Solicitation 72052723R00002-Resident Hire USPSC Writer Editor.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052723R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: October 21, 2022

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 18, 2022 at 17:00 (Lima time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Resident Hire Writer/Editor, GS-13 equivalent

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 this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V 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 in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment I.

Sincerely, Magdalena Maxwell Contracting Officer USAID/Peru

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052723R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 21, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 18, 2022 at 17:00 (Lima time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resources Office, email at limausaidhr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Writer/Editor

6. MARKET VALUE: $81,216 - $105,579 equivalent to GS-13 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. This is a resident-hire position. It does not include offshore benefits such as housing, post differential, and post allowance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Peru. 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 of performance will be from o/a December 2022 to November 2024.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period (OPs) as follows:

Base Period: o/a December 2022 to November 2024 Option Period 1: o/a December 2024 to November 2025 Option Period 2: o/a December 2025 to November 2026 Option Period 3: o/a December 2026 to November 2027

Part-time 20-30 hours per week, or Full-time 40 hours per week. Work schedule will be a mutual decision, based on Offeror availability and that she/he can fully perform the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizen or permanent resident/registered alien (“green card holder”). This solicitation is open to Resident-Hire U.S. Nationals who are currently residing in Peru and legally permitted to work in the country without needing a work permit.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access mailto:limausaidhr@usaid.gov

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

USAID/Peru focuses on combating the complex, inter-related problems of widespread corruption, environmental destruction, and narcotics trafficking. Peru has made great strides, but coca cultivation, illegal logging, and illegal gold mining, combined with endemic corruption, increasingly enriched transnational criminal groups, and ravaged

Amazon forests, continue to present challenges. USAID’s goal for the strategy period

2021 - 2026 (estimated budget $319 million) is that Peru more effectively leads and finances shared strategic priorities through increased capacity to 1) help coca farmers transition to the legal economy, 2) combat environmental crimes, and promote sustainable use of Peru's natural resources, and 3) fight corruption.

In addition to bilateral programming, USAID/Peru manages the South America Regional

(SAR) Platform that implements the Amazon Regional Environmental Program, a five-year, $90 million portfolio, that works to foster a healthy Amazon Biome that is valued by society, ensures human well-being, and contributes to global climate stability by reducing threats to the forest and waters. USAID’s SAR Platform also includes a growing $25 million portfolio to support the socio-economic integration of Venezuelan migrants in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. In 2020, the Mission programmed $20 million of COVID funds to respond to the pandemic in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, primarily through grants to leading local NGOs, a legacy of USAID’s long history in the health sector in South America.

The incumbent is a member of the Regional Program Office (RPO). This office oversees and coordinates all aspects of the USAID Program Cycle for the Peru bilateral and SAR

Platform programs. The Writer/Editor supports USAID/Peru in achieving its objectives by developing technical internal and public information materials that promote a better understanding of USAID/Peru programs. The incumbent works closely with the USAID

Front Office, USAID technical teams, interagency colleagues, and USAID implementing partners to plan, research, produce and manage written materials and other media in support of all of the Mission’s development objectives and areas of involvement. The

Writer/Editor works closely with and supports the Mission’s Development Outreach and

Communications (DOC) team, located in the USAID/Peru Front Office, in implementing the Mission’s overall strategic communications strategy.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent performs key communications functions, including preparing or contributing to a broad range of products for internal and external audiences, and for inclusion in the Mission’s information management systems. The specific duties of the incumbent include the following:

Writing and Editing (70%)

● Develop, produce, assemble, edit, and coordinate information and communication material for the Ambassador, Mission Director, and other USAID and embassy leadership, including briefing memos for official trips to projects and meetings with senior counterpart officials (Minister-level); and responses to information requests from senior USAID and Embassy officials.

● Define content and produce periodic activity updates to inform senior USAID and Embassy officials.

● Guide and assist technical offices in crafting and editing reports, fact sheets, briefers, success stories, press releases and other materials that explain and promote USAID programs.

● Write and edit a broad range of internal products, including cables, briefers, memoranda, reports, correspondence (including official letters and emails), policy briefs and other material to advance USAID’s development objectives.

● Oversee, organize and prepare responses to information requests from USAID/Washington in line with guidance from the LAC Bureau and ensure that systematic procedures are developed for this process.

● Contribute to materials production and formal review of annual performance reports, operational plans, portfolio review summaries and other ongoing program monitoring products.

● Contribute written content, graphic visualizations and review/edit documents and products generated by USAID/Peru.

● Support the Mission in managing and presenting data in graphic formats to easily convey complex concepts and results for laypersons.

● Generate and edit social media content, including tweets, Facebook posts, and YouTube video scripts.

● In collaboration with the DOC, work with technical material to develop talking points, public statements and speeches and other products that convey high level messages to various audiences.

● Support the work of the DOC staff in developing, revising and implementing Mission strategic communications plans and in reviewing draft materials for consistency with these plans.

● Participate in planning and executing in-person and virtual events.

● Participate in monitoring field visits and virtual review meetings with Mission technical staff to identify approaches and results that best characterize USAID’s work and that can be used for communications with internal and external audiences;

● As assigned, identify the need and manage purchase orders for specialized communications products, in collaboration with the DOC.

Information Management (30%)

● Produce and organize content and assist in maintaining USAID/Peru’s internal intranet and other information management systems.

● Assist in document management and the processes for clearance and approvals.

● Remain current on USAID programs, trends and policy priorities globally, within the Latin America region, and in Peru and collect information related to development assistance (donors and other USG agencies)

● Share relevant information with RPO colleagues, the DOC team and Mission staff; store this information on an accessible Google Drive or other shared site.

C. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

While the supervisor sets overall work objectives, the incumbent has wide latitude to complete work products to meet these objectives and is expected to handle work independently in accord with established policies.

D. SUPERVISORY CONTROL:

The incumbent will not have supervisory responsibilities.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Incumbent may travel periodically to locations within Peru to visit USAID program sites (approximately four trips (three days each) per year); and potentially to USAID missions and South America Regional program sites (approximately two one-week trips per year).

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communications, journalism, social science, liberal arts, science, business administration, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in an international development assistance, private sector, government, non-governmental organization, or similar office environment.

Language: FSI Level IV speaking, reading and writing (Fluent) ability in English.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

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 following factors will be the basis for evaluation of applications that meet the required minimum qualifications and basic eligibility criteria. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview and asked to provide a writing sample. A writing test may be administered.

Factor #1: Work Experience (30 Points)

● A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in an international development assistance, private sector, government, non-governmental organization, or similar office environment.

● Hands-on experience with producing communications materials across a range of technical and policy topics.

● Experience working on multiple projects simultaneously and producing high quality products under tight deadlines.

● Experience in disseminating information to diverse target audiences using multiple media and digital communications.

● Experience in event planning and execution.

Factor #3: Knowledge (30 Points)

● Knowledge of various written formats for messaging (e.g., memos, reports, talking points/speeches) targeting a wide variety of audiences.

● Excellent knowledge of English grammar and style and American word usage.

● A broad understanding of issues related to international development.

● Solid understanding of use of websites and social media for public communications.

● Familiarity with information management systems.

Factor #3: Skills and Abilities (30 Points)

● Excellent oral and written communications skills, including technical writing, editing and research skills public outreach.

● Strong organizational and project management skills including the ability to lead projects with multiple participants and ensure deadlines are met;.

● Strong writing and editing skills and attention to detail leading to written materials that are well organized, succinct, clear, and correct; and are appropriate for the intended purpose and audience.

● Ability to work with a large degree of independence and creativity to develop information products that encompass a large and complex development assistance program.

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

● Ability to compile information from technical sources, write original material, rewrite or substantively edit the inputs of others and produce content that will require little editing from others.

● Ability to apply relevant Agency communications directives and policies, including branding, and State Department formatting requirements for cables, action memoranda and other documents.

● Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, adjust priorities to meet urgent needs and still meet targets.

● Excellent computer skills, including working use of Google suite, MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

● Skills in using data visualization and graphics tools.

Factor #4: Interpersonal Skills and Cross-Cultural Communications (10 Points)

● Ability to communicate fluently in English, both in writing and orally, is necessary.

Ability to communicate in Spanish is desirable.

● Knowledge of Latin America or another region of the developing world gained through education and/or experience.

● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to apply them in a multicultural, multi-team work environment.

● Ability to establish and maintain collegial relationships with Embassy counterparts in an interagency setting.

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

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. A cover letter of no more than 1 page that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation.

3. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which, at a minimum, describes education, experience, and career achievements relevant to the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation.

4. Names of three professional references that have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation, including current and accurate contact information. This information may be included in in cover letter, resume/CV, or in a separate document.

5. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

6. Offers must be received by the closing date and time and submitted to the Point of Contact specified in Section I.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

7. Offerors submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

8. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors- The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID- 19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit and approved reasonable accommodation o the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated. *

*See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

2. Form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals”

3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843) **

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (SF-86) ** or

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

6. Fingerprint Card (FD-258) **

** Forms 3 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

[If the solicitation is also open to TCNs, the CO must insert the benefits and allowances specifically approved by the Mission Director for a TCN offeror in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B).]

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause - United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause) https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the

Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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

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: to be specified in the award

1 LOT $TBD $TBD at award after negotiations with contractor

1001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost negotiations with contractor

2001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost negotiations with contractor

3001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost negotiations with contractor

4001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost negotiations with contractor

4. 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

AAPDs/CIBs specifically applicable to this position include:

https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPD 16-03: Expanded Incentive Awards for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals

AAPD 15-02 REVISED - Continuation of Deviation from the ‘Leave and Holidays’ clause, including Family and Medical Leave, for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

AAPD 10-03 Amendment 1: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs

AAPD 10-01: Personal Services Contracts -- Changes in USG Reimbursement Amounts for Health Insurance and Physical Examination Costs

AAPD 06-10: PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

5. 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

6. 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] https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations