Solicitation 72062423R00007- West Africa CSSM - 01-13-2023.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062423R00007

ISSUANCE DATE: January 13, 2023 CLOSING DATE/TIME: February 05, 2023, /23:00

GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Offshore U.S. Personal Services Contractor Regional Program Representative, Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), USAID/West Africa

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 any offer.

All offers must be submitted to the Point of Contact via email: accrapsc@usaid.gov

Only shortlisted offerors will be contacted.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the CO via accrapsc@usaid.gov

Sincerely, James Berscheit Contracting Officer Regional Executive Office USAID/West Africa mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov

Solicitation #: 72062423R00007

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL #72062423R00007

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72062423R00007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 13, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 05, 2023/23:00

GMT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/West Africa, Accra; e-mail at accrapsc@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Regional Program Representative, Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), USAID/West Africa

6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908.00 - $129,878.00 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with an option of three (3) one-year extensions for a maximum of five (5) years.

Exercise of options will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, successful performance, and requisite approvals. Based on

Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise the additional option periods for up to three (3) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period o/a 6/2023 to 6/2025

Option Period 1 o/a 6/2025 to 6/2026

Option Period 2 o/a 6/2026 to 6/2027

Option Period 3 o/a 6/2027 to 6/2028

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/West Africa, Accra, Ghana.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens (including lawful Permanent legal residents), if dual citizen, must be clearly stated

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

a. BACKGROUND:

The USAID West Africa Regional Mission (USAID/WA) seeks an offshore U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) for the position of Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) Regional Program Representative. The Regional Program Representative is a member of USAID/West Africa, reports to the USAID/WA Mission Director, and is supported technically by the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS). The incumbent will be required to travel regionally as necessary. CSSM is a U.S.-German partnership to promote regional stability.

The USAID West Africa Regional Mission partners with regional organizations, the private sector and with local partners to achieve peace and prosperity. Our strategic vision focuses on transnational, transboundary, and multi-country issues. Our regional programs reinforce and support the United States Agency for International Development and the United States Government’s bilateral investments, moving the region toward greater freedom, prosperity, health, resilience, and, ultimately, sustainability. Delivering our programmatic services at the local, national, and regional levels, USAID/West Africa engages with West Africans to leverage the benefits of collective action.

b. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Regional Program Representative’s principal responsibility will be the co-development, and joint oversight and management of the Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) with their German counterpart. CSSM is a regional mechanism with the ability to implement activities in select countries across Coastal West Africa (CWA) and the Sahel. The incumbent will be called upon to represent CSSM’s mission and programs to senior-level government officials, in-country visitors, senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors and local government officials. In addition, the incumbent will collaborate closely with the US Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (SPCPS) interagency implementation team across CWA, and actively participate in USAID/WA’s Peace and Security Unit. In addition, the incumbent will collaborate closely with USAID/OTI’s Senior Regional Advisor in Accra and USAID/WA’s Regional Peace and Governance Office.

The Regional Program Representative will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the CSSM from its base in Accra, Ghana. Working with an Implementing Partner (IP), the Regional Program Representative must be capable of working alongside their German counterpart in overseeing grant development and implementation, technical assistance, and other assistance to beneficiaries in select countries across the region.

The CSSM is viewed as one part of the USG’s SPCPS implementation in CWA and a larger combined USG-German response to an evolving situation that also includes contextual monitoring and analytical tracking; support for pilot interventions; planning and initiating longer-term programs; enhancing regional coordination processes focused on regional stability across USG and German operating units, interagency and local partners, and other donors; and training and capacity building of personnel and implementers in the region.

In partnership with their German counterpart, the Regional Program Representative will:

● Manage a high-profile program in a dynamic environment and provide programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to CSSM’s implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to CSSM’s program objectives and are within the partner’s scope;

● Conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with program staff, USAID, U.S. Embassy, Host Country government, other donor organizations, and local civil society officials based on political analysis and U.S.

