Sol No. 72061122R00005 for HIV-TB Division Chief Re-solicited.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061122R00005 (Re-solicitation)

ISSUANCE DATE: June 16, 2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 31, 2022 (Re-solicitation)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Offshore U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC): HIV/TB Division

Chief

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, Sections I through VIII 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 the attached information.

Sincerely, /s/

Summer Tucker

Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72061122R00005

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72061122R00005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 16, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 31, 2022, before and/or on 5:00 PM

(Zambia local time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions and offers must be submitted by email to

EXOZambiaHR@usaid.gov (E-mailed applications required).

5. POSITION TITLE: HIV/TB Division Chief

6. MARKET VALUE: $112,890 to $146,757 equivalent to a GS-15 classification. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value, based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Three years, with two additional one-year option periods, pending approval, need, performance, and funding. No PSC contract may exceed a five-year period of performance.

This is a full-time position with 40 hours per week schedule (Monday to Friday following Embassy working hours)

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Zambia, Lusaka with possible travel as stated in the Statement of

Duties.

9. WHO MAY APPLY: U.S. Citizens only.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance: The final selected candidate must obtain a Secret and State medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

Background: The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest commitment ever by a nation toward an international health initiative for a single disease. PEPFAR is a multifaceted approach to combating

HIV/AIDS in more than 100 countries around the world. Zambia is currently one of the largest recipients of

PEPFAR funding with an FY 2022 budget of approximately $431 million to support a comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care program.

The HIV/TB Division Chief, in collaboration with CDC and the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, provides leadership, guidance, and technical direction of the development and execution of the PEPFAR program in Zambia. The

HIV/TB Division Chief provides managerial and technical support to the Government of the Republic of Zambia

(GRZ) in matters related to HIV/AIDS policy, program implementation, and evaluation.

mailto:EXOZambiaHR@usaid.gov

Within the USAID/Zambia Health Office, the HIV/TB Division Chief serves as the principal manager overseeing the

HIV/AIDS/TB portfolio, which includes robust HIV pediatric and adult care and treatment and prevention. The

HIV/TB division oversees much of the mission’s PEPFAr resources, and comprises 6 FSN staff.

B. Statement of Duties to be Performed

Specific responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Strategic Leadership and Program Management (60%)

The HIV/TB Division Chief is responsible for the USAID HIV/AIDS/TB portfolio under the Zambia PEPFAR program. The HIV/TB Division Chief provides overall strategic leadership, management and implementation oversight for the complex and diverse HIV/AIDS/TB program and serves as a USAID technical expert and leader within the interagency PEPFAR space. The HIV/TB Division Chief leads the strategic planning, development, oversight, management, and assessment of USAID/Zambia’s PEPFAR-funded HIV/AIDS programs in areas such as

HIV testing services, HIV treatment and retention, voluntary male medical circumcision, and integration with comprehensive HIV programming targeting priority populations.

The HIV/TB Division Chief carries out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic, coordinating, planning and evaluation responsibilities related to the assigned portfolio, and ultimately is responsible for overseeing development and management of all HIV/TB Division mechanisms, strategic leadership, planning, budgeting, and reporting against both USAID and PEPFAR requirements.

The HIV/TB Division Chief is responsible for the development and implementation of annual Country Operational

Plans (COPs), ensuring plans are designed according to USAID’s strategic advantage and sufficient funds are allocated to reach goals. The incumbent initiates new programs and activities in accordance with the Ministry of

Health policies, guidelines and protocols and PEPFAR public health program goals, objectives, and policies. This includes playing a lead role in strategic planning and program development through the provision of direct technical assistance, and well executed program planning with partners.

The HIV/TB Division Chief is responsible for planning a broad range of HIV/AIDS activities, including identifying opportunities for integrating development assistance principles with HIV/AIDS sector programs; participating in the formation of policies and guidelines to further HIV/AIDS activities in the geographic area; and, coordinating program development, implementation, and performance monitoring plans that encourage successful HIV/AIDS activities. S/he liaises with other parts of the overall health office portfolio, including with the Family Health, Health Systems Strengthening, Strategic Information, and Social Protection teams to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive response to some of Zambia’s most pressing public health challenges.

The HIV/TB Division Chief is a senior public health advisor who is recognized by the USG and the GRZ as an expert in the field of HIV/AIDS/TB care, treatment, and prevention and serves as a key advisor to mission management, the PEPFAR Interagency, the GRZ, and to implementing partners (IPs).

A key activity of the HIV/TB Division is to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate PEPFAR-funded HIV/AIDS programs that are carried out by cooperating/implementing partners. This requires close cooperation with other donor agencies, implementing and/or cooperative agreement partners, facilitation during implementation, frequent monitoring and, in liaison with the Strategic Information division, evaluating partner performance against desired results that are in accordance with USAID and PEPFAR guidelines and protocols. The incumbent ensures that program requirements of USAID grants, contracts and/or cooperative agreement are correctly followed and according to PEPFAR and international HIV/AIDS program standards. Independently or in coordination with other experts, the job holder prepares and presents comprehensive program reviews to include accomplishments, challenges and recommendations on curtailing or expanding programs.

The HIV/TB Division Chief keeps abreast of current and new HIV care and treatment issues, guides and crafts

USG/USAID policy and programs in Zambia in the area of HIV prevention, care and treatment service delivery, interprets and advises the Office and Mission on implications and implementation options to maximize programmatic opportunities (as strategic and cost-effective) within Zambia’s integrated programming environment.

The HIV/TB Division Chief is responsible for the day-to-day management of the HIV/TB Division, including supervision, management, mentoring, coaching and technical direction of staff. The HIV/TB Division Chief directly supervises six technical staff, who are responsible for a wide-ranging portfolio of HIV/AIDS activities. The HIV/TB

Division Chief creates a supportive work environment that values diversity and elicits the highest possible level of performance from the entire team. They set clear individual and team work objectives and ensure that staff members meet those approved work objectives.

2. Representation, Interagency Coordination, and Reporting (40%)

The HIV/TB Division Chief serves as a USAID lead on the interagency PEPFAR Management team ensuring coordination of work plan development, implementation strategies, and evaluation plans for all USG agency activities in Zambia. The incumbent represents USAID in internal and external technical, policy, and strategic planning PEPFAR meetings with Embassy Front Office, Ministry of Health officials, civil-society organizations, and other development partners. As an integral member of the PEPFAR Management team, they provide technical direction and guidance to PEPFAR technical working groups and implementing partners. They also coordinate

USAID/Zambia’s HIV portfolio with other USAID-funded organizations, other USG agencies, development partners, and the private sector within Zambia.

The incumbent coordinates closely with and provides guidance to the GRZ’s HIV/AIDS program to ensure U.S.

government investments in the HIV care and treatment sectors are in line with the GRZ strategic framework and are effectively and transparently implemented. The HIV/TB Division Chief negotiates with senior GRZ and USG officials, other donors, implementing partners, civil society, and private-sector partners to improve implementation, strengthen partnerships, and improve coordination. The incumbent also liaises with partner-country officials of other ministries and government entities, such as Finance, Planning, Education and Economic

Development, on plans and programs. The HIV/TB Division Chief also liaises with the Global Health Bureau in

Washington DC and the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and orients USAID's health program to align optimally with principles and program objectives of PEPFAR.

The incumbent is a key player in the U.S. Mission’s interagency health efforts. They serve as the first point of contact to the U.S. Mission Leadership for all HIV-related USAID issues, partners and programs. In coordination with the PEPFAR Senior Management team, the incumbent keeps the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission up to date on the status of the program through regular briefings and written communication.

The HIV/TB Division Chief has a direct leadership role in the development of the annual PEPFAR Country

Operational Plan, Annual Performance Report, quarterly PEPFAR Oversight and Accountability Review Team meetings, Expenditure Analysis, and End of Fiscal Year reporting. They also ensure compliance with the Site

Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS) requirements while ensuring that SIMS analysis is incorporated into program implementation. They are also responsible for producing high quality portfolio analyses and presentations, and other key requirements, as directed by OGAC or USAID.

