SOL72052121S00008 - USPSC HIV Team Lead.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052121S00008

ISSUANCE DATE: April 13, 2021 CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 13, 2021

5:00 pm (Haiti/Local Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a USPSC HIV Team Lead 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 persons to provide personal services under contract as described in the attached solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned 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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Susan C. Easley Contracting Officer

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 http://www.usaid.gov/ht

Attachment No. 1 Solicitation No. 72052121S00008

HIV Team Lead

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052121S00008

2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 13, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR

RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 13, 2021 (5:00 pm Haiti/Local Time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Susan C. Easley; usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: HIV Team Lead

6. MARKET VALUE: $93,907 to $122,077 equivalent to GS-14.

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 base period will be two (2) years estimated to start on/about September 13, 2021. Based on Agency need, availability of funding and subject to appropriate security and medical clearances, the Contracting Officer may exercise three (3) additional one-year options, not to exceed five (5) years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a September 13, 2021 – September 12, 2023 Option Period 1: o/a September 13, 2023 – September 12, 2024 Option Period 2: o/a September 13, 2024 – September 12, 2025 Option Period 3: o/a September 13, 2025 – September 12, 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 (including lawful permanent U.S.

resident).

● Submit a complete offer as outlined in Section IV.

● Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

● Be available and willing to work additional hours mailto:usaidhaitihr@usaid.gov

HIV Team Lead 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 appropriate 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 HIV Team Lead in Port-au- Prince, Haiti.

(2) Introduction

The USAID Mission in Haiti has an annual operating budget of approximately $125 million and 168 staff. The Health Office represents about 60% of the budget with approximately $72 million in FY19 and FY20 with $3.2m for the COVID19 crisis response. Approximately $50 million of the health office budget is for programming under the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR is the United States governmental response for addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and is helping save the lives of those suffering from the disease. A USPSC will be recruited to serve as the HIV Team Lead and manage USAID/Haiti’s response collaborating closely with interagency counterparts comprised of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State Department, and liaising with Government of Haiti Ministry of Health, other donors, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The HIV Team Lead will serve as a high-level HIV technical expert to USAID/Haiti’s Health Office and Mission leadership and represent USAID within the interagency and with external counterparts. The incumbent will be a part of the overall Health Office Management Team and be responsible for contributing to USAID’s PEPFAR results.

HIV Team Lead

(3) Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

Provide technical direction, team management, and coordination and reporting in implementing USAID/Haiti PEPFAR-funded activities.

A. Technical Leadership:

• Keep abreast of current and new HIV/AIDS issues, interpret technical HIV/AIDS guidance into actionable recommendations, and provide leadership in key programmatic areas across the PEPFAR portfolio.

• Lead programming of HIV testing, treatment, and care services, as well as programming targeting to selected vulnerable groups and key populations such as Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), people living with HIV/AIDS, adolescents’ girls and young women as well as technical assistance in supply chain management.

• Develop and review USAID technical and financial inputs into the annual Country Operational Plan (COP) for USG Haiti PEPFAR with HIV team.

• Provide high level technical leadership to staff members and implementing partners (IPs) to ensure all IPs are maximizing integrated approaches that are strategic and cost effective.

• Lead refinement or reprogramming of COP technical approaches for scaling up USAID Haiti PEPFAR activities in targeted departments and districts.

• Keep Program, Finance and Contracting Offices abreast of OGAC fast moving technical directives and approaches, including directives to quickly expand local partners.

• Guide HIV team in modifying current programs and/or generating new designs which align with OGAC technical guidelines and program priorities to enhance effectiveness of HIV results.

• Represent USAID during consultations with HIV Technical Working Groups with Ministry of Health Officials, Donors, and NGO/private sector counterparts.

• Identify opportunities for working with new partners, including private sector entities to expand HIV activities and country ownership.

• Generate/adapt technical tools and materials for evidence based, state-of-the-art models to scale up HIV programs and reach vulnerable groups.

• Ensure staff inputs in the planning and execution of VIP visits to USAID HIV funded sites including preparing briefers, background materials and related documents.

• Guide staff in generating and documenting program activities, e.g. factsheets, blogs, and social media posts highlighting USAID HIV lessons learned, achievements and results.

• Advise senior management, Embassy and USAID/Washington on strategic decisions and technical approaches for expanding USAID PEPFAR funded activities in Haiti.

• Identify promising, innovative and sustainable models to advance PEPFAR funded activities within the context of Haiti.

HIV Team Lead

B. Team Management and Mentoring:

• Mentor and supervise (6) HIV Team members in COP strategy development, project design, program implementation and evaluation.

• Oversee management of all USAID/Haiti’s bilateral and field support HIV activities based on

OGAC guidelines and best practices in achieving results.

• Coach team in analysis and use of technical data for programmatic and strategic decision making for COP development and implementation.

• Manage planning, allocation and expenditures of the annual HIV/AIDS team budget and ensure timely obligations for sound financial accounting of funds.

• Lead staff through acquisition and assistance actions in collaboration with OAA, OFM and

Program Offices as per Agency guidance.

• Identify gaps in HIV team knowledge and opportunities for advancing empowerment and professional development.

• Serve as AOR/COR of at least two HIV activities: BRIDGE $10m Cooperative Agreement;

SPOTLIGHT $1.9m Cooperative Agreement.

• Coach other AOR/CORs in managing awards, and monitoring and evaluating programs for results under the PEPFAR portfolio, including identifying problems and solutions.

• Ensure staff mastery and certification in GLAAS as requesters, refine skills in tracking accruals, generating quarterly pipelines, and active participation in Quarterly Financial Reviews.

• Provide detailed oversight of PEPFAR finances ensuring that funds are utilized according to USG policy/regulations, and that country programs are using resources effectively.

