SOL-442-17-000002_DOC_Specialist_final.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-442-17-000002

ISSUANCE DATE: Apri l 28 , 2017 CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 12, 2017

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

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.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Andrew Reese Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL-442-17-000002

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-442-17-000002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 28, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 12, 2017, 4:00PM, Cambodia Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE: $88,136 -- $114,578, equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value, based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience and educational background.

Compensation package for Cambodia includes post differential, currently set at 25%.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two Years (2 years), o/a July 15, 2017 to o/a July 14, 2019

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Cambodia – Phnom Penh, Cambodia with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities Access / Employment Authorization

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract The Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (DOC) reports directly to the USAID/Cambodia Deputy Program Office Director and works with Mission and Embassy leadership and staff to implement development, outreach, and communications efforts to increase awareness of USAID assistance programs in Cambodia. S/he leads the development, outreach, and communications team in Cambodia, which comprises two Foreign Service National (FSN) staff.

The DOC liaises with the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other U.S.

government branches under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The DOC also serves as a ‘translator’ of complex USAID processes (e.g. budget, procurement, project design, etc.) to the broader interagency audience to ensure the intricacies of those processes are conveyed to the final recipient whether it’s a journalist, the Ambassador, or a visiting Congressional Delegation. Washington-based offices requiring close contact and coordination include the Bureau for Asia and the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA). The incumbent will also coordinate with other interagency U.S. government branches and implementing partners.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The DOC will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Cambodia’s programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Cambodia, in accordance with the Mission’s public strategy and evolving circumstances.

Specific duties are described as follows:

Supervision and Outreach Coordination (30%)

• Lead the Mission’s Development Outreach and Communications team to ensure overall quality, appropriateness, and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives. This includes one FSN DOC Assistant and a Translator.

• Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public speaking, Mission messaging and outreach activities with other branches of the U.S. government, the Cambodian government, implementing partners, other donor nations, the United Nations, World Bank and other groups or institutions.

• Train USAID/Cambodia's technical staff members in support of their public speaking and media outreach roles. Oversee the integration of communications in the project design and implementation processes.

• Serve as the senior advisor to Mission management regarding all public information, media relations, and outreach matters.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/Cambodia activities and processes, as well as a keen awareness of political and policy issues.

• Advise USAID/Cambodia staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives.

• Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency’s Graphic Standards Manual, and working with the Contracting/Agreements Officer who serves as the authority for particular program(s).

• Oversee and provide regular training to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking; work closely with Contracting/Agreement Officer Representatives (C/AOR) to ensure adherence to branding requirements in the field; and, seek guidance from LPA for on any disputes or waiver requests.

• Coordinate with the PAS, U.S. Military, other U.S. government agencies (e.g.

Department of Treasury, Peace Corps, Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development and humanitarian assistance efforts and initiatives in Cambodia, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director.

• Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives, implementing partners, and other U.S. government agencies to collect information for reports.

Public Information and Publicity Materials (25%)

• Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission’s offices, units and technical staff; and with all non-U.S. government organizations.

• Oversee the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID/Cambodia’s activities, working with the appropriate technical office staff. These must be written in clear, concise English, and to the extent possible Khmer and other local languages, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, presentation, and internet use.

• Oversee the preparation of events summaries, success stories, reports, and other submissions for the Monthly Administrator’s Report, and submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms.

• Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach.

• The DOC will manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on all USAID programming in Cambodia for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media. Information packages are also required for the Ambassador, USAID/W, LPA, State, Congress, etc. to include scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about Cambodia.

• S/he oversees the maintenance of the Mission’s English and Khmer-language worldwide website and content to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.

• Oversee the writing and distribution of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, etc. Follow up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Coordinate with technical offices, Embassy’s PAS, and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international media.

Media and Public Relations (15%)

• Oversee all local media relations. Work closely with PAS on media relations and maintain contacts with local journalists from all media outlets

• Advise and work with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/Cambodia programs, including TV, radio and social media.

This work may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc.

• In collaboration with PAS, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

• Coordinate and maintain good relations with Cambodian government public information offices, and advise Mission on working with Cambodia and international media.

• Supervise the monitoring of the local and international media coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the USAID/Cambodia communications strategy. Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming.

• As directed by the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, Deputy Program Office Director (direct supervisor), and in collaboration with PAS, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

Event Planning and Management (30%)

• Organize and coordinate media events for USAID projects in conjunction with the PAS, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for media; compile and disseminate press packets; deal with protocol issues, site selection, staging, and logistical issues; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BCLs), scene setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or his/her deputies when participation in events is warranted; write or edit BCLs and Scene Setters for USAID’s Front Office when participation in events is warranted; provide on-site coordination of media. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events. Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website.

• Review and edit news releases, speeches, and talking points drafted by bilateral, regional and centrally-managed implementing partners for USAID events; review and edit BCLs and Scene Setters drafted by bilateral, regional and centrally-managed implementing partners for USAID events.

• Submit all news releases and interview requests – in-house and those drafted by implementing partners – to PAS (and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval.

• Oversee the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/Cambodia, to Embassy stakeholders, and to the Bureau for Asia and LPA in Washington.

• Photograph and/or shoot video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites, social media platforms, and for USAID/Cambodia’s archives.

• Serve as the Mission’s primary point of contact for public events and site visits by official visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other U.S. government agencies or entities. Coordinate VIP site visits as necessary. Coordinate with Embassy on schedules and logistics.

Lead the coordination of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of Congressional Delegations, Congressional Staff Delegations, and other high-level visitors to USAID/Cambodia, coordinating closely with partners in advance.

• Serve as the Mission’s primary point of contact on the interagency outreach working groups.

3. Supervisory Relationship This position supervises one FSN DOC Assistant, and one FSN Translator.

4. Supervisory Controls The incumbent will report to the Deputy Program Office Director.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident/registered alien (“green card holder”);

• Submit a complete application as outlined in the section titled APPLYING;

• Be able to attain employment authorization/facility access;

• Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

• Be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek, including weekends, as may be required or necessary;

• Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

12. POINT OF CONTACT:

Complete, signed application packages should be submitted by email to Mr. Andrew Reese at areese@usaid.gov with a courtesy copy to Ms. Chhorvy Heng at cheng@usaid.gov. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered.

Digital signatures are acceptable.

mailto:areese@usaid.gov mailto:cheng@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

All candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be screened accordingly, and only those that meet the below, required criteria, will be moved forward in the recruitment process:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations/affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, or development studies.

• Experience: Five years of experience as a journalist, in public affairs or international relations, is required. Relevant experience is further defined as work in journalism, public relations, communications, and/or outreach.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Upon closing of the solicitation, a committee will convene to review the applications. Applicants who meet the education and experience requirements will be scored and ranked based on the following selection factors:

1. Professional Experience and Technical Expertise (40%)

• Must have extensive writing and editing experience.

• Must have experience supervising staff and work flows, working as a team member, and providing leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.

• Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies.

• Demonstrated ability to advise and guide on how to message and advocate technical programs broadly and at high level of visibility (i.e.

the interagency, the host country government, USAID/Washington, and U.S. Congress).

• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead a social media campaign on significant and sensitive issues.

• Demonstrated professional experience using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and RSS feeds as tools of communication strategy implementation.

• Demonstrated success in developing multi-format strategies to disseminate information to a variety of target audiences.

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective public relations or communications programs to target specific audiences as well as the general public.

• Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, newsletters, success stories, etc.)

targeting a variety of audiences.

• Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media.

• Extensive experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and

Microsoft Excel.

• Must have a demonstrated, strong background in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly using Adobe Photoshop.

2. Writing Skills and Abilities (40%)

• Native-level writing ability in English is required. Applicants must provide two writing samples, in English, with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750-1,000 words).

They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation.

• The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly and lucidly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be written solely by the applicant; co-written articles are not accepted.

Applicants selected for the interview will be asked to take a written test.

• Applicants must include their name and the announcement number at the top of each page.

3. Event Planning and Coordination (20%)

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute media outreach activities.

• Experience planning and managing events, including staging and logistics, publicity, programming, and beyond.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with various stakeholder groups (i.e.

USAID offices and the interagency), to plan media driven trips for high level personnel in a short timeframe.

Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will be invited to participate in an interview. Only finalist candidates will be contacted.

Reference checks will be conducted only for the candidates who are considered to be finalists, based on the results of their interviews. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this must be stated in the applicant’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

IV. APPLYING

a. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 302-3, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

b. Offerors are also required to submit:

1. Cover Letter;

2. Curriculum Vitae or resume;

3. Two (2) writing samples

4. Salary history for the previous three years; and

5. A list of three professional references.

c. Offers 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, item 11.

d. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the CO informs the successful offeror of their being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide instructions on how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561)

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

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

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave http://www.usaid.gov/forms

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Temporary Quarter 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)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID PSCs REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCS

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at:

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

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

3. USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 309, “Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at:

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/309

4. 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 .

[The CO must check http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply and insert the relevant text as required.

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/309 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 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.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE,

RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL

AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL

ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR

OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.

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