Sol72064121R00005.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER:72064121R00005

ISSUANCE DATE: May 31, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 20, 2021/17:00 GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor as the Senior Strategic Communications Specialist, USAID/Ghana

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 Guadalupe Ramirez at gramirez@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Guadalupe Ramirez Contracting Officer Regional Executive Office USAID/West Africa

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL #72064121R00005.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.:72064121R00005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 31, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 20, 2021 17:00GMT

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Strategic Communications Specialist, USAID/Ghana

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 11/2021 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 11/2021 to 11/2023 Option Period 1: o/a 11/2023 to 11/2024 Option Period 2: o/a 11/2024 to 11/2025 Option Period 3: o/a 11/2025 to 11/2026

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

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

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Top Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

The United States Agency for International Development Mission to Ghana (USAID/Ghana) requires an experienced Strategic Communications Specialist to provide senior-level technical expertise to the development and implementation of a communication strategy designed to educate the domestic population and international stakeholders on the work USAID/Ghana is performing to benefit the people of Ghana.

With an annual budget of approximately $144 million, USAID/Ghana supports Ghana’s commitment to reduce its dependency on foreign assistance by prioritizing programs that create stability; incentivize reform and innovation; strengthen in-country capacity; and mobilize domestic resources, including private capital to accelerate the nation’s transition towards middle-income status.

Ghana is a focus country for several U.S. Government initiatives and priorities, including the Global Food Security Strategy, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Power Africa, the Security Governance Initiative, and Prosper Africa. USAID serves as one of the lead development partner agencies in Ghana.

USAID/Ghana’s new five-year behavioral-led, integrated Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) (2020-2025) supports Ghana’s efforts to become a more self-reliant nation that offers a productive life to all of its citizen through continued support to address food security and trade, quality education and health services, and citizen responsive governance in the northern regions.

The CDCS focuses on promoting inclusive development, systems strengthening, and greater accountability across the government. The Mission manages the strategy through three development objectives (DO): 1) Broad-based Economic Growth Accelerated and Sustained; 2) Quality Services Delivered with Increased Accountability; and 3) Sustainable Development Accelerated in Northern Ghana.

USAID/Ghana has a main office in Accra, with 64 staff (19 USDHs, 5 U.S. and TCN Personal Service Contractors, and 45 Locally Engaged Staff) and a satellite office in Tamale, with 11 LES who are focused on northern Ghana programming.

The Strategic Communications Specialist will lead and shape mission strategic communications to meet programmatic objectives, build awareness, and position USAID to resonate with target audiences and influence key stakeholders. The Specialist oversees USAID brand equity, contributing to U.S. development and foreign policy objectives, and enabling USAID to forge new partnerships while maintaining operations in Ghana. The Specialist will lead strategic communication initiatives; including advising mission leadership and partnering with the Embassy (through the Public Affairs Office) to develop and drive the direction of mission communications, deploy cutting-edge tactics, identify and evaluate communications performance monitoring. The Specialist must have the knowledge and ability to create messages and leverage the most appropriate communications platforms to reach key stakeholders. S/he must focus on key sectors that have a connection to local interests as well as USG policies and strategic goals.

As the mission’s professional expert in strategic communications, the Specialist will advise Mission management on the development and implementation of the mission’s communication strategy and support management in making policy decisions. S/he will collaborate with technical offices and implementing partners and share thought leadership on emerging trends and high-profile activities across USAID/Ghana.

The Specialist must display state-of-the-art communications skills to lead the creation of visually appealing multimedia content; plans and executes large scale outreach events; drafts speeches;

and partners with the Public Affairs Office to manage and leverage digital media platforms to connect with audiences. S/he maintains relationships with local media, major universities, and research institutions across the country.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. Development Outreach and Communication Strategy (35%)

The Strategic Communications Specialist counsels USAID/Ghana’s Front Office and senior Mission Staff on all communication and outreach efforts. S/he updates and manages a comprehensive Development Outreach and Communication Strategy that promotes USG Foreign Assistance interventions in Ghana to internal and external audiences, ensuring public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and other USG Agencies, facilitating information access and sharing within the entire US Mission to Ghana; and strengthening Mission reporting functions to USAID/Washington, the Department of State, and the US Congress. USAID’s Development Outreach and Communication Strategy for Ghana defines the role and objectives of USAID and USG assistance, and how information will be used to highlight the impact of USAID and USG assistance to Ghana.

The Specialist leads USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information programs, oversees all USAID/Ghana branding, provides guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media, and ensures a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and partners. The intention is to substantially increase the effective use of multimedia to enhance the message of development throughout Ghana, through written and visual means. Additionally, as a senior official of USAID/Ghana, the Specialist serves as the lead for all official USAID/Ghana visits. The Specialist manages and maintains site visit schedules, oversees the preparation of briefing materials and scene setters, coordinates meetings and briefings with Implementing Partners (IPs), constituents, other donors, and officials; and provides communications and logistical support for visits. It is fully expected that the materials developed by the Specialist will be used in US coverage of events in Ghana, and therefore geared toward a broad and experienced audience.

B. Fostering Strategic Partnerships (30%)

The Specialist assists USAID, the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office, and partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID and USG humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives; and develops, designs, and implements the development communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID programs to external target audiences. The Specialist manages all development outreach and communications-related contracts for the implementation of the strategy – including the oversight and execution of the approved outreach campaigns; produces media-savvy clips and campaign slogans, to ensure target audience awareness of programs/projects/activities funded by USAID in Ghana. S/he also bolsters USAID’s partnerships by providing USAID/Washington and the Embassy with information on programs; advising Mission management and other USAID staff on press and media relations; and ensuring a broadcasted, targeted, coherent, and consistent message comes from all USAID staff and IPs. The Specialist will oversee the production and review of content for briefing material, videos on project activities, brochures, booklets, handouts, signs, and other public relations materials to evaluate quality and appropriateness of messaging and presentation for target audiences as well consistency with USAID communications priorities, key messages, and branding.

