SOLICITATION_Education_Advisor.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: February 22, 2019 CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 8, 2019

1700 Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1900 Eastern Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) for Education Advisor

Solicitation No.: SOL-72052219R00002

Dear Prospective Applicant:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Honduras, is seeking applications from qualified individuals in providing personal services as described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the information provided below, and sent electronically to tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. To ensure consideration of the application for the intended position, the applicant must prominently submit a signed Application Form AID-302-3 with a Curriculum Vitae or resume attached and comply with the requirements as established below. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. All e-mail submissions must contain the Solicitation Number, SOL-72052219R00002, in the subject line.

It is recommended that the applicant retain copies of all application materials for their records. Please note that USAID/Honduras does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application.

Applications received after the Closing Date and Closing Time specified will not be considered.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID/Honduras to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID/Honduras to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Also, USAID/Honduras reserves the right to award, or not to award the contract herein contemplated, subject to availability of funds.

Any questions must be directed in writing to Clint Branam (cbranam@usaid.gov) or Sandra Aguilera (saguilera@usaid.gov) no later than the deadline noted above.

Sincerely, Clinton Branam Contracting Officer mailto:saguilera@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3 mailto:cbranam@usaid.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-72052219R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 22, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME March 8, 2019 FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 1700 Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

1900 Eastern Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Education Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: $88,136.00 - $114,578.00 per annum, equivalent to GS-14.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Other allowances will be granted as applicable in the Cooperating Country. The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Full-time performance for a period of six (6) months with the option to extend one (1) month at a time not to exceed twelve (12) months.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tegucigalpa, Honduras / Education Development Office (EDO)

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: HSPD-12 (Facility/Computer Access Only)

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. Purpose of the contract:

The person required under this scope of work will manage or help manage three of the key activities identified above – Lectores a Lideres, Avanzando Con Libros, and Teacher Professional Development. In carrying out these program management functions, the contractor will mentor EDO staff associated with these activities. The contractor is expected to fill the full range of program management responsibilities including the development of strong bilateral relationships with counterparts in the Ministry of Education (MOE), local non-governmental organizations, Government of Honduras (GOH) entities, and the national private sector. Within the Mission and the Embassy, the contractor shall develop relationships necessary to inform, promote and execute the activities.

Although the time period is relatively short at six months, the contractor is expected to quickly assume management of these activities and mentor EDO staff.

Summary of Key Activities:

De Lectores a Líderes – This “reading improvement activity” is a 5 year comprehensive initiative that will lead the integration of EDO activities in targeting 2,500 schools, 700,000 students from 1st through 6th grades to increase reading capacity by 20% and significantly increase number of students reading at grade level by 6th grade. Total funding for this activity is $55 million.

Avanzando Con Libros – This “quality reading materials activity” is a 3 year, $13 million initiative to strengthen MOE capacity to increase the availability of high quality learning materials for reading instruction to 1st - 6th grade. This activity will provide (1) improved reading materials for 700,000 students in 2,500 schools, (2) an effective & transparent MOE book supply chain, and (3) improved MOE capability to manage national book supply chain.

Teacher Professional Development – This “teacher professional development activity” is a two year, $4 million activity. It will complement the Lectores a Lideres activity and be used in conjunction with the training centers strengthened under national teachers training center -- Escuelas Normales -- to provide pre-service and end service training professional development training for teachers. This activity will be financed through a Government to Government (G2G) grant.

2. Statement of duties to be performed:

The Education Advisor will provide education sector expertise on education policy reform, education management and effective strategies for sustainable improvements in basic education outcomes.

S/he will serve as advisor to USAID Honduras management and the Education Office Director and develop education sector strategies within USAID’s larger development objectives and on national education policy development and reform including issues related to financing and resource utilization, classroom practice, and education decentralization in Honduras. The Education advisor will also oversee the Basic Education portfolio provide input and guidance regarding the management of Basic Education funded awards. The incumbent will take on the direct management as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the Reading Activity. As senior advisor for policy-related aspects of the Mission’s education program, this position will work closely with the Ministry of Education and other donors to maximize the effectiveness of public sector financing and to achieve planned results.

