Sol_72068823R00003.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068823R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: 1/4/2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 2/3/2023 at 17h GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. or Third Country National (TCN) Personal Services Contractor (USPSC or TCNPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development in Mali (USAID/Mali) 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 the 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/Mali to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID/Mali to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Points of Contact specified in Attached information 1.

Sincerely, Douglas Quiggle Supervisory EXO/CO

U.S. Agency for International Development Hamdallaye, ACI 2000 Street 243 Gate 297 P.O. Box 34 Bamako, Mali

Tel: (223) 2070-23-00 Fax: (223) 2022-39-33 http://mali.usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72068823R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 1/4/2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 1/3/2023 at 17:00 GMT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Douglas Quiggle at dquiggle@usaid.gov with “Questions Solicitation No. 72068823R00003- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Advisor” in the subject line.

5. POSITION TITLE: US/TCNPSC Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,9908 – $129,878 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

Candidate’s work experience and educational background will be considered. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/MALI.

Mali is considered by the US Government as an Adult EFMs (age 21 and over) only post, with 25% danger pay & 30% post differential salary supplement.

Overseas USPSC, and TCNPSC not subject to local compensation plan, 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: The base period will be two years, estimated to start on April 11, 2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for up to three years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: a/o 4/11/2023 to 4/10/2025 Option Period 1: a/o 4/11/2025 to 4/10/2026 Option Period 2: a/o 4/11/2026 to 4/10/2027 Option Period 3: a/o 4/11/2027 to 4/10/2028

The exercise of OPs will be pursuant to the FAR 52.217-9, therefore the total duration of this contract, including OPs, will not exceed five years.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals (including lawful permanent U.S.

residents) or Third Country Nationals (TCNs)*.

In accordance with ADS 309.3.1.4, the CO decides to issue this combined solicitation open to eligible USNs and TCNs. Therefore, the preference will be given to offers received from US citizens or USNs (candidates), who will also be evaluated first; TCNs (offerors) will only be mailto:dquiggle@usaid.gov considered if there are no qualified USN candidates available.

* Third Country National (TCN): An individual (i) who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

The successful applicant will be required to obtain a “Secret” Clearance (if a US citizens) or a Facility Access security certification (if a USN or TCN).

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

Located in USAID/Mali’s Program Office, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor will serve as the senior subject matter expert on performance management and evaluation; and will support and build the capacity of the Mission’s CCN M&E Specialist in the area. The incumbent will support the mission’s health; agriculture and economic growth;

peace, democracy, and governance; and education teams in the successful implementation of their activities, by ensuring projects adhere to M&E and collaboration guidelines laid out in the ADS 201. The MEL Advisor will review and approve evaluation statements of work;

review and analyze project quarterly reports; provide M&E input in project design and develop/regularly update the mission Performance Management Plans (PMPs) to provide adequate oversight for USAID projects. In addition, the MEL Advisor will be responsible for guiding the mission through M&E focused components of future mission strategy (CDCS) development. Working under the supervision of Supervisory Program Officer, the incumbent is expected to perform duties with minimal supervision.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

1. Mission Strategy, Project and Activity Design (30%):

Working closely with the CCN M&E Specialist, the MEL Advisor will be responsible for the following:

• Serve as a core member of the CDCS development team, advising on M&E related aspects of the strategy and ensuring compliance of all M&E related requirements of the strategy development.

• Lead the mission in the development of a mission-wide Performance Management Plan linked to the CDCS.

• Assist technical teams to develop Monitoring and Evaluation Plans (MEL Plans) during the design phases of their projects.

• Assist technical teams to create logical frameworks for their projects and help them think through how they will monitor the relevant indicators during implementation.

• Advise technical teams on the creation of Annual Work Plans and Performance Management Plans for their projects; and help AORs and CORs ensure these plans monitor projects effectively.

• Ensure the Mission is aware of the Host Country evaluation policy and make sure USAID responds to local Government’s evaluation and data needs

2. Performance Monitoring (30%):

• Reviewing quarterly and annual performance reports from implementing partners to ensure quality and usefulness.

• Regularly analyzing performance data and providing updates to the mission on the general performance of activities.

• Maintaining the Mission's Performance Management Plan (PMP) and the developing and maintaining an internal indicator tracking system.

• Conducting all necessary steps to ensure data quality, including the management of Data

Quality Assessments, and its timely submissions

• Maintaining all Performance Indicator Reference Sheets and participating in regular reporting requirements managed by the Program Office, including Portfolio Reviews, the Performance Plan and Report, the Operational Plan, and others. Such responsibilities include ensuring that indicator data and narratives submitted by USAID/Mali are of the highest quality.

• Maintaining a mission-wide site visit calendar and participating in site visits for performance monitoring purposes.

• In support of robust performance management of USAID/Mali activities, assist technical teams to review and analyze performance data on a regular basis and incorporate recommendations into ongoing activity implementation.

3. Performance and Impact Evaluations for Continuous Learning (40%):

• Serving as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) of the Mission’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Platform mechanism.

• Developing and managing a mission-wide learning agenda to guide USAID/Mali to study the impact of and improve its programs.

• The implementation of all USAID/Mali evaluations. This includes baseline studies, mid-term and end of activity performance evaluations, all-of-project evaluations, evaluations of innovative development interventions, and impact evaluations, as per the USAID Evaluation Policy.

• Ensuring that all Mission evaluations are properly planned and carried out in a high-quality fashion. This includes: 1) management of evaluation projects, 2) design and review of scopes of work, 3) vetting of consultants, 4) participation in field trips with evaluation teams as a team member and USAID/Mali representative; 5) ensuring compliance with all USAID evaluation requirements.

• Disseminating evaluation conclusions and recommendations to stakeholders and advising technical teams on how to incorporate learning and recommendations on ongoing activities.

• Updating and maintaining all USAID/Mali evaluation files.

3. Supervisory Relationship

After the initial orientation, the incumbent works with a great deal of independence and carries out major assignment on his/her own initiatives. The incumbent reports to the Program Office Deputy Director (Design and Implementation).

4. Supervisory Controls

Not applicable.

In accordance with ADS 309.3.3.1.a.2., 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 two years of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) as designed by USAID/Mali Program team. The PSC’s Supervisor will establish a plan to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application/offer and obtained thorough reference checks.

USAID/Mali reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection. The following are the position minimum qualifications used to determine which offers must be rejected, and which can advance to evaluation:

1) U.S. National (USN) or Third Country National (TCN)

2) Master’s degree in social sciences, development, economics, business administration or a related field is required

3) Minimum of seven years of progressive and responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation and project design required. Experience in data collection and analysis, evaluation design, and performance indication selection is also required.

4) Advanced knowledge of USAID programming in Mali and/or similar countries in the region is required. A good knowledge of USAID ADS 201 and other relevant programming policies, regulations and procedures is necessary.

5) Strong organizational and writing skills and ability to plan and provide detailed reports and analyses to support USAID/Mali in a timely and effective manner. Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail are required.

Solid computer skills in basic office software applications are also essential, as is the ability to work independently and as a team member, in carrying out the duties described above.

6) Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) oral and written English and French is required.

7) Offeror must not be listed as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

8) Able to obtain and maintain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period.

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

The technical evaluation committee (TEC) or the HR team may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror/candidate, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications noted above. For applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection factors listed below.

Only finalists will be contacted by USAID/Mali with respect to their applications for further documentation request, if necessary. USAID/Mali reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

Those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their applications, and against the following selection criteria:

1) Prior Work Experience: Minimum of seven years of progressive and responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation and project design required. Experience in data collection and analysis, evaluation design, and performance indication selection is also required.

2) Job Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of USAID programming in Mali and/or similar countries in the region is required. A good knowledge of USAID ADS 201 and other relevant programming policies, regulations and procedures is necessary.

3) Skills and Abilities: Strong organizational and writing skills and ability to plan and provide detailed reports and analyses to support USAID/Mali in a timely and effective manner. Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail are required. Solid computer skills in basic office software applications are also essential, as is the ability to work independently and as a team member, in carrying out the duties described above.