C. Development Outreach and Media Activities (25%)

The Specialist directs the preparation and maintenance of information packages on the USAID in Ghana – with standard basic packages for differing purposes (media, the public, educational institutions, national and district and local level governments, etc.), for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, USAID/Washington, the US Embassy, etc.

The Specialist supports the planning of events, by advising technical officers and IPs on logistics, drafting speeches for high-level USG officials, and editing and advising on briefing materials and promotional materials for events. The Specialist oversees the drafting of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments, and provides drafts to the Public Affairs Office for dissemination, as appropriate; follows up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events; works with staff from throughout the Mission to develop and maintain public relations materials, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations, websites, and other visual displays on USAID programs/projects/activities and their objectives; and participates in field trips as necessary.

As appropriate, the Specialist represents USAID at a senior level in all matters pertaining to Development Outreach and Communication activities with the Government of Ghana (GoG), other donors, the UN, domestic and international media, and other groups and institutions; and, also as appropriate, assists the GoG to build their capacity to manage public affairs and outreach activities. The Specialist is a creative agent for dissemination of important information through GoG intermediaries.

D. Press and Media Coordination (10%)

The Specialist monitors local and international press coverage for awareness of, and attitudes toward, USAID and USG programs/projects/activities; provides feedback to inform USAID staff on ongoing activities and future programming; liaises with the Public Affairs Office in all contact with representatives of local and international media in Ghana, in order to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs/projects; trains IPs to skillfully interact with the media; reviews IP press releases and outreach to ensure they are on-message and high quality;

works with the Public Affairs Office to organize and coordinate press events for USAID programs/projects/activities, such as inaugurations, ribbon-cuttings, and project completions, including writing press releases, organizing background briefings for the media, compiling and disseminating press packets, dealing with protocol issues, site selection, staging and logistical issues, identifying and scheduling speakers, providing liaison with US and local government officials, and on-site coordination of media; and, assists the Public Affairs Office to ensure appropriate media coverage of public events. With GoG partners, the Specialist travels to the field for familiarization of programs/projects/activities, to capture success stories for dissemination through the website, outreach folders, and the media, and to coordinate media coverage. The Specialist responds to general inquiries from the public and media about USAID and USG programs/projects/activities, practices, and other general information requests; and maintains an archive of USAID press and media exposure articles for analysis and historical documentation, in an easily accessible database. The Specialist is the primary USAID/Ghana liaison with the Public Affairs Office, with the USAID/Washington Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs, and with the communication staff at the USAID Africa Bureau in Washington.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

Degree of Responsibility for Decision Making

The Strategic Communications Specialist is the Mission’s authority on all communication and outreach strategies, policies, tools, and approaches for the USAID/Ghana portfolio. This expert authority extends to all technical and program staff in both offices (approximately 64 staff). The Strategic Communications Specialist position includes responsibilities critical to Agency operations and management and is delegated this expert authority in concert with the Bureau for Legislative and Policy Affairs to act on their behalf within the region on outreach and communications related to Presidential, joint State/USAID, and USAID Initiatives; and activities implemented in Ghana that are managed from USAID/Washington.

Reporting Responsibilities

The incumbent will report to USAID/Ghana’s Mission Director, or designee.

Supervisory Requirements

The Specialist supervises the Senior Development Outreach Communications Specialist (FSN

12) and the Development Outreach Communications Specialist (FSN 11). On occasion, the Specialist will coordinate other Mission staff tasked with important outreach efforts for VIPs, GoG visits, and embassy-generated outreach efforts.

Physical Demands

Work will be mainly in an office setting, but travel outside Accra is a part of the assignment. Travel to the field can be physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads and rudimentary conditions. While interacting with rural communities, local culture and customs must be respected.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum required qualifications outlined below. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the Evaluation Criteria, also listed below.

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of twelve to fifteen years’ experience or Master’s degree and a minimum of ten years’ experience as a communications and outreach specialist or strategic communications professional.

Experience:

Relevant fields include – but are not limited to – journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies. Previous experience with an international development donor organization, implementing partner or NGO is required.

III. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are required to address each of the Evaluation Criteria (below) on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria (Knowledge; Skills and Abilities; and Communication Proficiency), and any related considerations. This should not exceed two pages. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (55 Points): At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated success in:

• developing innovative, multi-pronged communication and outreach policies and strategies;

• media campaigns, special programs, press conferences;

• analyzing complex programmatic information;

• understanding USG national interests and diplomatic priorities in order to craft information messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences to meet numerous objectives simultaneously;

• outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments;

• the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure;

• considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments; and

• initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed upon timetables.

Communication Proficiency (45 Points): The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with the highest level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. The SCS must demonstrate the ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. S/he must also demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, sophisticated media and multimedia tools (including online platforms and social media) and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications and Google Suite, use desktop publishing software and one or more website development applications, and be familiar with Adobe Photoshop.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words. They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, lucidly and succinctly to the public. The samples must be written exclusively by the applicant. Co-written articles are not accepted. Final applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test.

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 Criteria, 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 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.

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 AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

*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 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) 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), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)]

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. 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

c. 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.

d. 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 .

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