Sol72062422R00002 Offshore USPSC EXO_final- 11-24-2021.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER:72062422R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: November 24, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: December 12, 2021/23:59 GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Offshore Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor as Executive

Officer, USAID/West Africa

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 any offer.

All offers must be submitted to the Point of Contact via email: accrapsc@usaid.gov

Only shortlisted offerors will be contacted.

Any questions must be directed in writing to Patience Charway at pcharway@usaid.gov or Yusif

Ibrahim at yibrahim@usaid.gov with a copy to Amy Larsen at alarsen@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Amy Larsen

Contracting Officer

Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office

USAID/West Africa mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov mailto:pcharway@usaid.gov mailto:alarsen@usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL #72062422R00002

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.:720624122R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 24, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 12, 2021, 23:59GMT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/West Africa, Accra; e-mail at accrapsc@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Executive Officer

6. MARKET VALUE: $110,460- $143,598 equivalent to GS-15

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, estimated to start o/a January 2022 with an option of three (3) one-year extensions for a maximum of five (5) years.

Exercise of options will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, successful performance, and requisite approvals.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise the additional option periods for up to three (3) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a 01/2022 to 01/2024

Option Period 1: o/a 01/2024 to 01/2025

Option Period 2: o/a 01/2025 to 01/2026

Option Period 3: o/a 01/2026 to 01/2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/West Africa, Accra, Ghana

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful Permanent legal residents)

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Selected applicant must obtain Secret level clearance and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. BACKGROUND:

This position is located in the Regional Executive Office (REXO) of USAID/West Africa and will be based in Accra with periodic travels to Benin, Cameroon, and Cote d’Ivoire. The REXO is responsible for administration and internal management activities of the USAID Missions of

USAID/West Africa (USAID/WA), including its field offices in Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and

Benin) and USAID/Ghana. It also provides management guidance to USAID/Benin.

The REXO provides administrative and logistical support to all program operations. It is in charge of USAID communications and records, non-ICASS local and offshore procurement

(within the warrant limits of the Executive Officer and Mission Director), cross-border motor pool operations for USAID/WA, personnel functions, information technology systems, property management, implementing partner support, travel and space management. Other functions include developing, executing and monitoring the operating expense (OR) budget in coordination with the Financial Management Office; reviewing program implementation documentation regarding management support requirements; assessing efficiency of internal management policies and procedures; and issuing USAID Administrative management regulations and procedures. The office is responsible for maintaining liaison with Embassy

Administrative Officers and for monitoring the quality and quantity of services provided as agreed between the agencies under the Inter-Agency Cooperative Administrative Support

Services (ICASS) agreement.

2. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The USPSC Executive Officer (EXO) will report directly to the Supervisory Executive

Officer (S/EXO). The USPSC/EXO serves the mission on the full range of support services, activities, and oversight to the complex daily operations of the REXO Office. The

USPSC/EXO will be expected to provide leadership, guidance, and professional expertise and knowledge and collaborate closely with staff in all management and logistical EXO functions.

The USPSC/EXO may serve as acting Supervisory Executive Officer during periods when no USDH EXOs is at post. When Acting S/EXO, the EXO will report directly to the Deputy

Mission Director and administer day-to-day operations of the Executive Office.

The USPSC/EXO is responsible for coordinating the delivery of effective and efficient management and logistical support to the Mission including liaison with the ICASS provider at post for the provision of services to USAID customers (e.g., housing, motor pool).

General Administrative Direction:

Ensure effective and timely delivery of quality services by all Executive Office units through:

• Coordination of activities toward the achievement of common objectives;

• Independently plan, design and implement projects/studies; results accepted as authoritative;

• Identification and implementation of productivity-enhancing delivery systems;

• Targeted training for service-provider staff;

• Publication and updating of clear guidelines for customers;

• Conducting and analyzing periodic customer satisfaction surveys;

• Maintenance of adequate internal controls to protect USAID assets and monitor internal procedures; and

• Career development and in-service training programs.

Budget and Procurement:

Prepare and oversee implementation of annual administrative procurement budgets (OE), to include:

• Solicitation and analysis/approval of acquisition projections of all USAID/West Africa operating units, including PSC contracts and associated costs;

• Maintenance of appropriate system of checks and balances from initial requisition through final disposition of property;

• Provision of adequate competition;

• Adherence to FAR/AIDAR requirements;

• Sign procurement and PSC actions (Contracting Warrant preferred); and

• Oversight of CORs for all continuing requirements and voucher approvals.

General Services:

Provide direction for all general services, including:

• Managing with the ICASS service provider the Mission’s personal property program, including office furniture and equipment, vehicles, and supplies;

• Developing standards for replacing, issuing, using, and controlling USG property;

• Managing the real property program including office and facilities maintenance;

• Management of C&R operations;

• Developing space utilization plans for future Mission expansion; and

• Conducting newcomer orientation training for all staff.

Facility Maintenance and Repair:

The USPSC/EXO will oversee the maintenance and repair of equipment and services at the

USAID building, including:

• Managing new construction projects as they arise;

• Provide oversight to Facilities Maintenance staff of these two buildings; and

• Liaising with USAID and ICASS to ensure that the service standards are adhered to.

Travel Management:

The USPSC/EXO may assist in managing official travel, including:

• Managing E-2 Travel and approving E2 and paper travel requests; and

• Responding to requests for information and conducting limited training on travel-related topics.

Safety and Security Programs:

Administer all aspects of the Mission's safety and security program, including:

• Maintenance of emergency notification systems covering all US and local national employees, TDY visitors, and contractor staff;

• Office and residential evacuation, equipment and procedures;

• Periodic safety training of employees;

• Compliance and operation of safety and security programs; and

• Liaison with RSOs and USAID/SEC.

Other Activities:

• Explore and develop opportunities for improving USAID services to customers.

• Represent USAID in such interagency fora as the ICASS working group, the Inter-

Agency Housing Board, the Post Employment Committee, and the Joint Country

Awards Committee.

• Develop, interpret, and ensure implementation of administrative management policies, regulations, and procedures.

• Formulate, interpret, and communicate long-range principles, policies, and objectives for administrative services programs. Serve as a key communicator of new administrative policies and procedures.

• Ensure successful implementation of large-scale administrative, human resources, and organizational changes.

• Prepare workforce planning scenarios based on various budget scenarios.

• Provide policy advice and guidance on the management and support functions and services required for effective program implementation.

• Advise and support the S/EXO on the full range of personnel matters, including development and implementation of appropriate personnel procedures and workforce planning.

• Analyze mission management requirements and, in coordination with the Office of

Financial Management, develop the operating expense budgets for the mission.

3. POSITION ELEMENTS:

Supervision Received: The USPSC/EXO will report directly to the Supervisory Executive

Officer (S/EXO) with minimal supervision or guidance.

Supervision Exercised: The USPSC/EXO may supervise any or all of the following EXO divisions: Communications & Records, Travel, Personal Property Management and

Supply, Data Management Division, Human Resource Divisions, and alternative Service

Providers.

Available Guidelines:

Because of the scope of activities covered by the EXO office, there is a wide variety of regulations that cover the various elements, including the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Automated Directive System (ADS), Standardized Regulations and AID Acquisition

Regulations (AIDAR). In addition, some aspects of the job are not directly covered or instructed within the formal regulations such as Global Acquisition and Assistance System

(GLAAS) and E-2 Travel and most especially the management and organization of

USAID/West Africa. Policies and procedures are also often implemented on an interim basis through notices and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPD) in the case of procurement. The USPSC/EXO must have a very sound understanding of this wide variety of regulations and be able, based on experience, to interpret the intent of what at times can be very confusing and contradictory regulations/guidance.

Exercise of Judgment:

As an experienced Executive Officer, the USPSC/EXO will exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with the

USAID/West Africa office and client mission/office personnel as well as representatives from other U.S. Government agencies to resolve problems that arise during the course of work. The USPSC/EXO will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Authority to Make Commitments:

The incumbent’s independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG funds on behalf of the USG) will be determined by his or her contracting warrant authority, if any. A contracting warrant is highly desirable for this position.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:

Internally, the incumbent will interact in terms of passing on knowledge and advice with the entire mission staff, and will be expected to provide expert level advice to the Mission

Directors and Deputy Mission Directors. The incumbent must be able to establish sound and effective relationships with U.S embassy counterparts, including up to the Deputy

Chief of Mission level, as well as host country officials both locally and regionally.

Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate with the ICASS service provider and customers. Nature of contact will vary from information providing/gathering to advice, coordination, and ensuring services received meet establish standards.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Work is primarily sedentary, but the Executive Office is responsible for a building compound that will require occasional physical oversight through walking the compound and inspecting that projects are completed. Work environment is that of a professional office setting.

4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education:

Minimum of Master’s degree, in business administration, management, or public administration is required.

Work Experience:

Minimum of ten years progressive responsible experience in performing and supervising

USG management operations or overseas experience specifically related to administrative management for a large and complicated organization, including space planning, property management, procurement, contracting, USG travel, training, and personnel management required. The incumbent must have proven experience providing day-to-day direction in support of administrative and operational needs of a large and complex regional mission.

Incumbent must have experience working in a team setting. S/he must have experience representing office at higher levels within the organization.

Language Proficiency:

Fluency (Level IV) in English Language

5. EVALUATION FACTOR/SELECTION CRITERIA:

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 applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. 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 applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary.

Work Experience and Knowledge (40 points):

The incumbent must be seen by peers and superiors as a professional expert in management operations. Work experience should demonstrate the ability to link broad knowledge of administrative skills with larger organizational priorities and goals. Work experience must demonstrate proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance.

Expert knowledge of the broad range of administrative management issues including property management, physical and technical security, general services, personnel management, training, procurement, budgeting, records and correspondence is required.

Demonstrated understanding of programming policies, regulations, budgeting, and documentation is required. Thorough knowledge of international development systems, including acquisition and assistance, development programming, supply management, contract management, financial management and human resource management is required.

Knowledge and ability in management of training programs and processes required.

Knowledge of managing and administering a broad ranging training program required.

Skills and Abilities (50 points):

Must possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills enabling him/her to establish and maintain strong contacts with customers both within and outside the immediate office.

Proven leadership and management skills particularly with respect to administrative issues are required. Proven ability to lead, train, and supervise required. Proven ability to analyze, conceptualize, negotiate, exercise sound judgment, and originate ideas required. Proven ability to identify problems, and develop creative solutions required. Ability to anticipate change and adapt work activities accordingly is required. Ability to develop tools or procedures in response to new operational conditions is essential. Proven interpersonal skills to manage requests with patience, diplomacy, and a sense of humor required.

Strong mentoring and training skills are required. Must be able to implement strategic management plans in line with guidance provided by the Mission’s front office and directions received from USAID/Washington. Demonstrated successful experience in the field of management and administration, including personnel administration, management analysis and planning, general services and travel in an international context supporting development initiatives required. Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective contacts within the Mission and the business community of the Mission is required. Ability to conduct negotiations and discussions in a diplomatic manner while protecting the interest of the Mission is required.

Communication Skills (10):

Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, including the ability to obtain, evaluate, and interpret reports, and to effectively communicate USAID’s mission and policies to the public are required. The incumbent must have the ability to make oral presentations logically and persuasively. The incumbent must have the ability to communicate orally and in writing quickly, clearly, and concisely.

Total: 100 points

6. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A U.S. citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a Secret level Security Clearance.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a State Department Medical Clearance for assignment to Accra, Ghana. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical

Clearance will be provided.

4. Complete Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Training before arriving in Ghana.

5. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary.

6. Willing to travel to work sites/offices outside of Ghana as/when requested.

7. The position is intended to be encumbered by a person having/eligible for a USAID contracting warrant. The warranted PSC Executive Officer will have the authority to sign procurement instruments and Personal Services Contracts that require a USAID delegation of authority to make determinations that have the effect of contractually binding the United States Government (normally at $1,000,000 for PSC’s and $250,000 for simplified acquisitions).

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 Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

4. A Cover Letter of not more than three (3) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of the position.

5. A current CV/resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the Offers in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

6. Applicants also must address the above Section III: Evaluation and Selection Factors, in a Summary Statement to be included in the Offers. This Summary Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The Summary Statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

7. Applicants must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the applicant’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 applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working http://www.usaid.gov/forms telephone numbers for all references.

8. Copies of diplomas, certificates or relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the

CV/resume.

9. Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers

(if available) and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submission.

10. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2);

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62); *

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). *

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS

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

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

*Note: A US citizen’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

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

(c) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT

CLAUSES

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

a. 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.

b. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR

FEDERALCONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021)

(M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana

Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United

States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island,Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate

COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated

September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on

September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause) https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

c. 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:

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) QTY

UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT (F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and

Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

2 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

1001 Option 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and

Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

2001 Option 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and

Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

3001 Option 3 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and

Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

d. 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.

e. 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 .

f. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any

Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United

States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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