PMI), Global Health Security and Emerging Pandemic Threats Unit (GHS/EPT), Family Health Unit (FHT), and Strategic Information Unit (SI). OHH manages a wide array of programs, many of which are integrated in design. Each element of the portfolio contributes to country-led health program approaches that focus on integration of services; leveraging host country and other donor investments; strengthening health systems; a focus on women and girls; improved evaluation and innovation to promote adapting and learning; and science and technology.

OHH implements its programs through the public sector, the private not for profit sector, and the private for profit sector. Significant and complex components of the OHH portfolio include:

• Recognizing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic as one of the greatest health challenges of our time, the USG announced PEPFAR in 2003. PEPFAR Uganda received approximately US$403M in FY 2021 to support a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs, including support for HIV commodity procurement, OVC, systems strengthening, and overall improvements in service delivery. Uganda also receives separate resources for Tuberculosis control ($5 million/year) and is managed by the HIV/TB Unit.

• USAID/Uganda under the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) is managing the $35 million/year malaria portfolio in close collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) activities support improved maternal and childhood nutrition, safer pregnancy and delivery, newborn care, vaccination coverage, improved well and sick-child capacity at health facilities, Oral Rehydration Salts and zinc, safe water, and improved availability and access to life-saving essential medicines and health supplies. Reproductive Health/Family Planning

Programs (RH/FP) include activities to promote improved reproductive health through couple communication, health education, prevention of gender-based violence, fistula repair, improved family planning services, and by providing a supply of contraceptives to the public and the private sectors.

• Other initiatives through the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) include coordinating and contributing to USG epidemic preparedness activities for emerging pandemic threats including the COVID 19 pandemic. Uganda is also a priority country for the control and/or elimination of several “neglected” tropical diseases still endemic in Uganda.

As the largest international donor in the health sector in Uganda, and one of the largest donors of health commodities to the country, USAID has a major interest and role to play in ensuring efficient, accountable management of health commodity resources and improving the performance and sustainability of the country’s supply chain systems, and all of the above described OHH activities have important requirements for provisioning of health commodities. Having an adequate and continuous supply of quality health commodities for diagnostic, prevention and treatment services is critical to the success of U.S. Government (USG) health assistance to Uganda through PEPFAR, PMI, TB, maternal/child health, family planning and other USG programs operating in the health sector. OHH directly manages procurement of health commodities and supply chain technical assistance through USAID contractors including the Global Health Supply Chain-Procurement, JMS, and Management Services (GHSC-PSM), and a bilateral supply chain technical assistance provided by the Strengthening Supply Chain Systems (SSCS) project.

HIV commodity security in Uganda is a continuing major concern due to systemic issues resulting from fragmented and uncoordinated national supply chain systems; flawed forecasting and quantification; and poor Government of Uganda (GOU) procurement practices. There remains long standing, inadequate funding for anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy (ART) in Uganda’s public sector (currently serving up to two thirds of all Ugandans on ART), challenges in ensuring adequate access to anti-malarial drugs and diagnostic test kits, and limited access to the full range of family planning methods. Commodity stock-outs continue to complicate the adoption of UNAIDS’ “Test and Start” policy and PEPFAR’s directive on multi-month dispensing for those testing HIV-positive, provide regular treatment to TB patients, and the country’s ability to effectively address the high prevalence of malaria. Concerns of lack of transparency and visibility across data systems and the inability to track distribution down to the facility level have hobbled the public supply chain entity National Medical Stores

(NMS).

