SOL No. 72052223R00001 (Extended) Migration Technical and Learning Advisor.pdf

Avenida La Paz

Frente a La Embajada Americana P.O. Box 3453 Tegucigalpa, Honduras

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052223R00001 (Extended)

ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: January 17, 2023

(Midnight Local Time - Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a resident-hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor

(USPSC) – Migration Technical and Learning Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Honduras, is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens to provide services under a resident-hire U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) as described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the information provided below and sent electronically to tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above.

To ensure consideration of the application for the intended position, the applicant must prominently submit and sign the Application Form AID-309-2 and comply with the requirements as established below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All e-mail submissions must contain the Solicitation Number, SOL-72052223R00001 (Extended), in the subject line. It is recommended that the applicant retain copies of all application materials for their records.

Please note that USAID/Honduras does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application. Applications received after the Closing Date and Closing Time specified above will not be considered.

USAID/Honduras will evaluate offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID/Honduras encourages all individuals, including those form disadvantaged and under-represented groups to respond to this solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID/Honduras to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID/Honduras to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

Also, USAID/Honduras reserves the right to award, or not to award the contract herein contemplated, subject to availability of funds.

Any questions must be directed in writing to tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Alejandro P. Mora Contracting Officer mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

SOLICITATION No.: 72052223R00001 (Extended)

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052223R00001 (Extended)

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

January 17, 2023 (Midnight Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

4. POINT OF CONTACT:

USAID/Honduras – Human Resources Office:

E-mail: tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Migration Technical and Learning Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973.00 – $124,764.00 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Other benefits/allowances will be granted as applicable in the Cooperating Country.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Honduras, Program Office (PO). The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situation in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Full-time. Employment under this contract will initially be for two (2) years with the possibility to extend for three (3) option years depending on availability of funds. The estimated start date will be contingent upon the successful outcome of a security and medical clearance of the selected candidate.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens in order to be eligible for consideration. U.S. resident alien means a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. Additionally, all interested candidates must have the required work permit or documentation that allows the applicant to work legally in the country in order to be eligible for consideration.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: HSPD-12 (Facility/USAID Computer Access Only).

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The Advisor will be part of the Program Office’s (PO) Migration Team and serve as a Migration, Repatriation and Reintegration (MRR) technical expert, advisor and recognized authority in the field who guides the Mission’s technical offices and staff on a range of MRR issues and ensures the integration of MRR concepts, trends and learning throughout implementation of the Mission’s Cooperating Development Country Strategy (CDCS) and its new and ongoing development activities.

S/he will play a leading role in reporting against the Mission’s progress to implement the Root Causes mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov and Collaborative Migration Management Strategies as well as on other regular and ad hoc reporting requirements related to migration programming. S/he will lead MRR data management, analysis and dissemination for decision-making and improving program impact. The Advisor will closely liaise with the Mission’s Geospatial Information System (GIS) Specialist, the Integrated Response to Migration’s Activity Manager, for Honduras programming, and the Agreement Officer/Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/CORs) for the Mission’s bilateral migration activity and the COR for the Mission-wide Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) contract. S/he will serve as the Alternate COR for one or both of these activities as well.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

A. Guide, develop, manage and coordinate incorporation of effective MRR interventions into

USAID/Honduras’ development programming (30%)

The Advisor will provide expert-level advice to USAID/Honduras staff including senior management, office directors, Development Objective (DO) teams and the Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) and Place-based Strategy working groups among others, on how to realize progressive, CLA-oriented design, management, monitoring and adaptation practices through USAID/Honduras’ CDCS implementation. This will be done primarily by bolstering USAID’s MEL practices, as well as by enhancing internal collaboration and change management approaches that contribute to greater development impact. These include leading the development of programmatic learning agendas and designing evaluative studies, for example, as well as designing and managing activities that respond to those inquiries and ensuring uptake of the findings.

S/he will work closely with PO staff and technical teams to articulate development hypotheses and theories of change at appropriate and varied levels, plan for testing those hypotheses, and contribute to practices that build adaptive, iterative approaches into project and activity designs. Based on implementation results, new learning and stakeholder feedback, s/he will work across the Mission with Program Office and technical teams, providing expert advice and recommendations, to ensure appropriate feedback loops, guide iterative course corrections and ensure ongoing and evolving alignment of portfolio with strategy.

The Advisor will take a leading role in formulating new strategies and approaches for new and established programs to incorporate MRR interventions and respond to new MRR areas of concern in response to the evolving migration environment within Honduras. S/he will lead the rollout and operationalization of the Mission’s geo-targeting approach that aims to concentrate development program interventions in the 40 municipalities of the country from which 60 percent of irregular migrants originate. S/he will ensure that learning from activities implemented in these municipalities and MRR-specific interventions occurs throughout the Program Cycle (strategy, project/activity design, implementation, MEL and CLA), emphasizing adaptive management approaches. S/he will lead continuous learning review and processes for iterative course corrections/adaptations.

B. MRR Data Analysis, Research and Learning Design (25%)

In collaboration with the Mission’s MEL staff, DO teams, AORs/CORs, and PO team members, the Advisor serves as a key leader and expert in USAID’s evaluation and learning efforts to address irregular migration and reintegration. S/he will define, design, plan, establish and direct the implementation of a wide range of studies including both pioneering analyses and/or traditional evaluation approaches. S/he will determine feasibility, timing, technical approach, and resources required for specific study proposals. Study designs or techniques will emphasize stakeholder engagement and/or meet the need for assessing and measuring progress for qualitative and outcome-level results in a complex development landscape.

S/he will be the Mission’s technical expert on migration and reintegration-related data. The Advisor will lead, plan and execute analysis of a range of data from various migration data sources including but not limited to U.S. government agencies, Government of Honduras (GOH) institutions, private sources and academia. S/he will also utilize available geographic and location data, coordinating with, backstopping and in some instances managing the work of the Mission’s GIS Specialist and/or GIS Specialists employed through the Mission’s MEL contractor. As a result of these analyses, the Advisor will produce and/or oversee the production of analytical models, maps, visuals, special, high-quality and rigorous thematic written reports and other learning products such as a monthly migration update report.

S/he will perform highly technical, expert analysis of migration data sources to identify trends in irregular migration of Hondurans and of other nationalities migrating via the Central America region and identify and communicate data quality issues to relevant stakeholders. The Advisor will manage learning reviews, review evaluation and study results through after action meetings or other fora with other stakeholders to determine conclusions and organizational implications of importance to USAID.

S/he will utilize and apply learning and analysis to activity designs and ongoing activity implementation and management to inform and advance USAID/Honduras’ CLA plan, learning agenda and to facilitate overall CDCS implementation. The Advisor will take a leading role in expanding the learning/knowledge agenda of USAID/Honduras in conjunction with the execution of the Mission’s CDCS and development programming.

C. Alternate Contracting Officer’s Representative: (25%)

The Advisor will also closely liaise with the COR for the Mission-wide MEL contract and provide administrative backstopping for the activity as needed in absence of the COR. This will involve maintaining awareness of the implementing partner’s activities and contacts with its key staff members in order to assist with actions and requests for information involving this activity in the absence of the primary COR. S/he will also act as an Activity Manager for specific tasks or action areas under the MEL contract, for example to manage the execution by the contractor of migration-specific studies, learning reviews and completion of GIS products. The Advisor may also serve as an Alternate COR or Activity Manager for one or more activities with the specific objective of reducing irregular migration and/ or addressing the needs of returned migrants for reception and reintegration services.

D. MRR learning dissemination and reporting: (10%)

S/he will be called upon to report on USAID actions and information gathered related to a broad range of MRR and development issues. In coordination with the PO Migration Team lead and others, the Advisor will develop a migration learning agenda and strategic data and learning dissemination plan.

S/he will take these forward and disseminate data and lessons learned to maximize USAID program coordination internally within USAID/Honduras and with GOH stakeholders, donors and implementing partners. As part of the strategic data dissemination plan and Mission learning agenda, the Advisor will be expected to prepare, in both English and Spanish, memos, reports, talking points, speeches, presentations etc.

The Advisor will foster relations with key stakeholders across the Mission as well as with partner institutions – donors, academia, research institutions and GOH stakeholders – to identify potential areas for shared learning, and to enable broad take-up and application of findings. When designated, s/he will represent USAID/Honduras at regular and special internal and external working sessions dealing with MRR issues especially those that pertain to MRR policy and learning. Support identification and implementation of opportunities to link USAID’s contributions to Honduras’ development to the activities of other bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector and non-government organizations, and government counterparts and civil society actors. S/he will ensure that s/he and USAID meet the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency and quality in working with USG officials and representatives both resident in Honduras and on official visits, advocacy groups, researchers and citizens, as well as with other donors and international organizations, GOH and civil society actors, NGOs, citizens and migrants.

The Advisor will seek opportunities to advance USAID knowledge management and learning activities to ensure rapid, effective sharing and application of learning on topics of keen interest to USAID/Honduras. Ensure activity design and program development documents engage a wide range of stakeholders, facilitate strategic collaboration and knowledge exchange, and promote learning opportunities that improve USAID’s understanding of the Honduran development context and thus more purposeful application of experiential, codified learning to strengthen USAID’s development interventions.

S/he is also frequently tasked with responding to MRR-related inquiries from the Embassy, other USAID Missions in the region, and USAID/Washington. This will include regularly scheduled, quarterly, monthly, and weekly as well as last minute and ad hoc reporting on trends and issues for end-users including USAID/Washington's Northern Triangle Task Force, the State Department, Congress and members of the National Security Council and Office of the Vice President that cover advancements of and challenges faced by the USG and the GOH in addressing and preventing irregular migration. Other unscheduled reporting includes, but is not limited to, drafting documents in advance of high-level visits, and reviewing or drafting cables for the State Department. The Advisor will be expected to prepare, in both English and Spanish, memos, reports, talking points, speeches, presentations, and others as required.

E. Capacity building and stakeholder engagement (10%)

The Advisor will work to build Mission staff and implementing partners’ knowledge and understanding of MRR concepts, trends, and tools for executing programs to reduce irregular migration. S/he will provide accurate and timely information on USAID MRR-related partners and activities including at workshops, training and learning events. Drawing on migration study and evaluation results, and implementation experience, the Advisor will ensure that migration-related indicators and targets are grounded in evidence, while also working to expand USAID’s and partners’ ability to capture and measure types of evidence that typically elude traditional MEL approaches.

S/he will provide valuable learning leadership to USAID staff, implementing partners and other stakeholders. The Advisor will identify ways to reduce knowledge sharing barriers, e.g. through application of e-sharing and learning tools, creation of Communities of Practice and support to USAID’s (internal) Mission Leadership Council and (external) Advisory Board(s), peer and cross-learning and other contemporary, effective learning techniques and opportunities.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The Advisor will be expected to occasionally travel domestically or regionally as required by the needs of the portfolio that will require ability and availability. Aside from occasional travel as required by the statement of duties, the position does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: The applicant must have a Master’s Degree in economics, science, development studies, management, public administration, international affairs, or other related academic discipline.

Applicants possessing higher level degrees are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Prior Work Experience (Those candidates with additional professional experience relevant to the position are strongly encouraged to apply):

− Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in development programs, or related public policy and research programs with multilateral and bilateral donors, NGOs, and/or U.S. government institutions is required.

− Experience working on or doing research on migration, reintegration, or repatriation topic areas is required.

− Experience responding to calls for information, data requests, and providing both oral and written responses in a timely manner is required.

− Experience with donor agency/mission organization, procedures, and operations systems (e.g., development approaches; procedures for programming funds, defining objectives, monitoring results, and procedures for managing grants and contracts) are required.

Language proficiency: Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. Demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and well- organized manner. Must have strong knowledge of written and spoken Spanish.

These requirements will be tested through written and/or oral evaluations.

Job Knowledge:

− Knowledge of best practices in monitoring and evaluation of multi-sectoral programs is required.

− Knowledge of policy and practice regarding collaborating, learning and adapting to ably guide

USAID/Honduras staff including senior management, office directors, DO teams and the CLA working group on how to realize progressive, CLA-oriented design, management, monitoring and adaptation practices through USAID/Honduras’ CDCS implementation.

− Knowledge of migration, repatriation and reintegration topics is required. Specific knowledge on these topics in Central America is preferred.

− Knowledge of the structure and workings of the U.S. government is desired.

− Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, statistical analysis software Internet and

Google applications, and ability to design presentations and other content that is both user-friendly and communicative.

Skills and abilities and other requirements:

− Demonstrated strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required.

− Demonstrated professionalism and sensitivity regarding topics of concern; ability to conduct oneself professionally and represent the USG in formal and informal settings.

− Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment.

− Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.

− Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy-to-understand narrative.

− Possession of strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, the ability to work within a team setting and with minimal supervision.

