Solicitation 72051921R00003 - USPSC Environment Team Leader (EGE) USAID El Salvador.pdf

SOLICITATION No. 72051921R00003 ISSUANCE DATE: May 19, 2021 CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 2, 2021

5:00 pm (El Salvador/Local Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for an U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC)

Environment Team Leader Office of Economic Growth and Education (EGE), USAID/El Salvador

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Kent Benson Acting Regional Executive Officer

Attachment No. 1 Solicitation No. 72051921R00003

Environment Team Leader Office of Economic Growth and Education

USAID/EL SALVADOR

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72051921R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 19, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR

RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 2, 2021 (5:00 pm El Salvador/Local Time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Irma de Escolán

USAID/El Salvador, Executive Office/Procurement Telephone: (503) 2501-3428 Fax: (503) 2298-0885 E-mail: iescolan@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Environment Team Leader

Office of Economic Growth and Education (EGE)

6. MARKET VALUE: $93,907 to $122,077 equivalent to GS-14.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Subject to HCTM and NSDD-38 approvals, the base period will be one (1) year estimated to start o/a August 2021.

Based on Agency need, additional approvals, and availability of funds, the Contracting Officer may exercise four (4) one (1) year option periods for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a August 2021 – July 2022 Option Period 1: o/a August 2022 – July 2023 Option Period 2: o/a August 2023 – July 2024 Option Period 3: o/a August 2024 – July 2025 Option Period 4: o/a August 2025 – July 2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: San Salvador, El Salvador, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens and U.S. Resident Aliens only.

10. CLEARANCES: The selected offeror must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance at the “Facility Access” level and appropriate Medical Clearance. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

mailto:iescolan@usaid.gov

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11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract The Environment Team Lead within the Office of Economic Growth and Education, manages a portfolio of regional environment programs in Central America and bilateral agriculture programs in El Salvador, serves as the Mission technical lead on environment and natural resource management issues, and directly supervises at least 2 Cooperating Country National (CCN) employees. El Salvador is a country of strategic interest to the United States, especially in light of concerns related to irregular migration to the U.S. The incumbent has primary responsibility for the Mission's environment and agriculture programs including biodiversity, climate change adaptation, clean energy, food security, and water resources management and oversees a fluctuating annual budget approved by the U.S. Congress. S/he has frequent contact with inter-agency colleagues, senior representatives of the Government of El Salvador, and other donors. The incumbent will also help represent the USAID as part of several debt-for-nature swaps. S/he provides subject matter expertise, policy, program, and management leadership on all matters related to natural resource management.

The diverse portfolio spans all focus areas of the USAID Biodiversity Policy and new Climate Change Strategy. Technical areas of focus include regional biodiversity programs focused on transboundary biodiverse areas, energy independence, resilience to climate shocks, and using data to improve climate forecasting and decision-making. S/he will also play a critical role in local capacity building of regional institutions in Central America managing environment programs. Particular emphasis will be given to expertise in climate change adaptation and clean energy.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed To ensure the success of the ongoing portfolio of biodiversity, climate change, and resilience activities in El Salvador, the USAID Mission seeks a senior-level professional with management experience and technical knowledge. This includes subject matter expertise, strategic management, policy, programming, and coordination.

The Environment Team Lead serves as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions. S/he serves as the Mission’s primary representative to senior officials in the Ministry of Environment and natural resource management sector development partners, including donors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The incumbent leads and advises the U.S. Government’s donor and inter-Agency coordination in the climate change, energy, and natural resource management sectors. Because of the cross-cutting nature of the water resource management activities, the incumbent will seek synergy and complementarities with other USAID offices and the interagency. The incumbent ensures interventions are coordinated, well-designed, and evidence-based, and is expected to plan and promote a robust evaluation and assessment plan for the environment portfolio.

The Environment Team Leader must also possess excellent interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills, as well as excellent political acumen, reporting skills, and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and sound judgment in a politically challenging environment. Strong team building and mentoring are essential as s/he will direct the three-member Environment Team.

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The Environment Team Leader reports to the Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Growth and Education and has a direct and strong relationship with the Mission senior leadership, including regularly briefing and advising senior leadership on climate change, biodiversity, water resources management, and other natural resource management issues.

The major duties and responsibilities of the Environment Team Leader include:

Environment Portfolio Strategic Planning, Adaptive Management, and Oversight The incumbent provides expert advice and is responsible for administering and providing strategic direction for the Mission’s environment portfolio. S/he independently oversees environment portfolio planning, activity design, and activity implementation. The incumbent applies USAID policies, judgement, and ingenuity to develop new theories of change to achieve impact in the fields of climate change adaptation, clean energy, biodiversity, water resources management, sustainable landscapes, and agricultural resilience.

The Environment Team Leader designs external evaluations for major natural resource management activities, and s/he ensures monitoring, implementation, and evaluation of environment activities with support from the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist in the Office of Economic Growth and Education and Environment Team members. S/he also ensures that environment activities are implemented and monitored in a timely and quality manner. S/he also ensures that the development of evaluation plans is completed with evaluation findings integrated into new and existing programs. S/he develops strategies and detailed implementation plans for environment activities under the Mission’s annual Operational Plan, Mission Resource Request, and the Country Development and Cooperation Strategy.

The Environment Team Leader ensures that technical direction supports the achievement of natural resource management results and provides expert technical input and leadership in the design, negotiation, and work planning of activities. In a rapidly evolving environment with emerging evidence and problems, changes in program approach are anticipated. The incumbent leads activity adjustments (as needed) and resolves any disputes or disagreements that may arise during activity implementation with key stakeholders. The Environment Team Leader ensures proper oversight of the activities, including environmental compliance.

Coordination, Partner Relations and Representation The incumbent must achieve a common understanding with the Government of El Salvador and SICA counterparts to agree upon a modality for USAID’s support that addresses shared goals and their concerns. The incumbent establishes and maintains contacts at the highest levels of the Ministry of Environment. S/he should also seek to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture when possible, to advance USAID’s efforts to support increased economic opportunities through natural resource management, including water resources management and resilience programs for vulnerable populations to stop irregular migration to the United States. The incumbent explains USAID’s climate change, biodiversity, and natural resource management priorities and negotiates means of support with the Government of El Salvador, and s/he resolves critical problems between government and implementing partners. S/he advocates to the Government of El Salvador environment officials at the highest levels to advance USAID activities and potential reforms.

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The Environment Team Leader skillfully navigates a crowded and challenging sector to achieve USAID’s natural resource management priorities. S/he uses tact and diplomacy to justify, defend, negotiate, or settle issues involving the implementation of USAID’s new environment and climate change activities. The incumbent represents USAID at meetings, international and national conferences with implementing partners, donors, government, USG agencies, and international and local partners. S/he will work closely with USAID/Washington staff on a regular basis on strategic planning, management, and policy issues. S/he also establishes relationships at a technical level with donor partner counterparts to ensure proactive sharing and coordination of USAID’s activities. The incumbent provides technically authoritative insights and recommendations to USAID senior management and high-level government and development partner counterparts.

Staff Management and Mentorship The incumbent is expected to manage and build the skills of one FSN-11 and two FSN-10s.

The incumbent carries out a full range of supervision, activity management, advisory and strategic planning responsibilities for a team of three. S/he is expected to lead and provide guidance to the Environment Team, managing staff, overseeing work products and ensuring their performance meets or exceeds established performance standards. S/he ensures that team members are fulfilling responsibilities in a timely and effective manner while providing leadership and mentorship to professional staff. The Environment Team Leader will provide significant guidance and support to build the skills and understanding of USAID operating procedures, activity management, and environment policies for staff. The Environment Team Leader will be required to assist in creating a supportive environment that values diversity, abides by the USG equal employment opportunity laws, and elicits the highest possible level of performance from the entire team. S/he keeps abreast of current and new climate change, environment, and agriculture training opportunities and creates opportunities for staff learning.

3. Supervisory Relationship and Controls

The Environment Team Leader reports to the Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Growth and Education. The incumbent supervises a team of at least two Cooperating Country National staff.

4. Position Elements

Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position:

The Environment Team Leader is a senior-level professional with management experience and technical knowledge. This includes subject matter expertise, strategic management, policy, programming, and coordination. S/he is responsible for liaising with senior government officials on environmental and agricultural policy and as a supervisor, preparing and overseeing annual work plans for CCN staff. The incumbent provides technically authoritative insights and recommendations to USAID senior management and high-level government and development partner counterparts.

Level of complexity of work assignments:

The incumbent provides expert advice and is responsible for administering and providing strategic direction for the Mission’s environment portfolio. S/he independently oversees

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Knowledge level required:

To ensure the success of the ongoing portfolio of biodiversity, climate change, and resilience activities in El Salvador, the USAID Mission seeks a senior-level professional with management experience and technical knowledge. This includes subject matter expertise, strategic management, policy, programming, and coordination. A minimum of a Master’s degree (or higher) in a social or natural science related to the position and eight years of progressively responsible experience are required.

Guidelines:

The Environment Team Leader is expected to exercise independent judgement in following and applying the Automated Directives System, USAID’s Operational Policy; the Foreign Affairs Manual; and work with the Office of Assistance and Acquisition on application of Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position’s responsibilities:

El Salvador is a country of strategic interest to the United States, especially in light of concerns related to irregular migration to the U.S. The Environment Team Lead has primary responsibility for liaising with the Government of El Salvador on environment and agriculture programs including biodiversity, climate change adaptation, clean energy, food security, and water resources management. S/he has frequent contact with inter-agency colleagues, senior representatives of the Government of El Salvador, and other donors. The incumbent will also help represent USAID on the board of several debt-for-nature swaps.

Scope and effect of the work performed:

The Environment Team Leader is responsible for overseeing a technical team working on natural resources management. Day-to-day duties include subject matter expertise, strategic management, policy, programming, and coordination.

Level and purpose of contacts:

The Environment Team Leader is USAID’s main interlocutor with the Government of El Salvador and the Central American Integration System (SICA) bodies on environment and agriculture issues. S/he represents USAID at meetings, international and national conferences with implementing partners, donors, government, USG agencies, and international and local partners. S/he will work closely with USAID/Washington staff on a regular basis on strategic planning, management, and policy issues. S/he also establishes relationships at a technical level with donor partner counterparts to ensure proactive sharing and coordination of USAID’s activities. The Environment Team Leader represents USAID on environmental issues to the State Department and Foreign Commercial Service.

Authority to make commitments:

The Environment Team Leader will work with the Regional Program Office and the Deputy

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Director of the Office of Economic Growth and Education on budget planning and allocations in support of USG foreign policy priorities.

Travel requirements:

Periodic travel to program field sites is required to successfully perform this position.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Aside from periodic travel to locations that may not have modernized amenities or infrastructure, the position does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

• Education: A Master’s degree (or higher) in a social or natural science related to the position, to include but not limited to environmental policy, agriculture and life sciences, natural resources management, water resources management, conservation biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or a particular area of natural resources management (such as applied ecology, forestry, Earth system sciences, energy resources engineering, ecosystem conservation, climate science and adaptation and mitigation, or urban planning), is required.

• Language Proficiency: Level III (Good Working Knowledge) Spanish and Level IV (Fluent) English are required. This may be tested.

• Technical and Professional Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible experience managing and implementing natural resource management programs in an international development setting (such as a U.S. Government agency, international organization, or non-governmental organization), working with program managers and policymakers. At least three or more years of working experience in the field of environment or natural resource management in a developing country is required. A minimum of three years supervising diverse teams, preferably in a multi-cultural context, is required.

• Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of development programming in natural resource management. The Environment Team Leader must possess demonstrated knowledge in strategic planning and activity coordination/implementation. The offeror must have demonstrated experience in building working relationships with high-level foreign government counterparts and developing natural resource management and climate change strategic plans. Ability to perform at a senior level must be demonstrated including experience applying effective leadership, communications skills and problem solving.

• The ability to obtain the security level and medical clearances required for the position.

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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

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• Knowledge: (20 points) Advanced technical knowledge and experience in a developing country context in one or more of these natural resource management fields: environmental policy, agriculture and life sciences, water resources management, conservation biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, applied ecology, forestry, Earth system sciences, energy resources engineering, ecosystem conservation, climate science and adaptation and mitigation, or urban planning.

• Technical and Professional Experience: (35 points) Eight years of progressively responsible experience designing, managing, and implementing natural resource management programs in an international development setting (such as a U.S. Government agency, international organization, or non-governmental organization) working with program managers and policymakers is required.

A minimum of three years working in the field of natural resource management in a developing country is required.

A minimum of three years supervising diverse teams, preferably in a multi-cultural context, is required.

• Skills and Abilities: (45 points) Program design and management: Ability to develop international natural resource management strategies, activities, and work plans in a developing context. Mastery of program design and management from inception to completion. Ability to plan, coordinate, supervise, monitor, and report on project outcomes related to natural resource management.

Supervisory skills: Demonstrated ability to manage, coach, and mentor individuals and diverse teams to improve overall performance.

Communication and representation skills: Ability to navigate complex negotiations and advocacy among government ministries, development partners, environment experts, implementing partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Ability to write high-quality reports, analysis, speeches, and other papers. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with donors.

Cross-cultural knowledge and skills: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments or agencies in a large bureaucracy and in an interagency context, as well as in an intercultural context with high-level government officials, implementing partners, international donors, and humanitarian agencies.

Offerors meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the offer. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews and reference checks with the top ranked short-listed offerors. The interview and references will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

All of the following must be included in the offer package in order for the package to be considered complete:

1. A signed cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the work requirements.

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2. A Curriculum Vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements.

3. A completed and signed offer form, AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals), which can be found at the following website, https://www.usaid.gov/forms/.

4. Names, current and accurate phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references that have knowledge of the Offeror’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. USAID reserves the right to contact all references.

5. A signed written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the Offeror is available for the position.

6. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

7. Offer submissions must be received electronically by the closing date and time specified in Section I, Item 3 and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, Item 4.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the appropriate forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (if applicable)

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (If applicable):

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

(a) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(g) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(h) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(i) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

(j) Education Travel (Section 280) https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/FORM_AID_309-2_FINALwith_OMB_approval.doc https://www.usaid.gov/forms/ https://aoprals.state.gov/ https://aoprals.state.gov/ https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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Resident-Hire USPSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits, differentials, or allowances;

and are only eligible for contributions for FICA, Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance.

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

PSCs

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 by the illustrative table (no information required for offer submission):

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $ TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

4001 Option Period 4 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $ TBD at Award after negotiations 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/OGE%20Regulations .

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 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.

*** END OF SOLICITATION ***

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov