SOL-FFP-17-000005_FFPO_Syria_Crisis_Final_-_Approved.pdf

Request for Personal Service Contractor

United States Agency for International Development

Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance Office of Food for Peace (FFP)

Position Title: Overseas Food for Peace Officer for Syria Crisis Duty Office: DCHA/FFP Solicitation Number: SOL-FFP-17-000005 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: ($74,584-$96,958) GS-14 Equivalent: ($88,136-$114,578) Issuance Date: June 9, 2017 Closing Date: June 30, 2017 Closing Time: 4:00 P.M. EST

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Food for Peace (FFP), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as an Overseas Food for Peace Officer for Syria Crisis under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. Complete resume: In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

(see sample resume on www.ffpjobs.com website)

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(e) U.S. Citizenship.

Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

Solicitation for a USPSC (Food for Peace Officer for Syria Crisis)

SOL-FFP-17-000005

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2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors: Each applicant’s supplemental document must address the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.

3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3: Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

NOTE ABOUT THE DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM/SYSTEM FOR

AWARD MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list.

Registration information is available at www.sam.gov and further guidance will be provided to the selectee regarding DUNS and SAM registration.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs must be emailed to:

FFP PSC Recruitment Team E-Mail Address: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to FFP PSC Recruitment Team via the information provided above. Further guidance on applying, including a sample resume, can be found at www.ffpjobs.com.

Sincerely, Renee Newton Contracting Officer

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1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-FFP-17-000005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 9, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR

RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: June 30, 2017, 4:00 P.M. EST

4. POSITION TITLE: Food for Peace Officer for Syria Crisis

5. MARKET VALUE: This position can be filled at either the GS-13 Equivalent ($74,584-

$96,958) or GS-14 Equivalent ($88,136-$114,578) non-locality pay. Final compensation will be based upon the candidate's past salary, work history, and educational background.

Applicants must indicate in their application which level(s) they want to be considered for in their initial two-year base contract. USAID/FFP reserves the right to place the applicant at the Grade level for which he/she is found qualified during the application process.

NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE: The applicant(s) chosen for the position will be recommended for hire at the GS-13 or GS-14 commensurate with his/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP Selection Committee.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year option years

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Turkey / Jordan (On USAID Syria Disaster Assistance

Response Team (DART))

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret level security clearance

9. MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIRED: U.S. Department of State medical clearance

10. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen

11. STATEMENT OF WORK:

BACKGROUND

The Office of Food for Peace (FFP) is the office within the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) of U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is the largest provider of food assistance in the world. FFP annually provides close to $2 billion of food assistance, including some 1.5 million tons or more of in-kind Title II food assistance valued at more than $1.6 billion and reaching 46 million beneficiaries in 48 countries. Since 2010, FFP has complemented its provision of Title II in-kind food assistance with an Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP) utilizing at least $300 million in International Disaster Assistance (IDA) funds annually, which allows for local and regional purchase of food outside of the United

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States and closer to the emergency setting, as well as market based approaches such as cash transfer or food voucher programs that facilitate access to food.

In addition to emergency response, FFP provides support for development food assistance programs which aim to address the underlying causes of food security. Taken together, the in-kind and cash based programs provide an impressive array of tools to combat hunger and malnutrition overseas.

Programming is facilitated by state of the art early warning systems, a changing in-kind food assistance basket that includes more nutritious products, and a modern supply chain management system that allows for rapid movement of commodities. Programming approaches are evolving to focus increasingly on building the resilience of chronically vulnerable populations, especially those in arid lands who face increasing cycles of drought, and improving nutrition with a special focus on women and children under two.

Food for Peace works closely with many other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food Security, which plays a key role in implementing the President’s Feed the Future initiative, and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, which leads on disaster response around the world. Food for Peace employs a staff of over 100 in Washington and also has officers posted abroad.

More Information on FFP is available at:

https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/organization/bureaus/bureau-democracy-conflict-and-humanitarian-assistance/office-food

INTRODUCTION

The United States Government (USG) has allocated significant resources in humanitarian assistance to Syria since the conflict began in early 2011, including more than $5 billion in humanitarian assistance to support conflict-affected Syrians, both those within Syria and refugees who have fled to neighboring countries.

FFP, the lead USG office for international food assistance, has been responding to emergency food needs in Syria and neighboring countries since February 2012, providing approximately $1.9 billion in emergency food assistance for conflict-affected Syrians to date through the U.N.

World Food Program (WFP) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). To support these efforts, USAID has Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) in three locations in the field – in Turkey, Jordan, and Iraq - and a Response Management Team in Washington, DC.

During 2017, FFP will continue to play a major role in supporting emergency food programs in response to the Syria crisis, in Syria and in neighboring countries, including Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt. This position, a FFP officer (FFPO) serving as an emergency food assistance officer on the USAID DART, will be based in Jordan (Amman) or Turkey (Adana or Ankara).

12. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The FFPO will manage and monitor FFP’s food assistance programs for the Syria crisis, which are based not only in Turkey and Jordan but also elsewhere in the region. The FFPO may thus be

5 | Page required to travel to neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt, to attend to FFP-funded activities, subject to approvals from U.S. embassies and USAID missions, and in coordination with the DART. Currently, there are no plans for travel in Syria, given the security situation.

The FFPO will ensure the effective management of FFP resources provided for the Syria response. The primary responsibility of the FFPO, working as a member of the DART, is to coordinate and monitor ongoing FFP-funded emergency food assistance programs and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington, the U.S. embassy in Turkey or Jordan, and USAID missions and embassies in neighboring countries as appropriate. FFP-funded food assistance programs devoted to the Syria crisis in the region are primarily implemented by WFP and NGOs.

The full range of specific duties, some of which are in direct support of FFP-funded programs and some in support of general FFP office responsibilities, will include the following:

GS-13 Level:

Serve as FFPO within the OFDA-led DART insofar as a DART continues to be present in-country (Jordan/Turkey);

Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to FFP food assistance for implementing partners (WFP and NGOs and other international organizations), USAID missions, embassies, USAID/Washington, other parts of the USG, host nation government ministries and agencies (as determined appropriate by USAID missions and embassies), and other relevant stakeholders;

Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing FFP programs, including progress and problems encountered by implementing partners;

Report on all food security issues, including changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements inside Syria and in neighboring countries for Syrian refugees, government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, and donor pledges and programs;

Coordinate with the country team (U.S. embassy, DART, and/or other USG in-country staff), host government, implementing partners, donors, and others to address issues impacting FFP-funded food assistance;

Undertake and report on assessments to inform FFP-funded food assistance funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs;

Work with other parts of the USG and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs, to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall; and

Provide information and guidance to FFP assistance award recipients on related regulations, policies, and procedures.

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GS-14 Level:

Serve as FFPO within the OFDA-led DART insofar as a DART continues to be present in-country (Jordan/Turkey);

Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to FFP food assistance for implementing partners (WFP and NGOs and other international organizations), USAID missions, embassies, USAID/Washington, other parts of the USG, host nation government ministries and agencies (as determined appropriate by USAID missions and embassies), and other relevant stakeholders;

Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing FFP programs, including progress and problems encountered by implementing partners;

Report on all food security issues, including changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements inside Syria and in neighboring countries for Syrian refugees, government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, and donor pledges and programs;

Coordinate with the country team (U.S. embassy, DART, and/or other USG in-country staff), host government, implementing partners, donors, and others to address issues impacting FFP-funded food assistance;

Undertake and report on assessments to inform FFP-funded food assistance funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs;

Work with other parts of the USG and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs, to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall; and

Provide information and guidance to FFP assistance award recipients on related regulations, policies, and procedures.

As requested by the DART and (where relevant) USAID mission, provide support for the execution of programs that support the overall USG humanitarian assistance objectives responding to the Syrian crises; and

Supervise other FFP staff on the DARTs as needed.

Supervisory Controls:

At the GS-13 or GS-14 level, the incumbent takes direction from the relevant FFP Division Chief in Washington or as delegated to the FFP regional team leader in Washington or a designated USAID staff member in the field. In Turkey/Jordan, the FFPO is a member of the USAID/DART team under the authority of the Ambassador/Chief of Mission. While a DART is deployed, the FFPO serves as a member of the DART unit, coordinating tasks directly with the DART Team Leader. The incumbent’s supervisor will set the overall work objectives and the FFPO will

7 | Page consult with the supervisor to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be performed. The incumbent will have latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in responding to food aid issues, but will have no authority to make final commitments or obligations on behalf of the

USG.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent works under the supervision of a Team Leader or a Division Chief in DCHA/FFP. With guidance from the Team Leader, as delegated by the Division Chief, the incumbent plans and carries out successive steps and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training or accepted practices. In coordination with the Team Leader, the incumbent plans and carries out assignments, prioritizes tasks so that assignments are completed on time, develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks, and resolves most conflicts that arise. With input from the Team Leader, the incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and advised of potentially controversial matters. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy requirements. Completed work is reviewed by the Team Leader in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID's Food Security policy, DCHA/FFP's Strategic Plan, and Bureau objectives as enunciated in the annual results reports/resource request submissions.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent works under the supervision of a Team Leader or a Division Chief in DCHA/FFP. With guidance from the Team Leader, the incumbent has greater latitude in defining and carrying out duties, prioritizing overall objectives, and managing available resources, while still consulting with the Team Leader on policy interpretations. In consultation with the Team Leader, the incumbent develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating work with others as necessary. With input from the Team Leader, the incumbent interprets policy in terms of established objectives and keeps his/her supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and advised of potentially controversial matters. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives. Completed work is reviewed by the Team Leader and Division Chief in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID's Food Security policy, DCHA/FFP's Strategic Plan, and Bureau objectives as enunciated in the annual results reports/resource request submissions.

Guidelines:

At the GS-13 or GS-14 level, pertinent sources of information consist of the Title II Food for Peace Act, the Foreign Assistance Act, the Farm Bill, and other legislation; USAID Agency, DCHA Bureau, and other USG rules and regulations; and FFP rules, policies, guidelines and information bulletins.

At the GS-13 level, under the direction of FFP leadership, the incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in developing new methods and propose policy changes. The incumbent exercises judgment in applying legislative provisions and FFP policies to assigned responsibilities.

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At the GS-14 level, the incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities. In order to achieve maximum impact of FFP resources, when necessary, the incumbent is expected to conceive of and propose innovative program and/or policy changes that are consistent with existing legislation, regulations, and legal rulings. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to identify and recommend solutions to inefficiencies or inconsistencies that serve as barriers to the accomplishment of assigned tasks and report them to the Team Leader and FFP leadership.

Complexity:

At the GS-13 or GS-14 levels, the incumbent undertakes a wide range of duties that require the exercise of judgment, the interpretation of policies and practices and their relevance to a new problem or situation. The incumbent must work with a range of people from the Operations Division, the Geographic Divisions, and the Technical Division, along with field personnel, other bureaus within USAID, and a variety of other stakeholders.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent employs primarily monitoring and reporting of ongoing FFP programs. This will entail documenting progress and identifying problems encountered by implementing partners, which should be flagged to DCHA/FFP leadership. Section of methodology to be used and the results of analysis are subject to review by the supervisor.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of emergency food assistance knowledge and experience to the analysis of FFP emergency and nutrition food assistance programs and exercises more independence in the promotion of integration of food assistance with other programs through the coordination with the country team. The incumbent also is responsible for providing recommendations to address any challenges, which inhibit the efficient use of USG resources to provide lifesaving food assistance. The recommended changes will be consistent with existing legislative, regulatory, and policy guidelines, but may require the formulation and application of new approaches and methodologies. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in recommending new or improved approaches to achieve problem resolution.

Scope and Effect:

At the GS-13 level, work typically includes reporting on all food security issues, including changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements inside Syria and in neighboring countries for Syrian refugees. The incumbent also reports on government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, as well as donor pledges. The incumbent supports the Team leader in his/her needs regarding monitoring, reporting, and strategic planning relating to ongoing FFP programs and by attending a range of meetings and consultations with stakeholders. The incumbent establishes and maintains positive relationships with members of PIOs, NGOs, from other bureaus in USAID, intergovernmental agencies, and other stakeholders, encouraging the sharing of best practices.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent serves as a point of contact in order to coordinate with the country team in order to increase the effectiveness of the ongoing FFP programs overall.

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Additionally, at the request of the DART and USAID mission, the incumbent may be required to provide support for the execution of programs while analyzing the effectiveness of existing processes and procedures. Upon such analysis, the PSC making recommendations to his or her supervisor and should advise FFP leadership on new guidelines, protocols and procedures.

Personal Contacts:

At the GS-13 or GS-14 level, the incumbent is responsible for liaising with a variety of agency and external actors in order ensure the efficacious use of FFP emergency food assistance resources, including PIOs, NGOs, other FFP Divisions and intergovernmental agencies on FFP commitments, priorities and policies. The incumbent coordinates closely with FFP/Washington and field staff, the members of the USAID DART, the USAID Mission and regional offices, U.S.

Embassy, other US agencies as well as NGO representatives.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent is responsible for serving as the primary point of contact with individuals or groups in contexts relating to ongoing FFP program issues or questions relating to USG emergency and nutrition food assistance programs.

Purpose of Contacts:

At the GS-13 and GS-14 levels, the incumbent must justify, defend, negotiate and settle matters involving controversial issues among decision makers involved in making changes ongoing FFP programs. The people contacted by the incumbent typically have diverse viewpoints, goals and objectives including U.S Government agencies (State Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture, PIOs, etc.). The incumbent is required to achieve a common understanding among the various parties and propose satisfactory solutions that address their various objectives to interpretations of existing policy or the provision of recommendation to change policy to better aid execution of emergency and nutrition food assistance programs.

13. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderate heavy items (less than 50 pounds).

Additionally, on travel for FFP or the USAID DART, the work may involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

* Application Process: Applicants must indicate in their application the solicitation number to which they are applying and the salary grade to be considered for in their initial two-year base contract.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

A. Minimum Qualifications:

At the GS-13 Level:

(1) A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years’ experience must be related to food security programs. Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

OR

(2) A Master’s Degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The successful candidate will have a total of at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years’ experience must be related to food security programs. Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

At the GS-14 Level:

(1) A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The successful candidate will have a total of at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which four (4) years’ experience must be related to food security programs. Three (3) years of overseas professional experience is required.

OR

(2) A Master’s Degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The successful candidate will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years’ experience must be related to food security programs. Three (3) years of overseas professional experience is required.

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B. Selection Factors:

Applicant is a U.S. citizen;

Submission of a recent and complete resume. See cover page for resume requirements;

Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors

(QRFs);

USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete sections

A through I. This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted;

Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance within six-months following job offer acceptance;

Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of State medical clearance;

Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management

(SAM.gov).

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and selective factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

Knowledge of the various PVOs, UN agencies, host governments and U.S. Government agencies involved in humanitarian assistance, the humanitarian architecture under which these actors operate, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel from these organizations on highly sensitive issues. (35 points)

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working on the key policy and technical issues related to humanitarian programming in developing countries and/or conflict settings. (25 points)

Demonstrated ability to review proposals, analyze budgets, manage U.S. Government or other agency financial agreements, and work through the USAID grant award process.

(20 points)

Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to non-specialists both orally and in writing. (20 points)

Total Possible Points: 100

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

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BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) response.

Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

FFP reserves the right to make additional selections from this solicitation to fill possible future vacant positions.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and may be required to provide a writing sample and/or take a writing test. FFP will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials may be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.

NOTE: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Where and How to Apply

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter via email:

ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. A complete, current resume. See cover page for resume requirements.

2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs shown in the solicitation.

3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated or used for references.

False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

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NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

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 application.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS

AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html and FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html or www.sam.gov.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. Resume.

2. USPSC Application Form, (AID 302-3).

3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **

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

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

7. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **

** Forms 3 through 7 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

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CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.

AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs)

AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.222-50 – COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

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

BENEFITS:

Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (if Applicable):*

(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(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 (Section 650).

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

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FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE,

COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-

DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT

FACTOR.

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ATTACHMENT 1

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (AAPD 06-10)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). Note: personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below.

The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC)

SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 6 Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.”

In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS- 3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac

17 | Page insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member.

In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent. (i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 7 Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

[END OF PROVISION]

18 | Page

ATTACHMENT 2

Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contracts (USPSCs) (AAPD 15-02)

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (DEC 2015)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-16-1c)

(a) Annual Leave

(1) The contractor is not entitled to annual leave if the period of performance of this contract is 90 days or less. If the contract period of performance is more than 90 days, the contractor shall earn annual leave as of the start date of the contract period of performance as specified in paragraph (a)(2) below.

(2) The contractor shall accrue annual leave based on the contractor’s time in service according to the following table:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation

0 to 3 years Four hours of leave for each two week period over 3, and up to 15 years

Six hours of AL for each two week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two week period

USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.

(3)

(i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the USAID Mission or USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.

(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F

19 | Page must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.

(4) With the approval of the Mission Director or cognizant AA, as appropriate, and if the circumstances warrant, a Contracting Officer may grant the contractor advance AL in excess of the amount earned, but in no case may the Contracting Officer grant advance AL in excess of the amount earned in one year or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. The contractor agrees to reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advance AL provided during the contractor’s assignment under the contract.

(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.

(b) Sick Leave.

The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID U.S.

direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 work-days per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work. Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.

(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:

(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days; or if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for such shorter period of not less than one year, as approved in writing by the Mission Director

20 | Page prior to the USPSCs departure on home leave, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days.

(ii) if the USPSC is returning to a different USAID Mission under a USAID personal services contract immediately following completion of the USPSC's home leave, for an additional two (2) years under contract, or for such shorter period of not less than one (1) year, as approved by the Mission Directors of the "losing" and "gaining" Missions, the contractor will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of not more than 20 work days. When the PSC is returning to a different USAID Mission, the former Mission will pay for the home leave regardless of what country the PSC will be working in following the home leave;

(iii) if home leave eligibility is based on (c)(2)(ii) above, the USPSC must submit written verification to the losing Mission at the time home leave is requested that the USPSC has accepted a USAID personal services contract at another USAID Mission following completion of the home leave;

(iv) travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the number of work days authorized for home leave;

(v) home leave must be taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories, and any days spent elsewhere will be charged to annual leave (AL.) If the PSC does not have accrued AL, the PSC will be placed on LWOP.

(vi) if the PSC does not complete the additional service required under (c)(2)(i) or (ii) (that the Contracting Officer finds are other than for reasons beyond the PSC's control), the cost of home leave, travel and transportation and any other related costs must be repaid by the PSC to the Government.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (c)(2) above, that the USPSC must have served two (2) years overseas under personal services contract with the same Mission to be eligible for home leave, the USPSC may be granted advance home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i) Granting of advanced home leave would in each case serve to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and

(ii) The USPSC has served a minimum of 18 months in the Cooperating Country under this contract; and

(iii) The USPSC agrees to return to the Cooperating Country to serve out the remaining time necessary to meet two (2) years of service overseas, plus an additional two (2) years under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission. If approved in advance by the Mission Director, the USPSC may return to serve out any remainder of the two (2) year requirement for service overseas, plus an

21 | Page additional period of not less than one (1) year under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission.

(4) The period of service overseas required under paragraph (c)(2), or paragraph (c)(3) above, will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S. (less language training).