Sol No. 72061124R00012 fo USPSC Offshore 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: 72061124R00012

ISSUANCE DATE: September 6, 2024 CLOSING DATE/TIME: October 6, 2024

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, Cicely Lewis Contracting Officer

Cicely C Lewis Digitally signed by Cicely C Lewis Date: 2024.09.05 16:52:02 +02'00'

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 72061124R00012

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72061124R00012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 6, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS/APPLICATIONS: October 6, 2024, at 11:59pm

Lusaka time

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

5. POSITION TITLE: PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator

6. NUMBER OF VACANCIES: One (1)

7. MARKET VALUE: $104,604.00 to $135,987.00 per year, equivalent to GS-14 basic rate. 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.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: This is a two-year base period, with three additional option years subject to agency and mission needs, the contractor’s satisfactory performance, and availability of funds. This is a full-time position with 40 hours per week schedule (Monday to Friday following Embassy working hours).

Base Period o/a November 2024 to November 2026

Option period 1 o/a November 2026 to November 2027

Option period 2 o/a November 2027 to November 2028

Option period 3 o/a November 2028 to November 2029

9. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Lusaka, Zambia 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.

10. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS/APPLICANTS: U.S. Citizens and/or U.S Resident Aliens (lawful permanent U.S.

residents). Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.

11. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance Level Employment Authorization: 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.

12. 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 made by one nation toward a single disease. PEPFAR is a multifaceted approach to combating HIV/AIDS in more than 60 countries around the world. Zambia is one of the largest recipients of PEPFAR funding with an FY 2025budget of approximately $367 million to support a comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care program.

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator (PDCC), reports to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC) in Zambia and has a key role supporting the full mandate of the PEPFAR Zambia program. They will coordinate the planning, implementation, and reporting of the interagency-led PEPFAR program. The PDCC will work closely with the PCC to ensure full communication between U.S. government agencies implementing the PEPFAR program in Zambia.

Specifically, the USG implementing agencies, the U.S. Department of State’s Global Health Security & Diplomacy

(GHSD) Bureau, embassy section leads, Government of Zambia counterparts, and others. 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.

mailto:exozambiahr@usaid.gov

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 72061124R00012

The position provides leadership for the implementation and management of a cohesive PEPFAR program that makes the best use of USG resources and human capital to achieve maximum results related to the needs of Zambian citizens living with, at risk for, or affect by HIV/AIDS. The incumbent ensures PEPFAR activities are aligned with

Government of Zambia (GRZ) priorities, coordinates and keeps agencies on task for interagency efforts i.e., reprogramming, reporting, and provides all required documentation to GHSD/PEPFAR.

B. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

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

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:

• HIV/AIDS coordination with the Bureau of Global Health Security & Diplomacy (GHSD).

o 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.

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

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

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

• HIV/AIDS coordination and planning with Zambia’s PEPFAR Interagency Team and

Embassy/Lusaka o Manage all logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad-hoc meetings of the PEPFAR Interagency leadership and technical teams to better coordinate activities.

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

Offices.

o 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.

o 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.

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

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

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

• Budgeting and administrative skills o Supervise financial, administrative, and program staff members, Foreign Service Nationals (FSN) within the

PEPFAR Coordination Office.

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

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

C. 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.

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 72061124R00012

D. Supervisory Controls

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

13. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

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

2. Prior Relevant Work Experience: At least 10 years of progressively more senior experience managing

HIV/AIDS, health or other development programs.

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. Professional Experience (20 points)

During application review stage the TEC will evaluate relevant experience to the position using the factors below. The TEC will review applications package to evaluate the quality, breadth, and relevance of the applicant’s experience.

At least 10 years of progressively more senior experience managing HIV/AIDS, health or other development programs. The position requires demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are dependent on contributions from multiple agencies and numerous individuals. It requires familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms and a proven track-record of managing teams and/or complex inter-agency processes. The position requires excellent management, coordination, interpersonal and teamwork skills; demonstrated judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret technical and political opportunities and constraints; creativity and innovation; and quantitative and analytical skills.

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

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 72061124R00012

Demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in (a) program analysis and planning, and (b) planning and management of programs in developing countries. 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 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).

2. Technical Expertise and Job Knowledge (30 points):

Top ranking applications with the most relevant experience into position, will proceed to take the technical written test to evaluate their technical expertise and job knowledge based on the factors below. The results of the test will evaluate the applicant’s critical thinking ability, logical reasoning, and written communication skills.

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 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.

3. Competencies (Skills and Abilities) (50 points):

Applicants moving to the final stage will be interviewed. Applicants will then be evaluated on their interview performance, including oral communication ability.

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

Interpersonal skills and 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.

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.

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 72061124R00012

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

Eligible Applicants are required to complete and submit:

i. Cover letter that addresses each evaluation criteria outlined in Section III, items 1 to 3.

ii. 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. Completed and signed application form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with

Individuals).

iv. Education and Professional degrees/certificates

v. Identification Documents: Passport/NRC

Please upload all your documents as one SINGLE PDF or zip file and rename the file with the SOLICITATION Number. Please ensure your application is complete with all the requirements above. Late and incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

Submit your application HERE

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The Contracting Officer will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

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

b. Security Clearance

c. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

Do NOT submit these forms together with the application. 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.

VI. 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) Holidays, Annual and Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (if/as 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 Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270).

(g) Education Travel (Section 280).

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/FORM_AID_309-2_OMB_corrected_1.pdf https://forms.gle/Ee5G4iDurEFWQgTx5

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 72061124R00012

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500).

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

(j) Danger Pay. (Section 650)

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 PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “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)

0001 Base Period: 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_

1001 Option Period 1: 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_

2001 Option Period 2: 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_

3001 Option period 3: 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_

4001 Option period 4: Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

1 LOT $

_TBD__

$_TBD at Award after negotiations with contractor_ https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Attachment 1 Solicitation No. 72061124R00012

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

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

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