As a global supply chain leader with experience in supply chain information systems, data analytics, including the development and implementation of electronic Logistic Management Information Systems (eLMIS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools in several countries, USAID/Uganda has taken the lead in the development of the ERP in NMS. OHH is currently working closely with NMS to implement a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to provide an integrated modular information platform for the national supply chain system in procurement; inventory management;

warehouse management; customer sales; customer account management; distribution management; product costing; human resource management; performance management and reporting; and financial management system (accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, and budget management). With migration of the existing District Health Information Software (DHIS2) into the ERP system, Uganda will finally establish a comprehensive eLMIS. ERP design and installation will additionally employ best practices of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology, thus helping to mitigate design/development risk; ensuring country ownership; and serving as a cornerstone in strengthening the strategic organizational vision and functionality of NMS and the overall national supply chain system.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

1. Leader for the USAID Supply Chain Unit (40%)

--Provides personnel management through supervision and managerial oversight, and oversees the day to day operations of the USAID/Uganda supply chain unit. The Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead shall provide supervision to six members, including mentorship and coaching to the entire supply chain unit and the larger OHH team on supply chain related issues.

--Facilitates communication and ensures collaborative working relationships with high-level decision makers, internally within the USAID/Uganda mission and externally with senior level staff in the Ministry of Health, the National Medical Stores, and other Government of Uganda entities; Regional Health Bureaus;

USAID/Washington the U.S. government interagency; , and other donors and non-governmental organizations working in the health sector.

--Serve as the person responsible for communicating on key supply chain issues within USAID, the interagency and the host country as USAID takes on full leadership of the supply chain.

2. Technical Guidance, Leadership, Interagency Coordination and Representation to host country. (40%)

The Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead is the USAID focal point for coordination with various entities including PEPFAR interagency, the GOU, other donor agencies, the private sector and civil society on matters relating to health commodities and supply chain. S/he works to ensure technical and programmatic synergy within USAID/Uganda, USG interagency health commodities and supply chain activities, and those of GOU and other development partners and stakeholders. S/he develops strategic partnerships with other donors on coordinated approaches to complex supply chain systems strengthening programs aimed to improve the functioning of the public and private health sector in Uganda, many of which include elements of health commodities and supply chain. Specific duties include:

--Serve as the principal advisor to the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, and OHH leadership on all issues related to health commodities and supply chain including GOU policy, USAID commodity procurement and supply chain systems strengthening assistance to the public and private sectors.

S/he will monitor the political environment and other donor activities to inform USAID/Uganda’s funding and programmatic decisions. The incumbent shall represent USAID/Uganda and its health commodities and supply chain activities in technical, strategic and coordination meetings with the GOU, other donors and non-government and private sector organizations on health commodities and supply chain issues.

--Proactively facilitate a collaborative approach with the MOH and development partners to define the technical, policy and program agenda as it relates to health commodities and supply chain requirements. Provide technical guidance as appropriate on the planning and mobilization of resources for commodities and local SC capacity building. Representing USAID on all matters of health commodities, financing for commodities and supply chain issues with senior level GOU officials(especially ministries of Health and Finance) and among senior donor community representatives. Regular fora include: the MOH Medicines Procurement and Management TWG and Commodity Security Group, HDPs and AIDS Development Partners and the interministerial technical working group for the IL. Regular partners include: USAID IPs, the MOH/PD, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Local Government, Office of the Prime Minister, NMS, JMS, NDA, Global Fund, and others as applicable.

--Provide oversight for data analytics within the USAID and interagency supply chain unit and ensure analyzes from different sources including MOH, IP data and various quantitative data sources are accurate, complete, comprehensive and in a presentable format to inform various stakeholders.

--Provide technical advice and guidance regarding health commodities and supply chain requirements to the MOH, other donor partners and USAID/USG IPs in order to optimize financing, forecasting, procurement, quality assurance, warehousing and distribution, information management systems, monitoring, evaluation and reporting at the national and facility level.

--Provide technical contributions to USG thematic groups, program designs, budget allocations, strategic planning documents and reporting mechanisms. Thematic groups include: interagency working groups including PEPFAR and PMI as applicable.

--Contributing to reporting mechanisms, including: U.S. Congressional, GOU, or donor group requests;

technical briefings; trip reports; site visit briefing documents; speeches; portfolio reviews; quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports; quarterly financial reports; quality assessments; site monitoring reports.

--Keeping informed of national and international initiatives, policies and state-of-the-art developments related to health commodities and supply chain; share information as appropriate with various counterparts.

--Providing strategic leadership to USAID/Uganda in identifying and applying innovative approaches and best practices to supply chain management goals with a focus on priority setting within a highly political environment.

Program Management (15%)

The Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead is responsible for overseeing the management of a complex portfolio of health commodities and supply chain activities, including the direct management of several programs and serving as principal advisor on numerous others. Health commodity availability and access are linchpins to the success of nearly every USG-funded activity in the health sector. This includes planning, implementation, management, monitoring, results reporting, advocacy and performance improvement of USAID’s health commodities and supply chain activities, coordinating these activities as needed with other USAID/USG implementing health programs. Specific duties include:

--Serving as and supporting/supervising others to serve as Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (C/AOR), or activity manager for programs related to health commodities and supply chain. As C/AOR, or activity manager the Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead will: ensure suitable monitoring and reporting systems are in place, providing technical input in the development of Performance Monitoring Plans;

review, approve, and ensure compliance with IPs annual work plans and budgets; monitor expenditures and pipelines; provide appropriate and timely funding; conduct regular site visits to monitor activities and verify asset use; guide IPs to adhere to USAID and USG policies and procedures; review all written reports submitted by IPs and furnish feedback; maintain program files, and other duties and responsibilities as outlined in USAID rules, regulations, policies and other forms of appropriate guidance.

--Coordinating with the USAID procurement and the Health Office on health commodities project management to guide and oversee USAID procurement and distribution of medicines and health supplies annually via the various USAID commodity procurement mechanisms. This includes the forecasting, quantification, procurement, and distribution of USAID procured commodities including contraceptives, HIV commodities , and other medical/laboratory equipment as required for the implementation of the health programs. Providing significant technical assistance on health commodities and supply chain activities across the Mission, to address requirements under PEPFAR, PMI, family planning and other health programs. Ensure that all program activities are implemented in compliance with relevant USG, USAID, PEPFAR, PMI and family planning guidelines, policies, regulations, and procedures.

--Participating or taking the lead in the design of supply chain activities such as program design and technical review committees for new and/or follow-on supply chain management and other related awards, drafting and getting approval for concept papers, writing scopes of work, and starting up new projects

Other Priorities (5%)

The Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead is responsible for the following Mission priorities, including:

--Preparing ad hoc reports as required for USAID/Uganda, USAID/Washington, the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, donor coordination groups, and others. These reports include U.S. Congressional, GOU or donor group requests; technical briefings; trip reports; site visit briefing documents; and speeches.

--Contributing to development of all mission reports, including PEPFAR Country Operational Plans, PMI, and Family Health Unit reports/plans; portfolio reviews; semi-annual and annual reports; quarterly financial reports;

quality assessments; site monitoring reports.

--Keeping informed of national and international initiatives and policies and state-of-the-art developments related to the provision of commodities and supplies for HIV/AIDS and health programs, share information as appropriate with various counterparts.

--In accordance with ADS 309.3.3.1, 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 5 hours per week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

POSITION ELEMENTS

Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USAID-specific procedures, regulations, and methods; and health commodities and supply chain policies, procedures, and regulations, including the ADS, Mission Orders, and all planning and reporting databases. Formal C/AOR certification courses, program/project management and other appropriate training courses will be offered, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds. Appropriate training courses including E-training are also available. The contractor shall annually attend mandatory annual security updates, ethics training and complete OGE 450, Financial Disclosure Report.

Available Guidelines: Host-country laws, USAID Handbooks, and the Automated Directives System (ADS) on project implementation, commodity procurement, contracting, and policy, and other regulations. Handbook guidance is supplemented by Mission Orders governing policy, procedure, and regulation, the mission organization chart, the CDCS, and position description.

Exercise of Judgment: Substantial judgment (discretion) is used daily in giving technical guidance to USG, USAID, and GOU colleagues, to IPs, and in representing USAID in multiple-stakeholder fora. Management decisions over certain IPs are at the discretion of the Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead. Substantial judgment is required in analyzing and determining whether or not to recommend approval of proposed programs/projects, in choosing among alternative proposals, and in evaluating data for reliability.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent exercises the authority given to activity managers and C/AORs, and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The incumbent takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. The contractor shall not make any unauthorized commitments for the USG. Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the incumbent may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem.

Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Must be able to develop and maintain contacts with all levels of staff in the Mission, including senior leadership. The Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead shall provide consistent, credible, and diplomatic representation of USAID to high level GOU, donor, and other partner contacts for technical, policy and program management issues related to commodity security and logistics management.

Maintain an extensive range of mid-to senior-level contacts in government, donor, and private-sector circles for purposes of project implementation, obtaining and interpreting information relevant to program activities, providing guidance and procedures and discussing submitted proposals. Primary contacts are at the MOH, NMS, JMS, NDA, other development partners, civil society, and the private sector. Represent USAID in international and national technical fora, with multiple stakeholders.

Sunday Pay: Sunday pay is not authorized under this contract.

Support Items: The contractor will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

Supervisory Relationship The Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead works under the general supervision of the HSS Unit Leader or designee in the Health and HIV Office and collaboratively with other members of the Family Health, HIV/AIDS, PMI, and other technical working groups. Assignments are primarily in terms of program objectives and desired results. Accomplishments are evaluated for conformance with policy and accomplishment of USAID/Uganda objectives and individual work objectives through periodic and annual evaluations.

Supervisory Controls The Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Lead supervises 4-6 supply chain C/AORs, Activity Managers and supply chain specialists.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To ensure compliance with the entire set of this solicitation instructions (please see page 11 to 15 – III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS and IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER sections), the offer package must be complete and signed–where indicated - and offerors must include in their offers information to demonstrate that they:

(1) have attained the required education level; and

(2) meet the experience requirements, etc.

USAID/Uganda expects to award a personal services contract for a United States (U.S.) Citizen or Resident Alien – offshore or resident in Uganda or Third Country Nationals (TCNs) for a two year base period.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise three one-year contract extension periods.

The successful Offeror must be capable of securing a U.S. Government Employment Authorization – Facility Access. S/he must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Uganda.

In order to be considered for the position, an offeror must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors.

Offerors meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on the information/ documentation presented in the offer.

Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested only from the top scoring offerors. Please note that not all offerors will be interviewed or contacted.

USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the highest-ranked offerors and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers for relevant information concerning performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. Reference checks may be conducted on those offerors selected for an interview. The offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized.

This position requires a highly qualified and experienced individual with exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and also understand the technical requirements to support and achieve supply chain issues for PEPFAR as well as PMI and the Family Planning portfolio/goals in Uganda.

Consensus building is a critical skill. The contractor must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment and with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental counterparts.

Required professional qualifications include the following and offerors must address all the elements as part of their offer in response to this PSC solicitation.

A. EDUCATION

Master’s degree in public health, business administration, procurement, supply chain management, or a closely related degree required.

B. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience working in the health, logistics or supply chain management field. Experience in developing country settings is preferred.

Five years of this experience should be in a managerial and/or operational position related to supply chain management, health commodity procurement, local capacity building, electronic logistics management information systems and the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health commodities and supply chain programs;

Expertise in evaluating/assessing systems related to health commodity forecasting and procurement, supply chains and logistics, and electronic logistics management information preferable.

Experience in planning and programming with host country organizations, country governments and international donors. The task requires a positive and proactive attitude. Leadership and diplomacy skills are critical, as the position entails working with technical and senior officials in the MOH, other national institutions, USAID IPs, other HDPs, the private sector and civil society to foster GOU leadership on issues related to commodity supply chain.

C. KNOWLEDGE (all required)

State-of-the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in health commodity procurement and supply planning and supply chain systems strengthening. This includes demonstrated knowledge of the various supply chain system components (forecasting, procurement, warehousing, distribution, inventory management, logistics management information systems etc.) and practical strategies for improving system efficiencies and performance to enhance availability, affordability, accessibility, and equitable allocation of public health commodities in the health sector, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools and solutions.

Knowledge of global procurement and supply chain strengthening technical assistance programs. Significant knowledge of program management and monitoring and evaluation methods.

Experience working on PEPFAR will be an added advantage. Experience working in low resource setting is highly desirable.

D. SKILLS AND ABILITIES (all required)

Demonstrated strategic thinking, decision-making and problem solving skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage stress and conflict.

Strong data analytics and familiarity with various quantitative tools for analysis including Microsoft Office software (such as excel, MS access) or other data analytical programs to inform program implementation.

Excellent communication skills with proven capacity to effectively present supply chain information and analytical data to various stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with mid- and senior-level public and civil society officials from host country, other development partners and the private sector.

Demonstrated ability to work and provide leadership in a team environment, coordinate well with others, and provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.

Must be able to develop effective and collaborative managerial relationships with implementing partners.

Diplomacy, tact, negotiation skills, cultural sensitivity, and team participation skills are required in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships within USAID and with the public and private sectors.

Strong organizational skills and ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and work in a team with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Fluency in spoken and written English.

Excellent writing and computer skills.

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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Offers will be initially screened for compliance with the solicitation instructions and eligibility in accordance with the selection criteria below.

To ensure compliance with the entire set of this solicitation instructions (please see page 14 – 15 IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER section), the offer package must be complete and signed–where indicated -and offerors must include in their offers information to demonstrate that they have attained the required education level and meet the experience requirements, etc.

Offerors will be evaluated and ranked based on the information provided for the five Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) that must be addressed as required in the supplemental document – Item IV – Submitting an Offer 1 (D).

Offerors must, therefore, address each of the four Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) in their offer. Top-ranked Offerors who meet the minimum qualification will be invited for an interview and given a written evaluation.

Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.

The four Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) that must be addressed as required in the supplemental document – Item IV – Submitting an Offer 1 (D) are:

(a) Knowledge (all required) (35 points)

State-of-the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in health commodity procurement and supply planning and supply chain systems strengthening. This includes demonstrated knowledge of the various supply chain system components (forecasting, procurement, warehousing, distribution, inventory management, electronic logistics management information systems etc.) and practical strategies for improving system efficiencies and performance to enhance availability, affordability, accessibility and equitable allocation of public health commodities in the health sector, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools and solutions.

Knowledge of global procurement and supply chain strengthening technical assistance programs.

Significant knowledge of program management and monitoring and evaluation methods.

Experience working on PEPFAR will be an added advantage. Experience working in low resource setting is highly desirable.

(b) Skills and Abilities (all required) (30 points)

Demonstrated strategic thinking, decision-making and problem solving skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage stress and conflict.

Strong data analytics and familiarity with various quantitative tools for analysis including excel or other data analytical programs to inform program implementation.

Excellent communication skills with proven capacity to effectively present supply chain information and analytical data to various stakeholders.

Must be able to work effectively with mid- and senior-level public and civil society officials from the host country, other development partners and the private sector.

Demonstrated ability to work and provide leadership in a team environment, coordinate well with others, and provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.

Must be able to develop effective and collaborative managerial relationships with implementing partners.

Diplomacy, tact, negotiation skills, cultural sensitivity, and team participation skills are required in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships within USAID and with the public and private sectors.

Strong organizational skills and ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and work in a team with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Fluency in spoken and written English.

Excellent writing and computer skills.

(c) Prior work experience (25 points)

A minimum 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience working in the health, logistics or supply chain management field. Experience in developing country settings is preferred.

Five years of this experience should be in a managerial and/or operational position related to supply chain management, health commodity procurement, local capacity building, logistics management information systems and the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health commodities and supply chain programs;

Expertise in evaluating/assessing systems related to health commodity forecasting and procurement, supply chains and logistics, and electronic logistics management information preferable.

Experience in planning and programming with host country organizations, country governments and international donors. The task requires a positive and proactive attitude. Leadership and diplomacy skills are critical, as the position entails working with technical and senior officials in the MOH, other national institutions, USAID IPs, other HDPs, the private sector and civil society to foster GOU leadership on issues related to commodity supply chain.

(d) Education (10 points)

Master’s degree in public health, business administration, procurement, supply chain management, or a closely related degree required.

Total Possible Points: 100

Knowledge - 35 points Skills and Abilities - 30 points Prior Work Experience - 25 points Education - 10 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

Total Possible Points: 100 Evaluation Factor Total – 100 points, and Pass for Reference Checks

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.

The offers will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application.

Only top ranked Offerors will be interviewed;

A writing exercise or sample will be requested and will also be included in the overall evaluation process;

Reference checks will be conducted on those Offerors selected for the interview. The Offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about the Offeror’s past performance, skills, and abilities;

USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the Offeror’s past performance, technical knowledge, required skills, including teamwork and team-building experience and may consider such information in its evaluation;

USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection;

USAID/Uganda will not reimburse expenses associated with the application and evaluation process (e.g., interviews, writing samples, writing tests).

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:

A. A hand signed offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

B. Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying.

C. Curriculum vitae/resume specifically which MUST include:

(i) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year) and hours worked per week for each position;

-- Dates (month/year) and locations for all international field experience must also be detailed;

-- Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), location, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(ii) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(iii) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).

(iv) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments.

D. Supplemental [separate] document specifically addressing each QRF as outlined in the solicitation.

E. United States (U.S.) citizens and Resident Alien (currently resident in Uganda) must attach a copy of a valid work permit.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted by email to gnakaddu@usaid.gov copy to cnatividad@usaid.gov.

No other form of submission will be permitted (e.g., courier, fax, or hand delivery). The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications may not be accepted. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic submission.

USAID will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mails. The Offeror assumes all risk related to an electronic submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

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.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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 forms relating to:

1. Security Eligibility/Facility Access

2. Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS/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) if applicable

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), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) mailto:gnakaddu@usaid.gov mailto:cnatividad@usaid.gov

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)

3. In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii), the Mission Director has approved compensation for a TCNPSC Senior Supply Chain Systems sub-Unit Leader under the Alternate Classification Procedure.

VII. TAXES

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

TCNPSC tax requirements per AIDAR Appendix J.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING

TO PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D and J including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

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.

(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)

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)

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:

Appropriation: 72-1921/251031 BBFY Fund: GH-H/2021/2025

DOAG: 617-DO1-RES-22-PO.2-02-HIV-AO

1 LOT USD TBD USD 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:

Appropriation: 72-1921/251031 BBFY Fund: GH-H/2021/2025

DOAG: 617-DO1-RES-22-PO.2-02-HIV-AO

1 LOT USD TBD USD 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:

Appropriation: 72-1921/251031 BBFY Fund: GH-H/2021/2025

DOAG: 617-DO1-RES-22-PO.2-02-HIV-AO

1 LOT USD TBD USD 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:

Appropriation: 72-1921/251031 BBFY Fund: GH-H/2021/2025

DOAG: 617-DO1-RES-22-PO.2-02-HIV-AO

1 LOT USD TBD USD 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 - as indicated and applicable to USPSC and/or TCNPSCs.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPD/CIB

No. Title/Issued Date

Subject Category

AAPD 21-05

(PDF 377K)

REVISED AND EXPANDED FRINGE BENEFITS FOR USPSCs (AIDAR Dev. No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-1c) – November 23, 2012)

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 21-04

Revision 2

(PDF 368K)

EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 ON ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-

19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS (FAR

Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c) – November 10, 2012 AAPD No. 21-04, ATTACHMENT 4 - Letter for contracts with performance requiring physical access to USAID domestic facilities. [165K PDF] AAPD No. 21-04, ATTACHMENT 5 - Letter to Individuals with Personal Services Contracts [166K PDF]

Acquisition Management, PSCs

AAPD 21-01

(PDF 221K)

Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with…