C. Position Elements:

1. Level of Responsibility for Decision Making:

The HIV/TB Division Chief performs under administrative discretion and manages significantly difficult work with clear and exceptional leadership and impact. The incumbent serves as one of the highest-level decision makers in the USAID/Zambia Health Office.

2. Level of Complexity of Work Assignments:

The duties of the HIV/TB Division Chief are significantly varied and require many different unrelated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of problems/situations that require a substantial depth of analysis.

Decisions require extensive probing and analysis to determine appropriate actions, and projects are of considerable breadth and intensity and require the participation and support of others. The work of the HIV/TB

Division Chief requires a continuing effort to resolve unyielding problems.

3. Supervisory Controls:

The HIV/TB Division Chief is supervised by a Deputy Director of the Health Office. The HIV/TB Division Chief exercises considerable independent judgment and will have wide latitude to take initiative, acting proactively in planning and carrying out their assignment with significant autonomy, consulting the supervisor only when circumstances indicate an exceptional need for clarity and direction. The incumbent works independently, providing leadership to others involved in the management of the HIV/TB portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of the new HIV projects/activities. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change. If the work should be reviewed, the review concerns such matters as fulfillment of program objectives, effect of advice and influence on the overall program, or the contribution to the advancement of the program.

4. Supervision exercised:

The HIV/TB Division Chief provides oversight and managerial leadership to the division, comprised of six FSN

Technical Advisors. The incumbent leads, directs, and manages the HIV/TB Division staff members to ensure they meet the Office and Mission strategic goals and objectives. The incumbent does not supervise US Direct Hire

Employees.

5. Guidelines:

The incumbent must be familiar with and is responsible for following all applicable ADS, FAM FAR, AIDAR, and other USAID and Federal guidance and regulations. The incumbent is expected to have an analytical ability to interpret public policies and assist in the development of revised policies as required improving the policy environment related to HIV/TB in Zambia. Management skills are required to develop and implement effective activities involving financial and human resources. Administrative skills are required to assist in the oversight of cooperating agency technical advisors.

6. Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting but travel in remote settings is expected.

7. Scope and Effect of Work Performed:

The HIV/TB Division Chief is widely recognized as an expert and their work affects the work of other experts in the field. The work of the HIV/TB Division Chief directly affects the impact of the Zambia PEPFAR program which is essential to USAID/Zambia’s mission. The incumbent leads, directs, and influences the work of several technical staff.

8. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:

Contacts are USG staff at post, Government of Zambia Ministry of Health colleagues, international development partners, international and local NGO partners and civil society leaders, and PEPFAR headquarters staff. The incumbent reports to the Health office on program progress, obstacles and opportunities for improvement -particularly on any budgetary or contractual obstacles or delays. The HIV/TB Division Chief works with CDC counterparts and the PEPFAR Coordinator; liaises with backstops for HIV/AIDS and TB in USAID/ Washington and counterparts in CDC Atlanta; and represents the USG in interactions with Zambia’s HIV/AIDS programmatic leadership. In addition, the HIV/TB Division Chief represents USAID and the USG on various national and international technical and policy forums.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Lusaka, Zambia, with visits to field locations approximately 20% of the time. No special demands are required to perform the work.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection criteria listed below. Applicants are required to address each of the selection criteria describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to the criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page.

EDUCATION: The complex and highly technical and visible nature of the position requires a Master’s degree in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution and/or clinical qualifications.

WORK EXPERIENCE: At least ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring large scale public health programs, including programs related to

HIV epidemic control, is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a clear progression in their previous work experience and have experience working on HIV or other public health programming.

Additional work experience includes the following:

● Demonstrated supervisory experience in leading and managing diverse teams of professional staff is required.

● Experience working with US government agencies, other donors, international organizations, public international organizations, and/or other relevant development stakeholders is required.

● Demonstrated experience working with high-level host country counterparts, in- country program managers, policy makers and a broad array of international health service providers and community leaders.

LANGUAGE: Written and oral English proficiency is required. Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English. Must have demonstrated ability to make sensitive oral presentations, logically and persuasively, to senior USG and Government of

Zambia officials and other donors.

KNOWLEDGE: Specialized experience in HIV/AIDS is required in areas including but not limited to HIV pediatric and adult care and treatment and prevention. Demonstrated command of data, data systems, and ability to undertake data analysis. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience, and problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required. Preference will be given to those candidates with proven knowledge and experience with USAID programs, procedures and systems for program design, procurement, implementation, management and monitoring.

SKILLS & ABILITIES: Expert computer skills, to include knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Google applications, e-mail.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

Security and Medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification. See Section V.

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

The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application. Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

1. SELECTION PROCESS

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed.

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. USAID may contact additional references not provided by the applicant.

2. EVALUATION FACTORS

Those applicants who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their application as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills. On a supplemental document included with the application package, applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples to address each factor.

Responses are limited to 500 words (approx. 1/2 typewritten page) per factor. Applicants should describe specifically and accurately the experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the factor. Applicants should include their name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors will result in the applicant not receiving full credit for pertinent experience.

Selection will be based on the following criteria (Maximum of 100 Points):

FACTOR #1: Professional Experience (20 points)

● Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience, and problem solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required.

● Preference will be given to those candidates with proven knowledge and experience with USAID programs, procedures and systems for program design, procurement, implementation, management and monitoring.

FACTOR #2: Verbal and Written Communication Skills (10 points)

● Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in

English. Must have demonstrated ability to make sensitive oral presentations, logically and persuasively, to senior USG and Government of Zambia officials and other donors.

● Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships at the highest level and a high level of trust with public/private organizations. Verbal communication skills are also used to negotiate activity plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members. Ability to communicate technical information to health and non-health audiences. Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.

FACTOR #3: Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills (10 points)

● Ability to work effectively with a broad range of USG personnel and partners, and have demonstrated skills in donor coordination and collaboration. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters is a must.

● Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical health information to both health and non-health audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters.

The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application. Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

3. BASIS OF RATING

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of their Evaluation Factors responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The Applicant Rating System is as follows:

Evaluation Factors:

Factor #1: 20 points

Factor #2: 10 points

Factor #3: 10 points

Interview Performance: 60 points

Interview questions may include the following areas:

● Interpersonal skills

● Work effectively in a team environment

● Strategy formulation and implementation

● Demonstrate ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. (The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks of the highest ranked applicants). References will be asked to complete a questionnaire that assesses the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above specific criteria. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

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

1. Letter of application/cover letter (no more than one page).

2. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror

Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

3. Current resume/Curriculum Vitae: Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria.

4. Supplemental document addressing each of the Evaluation Factors, limited to 500 words per factor, as described in Section III above.

5. Contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) for at least three references with knowledge of the applicant’s prior work experience, who are not family members or relatives.

6. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and http://www.usaid.gov/forms submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I. Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered.

7. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the

Solicitation number in the offer submission.

8. Application must be submitted ONLY via EXOZambiaHR@usaid.gov and the email subject must say:

SOL No: 72061122R00005 – USAID/Health Office HIV/TB Division Chief.

9. Please submit the application only once.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

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

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

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

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position.

Within 2 weeks after written notice from the CO that all required clearances have been received, or unless another date is specified by the CO in writing, the selected offeror shall start working under the contract to perform the services specified in section I, item 11.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an Off-shore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

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 Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) mailto:EXOZambiaHR@usaid.gov https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

* Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Resident Hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits:

BENEFITS:

(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

In accordance with AIDAR, Appendix D, 1 (Class Deviation M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-21-02c):

(b) Definitions:

(5) Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) means a U.S. citizen or resident alien who, at the time of contract award, --

(i) resides in the cooperating country for reasons other than U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, under any contract or employment arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S.; or

(ii) is a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident alien with U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, under any contract or employment arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S.

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,” 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:

http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

Line Item Table

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:

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

1001 Option Period (OP) 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and ODCs

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ TBD $ TBD

2001 OP 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and ODCs

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ TBD $ 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 .

AAPD 06-10 - PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

AAPD 21-05 - Revised and Expanded Fringe Benefits for U.S. Personal Service

Contractors

AAPD No. 21-05 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

AAPD 18-02 REVISED - Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

AAPD No. 18-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 4 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.222-50 - COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 5 to the solicitation.

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. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

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/workusaid/personalservice-contracts-ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: pscombudsman@usaid.gov.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

END OF SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Zambia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Zambia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

ATTACHMENT 2 72061122R00005

ATTACHMENT 2

USPSC PROVISION “MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for

Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION

(MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United

States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S.

Government has no payment obligation.

(see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and

Transportation AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services

Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0 http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0 http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0

ATTACHMENT 2 72061122R00005

Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.

In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical

Expense Payment Responsibility Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

[End of Provision]

ATTACHMENT 3 72061122R00005

ATTACHMENT 3

GP. 5 Leave and Holidays (NOV 2021)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-1-c)

(a) Annual Leave

(1) The contractor is not entitled to annual leave if the period of performance of this contract is 90 days or less. If the contract period of performance is more than 90 days, the contractor shall earn annual leave as of the start date of the contract period of performance as specified in paragraph (a)(2) below.

(2) The contractor shall accrue annual leave based on the contractor’s time in service according to the following table:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation

0 to 3 years

Four hours of leave for each two week period over 3, and up to 15 years

Six hours of AL for each two week period

(including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two week period

USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to

USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.

(3)

(i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the USAID Mission or

USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.

(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.

(4) With the approval of the Mission Director or cognizant AA, as appropriate, and if the circumstances warrant, a

Contracting Officer may grant the contractor advance AL in excess of the amount earned, but in no case may the

Contracting Officer grant advance AL in excess of the amount earned in one year or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. The contractor agrees to reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advance AL provided during the contractor’s assignment under the contract.

(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID

U.S. direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 work-days per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work. Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.

(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:

(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days; or if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for such shorter period of not less than one year, as approved in writing by the Mission Director prior to the USPSCs departure on home leave, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days.

(ii) if the USPSC is returning to a different USAID Mission under a USAID personal services contract immediately following completion of the USPSC's home leave, for an additional two (2) years under contract, or for such shorter period of not less than one (1) year, as approved by the Mission Directors of the "losing" and "gaining" Missions, the contractor will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of not more than 20 work days. When the PSC is returning to a different USAID Mission, the former Mission will pay for the home leave regardless of what country the PSC will be working in following the home leave;

(iii) if home leave eligibility is based on (c)(2)(ii) above, the USPSC must submit written verification to the losing Mission at the time home leave is requested that the USPSC has accepted a USAID personal services contract at another USAID Mission following completion of the home leave;

(iv) travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the number of work days authorized for home leave;

(v) home leave must be taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories, and any days spent elsewhere will be charged to annual leave (AL.) If the PSC does not have accrued

AL, the PSC will be placed on LWOP.

(vi) if the PSC does not complete the additional service required under (c)(2)(i) or (ii) (that the Contracting Officer finds are other than for reasons beyond the PSC's control), the cost of home leave, travel and transportation and any other related costs must be repaid by the PSC to the

Government.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (c)(2) above, that the USPSC must have served two (2) years overseas under personal services contract with the same Mission to be eligible for home leave, the USPSC may be granted advance home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i) Granting of advanced home leave would in each case serve to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and

(ii) The USPSC has served a minimum of 18 months in the Cooperating Country under this contract; and

(iii) The USPSC agrees to return to the Cooperating Country to serve out the remaining time necessary to meet two (2) years of service overseas, plus an additional two (2) years under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission. If approved in advance by the Mission Director, the USPSC may return to serve out any remainder of the two (2) year requirement for service overseas, plus an additional period of not less than one

(1) year under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission.

(4) The period of service overseas required under paragraph (c)(2), or paragraph (c)(3) above, will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S. (less language training). The actual days overseas begin on the date of arrival in the cooperating country inclusive of authorized delays enroute. Allowable annual and sick leave taken while overseas, but not LWOP, shall be included in the required period of service overseas. An amount equal to the number of days of annual and sick leave taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories will be added to the required period of service overseas.

(5) Salary during the travel to and from the U.S., for home leave will be…