Sol No. 72061123R00006 for PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator.pdf

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Embassy of The United States of America Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill

P O Box 32481 Lusaka, Zambia

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061123R00006

ISSUANCE DATE: February 15, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 14, 2023

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Offshore U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC): PEPFAR Deputy

Country Coordinator

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 V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all Offer materials for their records.

At USAID, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is a priority, and we are greater than the sum of our parts. When we integrate DEIA in our programs, policies, partnerships, and people (workforce), we are better able to understand and meet the needs of those we serve worldwide. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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 attachment 1.

Sincerely, /s/

Michael Capobianco

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72061123R00006

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72061123R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 15, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 14, 2023, at 17:00 PM (Zambia local time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Summer Tucker, exozambiahr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator

6. MARKET VALUE: $ 84,546.00 to $ 109,908.00 equivalent to a GS-13. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value, based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, skills and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: This is a two year, with three additional option years. The base period will be 2023 to 2025. Based on agency and mission needs, the contractor’s satisfactory performance, and availability of funds, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for 2025 to 2028.

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. 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 situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

9. ELIGIBILITY/WHO MAY APPLY: U.S. nationals and/or Resident Aliens. “U.S. national (USN)” means an individual who is a U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the

United States.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret: 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.

mailto:exozambiahr@usaid.gov

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

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 2021 budget of approximately $431 million to support a comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care program.

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator, reporting to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC) in Zambia, will support the full mandate of the PEPFAR Coordination Office (PCO). The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator will work closely with the PCC to ensure full communication between all U.S. government departments and agencies involved in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Zambia: particularly the interagency core team; the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC); designated Embassy counterparts; and other representatives of PEPFAR Zambia U.S. government implementing agencies. The incumbent provides full support to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator and advice and counsel to other members of the PCO on all matters related to

PEPFAR in Zambia.

B. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator will manage day-to-day operations of the PEPFAR Coordination Office.

Activities of the Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC) will include but are not limited to the following:

1) HIV/AIDS coordination with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC)

a. With the Country Coordinator, manage iterative participation in headquarters interagency reviews of the annual Zambia Country Operational Plans, semi-annual and annual performance reporting, and other

PEPFAR wide review processes.

b. Serve as first point of contact for ad hoc queries from OGAC regarding status of overall planning and reporting for PEPFAR in Zambia.

c. Compile and share budgetary information with and between OGAC and in-country participating agencies to ensure rapid and effective availability and use of funds.

d. Represent PEPFAR Zambia at external stakeholder meetings as assigned by the PCC.

2) HIV/AIDS coordination and planning with Zambia’s PEPFAR Interagency Team and Embassy/Lusaka

a. Manage all logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad hoc meetings of the PEPFAR Interagency leadership and technical teams to better coordinate programs.

b. Manage communications with other U.S. Embassy Lusaka sections, especially the Executive and Public

Affairs Offices.

c. Ensure the full implementation of all PEPFAR policies and directives from Washington and the timely submission of all PEPFAR documents, including the Country Operations Plan (COP), the Annual

Performance Review (APR) and all other required documentation and reporting.

d. Oversee preparation for the quarterly PEPFAR oversight accountability response team (POART) calls between the PEPFAR Zambia and headquarters, including review of results, expenditures, and tracking policy changes.

e. Assist the PEPFAR Country Coordinator and collaborate with other U.S. government implementing agencies to analyze Expenditure Analysis partner results.

f. Develop and oversee efforts to support ongoing team building exercises and strengthened interagency communication and collaboration capabilities.

g. Serve as Acting PEPFAR Country Coordinator when the PEPFAR Country Coordinator is out of the office.

3) Budgeting and administrative skills

a. Supervise financial, administrative, and program staff members, Foreign Service Nationals (FSN) and

Eligible Family Members (EFM)) within the PEPFAR Coordination Office.

b. Serve as administrative point of contact for U.S. Embassy Lusaka Financial Management, General Services, and other administrative offices.

c. With the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, assist in developing and managing performance within the annual operating budget for the PEPFAR Country Coordination Office.

Supervisory Relationship

Work under the supervision of the PEPFAR Country Coordinator who provides administrative direction, and may suggest approaches to consider, results expected, and reviews completed assignments. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the incumbent is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the supervisor. Incumbent will seek advice and assistance as required.

Performance evaluations are based primarily on accomplishments and compliance with policies and procedures.

Supervisor Control

Supervise financial, administrative, and program (FSN and EFM) staff within the PEPFAR Country Coordination Office.

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

Education: Master’s degree in health, public health, epidemiology, sociology, international relations, development studies or any other related discipline is required.

Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in public health/development programs with at least two years in developing countries/resource poor setting. Minimum three years’ demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country or resource-poor context. At least two years of experience working with the U.S. government in one or more of the PEPFAR countries, or at one of the PEPFAR headquarter agencies (USAID, CDC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, Peace Corps, or HRSA) is strongly desired.

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

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

Applications will be required to have the minimum qualifications expressed in Section II. Qualified applicants possessing the above minimum requirements will be assessed based on the following factors:

Evaluation factors:

1. Education (10 points):

A clear and convincing demonstration of the extent to which the applicant’s advanced degree qualifies them to perform the work outlined in the solicitation.

2. Professional Experience (35 Points):

A clear and convincing demonstration to the extent the applicant’s professional experience qualifies them to perform the work outlined in the solicitation.

3. Job Knowledge (20 points):

A clear and convincing demonstration to the extent the applicant’s job knowledge qualifies them to perform the work outlined in the solicitation.

Knowledge of and experience with complex public health program planning and reporting. Skills in organizing complex activities with large groups of people. Demonstrated flexibility and openness in https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far responding to changing work priorities and environment. Knowledge of U.S. government policies and guidance related to implementation of PEPFAR preferred. Ability to manage and work with diverse teams. Possess a critical eye for details and strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills. Willingness to reside in a developing country.

4. Abilities and Skills (25 points):

A clear and convincing demonstration to the extent the applicant’s abilities and skills qualifies them to perform the work outlined in the solicitation.

Knowledge of and experience with complex, web-based program planning and reporting databases.

Skills in organizing complex activities with large groups. Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environment. Ability to analyze and monitor complex health situations. Knowledge of U.S. government policies and guidance related to implementation of

PEPFAR preferred. Ability to manage and work with diverse teams. Possess a critical eye for details and strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills.

Willingness to reside in a developing country.

5. Language Proficiency (10 points):

A clear and convincing demonstration of the applicant’s ability to write, present, analyze technical information in English. This will be assessed in the in either the oral interview or written test or both.

USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate. USAID also reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a selection committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and interviewed. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct references checks, including reference from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

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. Satisfactory reference check will be assessed as either pass/fail (No points assigned).

Interview performance inclusive of written test will have a separate weight out of 100% total and will be the deciding factor in selection.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Letter of application/cover letter.

2. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts.”

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.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/FORM_AID_309-2_OMB_corrected_1.pdf

6. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I. 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. Offeror/Applications submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number in the subject line of the email and submitted documents. Submit your offer/application materials to:

exozambiahr@usaid.gov

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.

5. BENEFITS /ALLOWANCES (if/as applicable)

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances in accordance with the AIDAR Appendix D.:

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)

(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) mailto:exozambiahr@usaid.gov https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(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)

6. TAXES

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

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

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

i. 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/ads/policy/300/aidar.

ii. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety

Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on

September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of

Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying

Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or

Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area.

A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

iii. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

Line 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

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

Contractors

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

v. 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

vi. 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. The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via:

pscombudsman@usaid.gov.

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.

https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/aapd06_10.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/AAPD-21-05.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/AAPD-18-02-Rev2.pdf http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations file://///us.usaid.gov/DFS/ZA_Lusaka/Public/EXO/HR/Recruitment/Advertisements%20(Solicitations)/2022/USPSC/pscombudsman@usaid.gov