− Superior project management skills and the ability to take initiative working with the direction of management.

− Must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively problem solve and see through to completion.

− Superior levels of time-management while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult environment.

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.

Candidates that meet the minimum requirements, as outlined in this solicitation, will be evaluated and ranked based on the following evaluation criteria and characteristics:

EVALUATION CRITERIA / ADJECTIVE DEFINITION

Exceptional

− A comprehensive and thorough application of exceptional merit.

− Candidate meets and fully exceeds the Government expectations and presents very low risk or no overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

− Strengths significantly outweigh any weaknesses that may exist.

Very Good

− A candidate demonstrating a strong grasp of the requirements of the position.

− Candidate meets position requirements and presents a low overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

− Strengths significantly outweigh any weaknesses that exist.

Satisfactory

− A candidate demonstrating a reasonably sound application and a good grasp of the position requirements.

− Candidate meets position requirements and presents a moderate overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

− Strengths outweigh weaknesses.

Marginal

− The candidate shows a limited understanding of the requirements.

− Candidate meets some or most of the position requirements but presents a significant overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

− Weaknesses equal or outweigh any strengths that exist.

Unsatisfactory

− The candidate does not meet the position requirements.

− Presents an unacceptable degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

− Deficiencies and significant weaknesses demonstrate a lack of understanding of the Government’s needs.

− Weaknesses and or deficiencies significantly outweigh any strengths that exist.

Neutral Not applicable.

Applicants meeting the above required minimum qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The hiring panel may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

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

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

a) Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit a complete and signed Application Form

AID-309-2 “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals”. Incomplete AID 309-2 forms will not be accepted and therefore will not be considered for this solicitation.

b) Most current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume. The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

c) Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the e-mail address specified in the cover letter of this solicitation. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail.

d) USAID/Honduras reserves the right to obtain relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance from previous employers and may consider such information in its evaluation.

USAID/Honduras may seek performance information beyond the reference names provided in the application forms.

e) By submitting the application materials, the offeror certifies that all the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. The offeror agrees to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to the offer may result in being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The applicant must be able to obtain an HSPD-12 (Facility/Computer Access Only), which involves the applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a medical clearance to work worldwide stating that the applicant is able to engage in the type of activities required for the position and that is also physically fit and able to reside in the Cooperating Country.

Details of how to obtain such clearances will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer has been made.

The CO, or his/her designee, will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms, as applicable:

1. Medical History and Examination Forms (Department of State Forms)

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

3. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions

(SF-85) submitted through e-Qip

4. Fingerprint Cards

5. e-QIP signature forms

6. AID 6-85 Foreign Activity Data

7. AID 500-6 Dual Citizenship Questionnaire (if applicable)

8. OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment

9. Other forms as appropriate

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Eligibility for benefits and allowances depends on the type of position and contract issued at the time of employment. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

a. Employer's FICA Contribution.

b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (Unless health and life insurance coverage for retiree employees does not provide or specifically excludes overseas coverage, retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health and life insurance under their contracts.

Additionally, a USPSC who is a dependent of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their Government employee’s or retiree’s Government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for these contributions).

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment.

d. Annual Increase (pending satisfactory performance evaluation).

e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation.

f. Leave and Holidays (no vacation shall be earned if the tour of duty is less than 90 days).

2. ALLOWANCES:

Allowances and Differentials are applicable as per AIDAR Appendix D and type of PSC. These are only applicable for USPSCs recruited from outside the cooperating country, or on TDY as applicable.

Resident-hire USPSCs are not eligible for allowances and/or differentials, unless otherwise indicated by the Contracting Officer at the time of employment.

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S.

Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions”.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-1

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

Funding Type: Bilateral Appropriation: 7221/221021, 7221/221037, 7218/191021, 7220/211021 Template: Mission Program Funds Resource Category: 1150958, 1130008, 1210408

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

3. All applicable Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for PSCs with Individuals.

4. 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.

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 the Personal Services Contracts Ombudsman webpage for additional information. The PSC Ombudsman may also be contacted via email at: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

The US Mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras provides Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) and fair and equitable treatment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

See https://www.usaid.gov/honduras for additional information on USAID’s work and programs.

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/5438912F316A0D26852585B6005A1599/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/5438912F316A0D26852585B6005A1599/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/home https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/honduras