Overseas_Support_Specialist_SOL-FFP-17-000011_Final.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 Support Specialist (Multiple Positions) Duty Office: DCHA/FFP Solicitation Number: SOL-FFP-17-000011 Salary Level:

Issuance Date:

Closing Date:

Closing Time:

GS-10 Equivalent ($60,538 - $78,703) GS-11 Equivalent ($66,510 - $86,460) (Includes Washington, D.C. locality pay) August 22, 2017 September 13, 2017

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 Support Specialist 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. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. 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.

2. Responses to the Quality Ranking Factors: Supplemental document specifically http://www.ffpjobs.com/

Solicitation for a USPSC Overseas Support Specialist (Multiple Positions)

SOL-FFP-17-000011

2 | Page addressing 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. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this 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, scanned AID 302-2 form, 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.

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.

Sincerely, Renee Newton Contracting Officer mailto:recruitmentteam@usaid.gov http://www.ffpjobs.com/

3 | Page

Solicitation for USPSC Overseas Support Specialist (Multiple Positions)

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-FFP-17-000011

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 18, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

September 8, 2017, 4:00 P.M. EST

4. POSITION TITLE: Overseas Support Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a “tandem/ladder” position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-10 ($60,538- $78,703) or GS-11 ($66,510- $86,460) equivalent level, including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be based upon the candidate's past salary, work history, and educational background. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. 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. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

ADVANCEMENT: Those selected at the GS-10 level may advance to the GS-11 after one

(1) year at the GS-10 level and an annual evaluation rating of “commendable” or “outstanding.” Those selected at the GS-11 level are not subject to the “Ladder Advancement” criteria stated above in the solicitation, but will be eligible for step increases within their grade with at least a “Fully Successful” rating in their annual performance evaluation.

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

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC, with possible overseas & domestic travel.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Level Security Clearance

9. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen

10. STATEMENT OF WORK:

BACKGROUND

The Office of Food for Peace (FFP) in the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau’s for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) is the largest provider of food assistance in the world. FFP annually provides more than to $2.5 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

4 | Page 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 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 Personnel & Operations Management (POM) team supports Food for Peace (FFP) in all administrative and personnel support matters. Recently, the team has taken on additional responsibilities to support FFP’s program funded staff overseas, including US Personal Service Contractors (PSCs), Third Country Nationals (TCNs) and Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs).

This includes managing a budget of approximately $23 million for FFP’s program funded personnel in 28 field offices overseas. As FFP is asked to participate on Response Management Team (RMT) and/or Disaster Assistance Response Team (DARTs), the POM team is tasked with assisting with travel and operational support to ensure personnel are prepared to respond and/or deploy immediately. The Overseas Support Specialist will be responsible for enhancing FFP’s support capacity for overseas personnel, including the Surge Response Group (SRG) roster.

The Overseas Support Specialist will report directly to the Administrative Team Leader on the Personnel & Operations Management Team, but is expected to liaise with a number of key stakeholders including the FFP Regional Platforms in Dakar, Senegal, Nairobi, Kenya and Pretoria, South Africa; Field Office Directors; Mission Controllers and/or Executive Officers;

FFP/Washington Division Chiefs; and the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA). A key component of the Overseas Support Specialist will be reviewing and approving overseas support https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/organization/bureaus/bureau-democracy-conflict-and-humanitarian-assistance/office-food https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/organization/bureaus/bureau-democracy-conflict-and-humanitarian-assistance/office-food

5 | Page budgets for the 28 field offices. This includes tracking International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) initial counts and final budgets each fiscal year. Currently, FFP manages the contract for PSCs serving overseas in locations such as Turkey, Jordan and Burundi.

This list is expected to grow and the Overseas Support Specialist is responsible for providing administrative support to the Food for Peace Officers.

11. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The work of the Overseas Support Specialist requires teamwork and personal responsibility. In support of emergency food aid programs through a wide variety of administrative and operational tasks, the incumbent has a high level of integrity and places a premium on building positive relationships with his or her respective team in the field and Washington. The incumbent must have demonstrated initiative and ability to manage competing work priorities and work independently when required. The incumbent must be able to coordinate with a range of technical experts, management, and program staff, liaise with other Bureau offices, and serve as an advocate for enhancing FFP’s overseas support capabilities.