1) Prior Work Experience : 40 points

2) Job Knowledge : 30 points

3) Skills and Abilities : 30 points

4) Language : pass/fail

Maximum Points Available: 100

The selection criteria will be the basis for scoring the applications and creating an initial ranking of candidates. Only the highest-ranked applicants (finalists) will be interviewed. Those finalists will also be evaluated on their interview performance, and finally, satisfactory professional reference checks. In summary, the steps in the applicant rating system are as follows:

1. Meet education/other minimum requirements: pass/fail

2. Evaluation Factors

3. Interview Performance – of equal importance to Evaluation Factors

4. Reference Checks for applicant considered as successful and suitable for the position: pass/fail https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee/panel will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the above required evaluation factors. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed.

Notes:

a) Due to the high volume of applications we receive for each solicitation, we will only contact candidates who are being considered for the next step of the hiring process. However, each applicant will receive an auto reply from the PSC applications mailbox to acknowledge the receipt of his/her application.

b) “USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USN) 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.”

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

All offers must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line:* SOL: 72068823R00003 – [INSERT YOUR ELIGIBILITY CATEGORY] MEL Advisor to bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

Attention: Executive Office Human Resources Section USAID/Mali

Eligible applicants must submit the following documents in English, or their application will not be considered for this position:

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. Cover Letter (not more than 2 pages).

3. Resume or most up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) - The CV/resume must contain enough relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation factors.

4. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation to USAID/Mali PSC applications mailbox at bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

5. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation and eligibility category (USN or TCN) to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

6. List of a minimum three (3) professional references who are not family members or relatives, with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, with current telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor.

mailto:bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

7. USAID/Mali reserves the right to obtain from previous employers, relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its final decision.

8. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – Please be advised that upon award, the contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. It is a Mission policy to encourage COVID-19 vaccination and the selected candidate will be required to comply with applicable CONVID-19 measures.

Note:* The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications will not be accepted. USAID/Mali 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 applications or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

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:

(a) Security Clearance Investigation (Form AID 6-1)

(b) Medical History and Examination Form DS-1843

(c) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

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

(e) Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

For a TCN offeror, different forms specific to the mission may be applicable.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D (for USPSC Offerors), Appendix J (for TCNPSC offerors), and other relevant Agency and Mission policies:

1. BENEFITS (When Eligibility Requirements are met)

USPSC

(a) Employer's F.I.C.A (for USPSC only)

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (if eligible, and pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays non-LCP TCN PSC

(a) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(b) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(c) Annual Increase (if eligible, and pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(e) Annual & Sick Leave (TCNPSC assigned in Mali are NOT eligible for Country Leave)

2. ALLOWANCES (When Eligibility Requirements Are Met)

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) 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)

(j) Payments during Evacuation /Authorized/Ordered Departure (Section 600)

(k) Danger Pay (section 650)

Note: Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) based on the type of appointment and Mission Policy. For TCN PSC, benefits and/or allowances out of the LCP, are applicable as specifically approved by the Mission Director per AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii).

VII. TAXES

It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are responsible for their own tax payments in accordance with their home country applicable tax policies.

VIII. REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

1.

a) For USPSC: AIDAR Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions.” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

b) For TCNPSC: AIDAR 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”. https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

2. Ensuring Adequate Covid-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors (OCT 2021)-Alternate

70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c) As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees. US or TCN PSCs are subject to fully comply with all applicable COVID-19 measures as determined by the Chief of Mission.

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:

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTI

T Y (C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRIC

E (E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: DV-GFSI/2020/2021

DV/2020/2021

GH-C/2020/2021

1 LOT $ 221,084 $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $_TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

4. Acquisition 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 .

a. AAPD 22-02 - Telework and Remote Work Policy for U.S. Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

b. AAPD 21-05 - Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

c. AAPD 21-04 - EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 on Ensuring Adequate Covid-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Awards (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c)

d. AAPD 18-02 Revisions 2- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

e. AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services

Contractors (USPSCs)

f. AAPD 20-08 Revision 1 - Leave and Holidays for CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, including Country

Leave for Qualifying Posts for Eligible TCNPSCs

g. AAPD 06-10 – PSC Medical Payment Responsibility

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

6. PSC Ombudsman (USPSC). 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/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

7. Equal Employment Opportunities USAID is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people. All qualified offerors will be considered regardless of age, race, color, sex, creed, national origin, lawful political affiliation, non-disqualifying disability, marital status, sexual orientation, affiliation with an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

~End of Solicitation~ https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov