SOL-FFP-17-000014_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: Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant/Specialist Solicitation Number: SOL-FFP-17-000014 Salary Level: GS-10 Equivalent ($60,538 - $78,703) GS-11 Equivalent ($66,510 - $86,460) (Includes Washington, D.C. locality pay) Issuance Date: November 27, 2017 Closing Date: December 11, 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 Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant/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.

Solicitation for a USPSC Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant/Specialist

SOL-FFP-17-000014

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2. Responses to 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 and scanned. 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:ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov http://www.ffpjobs.com/

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1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-FFP-17-000014

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 27, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

December 11, 2017, 4:00 P.M. EST

4. POSITION TITLE: Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant/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 the GS-10 ($60,538 - $78,703) or a GS - 11 ($66,510 - $86,460) equivalent level, including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-10 or GS-11 equivalent level based upon the candidate's qualifications, previous relevant experience, work history, salary, and educational background. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE: The applicant(s) chosen for the position will be recommended for hire at either the GS-10 or GS-11 level commensurate with her/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP Selection Committee.

6. 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.”

Advancement to the GS-11 level is not guaranteed. Those selected at the GS-11 level are not subject to “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.

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

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. with possible overseas and domestic travel.

9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Level Security Clearance.

10. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen

11. STATEMENT OF WORK:

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP) is the largest provider of food assistance in the world. FFP works together with others to reduce hunger and malnutrition and assure that adequate, safe and nutritious food is available, accessible to and well-

4 | Page utilized by all individuals at all times to support a healthy and productive life. Each year on average FFP provides more than $2 billion of food assistance, reaching 45-55 million beneficiaries in approximately 50 countries.

Food for Peace works in both emergency and development contexts, with emergency and recovery activities comprising 80 percent of total spending. Through its emergency activities, FFP strives to provide food assistance to save lives, reduce suffering and support the early recovery of populations affected by both conflict and natural disasters.

FFP also recognizes that repeatedly responding to emergencies is not sufficient to end hunger and increase food security. FFP development activities help chronically food insecure populations reduce their long-term need for food assistance by strengthening the capacity of developing societies to ensure access to food for their most vulnerable communities and individuals, especially women and children. FFP also helps individuals and communities better withstand future shocks through resilience-building activities.

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 work of the Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant/Specialist requires teamwork, self-motivation, discretion, sound judgment, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work well under stress. The Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant/Specialist must prioritize and follow up on his or her own actions without prompting, while also assisting a busy team or division leader with the myriad tasks that are required of the Administrative Support Team and the Program Operations Division. As a member of a highly supportive, customer-service oriented team, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. The incumbent places a premium on building positive relationships with the team and with key stakeholders both in and outside of the Office. The incumbent is highly responsible, service-oriented, organized, pays close attention to detail, and is able to receive and respond to constructive criticism in a professional manner.

12. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant/Specialist shall provide assistance to DCHA/FFP to support emergency food aid programs through a wide variety of administrative 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 tasks. The individual reports to the Administrative Team Leader in DCHA/FFP, but works closely with DCHA/FFP non-USDHs to assist in supporting FFP activities.

Emergency Personnel and Operations Assistant, GS-10

• Provide advice and guidance to the Office on agency and federal procurement policy guidelines as it relates to U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs);

• Perform market value analyses and justifications for positions, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment and onboarding processes, and provide recommendations to the Administrative Team Leader on redesigning personnel policies;

• Assist with the management of a complex portfolio of USPSCs. Process contract actions in the agency’s Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS), monitor funding levels of USPSC contracts and review contract budgets and modifications;

• Work closely with the support contractor to ensure staff hiring and support actions are completed in a timely manner, and in compliance with office and agency regulations. Prepare documentation for necessary hiring memos and clearances;

• Develop and maintain electronic and hardcopy personnel filing systems. Ensure that files are complete, accurate, up to date, and kept confidential;

• Assist the Emergency Personnel and Operations Specialist on new hire security clearance investigations, as well as current employee revalidation and security clearance upgrades;

• Provide personnel support to office staff, primarily supporting the deployment of approximately 70 non-USDH staff for emergency food aid assignments. Participate in emergency food aid assessments, monitoring missions and Disaster Assistance Response Teams by providing guidance on travel authorizations, travel vouchers, passport requests, visa requests, and country clearances;

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with DCHA/PPM/AMS and the Office of

Security on all issues related to personnel security actions in support for non-program funded staff. Seek out innovative ways of doing business to improve efficiency and effectiveness;

• Assist in performing a wide variety of administrative support functions for primarily program-funded staff in DCHA/FFP including but not limited to network account creation, space management, submitting personnel action requests, maintaining personnel lists and organizational charts, and facilitating matters involving leave administration and time & attendance;

• Provide backstop support and guidance to managers and employees on questions and requests related to administrative services;

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• 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.

Emergency Personnel and Operations Specialist, GS-11

• Provide expert advice and guidance to the Office on agency and federal procurement policy guidelines as it relates to U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSCs);

• Collaborate with hiring managers to identify staffing needs, define responsibilities and required qualifications, and draft position descriptions for recruitment. Liaise with Senior Management to direct recruitment efforts in relation to office staffing priorities;

• Perform market value analyses and justifications for positions. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment and onboarding processes. Provide recommendations to the Administrative Team Leader on redesigning personnel policies;

• Assist with the management of a complex portfolio of USPSCs. Process contract actions in the agency’s Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS), monitor funding levels of USPSC contracts and review contract budgets and modifications;

• Work closely with the support contractor to ensure staff hiring and support actions are completed in a timely manner, and in compliance with office and agency regulations. Prepare documentation for necessary hiring memos and clearances;

• In collaboration with the PSC Contracts Team, perform contract and benefits overview with new hires, and administer employee benefit programs for USPSC Washington, field-based and surge response personnel;

• Manage the new hire security clearance investigations, as well as current employee revalidation and security clearance upgrades. Liaise with the USPSC Security Specialist assigned to DCHA/FFP in the Office of Security;

• Ensure that procedures for employee relations are followed, such as the proper and timely completion of performance evaluations by supervisors, the development of annual employee work objectives and individual development plans;

• Provide personnel support to office staff, primarily supporting the deployment of approximately 70 non-USDH staff for emergency food aid assignments. Participate in emergency food aid assessments, monitor missions and Disaster Assistance Response Teams by providing guidance on travel authorizations, travel vouchers, passport requests, visa requests, and country clearances;

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• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) on all issues related to USPSC actions.

Seek out innovative ways of doing business to improve efficiency and effectiveness;

• Develop personnel resources and guidance documents, and work closely with support contractor and training teams to maintain up-to-date policies and procedures on the Personnel & Operations Management (POM) website;

• Assist in performing a wide variety of administrative support functions for primarily program-funded staff in DCHA/FFP including but not limited to; network account creation, submitting personnel action requests, maintaining personnel lists and organizational charts, and analyzing program budgetary and fiscal data;

• 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 Administrative Team Leader and the Division Chief within DCHA/FFP will provide direct supervision. While the incumbent will work under the supervision of both, the Administrative Team Leader sets the overall work objectives. 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 will respond to inquiries from staff and provide guidance on relevant policies and procedures. The incumbent will be responsible for tracking and following up on actions independently, and liaising with relevant parties to ensure their completion. The supervisor will evaluate the work for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives.

Guidelines:

At the GS-10 and GS-11 levels, pertinent sources of information consist of the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), AIDAR, Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives, Contract Information Bulletins, FFP funding rules and regulations, the Farm Bill Foreign Assistance Act

8 | Page and other legislative initiatives, FFP issued guidelines and information bulletins, USAID Agency and DCHA Bureau rules and regulations.

At the GS-10 level, guidelines are available, but may not be applicable to the specific work. The incumbent is responsible for using judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines, such as agency regulations, policies, and precedents. Analysis and recommendations for change must be submitted to the supervisor. The incumbent will follow agency guidelines when completing and processing personnel actions such as badge renewals, security clearances, and financial documentation. The incumbent may make recommendations to the supervisor regarding how to make improvements in internal FFP processes and relationships with other responsible parties.

At the GS-11 level, guidelines are available, but are subject to interpretation in light of policies and precedents based on guidance from the supervisor. The incumbent exercises judgment to determine the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies 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.

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, Geographic Division, as well as field personnel and other bureaus within USAID.

At the GS-10 level, the incumbent employs personnel support duties in order to support accomplishing objectives set by the Administrative Team Leader. The incumbent must collaborate with a range of people from FFP, including hiring managers to identify staffing needs, define responsibilities and required qualifications, and draft position descriptions for recruitment.

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 process contract actions in the agency’s Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS), monitoring funding levels of USPSC contracts, and reviewing contract budgets and modifications.

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 personnel support duties.

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Scope and Effect:

At the GS-10 level, work typically includes developing and maintaining effective relationships with the Bureau’s Administrative Management Services (AMS) Officer and the Office of Security (SEC) on all issues related to personnel security actions. The incumbent provides personnel support to office staff, primarily supporting the deployment of approximately 70 USPSC staff for emergency food aid assignments and participation on Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs). The incumbent establishes and maintains positive relationships with Washington and Field teams, and other bureaus in USAID, leveraging opportunities to enhance FFP’s support capacity for USPSCs.

At the GS-11 level, the incumbent establishes criteria, formulates projects, assesses personnel 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 works closely with the support contractor to ensure staff hiring and personnel actions are completed in a timely manner, and in compliance with office and agency regulations. The incumbent ensures that procedures for employee relations are followed, such as the proper and timely completion of performance evaluations and development of annual employee work objectives. The incumbent must determine the feasibility of various approaches to define concepts and criteria for future personnel hiring needs for FFP. 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 contacts 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 Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), Administrative Management Services (AMS), the Office of Security (SEC), and Headquarters Management Division (HMD) to plan, coordinate, and track the status of activities.

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 who make changes to a range of policies applied to personnel support 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, Public Information Organizations, etc.). The incumbent is required to achieve a common understanding among the various parties and propose satisfactory solutions that address their various objectives. The incumbent provides interpretations

10 | Page of existing policy or the provision and makes recommendations to change policy to improve the execution of personnel management needs in FFP/Washington.

13. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The requirement for field trip assignments to provide administrative support to meetings or conferences may expose the successful candidate to difficult working surroundings and security risks during the course of travel.

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

15. 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: Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

At the GS-10 Level:

A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience performing a range of personnel support duties similar to those outlined in the scope of work above.

OR

A high school diploma with a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience performing a range of personnel support duties similar to those outlined in the scope of work above.

OR

One (1) year of experience at the GS-09 equivalent level which is directly related to personnel management, including but not limited to recruitment, performance management, or strategic planning for a large organization with staff located in the field and at headquarters.

At the GS-11 Level:

A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience performing a range of personnel support duties similar to those outlined in the scope of work above.

OR

A high school diploma with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience performing a range of personnel support duties similar to those outlined in the scope of work above.

OR

One (1) year of experience at the GS-10 equivalent level which is directly related to personnel management, including but not limited to recruitment, performance management, or strategic planning for a large organization with staff located in the field and at headquarters.

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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. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted;

• 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 nine months following the job offer acceptance;

• 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. Applicants will also be evaluated based on their performance in an interview, if given an invitation. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

• Demonstrated experience working in personnel management, with a particular focus on contract administration, human resources, financial analysis, performance management and/or employee operations. (20 points)

• Demonstrated experience in developing or maintaining tracking systems for monitoring the flow of actions to ensure the sufficient planning of personnel or operational tasks. (15 points)

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and research policies and regulations to resolve problems, issues or concerns that are critical to supporting personnel management or to the management of a contract. (15 points)

• Demonstrated ability to liaise independently with employees and managers at all levels, with a particular focus on communicating matters that are highly confidential. (10 points)

• Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of tasks and functions concurrently, performing in high stress environments, with minimal lead-time. Please provide an example of dealing with a situation when one or more parties have unreal expectations. (10 points)

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Total Possible QRF Points: 70 points Total Possible Interview Points: 30 points 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.

Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, education, and/or training they have received that are relevant to each factor. 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, 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. False or fraudulent information mailto:ffprecruitmentteam@usaid.gov

14 | Page 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 and the position you are applying for 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 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.

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

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

1. Complete, current resume.

2. Supplemental Document addressing QRFs.

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

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

5. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), ** or 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/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

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

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

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

**Forms 4-8 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 http://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 Expense 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:

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 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

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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/

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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 following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance

18 | Page 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

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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]

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ATTACHMENT 2

Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (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

21 | 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 prior to the USPSCs departure on

22 | Page 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 AAPD 15-02 USPSC Family and Medical Leave page 6 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…