SOL72052121R00019 Senior Election Political Process advisor.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development American Embassy, Port-au-Prince Boulevard 15 Octobre, Tabarre 41 P.O. Box 1634 Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Tel: +(509) 2229-8000 Fax: +(509) 2229-8066 www.usaid.gov/ht

SOLICITATION NO: 72052121R00019

ISSUANCE DATE: May 28, 2021 CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 10, 2021 5:00 pm (Local Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Services Contractor: Senior Election & Political Processes Advisor in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. Citizens to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment I of this solicitation. Incomplete, unsigned, or late offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. Offers received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be accepted.

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, Susan C. Easley

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

Solicitation #:72052121R00019 Senior Election & Political Processes Advisor

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052121R00019

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 28, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME June 10, 2021 FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: (5:00 pm Haiti/Local Time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Election & Political Processes Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $110,460 - $143,598

equivalent to a GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

The standard compensation package also includes contribution for life and health insurance and contribution to FICA.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The duration of the US Personal Services Contract (USPSC) will be for a base of two (2) years, estimated to start on/about September 27, 2021. Based on Agency need, availability of funds and requisite approvals, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option periods for three (3) years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period 09/27/2021 – 09/26/2023 Option Period 1: 09/27/2023 - 09/26/2024 Option Period 2: 09/27/2024 - 09/26/2025 Option Period 3: 09/27/2025 - 09/26/2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port-au-Prince, Haiti with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

To meet basic eligibility requirements, the offeror must:

● Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent U.S. resident;

Senior Election & Political Processes

● Submit a complete offer as outlined in Section IV.

● Be able to obtain Secret Clearance;

● 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; and

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

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The selected offeror must be able to obtain a

Security Clearance at the “Secret” level and a Medical Clearance within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

(1) Purpose of the Contract:

USAID/Haiti is seeking the services of a USPSC to serve as Senior Election & Political Processes Advisor in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

(2) Introduction:

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor will provide technical leadership and management of the elections and political processes portfolio at USAID /Haiti. The objective of this position is to provide strategic and technical guidance, and program management support to the Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) Office at USAID/Haiti with a focus on its election and political processes program.

(3) Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor will manage the high-profile elections and political processes program, and will work closely with, coordinate, and seek advice from the DRG Office Director, Deputy Mission Director or his/her designee, the Mission Director or his/her designee, and other USAID Senior Staff.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

A. Program Management

● If the incumbent does not have an active AOR/COR certification, or in the timeframe prior to receiving AOR/COR certification, the incumbent will serve as technical advisor to the current Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) for the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS)

Senior Election & Political Processes

Associate Award implemented by the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute and the International Foundation on Electoral Systems and/or other partners working in the elections and political processes sub sector.

● When the incumbent earns AOR/COR certification, s/he will serve as the AOR of the CEPPS Associate Award and/or other mechanisms providing support to elections and political processes activities. The incumbent will provide overall technical and financial management of the elections and political processes activity in line with USAID's AOR responsibilities.

● S/he will stay informed of developments in the field of elections and political processes and constitutional reform in Haiti, provide strategic technical guidance and direction to implementing partners, assess partner performance, verify progress reports and activities are responsive to respective scopes of work, attend key meetings with partners and stakeholders and report on activities in a timely manner, monitor results, resolve problems as they arise and provide regular updates on the political environment to the DRG Office Director and senior USAID staff.

● Provide regular, detailed updates (oral and written) to USAID/Haiti DRG Office

Director on the status of the elections, political processes and constitutional reform activities in Haiti.

● Draft correspondence and reports related to elections, political processes, consensus building and constitutional reform activities, including reviews and comments on implementing partners' proposals and budgets as well as the political relevance and impact of their activities.

B. Internal USG Coordination

● At the request of the DRG Office Director, the incumbent will provide briefings, strategic and technical advice, and policy recommendations to USAID/DRG, USG Mission, the interagency and/or high level U.S. government stakeholders on effective implementation of USAID/Haiti's elections and political processes program, and broader consensus building efforts in Haiti towards constitutional reform.

● The incumbent will coordinate activities with internal USG stakeholders in managing technical assistance to the Provisional Electoral Commission, efforts towards constitutional reform, capacity building of GOH institutions, civic engagement in electoral and political processes, and all aspects ofUSAID/Haiti's elections and political processes activity.

Senior Election & Political Processes

C. External Stakeholder Coordination

● Coordinate activities closely with GOH electoral officials and technical advisors, foreign donors and other key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the CEP, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The incumbent will work closely with external stakeholders to determine progress in planning and implementing electoral procedures, including party and candidate registration, training of electoral workers, voter education and registration campaigns, and all other activities associated with USAID's elections and political processes program.

● Participate in donor coordination meetings on elections and political processes, as requested by the DRG Office Director or senior Mission management and submit written meeting notes and recommended follow-up actions.

● In coordination with the DRG team and the Political section of the U.S.

Embassy, work closely with external election stakeholders, both GOH and international, in identifying punctual technical assistance needs and in selecting and scheduling specialized consultants, Haitian and international, to carry out specific activities as needed.

D. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position:

Very High. The incumbent will be responsible for providing high-level, strategic and technical advice and policy guidance to the USAID mission, USAID's Haiti Team based in Washington, DC and other key counterparts within the Embassy.

The incumbent will also be expected to represent USAID at technical level working meetings with electoral stakeholders, provide advice and guidance to the CEP, as well as to other donors. The incumbent will be expected to make programmatic decisions, in coordination with the DRG Office Director, that represent both the USG's interests as well as reflect international best practices in elections and political processes program management.

E. Level of complexity of work assignments:

Very High. The incumbent must be able to balance multiple priorities and continually assess the actual program needs within the parameters of USAID's elections and political processes programming. Due to the highly complex, contentious and at times violent political environment in Haiti, the incumbent must constantly assess programming in the context of the political landscape and ensure that USAID's program activities support transparent, credible and peaceful electoral processes. This position requires a high-level of technical expertise in election and political processes program design, management and implementation.

Senior Election & Political Processes

F. Knowledge level required:

Very High. The position requires a high level of knowledge and experience designing, managing and/or implementing elections and political processes programs in insecure environments in the international context. As noted above, Haitian elections can be highly contentious. Knowledge and experience working on elections and political processes in Haiti is preferred, but not required.

G. Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position's responsibilities:

Very High. The electoral field in Haiti is quite complex and requires diligent tracking and focus in order to ensure that USAID programs continue to respond to existing needs. Elections are often postponed or critical decisions can occur hours before elections are actually scheduled to begin. As a result, the position's responsibilities will rarely be exactly the same from day to day.

Therefore, the incumbent must be flexible and willing to adapt to the dynamic electoral environment.

H. Scope and effect of the work performed:

This position will serve as USAID's and the Embassy's primary point of contact on elections in Haiti. The scope of the work will vary as the electoral calendar and specific activities evolve. However, the position will include writing briefing documents, providing input to reporting papers, managing USAID's elections and political processes portfolio, representing USAID at high-level meetings both inside and outside of the Embassy and possibly designing new electoral strengthening programs.

I. Level and purpose of contacts:

This position will require high level contacts within members of the CEP, political parties, civil society, the donor community, and other key stakeholders.

J. Supervision/oversight over others: None - this is a non-supervisory position.

K. Guidelines: (availability of them for required work): USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Foreign Affairs Manual, Administrative Notices, Contracts, Grants, etc.

(4) Supervisory Controls: Incumbent is expected to act independently, in coordination with and direction from USAID/Haiti's DRG Office Director.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Senior Election & Political Processes

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

● Education/Experience required for this position: A Bachelor's degree in political science or social sciences plus seven years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure contexts.

OR

A Master's Degree in political science, public policy, law or international relations, or a law degree plus five years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure environments.

● Language Skills: Level IV (fluent) English is required. French at a level C1 (Advanced French) or higher based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) rating system. Ability to read and speak at a professional level in English and French on the core programmatic areas is required and will be tested.

● Abilities & Skills: Day-to-day experience managing USG-funded contracts and grants.

Experience managing and/or working successfully with teams. Strong written and oral communication skills, presentation skills, and interpersonal skills.

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.

The following factors will be the basis for the evaluation of the offeror meeting the required minimum qualifications. All offerors will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the offer. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Senior Election & Political Processes consider such information in its evaluation. The highest-ranking offerors may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary.

● Education: (20 points)

● Prior Work Experience & Knowledge: (40 points)

● Language Proficiency: (20 points)

● Abilities & Skills: (20 points)

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form

AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. 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.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

4. Cover letter and current resume. The resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the offer in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on your resume.

5. Offer Must be submitted ONLY via email according to the information provided in Section I, item 4 – Points of Contact.

Email subject must say: Solicitation No. 72052121R00019– Senior Elections & Political Processes Advisor. Any attachment provided must be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word or PDF and not zipped.

6. Offeror also must address the above Section III: Evaluation and

Selection Factors, in a Summary Statement to be included in the offer. This Summary Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards the Offeror has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The Summary Statement must include the name of the Offeror and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

7. Offeror must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of http://www.usaid.gov/forms

Senior Election & Political Processes five (5) references within the last five years from the Offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the Offeror’s work knowledge and professional experience. Offerors must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

8. Late and incomplete offers will not be considered; the offer must be submitted before or on the closing date, June 10, 2021 at 17:00 hrs. Haiti time.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide 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)

All forms can be found at: http/www/usaid.gov/forms/.

Forms shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an Offeror is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

Senior Election & Political Processes

Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101.

Haiti specific allowances are detailed here:

https://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/location_action.asp?MenuHide=1&Cou ntryCode=1056

(a) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(e) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Travel (Section 280)

(g) Post differential (Chapter 500)

(h) Payment during evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(i) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

Resident-Hire USPSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits, differentials, or allowances; and are only eligible for contributions for FICA, Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance.

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 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.

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

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/location_action.asp?MenuHide=1&CountryCode=1056 https://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/location_action.asp?MenuHide=1&CountryCode=1056 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Senior Election & Political Processes

LINE ITEMS:

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: TBD

2 years LOT $ TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

Option Period 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 year 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: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 year 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: R497 Accounting Info: TBD

1 year LOT $ TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

3. 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.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

Senior Election & Political Processes

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.

[End of Solicitation] https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.