Sol No. 72061123R00007 for Senior DOC Specialist.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: 72061123R00007

ISSUANCE DATE: March 3, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 2, 2023

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Offshore U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC): Senior Development

Outreach and Communication Specialist

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/

Summer Tucker

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72061123R00007

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72061123R00007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 3, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 2, 2023, at 17:00 PM (Zambia local time)

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach and Communication Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $ 99,908.00 to $ 129,878.00 equivalent to a GS-14. 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. This solicitation is open to Resident-Hire U.S. Nationals who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country and legally permitted to work in the country without needing a work permit.

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 Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist is in the USAID/Zambia Program Office and reports to the Supervisory Program Officer (the Team Leader). The DOC plays a key and unique role to support

USAID/Zambia in the achievement of its objectives by leading the production and dissemination of public information, through outreach and communication, of USAID's activities for Zambian and American consumption. The DOC will have extensive interaction and collaboration with USAID/Zambia team leaders. S/he will maintain regular contact, coordination, and collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Public Affairs Section (PAS) to ensure that U.S. Embassy senior staff are informed of USAID outreach and communication activities and projects.

In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for strategically planning, developing, implementing, and administering the outreach and communication program to promote better awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign assistance to Zambia. S/he guides, coordinates, and oversees the Mission's communication practices and outreach efforts, helping to ensure that they reflect U.S. government priorities and promote USAID's accomplishments to key audiences. S/he is also responsible for relaying related policies and achievements to key audiences, including representatives from the United States, donor community and host country. S/he supervises the Mission's

Development Outreach and Communications Specialist. Regular travel within Zambia and limited travel internationally will be required.

B. Statement of Duties to be Performed

Management of DOC Activities

Responsible for the supervision and management of all DOC activities including the development, implementation, monitoring and supervision of a Development Outreach Communications Strategy; ensuring that systems are in place to efficiently meet recurring DOC demands (e.g., public events, briefing books, media inquiries); managing the budget for public affairs activities, including travel; overseeing the publication of materials; supervising the maintenance of DOC financial records, materials and files; and supervising the creation and management of content for the USAID/Zambia website and various social media platforms. The Development Outreach Communication

Strategy will identify the types of materials (e.g. documents, social media, website information, contacts, training/outreach/site visits, documentaries, podcasts) to be created, as well as the placement, use the target audiences and distribution methods for these materials/actions. The Strategy will encompass the entire USAID portfolio in Zambia. The DOC will provide expert guidance on, and supervise the · implementation of, the Strategy and provide training and advice as needed to USAID staff, implementing partners, Embassy colleagues, and Zambian

Government and other stakeholders to ensure this implementation. The DOC will also monitor the Strategy implementation and solicit third-party,' unbiased input on the Strategy products for continual improvements and refinements to the Strategy and its products. The DOC is a member of USAID/Zambia's senior Mission leadership and serves as a senior advisor on the Embassy strategic communications planning team. As such, the DOC is required to have extensive high-level contacts within the U.S. government community in both Zambia and Washington, D.C.

(including the U.S. Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), USAID Mission Director, Deputy Director, Public

Affairs Officer (PAO), USAID/W senior staff), and Chiefs of Party of implementing partners. The DOC will be the primary point of contact for USAID with local and international press and the USAID/W Office of Legislative and

Public Affairs on all public affairs matters.

Public Information

• Supervise and manage the design/development, review, implementation and monitoring of USAID/Zambia's

Development Outreach Communications Strategy towards the goals of promoting the Mission's program to external and internal audiences, facilitating information access and sharing within the Mission, and strengthening the Mission's reporting functions. This strategy should support the · overall U.S. Mission communications strategy for Zambia. In particular, the strategy must take into account the cost/benefits of particular inputs and outputs in order to optimize communications tools and distribution to the broadest audiences possible. The DOC will supervise and manage the implementation and monitoring of this

Development Outreach Communication Strategy and provide expert guidance on the strategy to all

USAID/Zambia technical teams, the Mission Front Office, and he Embassy Public Affairs Section.

• Advise USAID/Zambia on the selection, targeting, and placement of potential DOC materials in keeping with USAID's Country Development Cooperation Strategy. S/he takes into account the nee9 to identify and focus on key sectors that have a natural appeal to local interest as well as U.G. government policies as well as the importance of ensuring that publicity material used will be noncontroversial. S/he also ensures that the material is visually appealing, well-defined, and contains a human interest element.

• The incumbent is responsible for developing implementing policies and procedures for Mission communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the Mission and Embassy and with implementing partners, including templates for various communications tools, setting and monitoring performance/standards for creating and finalizing DOC materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events. The incumbent supervises the use of these materials and provides in-depth, expert guidance as and when necessary to USAID staff, implementing partners, and Embassy colleagues. The incumbent advises key

Zambian government and other stakeholders of USAID communication policies and the Development

Outreach Communication Strategy when implementing joint public events or documents.

• The position requires excellent writing skills to communicate about USAID programs to a range of internal and external audiences through a variety of media. Given the wide variety of writing required, the position requires sound judgment and flexible thinking to tailor products to the specific audience at hand, which may vary greatly and include the Ambassador, U.S. Congressional staffers, Zambian public, Zambian press, and technical experts. Such written products include, but are not limited to:

• USAID/Zambia brochures, background papers

• Q&As for Congressional Testimony

• USAID/W public information products

• Speeches and/or talking points for the Ambassador, DCM, USAID Mission Director, Deputy

Director and other Mission or U.S. government officials

• Press releases

• Project inauguration backgrounders

• Web-based content (to include developing recommendations to improve usefulness and effectiveness of website)

• Social Media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

• Serve as Executive Producer on video and audio productions (e.g., documentaries, docu-dramas; a/v success stories, podcasts, public service announcements, and mass media campaigns) that promote the activities of

USAID/Zambia. These productions may be produced by the DOC staff, in collaboration with Embassy Public

Affairs Section, and/or an external contractor.

Event Coordination and Media Relations

• Serve as the principal USAID contact for local and international press and media. Working closely with the

PAO and USAID/W, maintain press and media contacts, and advise the Mission Director, · USAID staff, and partners on public information, press, and media issues.

• Supervise and manage efforts to promote press and media coverage of USAID activities, ensuring quality control and standard messages.

• Coordinate with USAID technical teams, implementing partners, and the PAO in planning public diplomacy, press conferences, and field events related to USAID activities. This may involve leading the advance team;

establishing event schedules; coordinating meetings and briefings with partners, other donors, and Zambian government officials; ascertaining staging requirements; negotiating protocol with government officials; and on-site coordination of media. Facilitate contacts among members of the · media and USAID implementers to encourage coverage of USAID programs in the local and international press.

• As directed by the Mission Director and Supervisory Program Officer, and in collaboration with the PAO, respond to inquiries from the general public and the media about USAID programs, practices, and any other general information requests. Provide guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media.

Building Mission Capacity for More Effective Public Outreach

• Supervise and provide guidance to Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives or Agreement Officer's

Technical Representatives (COTRs/AOTRs) and implementing partners on issues related to branding.

Review and advise on implementing partner Branding and Marking Plans, provide guidance on USAID branding policy, and provide creative leadership in branding implementation through projects and public events. ·

• Supervise the design/development, implementation, and monitoring of the Mission's communication Strategy and provide expert guidance to Mission staff, implementing partners, Embassy colleagues, and GRZ and other stakeholders when pursuing joint communication efforts.

• Develop and implement internal Mission programs to i crease Mission staff awareness of public, outreach efforts. Provide training and support to USAID/Zambia and implementing partner staff on as¬ needed basis through regular programs or on an ad hoc basis.

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation plan for the Mission's DOC activities. Supervise the design of public surveys and media campaigns to increase USAID's public image.

• Supervise the development and standardization of various Mission processes and policies related to public outreach and event planning, including formats for briefing materials, VIP visits, and delegatiqn of responsibilities to various offices. Bring best practices used in other Missions and replicate similar ideas for the Mission to enhance USAID's public image.

• Serve as AOTR/COTR, activity manager, or advisor on USAID/Zambia projects that have, as a core function of their scope of work, public communications, mass media campaigns, public dissemination of information and/or interaction with the media. This includes the $380,000 award for work with Chieftainesses on peace building and communications, and potentially other awards for up to $1 million in documentary development/production and other extensive communication projects for the Mission.

Supervisory Relationship

Supervision is provided by the USAID/Zambia Supervisory Program Officer.

Supervisor Control

The incumbent will supervise the one FSN Development Outreach and Communications Specialist and indirectly one FSN Communication Assistant.

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: Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent is required in mass communication, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, communications, or in another field relevant to development studies. A Master's degree in public relations or a related field is highly desirable.

Prior Work Experience: A minimum often years successful professional experience in public relations or related field is preferred. Proven experience in writing, communications and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Experience working with international and local media and developing media contacts is highly desirable. Knowledge of, and experience working with, web sites and social media is also desirable. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable.

Proven experience working for an international development organization where the dissemination of information to a variety of targeted audiences and the general public as well as designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns were an integral part of the responsibilities is essential..

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

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.

A mastery of media relations, publishing, webpage design, and events planning. The incumbent should have a general knowledge of other U.S. government agencies and international development organizations/programs.

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.

Superior writing skills and the capacity to present complex information accurately, succinctly, and creatively for a variety of target audiences; ii) The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while.

discussing program activities; iii) A demonstrated ability to work as a team member, as well as provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies; iv) Demonstrated analytical ability, superior communication skills, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to execute( media campaigns and programs while taking into account a variety of contingencies; v)

Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet : ( very short deadlines; vi) Strong computer skills in the full range of MS software, including spreadsheet, database, PowerPoint and graphics. Strong computer skills utilizing audio and video editing programs; and vii) Familiarity with digital camera and videotaping equipment.

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

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. In your cover letter, share a paraph with us, your understand of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and why it is important to you.

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.

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.

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

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

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) https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

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 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.

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

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.