The Overseas Support Specialist will be responsible for providing various operational and administrative functions related to program-funded overseas personnel and management of the FFP Surge Response Group (SRG) roster. Under the direct supervision of the Administrative Team Leader or his/her designee, the Overseas Support Specialist will perform the following duties:

At the GS-10 level:

• Monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of support costs for field offices by providing day to day support to each field office with respect to personnel, finance, procurement, staffing and administrative logistics;

• Review field support cost budgets and recommend funding levels for field offices throughout the fiscal year, and assist the Budget & Finance Team Leader with the funding of overseas offices using USAID and FFP systems;

• Maintain budget and finance related records for FFP’s field offices, including the annual fiscal year budget requests and funds distribution and obligations tracking for end of fiscal year planning;

• Liaise with Financial Management Specialists and/or Controllers on administrative support costs such as housing leases, furniture and IT inventory, and local/regional travel for program funded staff;

• Research, analyze and interpret USAID policy and guidance related to USPSCs, addressing problems that arise with entitlements and international travel, and make recommendations to address sensitive assignment to post/deployment cases;

• Liaise with the Institutional Support Contractor and/or USAID’s Travel & Transportation Division on pertinent travel policies or directives and advise staff accordingly;

6 | Page

• Assist with the drafting of assignment to post cables and electronic country clearances (eCCs) for Food for Peace Officers assigned overseas;

• Collaborate with field offices and FFP/Washington Team Leaders in drafting National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) 38 to justify the size, composition and mandate of full-time FFP personnel based overseas;

• Present FFP/Washington leadership with weekly reports on Surge Response Group (SRG) members activated for assignment;

• In collaboration with the Training Specialist, recommend training requirements for new field-based and SRG personnel such as the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) training offered by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA);

• Support on-boarding of new Food for Peace Officers being deployed overseas, including but not limited to facilitating their orientation and training on the administrative and operational requirements for their job functions;

• Inform field-based staff and worldwide SRG members of their entitlements and benefits per their PSC contract and the State Department Office of Allowances;

• Conduct financial analysis and/or reporting for annual PSC contract renewals;

• Be proficient in all USAID financial and procurement management systems, including

Phoenix, the Food for Peace Management Information System (FFMIS) and the Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS);

• In collaboration with the Geographic Division, assist in the preparation of training materials and policy books prior to departure to post for overseas personnel;

• Upon the request of a field office, travel to assess local administrative support capabilities, assist with local recruitments, and liaise with Embassy/Mission personnel in support of administrative & financial overseas operations; and

• As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of FFP programs. These placements shall not exceed three months.

At the GS-11 level:

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Food for Peace Surge Response Group (SRG) program, including the recruitment, performance evaluations, briefing/debrief of new assignments, and activation analysis of each member;

• Provide expert advice on Agency practices as it relates to workforce planning, organizational and human resource functions, contract management and travel support to program-funded overseas personnel;

• Serve as the point of contact to resolve difficult and complex administrative issues to ensure the functionality of the administrative operations in field offices continue without hampering program implementation;

7 | Page

• Analyze and make recommendations for senior management consideration as it relates to administrative operations in FFP field offices;

• Liaise with regional offices in Senegal, Kenya, South Africa or other field offices to assess local administrative support capabilities and coordinate with Embassy/Mission personnel in support of administrative & financial overseas operations;

• Train administrative personnel in the field, including FFP Foreign Service National (FSN) staff while working with them to facilitate coordination and cooperation to support field office operations;

• Monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of support costs for field offices by providing day to day support to each field office with respect to personnel, finance, procurement, staffing and administrative logistics;

• Develop criteria along with the Senior Personnel & Operations Specialist for determining appropriate funding levels for administrative support costs for each field office;

• Maintain budget and finance related records for FFP’s field offices, including the annual fiscal year budget requests and funds distribution and obligations tracking for end of fiscal year planning;

• Liaise with Financial Management Specialists and/or Controllers on administrative support costs such as housing leases, furniture and IT inventory, and local/regional travel for program funded staff;

• Research, analyze and interpret USAID policy and guidance related to USPSCs, addressing problems that arise with entitlements and international travel, and make recommendations to address sensitive assignment to post/deployment cases;

• Coordinate with field offices and FFP/Washington Team Leaders in drafting National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) 38 to justify the size, composition and mandate of full-time FFP personnel based overseas;

• Assist with the drafting of assignment to post cables and electronic country clearances (eCCs) for Food for Peace Officers assigned overseas;

• Present FFP/Washington leadership with weekly reports on Surge Response Group (SRG) members activated for assignment;

• In collaboration with the Training Specialist, recommend training requirements for new field-based and SRG personnel such as the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) training offered by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA);

• Assist with drafting and classifying position descriptions (PDs) for new Foreign Service National (FSN) and/or Eligible Family Members (EFMs) positions overseas;

• Conduct financial analysis and/or reporting for annual PSC contract renewals;

• Be proficient in all USAID financial and procurement management systems, including

Phoenix, the Food for Peace Management Information System (FFMIS) and the Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS);

8 | Page

• In collaboration with the Geographic Division, analyze SRG qualifications to determine the best fit for each activation request and assist with identifying with SRG member will be activated or deployed for specific assignments;

• Liaise with Administrative Coordinators/Offices in the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) when FFP personnel are assigned on RMT and/or DARTs; and

• As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of FFP programs. These placements shall not exceed three months.

Supervisory Controls:

At the GS-10 or GS-11 levels, the incumbent will take direction from and support the work of the Administrative Team Leader. The Team Leader or Division Chief within DCHA/FFP will provide direct supervision. The incumbent’s supervisor will set the overall work objectives and the incumbent will consult with the Administrative Team Leader to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be performed.

At the GS-10 level, the incumbent works under close supervision of the Administrative Team Leader. With guidance from the supervisor, the incumbent plans and carries out successive steps and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training or accepted practices. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy requirements.

At the GS-11 level, the incumbent has greater latitude to carry out assignments, while still consulting with the Administrative Team Leader on policy interpretations. The supervisor sets overall objectives and works with the incumbent to develop deadlines, methodology, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent carries out assignments and consults with the supervisor on policy interpretations. The supervisor will evaluate work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives.

Guidelines:

At the GS-10 or GS-11 levels, pertinent sources of information consist of the Food for Peace Act, the Foreign Assistance Act, and other legislation; USAID Agency, DCHA Bureau, and other USG rules and regulations; and FFP rules, policies, guidelines and information bulletins.

Additionally, the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) will provide sources of information for overseas management.

At the GS-10 level, the incumbent recommends to the Administrative Team Lead and/or Division Chief how current legislative provisions and executive policies are to be applied to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to identify inefficiencies or inconsistencies that serve as barriers to the accomplishment of assigned tasks and report them to the Administrative Team Leader.

9 | Page

At the GS-11 level, the incumbent exercises judgment to determine the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to identify potential improvements in established processes and make recommendations to the supervisor.

Complexity:

At the GS-10 or GS-11 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 Program Operations Division, Policy & Technical Division, and the Geographic Divisions, along with field personnel, other bureaus within USAID and the Department of State’s Management Bureau.

At the GS-10 level, the incumbent employs support services in order to support accomplishing objectives set by the Administrative Team Lead. The incumbent must work with a range of people from FFP’s Geographic Divisions and regional platforms in Senegal, Kenya and South Africa, along with Mission Controllers and/or Executive Officers. Decisions and actions to be taken depend on the assessment of unusual circumstances and incomplete information, planning of work, or refinement of techniques or methods to be used. The selection of methodology to be used and the results of analysis are subject to review by the supervisor.

At the GS-11 level, the incumbent applies his/her depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to overseas support management and operations such as monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of support costs for field offices and the day-to-day support with respect to personnel, finance, procurement, staffing and administrative logistics. 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 will be responsible for originating new techniques, establishing criteria, and developing new information on overseas support issues.

Scope and Effect:

At the GS-10 level, work typically includes planning, organizing, and coordinating projects in all areas of overseas support management. The incumbent supports the Administrative Support Team Lead in his/her analysis of overseas support needs in FFP’s 28 Missions. The incumbent assists FFP personnel assigned to Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) on action memos requiring approvals for premium pay/compensation requests. The incumbent establishes and maintains positive relationships with field teams and other bureaus in USAID, leveraging opportunities to enhance FFP’s support capacity for overseas personnel.

At the GS-11 level, the incumbent establishes criteria, formulates projects, assesses overseas management effectiveness, or analyzes a variety of personnel related conditions, problems, or questions, the results of which affect a range of agency activities. The incumbent identifies field office needs and analyze the effectiveness of existing processes and procedures, making

10 | Page recommendations to his or her supervisor. The incumbent develops and facilitates training sessions for personnel being deployed overseas based upon the supervisor’s discretion. The incumbent must determine the feasibility of various approaches to define concepts and criteria for future overseas support capacity needs for FFP personnel. The incumbent advises FFP leadership on new guidelines, protocols and procedures.

Personal Contacts:

At the GS-10 or GS-11 levels, contacts are with individuals or groups outside of USAID in a moderately unstructured setting. Contacts may include a variety of staff, specialists, managers, officials, or groups from outside of USAID, where the purpose and extent of contact are usually different. The role and authority of each party is identified and developed during the course of the contact.

At the GS-11 level, contacts are with individuals or groups in context relating to USG food assistance efforts. The incumbent coordinates closely with FFP/Washington and field staff, the USAID Mission and regional offices, U.S. Embassy, other US agencies as well as NGO representatives.

Purpose of Contacts:

At the GS-10 or GS-11 levels, the incumbent must justify, defend, negotiate and settle matters involving controversial issues among decision makers involved in making changes to a range of policies applied to overseas support capacity and management needs. 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 overseas management of FFP field offices.

12. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The requirement for field trip assignments to consult with Mission and cooperating sponsor managers of food assistance programs may however expose the incumbent to difficult working surroundings and security risks during the course of travel.

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).

13. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

14. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

11 | Page

* 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

A. Minimum Qualifications:

At the GS-10 level:

A Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of progressively responsible experience, in which one (1) year must be in personnel support in the USG or international development office setting.

OR

A Master’s degree with one (1) year of progressively responsible experience, in which six (6) months must be in personnel support in the USG or in an international development office setting.

One (1) year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled, and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

At the GS-11 level:

A Bachelor’s degree with three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, in which two

(2) years must be in the USG or international development office setting.

A Master’s degree with two (2) years of progressively responsible experience, in which one (1) year must be in the USG or in an international development office setting.

One (1) year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) which is in or directly related to

12 | Page the line of work of the position to be filled, and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

B. Selection Factors:

Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. Selection factors include:

● Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;

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

● USPSC Application form AID 302-3;

● Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs);

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials;

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

● Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance within a six-month period;

and

● 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 selection factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) listed below. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative operations and practices for overseas offices and the ability to apply independent judgment in identifying solutions to administrative problems (20 points);

• Describe in detail how you will assist with administrative tasks on an emergency response. What methods will you use, what challenges will you anticipate, and what benchmarks will you use to determine success (15 points);

• Demonstrated experience supporting a start-up operation, requiring careful coordination with external parties responsible for personnel/travel/financial support and/or implementing operations/logistics for new projects (15 points);

• Demonstrated ability to provide personnel support on a variety of actions such as but not limited to travel, human resources, financial analysis, field support, etc. (10 points); and

13 | Page

• Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to specialists (such as financial or management officers) and non-specialists (such as Senior Management officials) both orally and in writing (10 points).

Total Possible QRF Points: 70

Total Possible Interview Points: 30

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

Total Possible Points: 100

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 will also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, and/or training.

The most qualified candidates will be interviewed and may be required to provide a writing sample. 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. FFP reserves the right to select additional candidates to fill possible future vacant positions.

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 at the address specified in the cover letter via email: ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. Complete and 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.

mailto:ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

14 | Page

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.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email.

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 DUNS and SAM 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.

Interested applicants are highly encouraged to initiate the registration process early in the application stage to avoid any delays during contract award.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html%20and%20FAR%2052.204-7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.sam.gov/

15 | Page

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:

Forms outlined below can found at:

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

a) Complete, current resume.

b) Supplemental document addressing QRF’s.

c) USPSC Application Form, (AID 302-3)

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

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

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

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

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

** Forms D-H 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

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.

AIDAR Appendix D can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

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.

http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

16 | Page

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

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

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 & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES: (if Applicable) *

The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/:

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).

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.

https://aoprals.state.gov/

17 | Page

ATTACHMENT 1

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006) (AAPD06-10)

(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

18 | Page following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac 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).

(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

19 | Page

Contracting 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 PROVISION]

20 | Page

ATTACHMENT 2

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 must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting

21 | Page

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…