SOLICITATION-72036725R00002- USPSC Supervisory Executive Officer-Kathmandu_Nepal- GS 15_signed.pdf

USAID/Nepal, Kathmandu 12/27/2024

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) for Supervisory Executive Officer, GS-15 at USAID/Nepal Executive Office.

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72036725R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: 12/27/2024

CLOSING DATE: 01/27/2025– 5:00 P.M Kathmandu time

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

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

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, to respond to the 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 any offer.

In accordance with section IV below, please submit your signed forms to USAID/Nepal Human Resources Office. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to:

Human Resources Office US Agency for International Development USAID/Nepal Executive Office U.S. Embassy Building Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal Email: USAIDNepalHR@usaid.gov

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all documents which accompany their applications. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to email at USAIDNepalHR@usaid.gov

Sincerely, Lesley DeRosa Contracting Officer mailto:USAIDNepalHR@usaid.gov mailto:USAIDNepalHR@usaid.gov

72036725R00002

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1) SOLICITATION NO.: 72036725R00002

2) ISSUANCE DATE: 12/27/2024

3) CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 01/27/25

4) POINT OF CONTACT:

Roshan Kafle, Supervisory Executive Specialist, at usaidnepalhr@usaid.gov

Lesley DeRosa, Contracting Officer, at lderosa@usaid.gov

(Please copy and paste the email to ensure the correct email address is used).

5) POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Executive Officer (Offshore USPSC)

6) MARKET VALUE:

The position is classified at the GS-15 level on the General Schedule. The 2024 annual salary range, including overseas comparability pay, is $150,319 - $191,900. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Payment of salary over and above the top of the pay range is not negotiable.

7) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Executive Office, USAID/Nepal in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Some travel within Nepal may be required.

8) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be one (1) year, estimated to start on 04/01/2025. Based on the Mission needs, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds, the contract may be extended for an additional period not to exceed one year.

This is a full-time position with a 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday.

9) ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

This vacancy is open to U.S. Nationals (USN) only. USN means an individual who is a U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States of America.

10) SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

USAID will provide details regarding this requirement. If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

mailto:usaidnepalhr@usaid.gov mailto:lderosa@usaid.gov

11) STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

USAID/Nepal's Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO) oversees the key management structures and administrative processes that are necessary to achieve the Mission's objectives. The S/EXO manages the largest support office in the Mission, with a staff of 2 Americans and 13 FSNs, and a $8.7 million annual operational expense (OE) budget.

The S/EXO is responsible for overseeing the provision of human resource, information technology, simplified procurement, travel, and logistics support to USAID/Nepal Mission staff. The S/EXO develops internal management systems and implementation procedures; interprets USAID management regulations and directs their application;

plans and directs the continuous evaluation of the Mission's organization, staffing, and services; collaborates on the proper placement of personnel; counsels employees on a wide range of subjects; and plans and conducts orientation for new USAID staff. S/he serves as the Mission's Unit Security Officer and Information System Security Officer and plays a key role in the International Cooperative Administrative Support Service (ICASS) model, working closely with all service providers in the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu to ensure high-quality service delivery for USAID customers. The S/EXO is a member of the Mission's senior management team and reports directly to the Deputy Mission Director.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Mission Director or his/her designee, the Supervisory Executive Officer will perform the following duties:

• Advising the Mission Director and Mission Senior Management on internal Mission administrative matters requiring his/her action or attention; and interacting with senior Mission and Post management personnel to implement policies and procedures governing Mission operations.

• Developing internal management systems and implementing procedures, including the establishment and maintenance of a Mission directives system to supplement ADS policies and procedures to address unique post-specific requirements.

• Evaluating the Mission’s organization, staffing, and services to ensure the efficient use of material and human resources, and developing appropriate organizational structures and staffing strategies necessary to meet the program and operational requirements of the Mission.

• Managing the Mission’s workforce and Human Capital Management requirements including workforce planning and the National Security Decision Directives-38 3 (NSDD-

38) process, recruitment, performance management, the foreign service assignment process, position classification, training, policy interpretation related to human capital management, as well overseas benefits and allowances, and providing advice to Mission senior managers on staffing and workforce issues, recommending actions and strategies to ensure maximum effective use of personnel.

• Counseling employees and their families on a wide range of subjects, including allowances, education, housing, medical support, career development, performance planning, substance abuse, onward assignments, and professional relations.

• Collaborating with the Mission's Program and Technical Offices in formulating the annual operating budget requirements and administering the Mission's Operating Expense (OE) budget.

• As appropriate, providing implementing partners with advice and guidance to help them operate effectively in the host country, including ensuring implementing partners are updated on security guidance issued by the Embassy's Regional Security Officer (RSO) and the USAID Office of Security's (SEC) Partner Liaison Security Office (PSLO). Overseeing the Mission’s Partner Liaison Security Office contract.

• Executing operating expense contracts, purchase orders, and Personal Service Contracts (PSCs), including those for Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs), USPSCs, and Third Country Nationals (TCN), in compliance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Agency acquisition regulations and policies.

• In conjunction with the Office of Financial Management, representing the Mission in providing oversight of the ICASS program, collaborating closely with the Department of State (DOS), and other Agency management personnel to ensure efficient implementation of shared services.

• Planning, directing and reviewing logistics services provided by the Executive Office, including liaison with ICASS services providers in the areas of residential and office maintenance, motor pool operations, real property management, and customs and shipping, to ensure that Mission requirements are being met in a timely manner.

• Providing oversight of Mission Information Technology (IT) management systems, including compliance with policies, guidance, and direction provided by M/CIO; managing IT requirements, budget and enterprise architecture; and serving as the Mission's Information System Security Officer (ISSO),

• Managing the Mission's records management systems.

• Coordinating with legal and financial offices regarding implementation of the USAID· ethics program, related training, and Office of Government Ethics (OGE) 450 and OGE 278 submissions.

• Serving as the Mission (Unit) Security Officer and, in collaboration with the Embassy RSO and the USAID Office of Security, ensuring compliance with security, health, and safety programs and procedures applicable to USAID personnel and facilities.

• Identifying management vulnerabilities in Mission operations and providing hands-on support in correcting deficiencies.

• Improving and expanding technical subject matter expertise within the Executive Office.

a. SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Incumbent is expected to work with minimum direction and supervision. The need for quick responses in high profile, complex and often fluid situations requires the incumbent to exercise discretion and good judgment and operate with high levels of autonomy, responsibility, and authority. Work is evaluated for effectiveness of results and compliance with prevailing policies, regulations, directives, and objectives. The Supervisory Executive Officer is under the direct supervision of the Deputy Mission Director.

b. SUPERVISON/OVERSIGHT OVER OTHERS

Overall supervision of all EXO units within USAID/Nepal, to include IT, HR, Procurement, Travel, Security Liaison and Records and Correspondence units

12) PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public administration, business administration/management, or a related area.

b. Work Experience: At least ten years of relevant professional experience, five of which must have been in an overseas setting. Relevant experience is defined as some combination of administrative and logistics; performance-based management and budgeting; and strategic planning.

A. Other Requirements: The incumbent must also:

• Be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

• Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

• Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

A. Selection Process

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications required for the position will not be scored. As part of the selection process, final candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the offeror.

If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance may result in withdrawal of the tentative offer.

B. Selection Criteria/Evaluation Factors

Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Knowledge: (30 points) Demonstrated experience working and communicating with the U.S. Embassies, other international organizations providing transition or development assistance programming overseas, and/or foreign governments to ensure an organization’s operational/administrative management systems and procedures. Demonstrated knowledge of basic principles of management in an overseas context.

Skills and Abilities: (30 points) Demonstrated ability to manage operations in difficult overseas environments, to ensure that offices are well supported in human resources, security, procurement, records management, information technology, motor pool, housing, property management, and all other necessary functions. Demonstrated ability to work within a team, as well as to operate independently and with self-sufficiency in complex situations. Demonstrated communications, writing, analytical and social/interpersonal skills, including the ability to obtain, evaluate, and interpret reports, and to effectively communicate USAID’s mission and policies to others, as required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with key partners, stakeholders, host government officials, USG implementing partners, and representatives from other USG organizations.

Interview: (20 points)

References: (20 points) https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Maximum Points – 100 points

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. [Per PEB 24-01, “Personal Services Contractors (PSC) Practices Related to Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace” the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) encourages COs to insert the following provisions:

USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy at ADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

By acceptance of the contract, the contractor acknowledges having read, and agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures.

SELF CERTIFICATION

Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award.

● For the Apparently Successful Offeror:

○ If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor (RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror.

○ Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

USE OF THE AGENCY’S MISCONDUCT PORTAL AND INQUIRIES MADE TO

PREVIOUS COs FOR APPARENTLY SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR

The Office of Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) operates USAID’s Misconduct Reporting Portal. Prior to award, the CO will email ELR at HCTM.ELR@usaid.gov to identify whether Agency records include any prior disciplinary action related to sexual misconduct taken against the apparently successful offeror.

If the apparently successful offeror has previously held a Personal Services Contract at USAID, the CO will attempt to contact the previous administrating CO to inquire about previous disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct against the apparently successful offeror.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SoLv-MWLAh_LjzScO5mqm965DdTqE3lCPpIZVPis0JQ/edit?tab=t.0 mailto:HCTM.ELR@usaid.gov

NEW ENTRANT ORIENTATION (NEO)

For PSCs onboarded in Washington, the contractor must complete the information session on USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as part of NEO. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the contractor has completed NEO and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

For PSCs onboarded overseas, including CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, the PSC must complete an online module related to USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as administered by their cognizant CO as part of their onboarding process. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the PSC has completed the online module and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

3. Offers must be submitted to the Point of Contact, and received by the Closing Date and Time, as specified in Section I.

4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

Applications should include the following, with the applicant’s name clearly marked on every page:

a. Cover letter (no more than one page);

b. Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

c. Supplemental documentation, addressing each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards or recognition the applicant has received relevant to each evaluation factor described above.

Responses are limited to 300 words per factor;

d. Salary history for the prior three years captured in a Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17 form available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-1420-17);

e. Contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) for at least three references with knowledge of the applicant's prior work skills. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant; and,

f. Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form

Incomplete/un-signed offers will not be considered.

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 4. Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror-submitted documents.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-1420-17 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SoLv-MWLAh_LjzScO5mqm965DdTqE3lCPpIZVPis0JQ/edit?tab=t.0 prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. The attachment to e-mail must be in Word format (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat format (.pdf). The attachment should be formatted with a 10MB limit per email.

Submissions in zip or other compressed formats will be rejected. The U.S.

Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submission

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the quality and completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mail.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO USPSC HIRES

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award: [See ADS 309.3.1.14.]

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1) BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (except for a Resident Hire USPSCs)

(d) Performance Based Increases (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

(g) Premium compensation - if or when explicitly approved in advance by USAID

2) ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

1. Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

2. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

3. Post Allowance (Section 220)

4. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

5. Education Allowance (Section 270)

6. Education Travel (Section 280)

7. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

8. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO USPSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

[The CO must insert line item(s) here WITHOUT amounts. See ADS 309mak.

Use the table below for a contract with no option periods:]

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [USAID/Nepal funding]

1 LOT $

_TBD__

$_TBD at Award after negotiation s with

Contractor

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information

Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct.

5. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct.

agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service- contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED

APPLICATION

JUN,

[End of Solicitation] https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov