SOL72063321R00001- Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator - FINAL (1).pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72063321R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: August 26, 2021

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: September 25, 2021 – 17:00

– Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa

SUBJECT: Solicitation for US/TCN Personal Service Contractor (US/TCNPSC)

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 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

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

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Shelby Hunt

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72063321R00001

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72063321R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 26 August 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 25, 2021

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Kim Sias

5. POSITION TITLE: Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator

6. MARKET VALUE: $79,468- $103,309 equivalent to GS- 13

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five years estimated to start in November 2021.

“The base period will be two years, estimated to start in November 2021. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows:”

Base Period: November 2021 to November 2023

Option Period 1: November 2023 to November 2025

Option Period 2: November 2025 to November 2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Botswana, with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCN)

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

II. SCOPE OF WORK

BACKGROUND:

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative is the largest commitment ever by a nation toward an international health program for a single disease. The Office of the U.S. Global AIDS

Coordinator (S/GAC) is responsible for implementing PEPFAR. To control and ultimately end the

HIV/AIDS epidemic, collective gains must be expanded and sustained. Led by S/GAC’s strategic vision, PEPFAR 3.0 – Controlling the Epidemic: Delivering on the Promise of an AIDS-free Generation, PEPFAR is collecting and using data in the most granular manner (disaggregated by sex, age, and at the site level) to do the right things, in the right places, and right now.

The PEPFAR program in Botswana combines the talents of staff members and operational partners from the Department of State (DOS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health

Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. Agency for

International Development (USAID), and the Peace Corps to implement an integrated HIV/AIDS program. These entities come together to create a program that supports activities in Botswana, allowing for rapid, unprecedented expansion of programs and services. This expansion takes into account expected inputs from the Global Fund, other donors, and the Government of Botswana (GoB) itself. Differing perspectives, interests, and agendas of the diverse implementing partners as well as the scope, magnitude, and urgent focus on results of the PEPFAR program create unique challenges and opportunities.

As the program in Botswana has expanded, more effective integration of USG plans with those of other donors and the host government has become increasingly important. Managing these external relationships is a high priority for the Embassy’s Front Office, the PEPFAR Coordination Office, and all the US

Government agencies.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FUNCTIONS

The Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator will serve as part of the larger PEPFAR Country Coordination

Team which leads coordination efforts for activities funded under PEPFAR in Botswana. Priority responsibilities include:

• Coordinates and facilitates the development of planning, budgeting, and reporting to the Office of

Global AIDS Coordination (OGAC); serves as primary expert on annual Country Operational Plan

(COP) development for interagency team; disseminates and explains guidance to PEPFAR team;

and coordinates with agencies to ensure implementing partners understand annual requirements.

• As assigned by the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, responds to OGAC and PEPFAR headquarters' routine and ad hoc requests for information and reports in a timely manner. Interfaces with the interagency to ensure timely submission of all PEPFAR documents including the COP, the Annual

Program Results (APR), and all other required documentation and reporting.

• Coordinates interagency task teams as appropriate and designated by the PEPFAR Country

Coordinator and reports back to the interagency team.

• Prepares and disseminates periodic internal and external updates/status reports on PEPFAR in

Botswana. Keeps agencies on track for reprogramming, results reporting, etc. and provides all requisite related documentation to OGAC. Documents interagency decisions, drafts minutes, and prepares memos as appropriate.

• Supports public diplomacy efforts led by the Embassy's Public Affairs Office.

SPECIFIC TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

Program Development and Implementation (40% time)

• Provides leadership for the implementation and management of a cohesive PEPFAR program that makes the best use of the comparative advantages and competencies of participating USG agencies, achieves maximum results related to PEPFAR targets and GoB objectives for HIV and

AIDS, and is optimally responsive to the needs of Botswana citizens at risk for, infected by, or affected by HIV and AIDS.

• Ensures that PEPFAR activities are aligned with GoB priorities and leads the development and monitoring of the Sustainability Plan.

• Provides leadership to the PEPFAR interagency team, PCO professional staff, GoB counterparts and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate existing strategies and portfolio composition and makes necessary adjustments.

• In close collaboration with the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, leads the preparation of the annual

COP, COP semiannual and annual results reports, and responds to requests for data and information from OGAC.

• Ensures that documentation of policy and programming decisions by OGAC are conveyed to the interagency team.

• Prepares and disseminates periodic internal and external updates and status reports on PEPFAR in

Botswana, including budget information and results data. External audiences include GoB partners, cooperating partners, non-governmental implementing partners, and periodically (in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer) the media, and the general public.

Staff Management and Mentorship (40%)

• Works with the PEPFAR Country Coordinator to establish an effective office structure that enhances workflow and builds on the talents and expertise of the USG interagency core team.

• Manages select professional staff on the PEPFAR team and ensures that their performance meets or exceeds established performance standards.

• Ensures team members are fulfilling roles and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.

• As assigned by PEPFAR Country Coordinator, provides leadership and mentoring to professional staff to build and enhance their skills.

• Conducts performance reviews of professional staff and provides feedback on their performance in a timely manner.

• Works with agency leads to establish timelines for the completion of interagency tasks and works of the interagency team to ensure that those responsible are fully aware of tasks and timelines for the submission of documents both internally and externally.

• Promotes professionalism in all PEPFAR related work, documents and communications, both internally and externally.

• Serves as Acting PEPFAR Country Coordinator as needed.

Special Initiatives and Other Requests (20%)

• Supports the PEPFAR Country Coordinator to respond to requests from the U.S. Embassy Front

Office, OGAC, the GoB, and cooperating partners regarding special initiatives, regional meetings, and conferences and other PEPFAR and/or HIV/AIDS related activities.

• Works with the interagency team to ensure that PEPFAR is adequately represented in meetings and conferences and responds to initiatives and special assignments, as appropriate.

• Facilitates the development of PEPFAR materials that are disseminated internally and externally including informational materials, press releases, speeches, strategy documents, etc.

• Ensure that all materials emanating from the PEPFAR office are of the highest professional quality and align and reinforce USG policy and development goals.

Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational and programming needs and/or

(b) the Advisor’s own interests.

III. POSITION ELEMENTS

Responsibility for decision-making: The Deputy Country Coordinator will support the U.S.

Ambassador to Botswana, the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, and PEPFAR Agency Leads in setting and implementing PEPFAR policies in-country. In certain technical area(s) the Deputy Country Coordinator may lead task teams and have decision-making latitude, as his/her specialized expertise allows. In these instances, the incumbent will be expected to exercise independent judgment that considers international best practices and to modify them as needed to fit the local context.

Complexity of work assignments/work environment: As this is a critical position in the PEPFAR

Botswana team, much of the work is subject to the ever-changing guidance from OGAC regarding program implementation. The rapidly growing body of knowledge around technical issues relating to HIV programming also requires continuous updating regarding new trends and policies, and translating these changes into implementation at the local level. The Deputy Country Coordinator will be required to respond to a wide and varying array of challenges on a day-to-day basis and must be prepared to multi-task at a high-level.

Knowledge level required: The Deputy Country Coordinator position requires professional mastery of both administrative and management responsibilities, as well as technical expertise in one or more areas related to the HIV/AIDS response. Direct and recent experience working on the PEPFAR initiative in other USG missions is highly desirable. In addition, possession of strong interpersonal and team-building skills are required.

Supervisory controls: Overall direction in the PEPFAR Coordination Office is set by the PEPFAR

Country Coordinator. Within that direction, the incumbent assists in defining long-term work to be accomplished and set medium to long-term goals for the PCO. The incumbent is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the agreed upon work independently.

Availability of guidelines: Broad guidance is available both in the form of written guidelines (DoS, OGAC, the World Health Organization) and direction from the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, as well as from the GoB. A high level of sound judgment is necessary to apply guidance to the local situation and to reconcile conflicting guidance.

Level and purpose of contacts: The incumbent will play a leadership role in establishing and maintaining senior professional contacts with GoB officials (Ministry of Health and Wellness and the

National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency, in particular. S/he will support the Country Coordinator to coordinate PEPFAR activities with senior management officials in other USG agencies (CDC, DoS, DoD, Peace Corps, and USAID), the private sector, local civil society entities, and other international organizations.

Supervision/oversight of others: Although general direction and supervision is provided by the PEPFAR

Country Coordinator, as a senior member of a very dynamic team in a fast-paced environment, the incumbent will work independently with minimal supervision. The incumbent is accountable for the effective performance of the PEPFAR Country Office and the ability for team members to work together to prioritize actions for effective implementation.

IV. EVALUATION 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 listed above and are listed in no particular order. 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. In most cases, only the highest-ranking applicant(s) will be selected for an interview.

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.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate

USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS (40 points)

• Excellent management, coordination, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

• Demonstrated judgment, maturity, and ingenuity to interpret technical and political opportunities and constraints.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills and ability to communicate technical 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 information clearly and effectively to both technical and nontechnical colleagues.

• Strong reasoning and negotiation skills.

• Familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms.

• Experience in operating effectively in a multicultural environment and working within an interagency setting.

• Must have prior experience supervising professional staff.

WORK EXPERIENCE (40 points)

• Five to eight years of progressive, professional level experience at the program management level with some background in HIV/AIDS required.

• Experience working with country-level PEPFAR Coordination Office desirable.

• Experience working with country-level PEPFAR programs required.

• Should have a proven track record working with large teams across organizational structures and managing complex processes.

• Experience living and working in developing countries, including collaborating with host governments, non-governmental organizations, and other donors, is highly desired.

• Experience with HIV/AIDS programs, especially related to treatment and an understanding of the importance of a comprehensive program that includes both clinical and community interventions.

• Knowledge of the HIV epidemic and GoB response and PEPFAR support in Botswana highly desirable.

• Excellent written and spoken English at native speaker level.

• Strong computer and writing skills with proven ability to produce concise well written reports and

EDUCATION (20 points)

• Bachelors degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Public Policy, Social Science or related field required, Masters degree is desirable.

V. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

• 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.

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria.

Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

• References: Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

• Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain an http://www.usaid.gov/forms

“employment authorization” if a US Citizen or US Green Card Holder. This temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

• Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the required qualifications. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the AID309-2.

• Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified and submitted to the job applications mailbox.

• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the

Solicitation number in the offer submission

Methods of application submissions:

For applicants to be considered for this position the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted to jobapplications@usaid.gov, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position

If sent via email:

Kim Sias

Human Resource Contracts Assistant

Telephone: +27 12 452 2206

E-mail address: jobapplications@usaid.gov

VI. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award. Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms:

• AID 309-2

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

• Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **

• Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

** Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VII. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

mailto:jobapplications@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

ALLOWANCES:

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

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

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

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(e) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Travel (Section 280)

(g) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(h) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), If a TCN is selected for this position the benefits will be adjusted as per Mission policy.

VIIII. TAXES

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

TCN will be eligible to pay taxes as specified by their respective country.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

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.

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:

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

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.

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***

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T

(D)

UNI

T

PRIC

E (E)

AMOUNT (F)

Base Period - Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs

(ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 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:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor_

Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

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