• Support AORs/CORs preparations to plan and execute routine review meetings with interagency counterparts and IPs and undertake periodic portfolio reviews to assess program progress and finance financial performance.

• Empower AORs/CORS to proactively manage projects and activities, identify problems and generate solutions.

• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to mission management to enhance professional development and empowerment of FSN staff.

• Coach staff in working closely with the GOH and other key stakeholders including the Global Fund and other international agencies working on HIV in Haiti.

• Improve staff skills in strengthening HIV/AIDS activities at the national and sub-national levels to ensure country ownership and technical capacity.

• Reinforce staff’s role in contributing to team cohesion and accountability in advancing USAID’s HIV/AIDS priorities and aligning with GOH goals in its Journey to Self Reliance.

• Serve as Acting Deputy Office Director, as needed.

HIV Team Lead

C. Coordination and Reporting:

• Coordinate with USG PEPFAR interagency team ensuring collaboration throughout the COP planning and implementation process.

• Represent USAID/Haiti at high level HIV meetings with IPs, donors, government, USG

Agencies and international and local counterparts.

• Collaborate closely with the Global Fund on joint planning and implementation of the national

HIV/AIDS program.

• Lead Health Office inputs for preparation of key PEPFAR quarterly, bi-annually, and annual reporting.

• Direct preparation, analysis and documentation for other reporting and periodic conference calls by USAID and the US Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) OGAC, as required.

• In collaboration with the interagency, plan, coordinate and participate in PEPFAR meetings and conferences within the interagency for COP development, review, negotiation, and approval.

• Provide inputs into interagency documents, cables or other materials as requested by the mission, Embassy USAID/Washington and OGAC on HIV/AIDS activities.

(4) Supervision Controls

The incumbent will be supervised by the FSN Health Office Deputy Director. The supervisor will provide broad direction and outline work objectives. The incumbent is expected to work both independently and as a part of a team with little or no direction. The incumbent also has the authority to prioritize his/her own workload in the management of the HIV Team.

(5) Supervisory Relationship

The incumbent will have significant decision-making ability and latitude in planning and executing agreed HIV work assignments by the supervisor. S/he will have significant ability to make time sensitive technical decisions in consultation with the supervisor. The incumbent will directly supervise six (6) locally employed staff: two Project Management Assistants, Project Management Specialist (HIS), Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Advisor), Project Management Specialists (Supply Chain), and Project Management Specialist (Care & Treatment). In order to empower FSN staff, s/he will be required to mentor and provide on-the-job training to Program Management Specialists and Program Assistants to improve HSD team performance. The incumbent will also conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports and assist FSNs to take on more supervisory responsibilities, if appropriate. In the absence of the Deputy Office Director, the HIV Team may be called upon to serve in that capacity for a defined period of time.

1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

HIV Team Lead

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

● Education: Education: Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, research and evaluation, international development or related field is required.

● Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in Public Health, Epidemiology, and/or related fields of health with at least five years of experience managing HIV/AIDS activities in developing countries. At least five years of experience managing teams with three years’ experience managing the technical implementation of HIV/AIDS projects in developing countries. Experience leading coordination within and outside USG, especially building relationships with partners in the public and private sectors, host country nationals, bilateral and multilateral donors and/or NGOs is required.

● Knowledge: Professional knowledge of a broad range of public health, predominantly HIV/AIDS issues, program implementation and monitoring and knowledge of major health challenges in the region, preferably in Francophone cultural/work environments is required. In-depth technical knowledge of principles and practices of development in HIV/AIDS including services to vulnerable populations, OVC, testing, treatment and care and supply chain management;

managing teams; and planning, designing, budgeting, and program implementation, monitoring and evaluation is required.

● Language Proficiency: French Level III (French at a level B1/B2 (Intermediate and

Upper intermediate French) or higher based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) rating system) and English Level IV required.

French language proficiency will be tested. Given the nature of the position, effective written and oral communications are critical to perform successfully in this position. The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and make oral presentations. The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively and persuasively with Mission employees; within the USG interagency and various Washington-based U.S. Government agencies; senior technical counterpart government officials; international and local organizations, including the private sector, donors, and other embassies.

● Abilities & Skills: The applicant must possess strong leadership, management, and supervision skills with demonstrated commitment to coaching, mentoring, team building, and professional development. Candidate must have a proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in managing HIV teams.

Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain productive working relationships with staff and counterparts both inside and outside of USAID. The incumbent must also demonstrate strong technical, HIV Team Lead analytical, and quantitative skills in HIV/AIDS and program management. S/he must have the ability to serve in Acting Deputy Office Director capacity, as required. S/he must be able to work in a demanding, complex interagency and often high-stress environment to meet deadlines and ensure consensus in submitting quality work products to USG. Must be a self-starter with strong advocacy, diplomatic and leadership abilities.

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 of this solicitation 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 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: (60 points)

● Abilities & Skills: (20 points)

● Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

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 https://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 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.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 http://www.usaid.gov/forms

HIV Team Lead 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. 72052121S00008 – HIV Team Lead. 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 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, May 13, 2021 at 5:00 pm (Haiti/Local 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. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

All forms can be found at: https://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.

HIV Team Lead

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 (if applicable)

(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 (If 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

Haiti specific allowances are detailed here:

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

(a) Temporary Quarters 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)

(j) Danger Pay (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.

https://aoprals.state.gov/ https://aoprals.state.gov/ 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

HIV Team Lead

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/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 by the illustrative table (no information required for offer submission):

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: TBD

1 2-Year $_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: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 1-Year $_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 1-Year $_TBD_ $ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

HIV Team Lead

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 1-Year $_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.

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***

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