Sol No. 72061123R00010 for Writer-Editor.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: 72061123R00010

ISSUANCE DATE: August 31, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 30, 2023

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC): Development

Outreach and Communication Writer/Editor

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/

Ifeoma Ezeh

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72061123R00010

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72061123R00010

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 31, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 30, 2023, at 17:00 PM (Zambia local time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resource Office, e-mail at, exozambiahr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Writer/Editor

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 equivalent of basic rate of $84,546.00 to $109,908.00 per year, plus benefits in accordance with Appendix D. 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. 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: This solicitation is open to Resident-Hire U.S. Nationals and/or

Resident Aliens who, at the time of contracting as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country and legally permitted to work in the country without needing a work permit. 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: Public Trust: The final selected candidate must obtain a Facility Access 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

USAID programs approximately $400 million of U.S. foreign assistance each year to support development programs in Zambia. Ensuring key stakeholders understand the impact of this assistance is a key objective of the USAID Mission in Lusaka. The Editor provides timely and strategic writing and editing services to strengthen internal and public stakeholders’ understanding of the impact of this assistance. The Editor will report to USAID/Zambia’s Program office Director or his/her designee and interact regularly with USAID and Embassy Lusaka staff, USAID Headquarters staff, and USAID implementing partners working in Zambia.

B. Statement of Duties to be Performed

1. Editing: The Editor reviews various Mission products authored or sponsored by USAID/Zambia for style, design, layout, and editorial considerations before submission to Headquarters, Embassy Front Office or publication. S/he edits or rewrites text for clarity and accuracy, applying USAID’s Style Guide requirements. Edits speeches, talking points, statements, and other related messaging for mission and bureau use when addressing both internal and external stakeholders. Evaluates public resources and information and how they affect public perceptions and understanding of USAID programs, policies, etc.

Examines reports, documents, and other material submitted for completeness and conformity with requests made and directives issued. S/he ensures that products for public dissemination are sensitive to American and Zambian audiences, engaging local populations as appropriate for additional perspectives.

2. Writing: S/he works closely with USAID/Zambia’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC)

Team and Technical Offices to design summary documents that communicate USAID’s progress to achieving its development objectives. This may include thematic cables, newsletters and journals, social media posts, and other reports or publications relevant to mission activities. Works on the production of publications

(such as fact sheets), social media and website materials for both external and internal audiences.

3. Development Outreach and Communications: The Editor may be asked to develop publicly appealing social media campaigns and update USAID/Zambia’s websites and social media sites. For high level events and delegations, the Editor may be called upon to assist the Mission with implementing public events. This includes being a point of contact for USAID at a launch, site visit or other public event to ensure proper branding and media coverage of the event.

C. POSITION INFORMATION

Supervisory Controls

The Editor reports directly to the Program Office Director or his/her designee. S/he will frequently interact directly with and take strategic direction from the USAID Front Office. The performance of the Editor shall be evaluated annually and will be initiated by the supervisor.

Supervisory Relationship

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

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. The position may periodically require site visits with mildly strenuous demands such as walking short distances to interact with beneficiaries and partners. The position is a telework position.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or affairs, international development, international affairs, advertising, marketing, social studies, or other related field is required.

2. Prior Work Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in communications, journalism, international development, public relations or public affairs, international relations, or social studies.

To advance to the evaluation stage, applicants must meet the minimum qualification above. Applicants who do not meet all the education and experience requirements are considered not qualified and will not receive further consideration.

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

Application Screening Process

After the closing date for receipt of applications, all applicants will be screened for eligibility of minimum qualifications required in Section II, item 1 to 2. If the application submitted fails to demonstrate minimum qualifications and/or is incomplete, the application will not be scored and will be marked unqualified. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide all pertinent information that demonstrates their eligibility.

Evaluation Criteria/Factors

A technical evaluation committee will be convened to review and rank applications that meet the minimum qualifications in accordance with the evaluation criteria/factors. The evaluation criteria/factors are used to determine the competitive range of qualified applicants (shortlist). Applicants must demonstrate how they meet each evaluation criteria outlined below (Section III, item 1 to 3) within the application’s cover letter.

Each application is evaluated strictly based on the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:

1. Education (10 points):

A Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field is required. Relevant fields include communications, journalism, public relations or affairs, international development, international affairs, advertising, or marketing.

2. Professional Experience (20 points)

● A minimum of two years of relevant experience. Relevant experience is defined as work in communications, journalism, international development, public relations or public affairs, international relations, or social studies. Experience working in a developing country context is preferred.

● A minimum of two years’ experience writing and editing in English, including but not limited to:

stories, press releases, speeches, fact sheets, social media content, and articles.

3. Technical Expertise and Job Knowledge (70 points):

Writing and Editing Abilities (30 points)

• Demonstrated excellence in writing abilities that are engaging for local contexts and compelling to a wide range of audiences—including Congress. Experience writing about development topics preferred.

• Strong English language editing skills, including familiarity with the Associated Press Stylebook.

Exceptional attention to detail and factual accuracy.

Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills (20 points)

• Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary, multi-cultural team and liaise with personnel of all levels.

Technical Knowledge and Expertise (20 points)

• Experience designing, contributing to and/or implementing a communications strategy.

• Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development and the U.S.

government.

Total Possible Points = 100

Selection Process

USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews only with top-ranked applicant(s) and make the interview a deciding factor in selection before making a recommendation to the Contracting Officer (CO). Interviews may be conducted in-person, by phone, or virtual means and will be evaluated separately. USAID also retains the right to amend or cancel the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

Top-ranked candidates in a competitive range may be given a recruitment test. Candidates with a passing score from the recruitment test will be invited for an interview. The recruitment test may be administered before (to serve as a qualifier to the interview) or after the interview (to serve as part of the interview determination). The recruitment test and the interview will be structured around the evaluation factors mentioned above. The successful candidate will be selected based on a review of his/her qualifications, work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities; a written test (if administered); an interview; and the results of reference checks. A security authorization and medical clearance are required prior to employment.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct references checks, including references from other independent sources not specifically identified/provided by the candidate(s), and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. If USAID should not 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. Reference checks will be assessed as either pass/fail (No points assigned).

Only shortlisted and interviewed candidates will be notified of the selection outcome.

Multiple Awards: USAID anticipates the award of one (1) contract as a result of this solicitation. USAID reserves the right to award more or fewer awards than the anticipated number of contracts stated above.

USAID also reserves the right to select additional candidate(s) if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER/APPLICATION

1. Eligible Applicants are required to complete and submit:

i. A formal application/cover letter that addresses each evaluation criteria outlined in Section III, items 1 to 3.

ii. A current CV (without photo) with 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.

iii. Copy of all degrees (in one PDF file).

iv. A fully complete application form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with

Individuals).

Please do not submit documents in zip files or web links. Please ensure your application is complete with all the requirements above. Late and incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

2. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and addressed to the Point of Contact in Section I.

3. 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

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.

4. 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

5. TAXES

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

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

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

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating

Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause

“General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.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:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g., R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $

_TBD_

$_TBD at Award after negotiations with contractor_

3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services

Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

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

6. FAR Clauses

52.204-27 Prohibition on a Bytedance covered application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

USAID is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our mission. We consider all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Please Note: USAID is aware of both individuals and organizations falsely claiming to recruit on behalf of

USAID. We take recruitment fraud very seriously and provide this information to help you learn how to identify and report recruitment fraud. USAID does not solicit for money for any part of its recruitment processes including short-listing, interviews, background, and/or medical check-ups. Contact your local police to report such incidents or send us an email with subject "Recruitment Fraud" to exozambiahr@usaid.gov

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