Government policy;

● Articulate program strategy, as well as communicate and coordinate CSSM’s in-country activities between CSSM and its implementing partners, USAID, and other donor organizations; prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and periodic reports to the USAID Mission, and other organizations as appropriate;

● Communicate and coordinate CSSM’s in-country activities between USAID/WA and its implementing partners, USAID, the U.S. Embassy and other donor organizations;

● Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief USAID/WA and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact;

● Analyze and report on current political developments, security concerns, and other pertinent information required to achieve CSSM’s program objectives;

● Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) or equivalent for award(s);

● Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities involving USG funding, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract, in accordance with the USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS);

● Provide technical concurrence on all implementing partner activities involving other donor funding as appropriate;

● Ensure the use of systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, as well as monitoring and evaluation;

● Ensure that programs and activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned are applied to ongoing or future activities;

● Prepare and maintain USAID’s program budgets for field operations;

● Serve as USAID’s primary liaison with Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, Host-

Country Government Officials, UN Organizations, Indigenous and International Non-

Governmental Organizations (NGOs), other donor organizations, and other pertinent organizations with regards to CSSM. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential local partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs;

● Prepare operational plans in collaboration with other donors as appropriate and the U.S.

Embassy, including logistics guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, and contingency and evacuation plans;

● Ensure that all USAID and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government; and,

● Design and review staffing plans in collaboration with other donors as appropriate to meet overall program objectives as well as recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of in-country USAID staff.

c. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS:

Supervisory Relationship: The USAID West Africa CSSM Regional Program Representative will work under the leadership of the Regional Mission Director, or her/his designate, as part of both the USAID/West Africa Peace and Security Unit and USG SPCPS Field Working Group in CWA. This position will be hired and managed by the USAID/West Africa Regional Mission in Accra.

The USAID West Africa CSSM Regional Program Representative reports to the Regional Mission Director who provides on-site line management and policy direction. They are the primary point of contact and coordinator of activities related to CSSM in-country, playing a critical role in the planning, implementing, and reporting of program performance. They will serve as Liaison to the interagency at post and ensure that the USG personnel are routinely informed about and in alignment with key CSSM developments, strategic directions, and reporting timelines. Administrative supervision by the Regional Mission Director includes approval for travel, leave, and time and attendance. These actions will be administered under the U.S. Embassy in Accra.

Supervisory Controls: The USAID/West Africa Regional Mission Director, or his/her designate, will supervise this position in sensitively and collaboratively managing the complex processes associated with planning for, implementing, and monitoring the results of the CSSM.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. However, the incumbent will direct the strategic direction of the CSSM program and provide concurrence on activities. Internally the incumbent will play a key role in shaping the Mission’s decisions regarding strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, project design and other key programming functions.

Nature, level, and purpose of contacts: The USAID CSSM Regional Program Representative is expected to meet occasionally with high-level host government officials in the region. They are required to maintain a solid working relationship with all USG Agencies represented at posts in the region to function effectively. They are required to work closely with other USG agencies as needed, foundations, NGOs, other foreign donors, and other local and international institutions as appropriate. They will represent the CSSM program to USAID and other USG leadership in the region and high level USG delegations and visitors.

Exercise of Judgment: The USAID CSSM Regional Program Representative is required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines to devise innovative approaches to resolve technical, administrative, managerial, and policy problems. Excellent, balanced judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. In addition, considerable judgment is required to work effectively with host-government officials;

coordinate multi-sectoral efforts in support of objectives; and collect, analyze, and report the progress of activities and recommend project actions. This requirement is critical to the success of the CSSM and the diplomatic priorities of the USG.

Supervision Exercised: The USAID CSSM Regional Program Representative may be asked to supervise both an institutional contractor position and locally employed staff.

Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within the first three (3) months.

Available Guidelines: The primary guidelines for this position are USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS), particularly ADS 201; Mission Orders; and USAID policies that relate to Agency programming and project development. Other guidelines include established USAID/WA administrative procedures and regulations and standard accounting, auditing and financial management operating procedures and systems requirements. The incumbent is also expected to understand specific policies and procedures of other USG agencies which are relevant to project activity planning and management. Oral guidance from the immediate Supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect the overall CSSM program and keeping abreast of evolving development on related issues in CWA.

Extraordinary Situations or Conditions: The legal, regulatory, and policy framework for the position is broadly stated and lacks detail and specificity. As a result of the nonspecific nature of these few, available guidelines, the USAID CSSM Regional Program Representative must exercise considerable judgment and ingenuity within their overall intent to devise and oversee the strategies, tactical approaches, and program initiatives that will strengthen the quality, availability, and sustainability of the CSSM program.

Security and Medical Clearance Requirements: The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance, which involves a comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency. The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a medical worldwide available clearance (Class 1) and will be expected to be able to pass random drug tests for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer. 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 of the required clearances will make the applicant ineligible for selection. The Contracting Officer will not execute an award until all medical, security and other required clearances have been obtained.

Travel Requirements: Work would be done primarily in Accra, Ghana, however, the incumbent will also travel regularly within the region.

d. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

At a minimum, the Offeror must have:

(1) A Master’s Degree with six (6) years of work experience;

OR

A Bachelor’s Degree with eight (8) years of work experience;

AND

(2) Minimum of five (5) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, stabilization programming, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis;

(3) Minimum of one (1) years of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries;

(4) A minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience (including but not limited to mentoring, training, and guiding staff).

(5) Fluency in English is required and a working proficiency in French is required.

EVALUATION FACTORS

(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.

The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)

Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses will be rated using the point system described below. Failure to fully respond to each element of each Evaluation Factor will result in a reduction of points awarded. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

1. Technical Expertise: Demonstrated ability to provide high-level analysis and technically sound recommendations on complex crises issues, policy design or support, dynamic country contexts, and/or stabilization issues and technical expertise in conceptualizing strategies and designing and managing programs to address stabilization and/or other complex crisis issues.

2. Teamwork: Proven track record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams, as a team leader (if applicable) and as a team member and sound judgment and collegiality when working in environments with colleagues of diverse backgrounds, diverse opinions, and diverse roles and responsibilities.

3. Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with high- level officials with minimal editing or supervision, proven track record of quickly gathering, analyzing and synthesizing information for use by principals, and demonstrated productive and positive communication with colleagues and peers.

BASIS OF RATING

Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The Offeror Rating System/Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:

Factor #1 – 30

Factor #2 – 20

Factor #3 – 20

Interview Performance - 30

Total Possible – 100 Points

The most qualified offerors may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, offers (written materials and interviews) may be evaluated based on content as well as on the offerors writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an offeror has fully demonstrated their qualifications and there are no other competitive offerors, USAID reserves the right to forgo the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. Offerors must submit at least three (3) professional references, one (1) of which must be a current or former supervisor. USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history. If the offeror had a previous position with USAID, the TEC and/or CO are encouraged to obtain reference checks from the previous supervisor(s) or CO(s). See ADS 309.3.1.11.a.4.

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Reference checks will be conducted for the top candidates resulting from the assessment of the evaluation factors. No score, a satisfactory or unsatisfactory rating will be applied.

Note: References may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror.

Grand Total Possible Points - 100

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. 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.

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

4. A Cover Letter of not more than three (3) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of the position.

5. A current CV/resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the Offers in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on

CV.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

6. Applicants also must address the above Section III: Evaluation and Selection Factors, in a Summary Statement to be included in the Offers. This Summary Statement must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The Summary Statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

7. Applicants must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five (5) years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

8. Copies of diplomas, certificates or relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the CV/resume.

9. Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers (if available) and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submission.

10. Submit applications via email to accrapsc@usaid.gov

11. 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 an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.

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 found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2);

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62);*

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86);* or http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

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

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

*Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS

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

1. BENEFITS:

a. Employer's FICA Contribution

b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment

d. Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

f. Annual and Sick Leave

*Note: A US citizen’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

a. Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

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

c. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

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-DEVFAR22-01c)

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

i. The fifty States;

ii. The District of Columbia;

iii. The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

iv. The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin

Islands; and

v. 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)

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 requirement of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified is the contract is in a U.S state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirement 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 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 Area is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/

3. 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:

ITEM

NO

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) QTY UNIT UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

2 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

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

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

2001 Option 2- Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

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

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

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

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

[END OF SOLICITATION]

https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations