Solicitation 72051923R00006 - USPSC DRG Senior Advisor USAID El Salvador.pdf

SOLICITATION No.: 72051923R00006 ISSUANCE DATE: April 17, 2023 CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 1, 2023 5:00 pm (El Salvador/Local Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for an U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Democracy, Rights, and Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor, GS-14 Democracy and Governance Office (DG), 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.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented 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 the offer.

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

Sincerely, Andrew Reese Regional Executive Officer

Attachment No. 1 Solicitation No. 72051923R00006

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72051923R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 17, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 1, 2023 (5:00 pm El Salvador/Local Time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/El Salvador, Executive Office/Procurement Email: sansalprocteam@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908 to $129,878 equivalent to GS-14.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitle to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador.

Temporary duty travel as determined by the need of the agency.

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission Policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be one (1) year. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise one (1) one-year option period, not to exceed a total period of performance of two (2) years, as follows:

Base Period: June 2023 - May 2024 Option Period 1: June 2024 – May 2025

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

10. CLEARANCES:

Security Clearance: The selected offeror must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance at the “Secret” level.

Medical Clearance: Appropriate medical clearance from the Department of State (DS), Office of Medical Services.

If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

mailto:sansalprocteam@usaid.gov

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract USAID/El Salvador’s Democracy and Governance (DG) Office provides technical leadership and delivers technical assistance in the democracy, rights, and governance (DRG) field. This includes the protection and promotion of democratic governance under backsliding political conditions; central and local government administration; building civic political participation;

election administration; election monitoring and observation; political party strengthening;

inclusion of vulnerable or marginalized populations in democratic processes; and training for officials during transition to a new government. The DG Office also develops DRG strategies, designs programs, and advises on program implementation and evaluation.

The DG/DRG Senior Advisor will provide support and will work closely with USAID and Department of State colleagues to: determine opportunities for USAID/El Salvador to support positive democratic change by building equitable civic participation, supporting elections and political processes, improving the performance of government bodies, and more; design activities responding to those opportunities; work with partners to effectively implement those activities; monitor the impact of those activities; and other associated technical and managerial assistance. The DRG Senior Advisor will work closely with interagency colleagues on strategy, policy, and resource allocation issues.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The DRG Senior Advisor’s responsibilities will be varied and dynamic to reflect changing circumstances facing USAID/El Salvador. The DRG Senior Advisor is considered an expert in the DRG field and is expected to carry out work assignments using independent professional judgment to ensure the provision of effective field support and technical leadership. The DRG Senior Advisor will, as necessary:

• Manage, review, and monitor the plans and activities of USAID/El Salvador DG implementing partners and ensure coordination of partner programs with USAID mission and other international organizations.

• Provide technical assistance to ongoing evaluations of DG programs in the field.

• Participate in conceptualizing and designing elections programs.

• Execute closeout activities related to DG programs.

• Serve as a liaison with USAID bureaus and offices and the State Department to ensure coordinated program and policy direction.

• Within the guidelines provided by DG management, negotiate program and project agreements with governmental and non-governmental counterparts.

• Develop relationships with government partners, NGOs, international donors, USG agencies, academic institutions, and others interested in the DG country program.

• Participate in selecting contractors and grantees to work under DG programs.

• In close collaboration with DG management, assist with the development of DG strategies and policies for El Salvador.

• Monitor and evaluate the country program, individual projects, and contractor and grantee performance.

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

• Serve in the capacity of acting DG Office Director or acting DG Deputy Office Director in the absence of the USDH Officers.

3. Supervisory Relationship and Controls

The DG Office Director will supervise the PSC and set overall objectives. The Office Director and PSC will together develop a work plan that includes projects and deadlines.

The PSC will also work closely with Bureau leadership and USAID Mission officials (when on TDY). The PSC will independently plan, design, and carry out sector assessments and activity design, implementation, and evaluation exercises that are considered technically complex. Supervision/oversight of others is not contemplated.

4. Position Elements

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

This position will serve as a top-level elections advisor for USAID/El Salvador. The PSC will report to the Director of the DG Office. The PSC will be an experienced expert in the DRG field and will assist USAID/El Salvador in the design, management, monitoring and evaluation, and close out of DG programs. The PSC will exercise independent judgment while performing work with wide latitude and of outstanding difficulty and responsibility. The PSC will have formal decision-making authority within the broader DRG program area and will receive minimal day-to-day technical or policy guidance.

Level of complexity of work assignments:

The PSC’s duties will be significantly varied. They will require high knowledge of multiple complicated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of circumstances that require a substantial depth of analysis. The PSC will be required to support USAID/El Salvador in making decisions on largely undefined issues and elements that require extensive research and analysis to determine the nature and scope of the problems. The PSC will be expected to contribute new technologies and approaches or develop new information to address continuing changes in the related programmatic, technological, and political environments.