1. Management of Activity Implementation (50%) - S/he may participate in the design and management of USAID education programs and projects and will assess potential programs to ensure that USAID’s education strategy and policy in Honduras address key issues in the sector and that investments in the sector produce positive results. At the same time, s/he will ensure that USAID/Honduras’ basic education activities are in line with international and local best practice and complementary to efforts of other donors. The Education Advisor will provide oversight to contractors and grantees and wills serve as technical advisor and COR for the Reading Activity. S/he will serve as technical advisor and or Alternate COR or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) for selected basic education funded activities including Quality Reading Materials and Teacher Professional Development. When performing as a COR/AOR, the incumbent will manage all technical, administrative, and financial aspects of these programs as specified in the COR/AOR designation letter. S/he will provide oversight and coordinate with COR/AORs managing Basic Education activities identifying priorities for related technical areas, engage in dialogue on these priorities with the EDO team, the MOE and other donors, and ensure that USAID programming contributes to the Honduran government’s long-term objectives for the education sector. S/he will verify and report on program implementation and impact. In addition, the Education Advisor will contribute to the team’s Development Outreach and Communications strategy by writing program success stories and sharing information on USAID/Honduras’ education program with audiences in Honduras and the United States.

2. Program Policy Guidance (40%) - The Education Advisor will provide the Education Office and USAID Mission with expert guidance on education sector reform, education sector financing, and education administration. The Education Advisor will work closely with the Education Office Director and the Education team to ensure the portfolio aligns well with U.S. Government (USG) Priorities and Strategies for Education. The advisor will focus on increasing the knowledge and skill of the EDO team members providing various strategy and best practice briefings based on his or her analysis of portfolio alignment with global best practices in education. S/he will report to the Education Office Director. S/he will work with the MOE and other donors, and with USAID/Washington regarding matters relating to education sector policy in Honduras. The Education Advisor will be the Mission’s principal adviser on education policy in Honduras and will advise on education sector initiatives and strategic planning, and education financing.

3. Representation to the Ministry of Education, Other Donors and Stakeholders (10%) - The Education Advisor will develop processes and strategies for establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders including central and decentralized levels of the Ministry of Education, other donors, and private sector and NGO representatives working to improve education in Honduras. The Education Advisor will mentor new CORs/AORs to increase their project management and representational skills to improve performance representing USAID in a variety of different official settings, including to senior levels of the Government of Honduras.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation:

COR/AOR certification is required. Limited training will be available, as the incumbent is expected to have extensive experience in USAID processes as well as experience in integrated programing implementation. The contractor shall complete the Confidential Financial Disclosure Form (OGE-450) when required and shall attend mandatory annual Ethics training as available.

On-the-job orientation to the Honduras context will be continuous.

4. Supervisory Relationship:

The Education Advisor has a high degree of responsibility and significant independence in determining how work will be achieved. This person is a senior member of the EDO staff and is expected to receive a minimum of direct supervision.

Work is assigned based on periodic reviews and performance assessments. The Education Advisor shall be given work objectives and measurable performance indicators. EDO Office Director will periodically monitor achievement of work objectives and provide feedback and guidance.

- The supervisor assigns work in terms of project objectives and basic priorities and is available for consultation in resolving controversial issues.

- All aspects of work are performed independently. The work is reviewed for accuracy through spot checks, through complaints from customers, and through observation of the employee at work.

- Completed projects are reviewed to determine that objectives have been met and are in compliance with agency policies and regulations.

5. Supervisory Controls:

The Education Advisor will not exercise supervision other USAID staff; however, due to the nature of the work involved, guidance and coordination of the work of others will be required.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and U.S. Resident Aliens

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. During site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion; including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or the carrying of moderately heavy material.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: For inquiries regarding this solicitation the points of contact are:

- Clint Branam, Contracting Officer, cbranam@usaid.gov

- Sandra Aguilera, Human Resources Specialist, saguilera@usaid.gov mailto:cbranam@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education (15 Points):

Master’s degree in Education, Project Management or related field is required.

2. Work Experience (35 Points):

At least seven years of professional experience in management and oversight of development programs and projects of which at least 5 years must be in supporting education reform programs and/or initiatives, including strategy development and program management, is required, preferably including direct experience in managing basic education, reading and teacher professional development programs. Demonstrated strategic planning, policy experience and problem solving skills on complex bilateral/multilateral and/or public sector programs are required.

3. Language proficiency (10 Points):

Must be Fluent (Level IV) in English with preferred Working Knowledge (Level III) in Spanish but not required. The incumbent must have a high degree of proficiency in both the written and spoken language. Written English skills are particularly important. Must be able to clearly express ideas and concepts accurately both verbally and in writing.

4. Job Knowledge (20 Points):

Knowledge of the basic education issues as they relate to reading instruction and learning and to teacher professional development is required. Familiarity with teaching and learning models for literacy, knowledge of public education sector initiatives including multi-donor sector investment and private sector engagement in education is required. The incumbent is expected to bring state-of-the-art knowledge and international best practices in the areas of reading and teacher professional development as well as community engagement in education. Knowledge in Latin America including the range of issues and challenges impeding access to quality basic education is preferred.

5. Skills and Abilities (20 Points):

Demonstrated ability to manage large basic education programs focused on reading improvement is required. Must have demonstrated ability to lead and mentor teams. Skill in conceptualizing programs, policies, plans and developing strategies for program implementation. Must have a high degree of managerial, analytical and leadership skills in program management and the ability to strategize negotiations with high level Government of Honduras (GOH) Officials and executive directors of major U.S. NGO and private sector partners. Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data and information to make meaningful recommendations. Must be able to guide teams to develop and maintain a wide range of senior level contacts in the public and private sectors. Computer knowledge in windows applications (word, excel, power point) is required.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

1. Education (15 Points)

2. Work Experience (35 Points)

3. Language proficiency (10 Points)

4. Job Knowledge (20 Points)

5. Skills and Abilities (20 Points)

Applicants meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The hiring panel may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

IV. APPLYING

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following:

a) Completed and signed Application Form AID-302-3 “Offeror Information for Personal Services

Contracts”. Unsigned AID 302-3 forms will not be accepted and therefore will not be considered for this solicitation.

b) Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified at the e-mail address specified in the cover letter of this solicitation. To ensure consideration of offers for the inteded position, Offerrors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail.

c) Most current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume. The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria (for example, paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position; specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work). Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

d) Offerors are also strongly encouraged to address each of the evaluation criteria above on a Cover Page, of no more than one page, describing specifically and accurately what experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, honors, awards or accomplishments received that are relevant to the criterion.

e) Three (3) to five (5) work references with complete contact information including e-mail address and telephone numbers. The references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s current or past performance and abilities. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria will be taken into account. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. USAID/Honduras may seek performance information beyond the reference names provided.

2. By submitting the application materials, the offeror certifies that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. The offeror agrees to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to the offer may result in being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

The applicant must be able to obtain an HSPD-12 (Facility/Computer Access Only) Security Clearance which involves the applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a medical clearance from the U.S. Department of https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3

State Office of Medical Services, to work worldwide stating that the applicant is able to engage in the type of activities required for the position and that is also physically fit and able to reside in the Cooperating Country.

Details of how to obtain such clearances will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer has been made.

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, and if applicable, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) (if applicable)

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

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

(SF-85) submitted through e-Qip

4. SF-87 Finger Print Cards (Dec. 2017)

5. e-QIP signature forms

6. AID 6-85 Foreign Activity Data

7. AID 500-6 Dual Citizenship Questionnaire (if applicable)

8. OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment

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 (unless health and life insurance coverage for retiree employees does not provide or specifically excludes overseas coverage, retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health and life insurance under their contracts.

Additionally, a USPSC who is a spouse or same-sex domestic partner of a current or retired U.S. Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse or same-sex domestic partner’s government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for these contributions)

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

e) Annual and Sick Leave (no vacation shall be earned if the tour of duty is less than 90 days)

2. ALLOWANCES

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

a. Post Differential beginning with the 43rd day at post (Chapter 500 and Tables in Chapter 900)

b. If available at the time of arrival, Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) and Living

Quarters Allowance (Section 130) will be provided. Otherwise, per diem (in lieu of Living Quarters Allowance) will be provided at rates prescribed by the Federal Travel Regulations, as from time to time amended, during the time such short-term employee spends at post of duty in the Cooperating Country under this contract.

c. Post Allowance (Section 220) https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

d. Payments During Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

e. Payment of MEDEVAC 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”.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1.

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs), as applicable, for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals.

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.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/076ABBBFC3B026A785257F14006929A2/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/076ABBBFC3B026A785257F14006929A2/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/Resources/Standards+of+Ethical+Conduct+for+Employees+of+the+Executive+Branch