Sol_72062021R00006 - USPSC TCNPSC DOC Specialist.docx

Supervisory Dev. Outreach & Com. Specialist 72062021R00006

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications (S/DOC) Specialist - USAID/Nigeria

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 Contract specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Janine Scott Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062021R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 30, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/ TIME for RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 29, 2021 (4:30pm Nigeria time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Clementina Edereka, e-mail at Abujahr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Development Outreach & Communications (S/DOC) Specialist

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years period, estimated to start o/a January 2022.

“The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start on/about January 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three (3) years for the date(s) estimated as follows.”

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria with possible travel as stated in the Statement of duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) or Third Country Nationals.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSCs – Secret; TCNPSCs – Facility Access.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

Although Nigeria is the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, it must overcome significant development and governance challenges to fulfill its true potential. The greatest constraints to development are deeply entrenched poverty and unemployment. These conditions breed disaffection in youth, provide an entry point for extremism, entice corruption, and promote ineffective governance. The USAID foreign assistance program in Nigeria provides on average roughly $500 million per year to support development activities in the assistance areas of Peace and Security, Governing Justly and Democratically, Investing in People (Health and Education) and Economic Growth. USAID also manages a significant humanitarian portfolio in Northeast Nigeria, which has recently also expanded to include Northwest Nigeria.

The Program Office coordinates strategic planning, program and activity design, portfolio planning and reviews, budget management, analysis, monitoring, evaluation, clearances and approvals, authorizations, and obligation of resources with the Government of Nigeria. Other responsibilities include managing the development outreach and communication (DOC) portfolio, which entails preparing and reviewing briefing documents, speeches, press releases, other outreach materials, social media engagement, and maintaining the Mission website.

The Supervisory Development Outreach & Communications Specialist (S/DOC) is an essential and indispensable member of the Program Office responsible for producing and disseminating public information about Mission activities for Nigerian and U.S. consumption and for educating and promoting a better understanding of USAID/Nigeria programs. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for strategically planning, developing, implementing, and administering the DOC program to promote better awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign assistance to Nigeria. S/he guides, coordinates, and oversees the Mission's communication practices and outreach efforts, helping to ensure that they reflect the U.S. government's (USG) priorities and promote USAID's accomplishments to key audiences.

S/he is also responsible for relaying related policies and achievements to key audiences of the host country, in the United States, and throughout other donor countries. The S/DOC liaises with the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other USG colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The S/DOC also serves as a 'translator' of complex USAID processes (e.g., budget, procurement, project design, etc.) to the broader interagency audience to ensure the intricacies of those process are conveyed to the final recipient whether it is a journalist, the Ambassador, or a visiting Congressional Delegation. Washington-based offices requiring close contact and coordination include the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA). The position will also coordinate with other senior interagency colleagues and implementing partners.

Exceptional efforts to communicate Mission objectives and impact are vital to USAID/Nigeria’s ability to fully implement its program in Nigeria.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The specific duties of the S/DOC include, but are not limited to the following areas:

1. Supervision and Coordination (35%) Lead the Mission's DOC team to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives. Lead the development and implementation of the Mission's communications strategy and outreach plan. Develop, manage, and oversee the DOC operational budget. Represent the USAID Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the Government of Nigeria, implementing partners, other donor nations, multilateral organizations, and other groups or institutions. Train and guide USAID's technical staff in support of their public speaking and media outreach roles. Oversee the integration of communications in the project/activity design, implementation, and reporting processes. Serve as a Senior Advisor to Mission management regarding all public information, media relations, and outreach matters. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/Nigeria activities and processes, as well as a keen awareness of political and policy issues. Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives. Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and marking guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency's Graphic Standards Manual. Oversee and provide regular trainings to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking; work closely with Contracting/Agreement Officer Representatives (C/AOR) to ensure adherence to branding in the field; and seek guidance from LPA on any disputes or waiver requests. Coordinate with the PAS, U.S. Military, other USG agencies (e.g., CDC, Agriculture), and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development and humanitarian assistance efforts and initiatives in Nigeria, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director. Establish and maintain contacts with communications professionals, donor representatives, implementing partners, and other USG agencies to collect information for reports, events, and activities.

2. Public Information and Publicity Materials (30%) As the expert in communications, coordinate information development, dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission's offices, units and technical staff; and with all non-USG organizations. Oversee the drafting, editing, quality control, and dissemination of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID/Nigeria's activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, presentation, and web or social media use. Oversee the preparation of weekly reports, and submissions for USAID headquarters newsletters and other USAID or Embassy public information platforms, including the Post-specific blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms. Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach. Coordinate the development of a social media strategy to complement the broader communications plan. The S/DOC will manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the USAID program in Nigeria for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and for USAID/W, LPA, State, Congress, and other audiences, including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, infographics, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about Nigeria. S/he oversees the maintenance of the Mission's English-language web materials to ensure they are accurate and up to date. Oversee the writing and distribution of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and other significant developments. Coordinate with technical offices, Embassy's PAS, and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international media.

3. Media and Public Relations (20%):

Promote separate, pro-active, targeted, information and media outreach activities. These activities are specifically designed to push accurate information about USAID programs into local, regional, and national markets, through the selective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, and traditional communications. Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets. Advise and work with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/Nigeria programs, including TV, radio and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID activities, or other engagements. In collaboration with PAS, advise the USAID Mission Director and staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners. Coordinate with Government of Nigeria public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with Nigeria and international media. Supervise the monitoring of the local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy. Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming. As directed by the Mission Director, Deputy Director, and Supervisory Program Officer and in collaboration with PAS, respond to inquiries from the public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and activities.

4. Event Planning and Management (15%) Oversee, organize, and coordinate press events for USAID activities in conjunction with the PAS, USAID Mission Director, USAID staff and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for media; compile and disseminate press packets; address and resolve protocol issues, site selection, staging, and logistical issues; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BCLs), Scene Setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or his/her deputies when participation in events is warranted; write or edit BCLs and Scene Setters for USAID's Front Office when participation in events is warranted; provide on-site coordination of media. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events. Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website. Review and edit press releases, speeches, and talking points drafted by implementing partners for USAID events; review and edit BCLs and Scene Setters drafted by implementing partners for USAID events. Submit all press releases and interview requests - in-house and those drafted by implementing partners - to PAS (and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval. Oversee the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/Nigeria, to U.S. Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos stakeholders, and LPA in Washington. Photograph and/or shoot video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites and for USAID/Nigeria's archives. Serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by high-level official visitors from U.S. Embassy Abuja, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities. Coordinate VIP site visits as necessary. Coordinate with Embassy on schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of CODEL, STAFFDEL, and other high-level visitors to USAID/Nigeria, coordinating closely with implementing partners in advance. Perform other duties/activities that the U.S. Ambassador, senior U.S. Embassy Abuja officials, USAID Mission Director, Deputy Director, Supervisory Program Officer, USAID/Washington, and circumstances may dictate.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable): The selected candidate will be required to complete the one-week mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course prior to proceeding to USAID/Nigeria. FACT is a mandatory course for service in Nigeria.

4. Supervisory Relationship: The S/DOC will report to the Supervisory Program Officer (or designate). Given the professional level of the S/DOC, supervision is exercised in terms of broadly defined guidance and flexible instructions. The S/DOC is expected to take self-initiative in independently planning, executing, and determining assignments that provide technically authoritative results.

5. Supervision Controls: This position is designated as a supervisory position with oversight over one Foreign Service National and one local hire US Personal Services Contractor. Given the highly specialized nature of the work, the incumbent shall provide indirect supervision to USAID employees concerning their work products and activities which intersect with the DOC responsibilities, including fact sheets, press releases, interview skills, and event preparations.

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 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”.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: A Master's degree journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, or social studies is required.

2. Prior work Experience:

· Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience as a communications and outreach specialist or strategic communications professional, three of which should be in communications related to international development or international affairs.

· Must have extensive writing and editing experience. Must have experience supervising staff and workflows, working as a team member, and providing leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.

· Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies.

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.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Applicants who clearly meet the minimum Education and Prior work Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

FACTOR #1:

Knowledge:

· Demonstrated success in developing strategies to disseminate information to a variety of target audiences using different formats.

· Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective public relations or communications programs to target specific audiences, as well as the general public.

· Demonstrated ability to plan and execute media outreach and to plan and manage events including staging and logistics, publicity, and programming.

· Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, stories, social media) targeting a variety of audiences.

· Evidence of general understanding of issues related to international development.

· Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media.

· Demonstrate knowledge and expertise regarding planning, strategy, and adherence to policies and procedures regarding development outreach communications activities.

· Knowledge of how the press operates to facilitate troubleshooting and ability to advise the Mission on the best press outlets to use for given purposes is essential.

· Knowledge of overseas development organizations’ work, business practices, and protocols, as is a general understanding of U.S. and international development assistance and familiarity with the region

FACTOR #2:

Skills and Abilities:

· Effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi- disciplinary, multi-cultural team.

· Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations.

· Initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables.

· Ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines.

· Evidence of outstanding coordination and organizational skills.

FACTOR #3:

Communication and Language Skills: Level IV English (fluent) Fluent English speaking, reading, and writing proficiency is required. Applicants must provide two or three writing samples in English with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750-1,000 words).

Evaluation Factors:

Factor #1 15 points Factor #2 10 points Factor #3 5 points

Interview Performance: 70 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

SELECTION PROCESS

(1) After the closing date for the receipt of applications, applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a short list of applicants developed.

(2) Following this initial review and short listing, a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates which do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Those applications from qualified applicants meeting the required minimum qualifications will be assessed based on the evaluation factors. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

(3) USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

(4) Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

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

4. A type-written and signed cover letter of no more than two (2) pages specifically applying for this position and addressing the minimum requirements and evaluation factors of the position.

5. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements.

6. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) 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.

7. Hard copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the CV/Resume.

8. Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/email not larger than 5MB. Please submit attachments in PDF and Word formats. Application packages must be submitted electronically to Abujahr@usaid.gov

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

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

*The above listed forms (2 through 5) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS: (If applicable):

(a) Employer's FICA contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES: (If applicable):

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) Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(h) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. A TCNPSC will be eligible to pay taxes as specified by their respective country.

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, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions, and Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. 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

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

3. 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

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an

5. 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 O [END OF SOLICITATION]

U.S. Agency for International Development 1075 Diplomatic Drive Central Business District, P.M.B. 519, Garki, Abuja.

Tel: +234-9-4614000 Fax +234-9-4619400 www.usaid.gov/ng image1.png