The PSC will develop and coordinate country specific DRG assistance strategies with specific goals, guidelines, and benchmarks. The PSC will overcome complicated issues such as balancing political pressure from US Government colleagues and host country counterparts, incorporating multi-disciplinary approaches and recent research findings, and resolving conflicts among possible technical solutions.

Knowledge level required:

The PSC will have a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field, such as international development, political science, public policy, or international affairs, and at least 7 years of demonstrated responsible experience in international development related to DRG.

Guidelines:

The PSC will work with guidelines from the Bureau and Agency that are broadly stated and non-specific, requiring extensive interpretation. The PSC will demonstrate sound judgment, technical expertise, and ingenuity in interpreting guidelines.

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

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

The PSC will work in a complex environment requiring high knowledge of multiple complicated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of circumstances that require a substantial depth of analysis. The PSC will be required to support USAID/El Salvador in making decisions on largely undefined issues and elements that require extensive research and analysis to determine the nature and scope of the problems. The PSC will be expected to contribute new technologies and approaches or develop new information to address continuing changes in the related programmatic, technological, and political environments.

The PSC will develop and coordinate country specific DRG assistance strategies with specific goals, guidelines, and benchmarks. The PSC will overcome complicated issues such as balancing political pressure from US Government colleagues and host country counterparts, incorporating multi-disciplinary approaches and recent research findings, and resolving conflicts among possible technical solutions.

Scope and effect of the work performed:

The PSC will be highly involved in all DRG sub-sectors (civic education, elections administration and monitoring, central and local governance, civil society strengthening, and others). Within these sub-sectors, the PSC will plan, organize, direct, design, and coordinate assistance, assessment, and evaluation activities as needed to meet the needs of USAID bureaus and missions. This work will require independent analysis, defining conditions and criteria, and resolving critical problems using creative approaches. The PSC will lead interagency efforts to address critical DRG issues, such as high-profile political transitions, and will maintain regular working relationships with counterparts in the Department of State and other agencies as needed. The PSC’s work may require working as a team leader and guiding and coordinating the work of technical staff.

Level and purpose of contacts:

The PSC will serve as one of the Agency’s lead technical experts in DRG matters and will advise USAID and interagency counterparts on matters relating to the US Government’s response to DRG issues worldwide. The PSC will represent the US Government on such matters in meetings with foreign governments and multilateral institutions. The PSC will represent USAID to Congressional staff, the National Security Council, the Department of State, and other interagency counterparts. The PSC will maintain professional contact with senior level professionals of independent organizations advancing DRG issues, including think-tanks, assistance implementers, professional organizations, and academic institutions. The PSC will represent USAID to these organizations in different forums, including conferences, workshops, panels, and more.

Authority to make commitments: Not applicable.

Travel requirements: Temporary duty travel as determined by the need of the agency.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position does not involve undue physical demands.

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

● Education: Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, political science, public policy, or international affairs (verification required upon request for transcripts and/or certificates).

● Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required.

● Technical and Professional Experience: A minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in international development related to DRG.

● Skills and Abilities:

Technical Expertise: Demonstrated ability to provide high-level analysis and technically sound recommendations on complex DRG issues in dynamic country contexts.

Demonstrated technical expertise in conceptualizing strategies and designing evidence-based programs to support DRG objectives.

Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with high-level officials or at DRG-related forums with minimal editing or supervision. Proven track record of quickly gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information for use by principals. Demonstrated productive and positive working relationships and communication with colleagues and peers.

Teamwork: Proven track-record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams, both as a team leader and as a team member. Sound judgment and collegiality when working in environments with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and opinions.

● 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.

Rating System The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:

● Language Proficiency: (Pass/Fail)

● Education: (10 points)

● Technical and Professional Experience: (40 points)

● Skills and Abilities: (10 points)

● Interview: (40 points) https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

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. Reference checks will be conducted and will be considered as part of the responsibility determination.

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.

2. A Curriculum Vitae which must contain sufficient and clearly identified information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

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) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification.

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. USAID also reserves the right to develop its own 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.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

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) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(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)

(j) Danger Pay (Section 650)

NOTE: Family members of USPSC's seeking employment in the local economy overseas need to be aware of the work permit regulations in the host country. If a country does not have a bi-lateral work agreement with the U.S. Government, USPSCs must seek Chief of Mission and Contracting Office approval to seek employment in the local economy; approval is not guaranteed.

An offeror meeting the definition of a Resident Hire is not eligible for any fringe benefits, differentials, or allowances; and are only eligible for contributions for FICA, Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance.

Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC)” means a U.S. citizen or resident alien who, at the time of contract award, – (i) resides in the cooperating country for reasons other than U.S. Government or non-U.S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement, that provides for repatriation to the U.S; or (ii) is a spouse or dependent of a U.S.

citizen or resident alien who resides or will reside, in the cooperating country for the purpose of U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S.

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

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 year 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 year 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 https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/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 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Democracy, Rights, Governance (DRG) Senior Advisor Democracy and Governance Office (DG)

USAID/EL SALVADOR

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 ***

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