SOLICITATION_72067524R00008_Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist.pdf

Debbie Jackson Digitally signed by Debbie Jackson Date: 2024.10.24 18:45:14 Z

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72067524R00008

ISSUANCE DATE: October 25, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 14, 2024

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) and Third Country National Personal Services Contractor (TCNPSC) - Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist

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 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 this solicitation.

Sincerely, Debbie Jackson

Contracting Executive Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72067524R00008

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 25, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 14, 2024

4. POINT OF CONTACT: HR TEAM, email at conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: SENIOR ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

6. MARKET VALUE: $88,520 - $115,079 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.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : Guinea with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

Overseas USPSCs and TCNPSCs not subject to the local compensation plan, 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: Exact period of performance will be determined upon receipt of security/medical clearances. The base period will be two years. Based on the Agency’s continued need for services, funds availability and satisfactory performance, the Contracting Officer may exercise up to 3 additional option periods for a total of 5 years.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: US nationals and Third Country Nationals

“U.S. national (USN)” means an individual who is a U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

“Third Country National” (“TCN”) means an individual who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is eligible for return to their home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The selected offeror must be able to obtain a security clearance at the “Facility Access” level, and appropriate medical clearance within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded. If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the secret/top secret level, the offeror/incumbent may be asked to obtain and maintain the required level clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. Background Information.

The USAID Mission based in Guinea oversees operations in both Guinea and Sierra Leone, with programs focusing on health, governance and women’s empowerment.

The Mission’s combined financial responsibility for these country programs is $40 million. There are 14 active awards in the two countries and 2 new procurements under development.

The Senior Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist is a member of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance located in Conakry, Guinea. The team is composed of the USDH Contracting Officer, the USPSC Contracting/Agreement Officer, the US/TCNPSC Senior A&A Specialist, three CCNPSC A&A Specialists.

The optimal applicant for this Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist position will possess extensive knowledge of US federal contracting and assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) principles, policies, and procedures from pre-award through post-award phases. In addition, this senior PSC will need a well seasoned familiarity with development principles, federal procurement mechanisms and donor/Non Governmental Organization (NGO) partnering. S/he exercises leadership in conducting technically proficient procurement and assistance, fully complying with all relevant laws, regulations and procedures and performs in a positive, team and customer oriented manner.

B. Basic Function

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is located within USAID/Guinea and reports to the Contracting/Agreement Officer. The Sr. A&A Specialist ensures that all A&A activities conform to the defined Development Objectives (DOs) of the Guinea and Sierra Leone Mission, serves as a core team member of the Mission’s technical teams, provides guidance, assists on acquisition and assistance related matters, and contributes to overall Mission team work.

The Contractor shall provide support on all aspects of A&A award administration relating to and affecting USAID Mission-funded acquisition and assistance activities.

The Contractor will be responsible for pre and post award stages of activities including planning, developing, negotiating, carrying out, managing, and advising on all aspects of procurement relating to and affecting USAID’s A&A programs, policy, project planning, activity design, solicitation, evaluation and award. In addition to these functions, the Contractor will participate in Mission strategic planning and policy formulation. S/he will lead the development and implementation of the Mission procurement plan advising the Contracting Officer and Mission Management of progress made.

The Contractor must be able to integrate issues, apply creative problem solving, and introduce innovative procurement mechanisms to realize Mission objectives. The Contractor will serve as an Acquisition and Assistance resource for the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) as well as technical team members, providing

A&A training and mentoring to both A&A and technical staff. Travel may be necessary to Sierra Leone.

C. Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will be responsible for planning, developing, soliciting, negotiating, managing, and advising on procurements in relation to the Mission's acquisition and assistance programs. The Senior A&A Specialist will participate in "cradle to grave" actions - from project design through negotiation, administration and close-out. The Sr. A&A Specialist must provide technical assistance necessary to execute a full range of procurement actions in support of USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone. He/she must also be available for consultation on acquisition and assistance issues. The incumbent will be required to mentor and conduct on-the-job training to junior/less experienced OAA and technical staff on A&A policies and practices.

The incumbent, in consultation with the Contracting Officer, shall perform the following specific functions including but not limited to:

a) Pre-Award Expertise and Services (50%)

Perform all actions required to conceptualize, plan, solicit, negotiate and award acquisition and assistance actions of varying complexity. Conduct A&A planning and subsequent pre-award activities fully supportive of USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone development objectives and related results and requirements.

Organize, direct, conduct and/or coordinate continued engagement with Agency stakeholders including updating the Agency A&A Plan and Business Forecast, responding to inquiries on a timely basis and organizing, when needed, pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences for procurement actions and preparing Requests for Information (RFI).

Review requests for A&A actions (to include consulting on scope of work, program description, and other pre-award documents), and manage the A&A process whereby the comprehensive requirements of the Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FAR and AIDAR), Award Information Bulletins (CIBs), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Procurement Executive Bulletins (PEBs), Code of Federal Regulations CFR), Office of Management & Budget Circulars (OMB Circulars), Automated Directive System (ADS), Mission Orders, etc., are used to competitively, (or when justified, via other means), proceed through the entire activity design and proposal/application solicitation process.

Prepare instructions for Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) members and Chairperson and manage the technical and cost/price evaluation process plus subsequent negotiation processes in all actions (competitive or otherwise) to arrive at best value and instrument decision. This includes ensuring fully documented files in the Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking System (ASIST) and on the Mission’s electronic storage drive(s) with certifications, Agency and Mission-specific authorizations, justifications for exception to competition when required, negotiation memorandum reflecting complete explanations for Contracting Officer decision rationales, and a comprehensive record of commitments, obligations, and key correspondence of the parties. Manage the award process from beginning to conclusion (all pre Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) and PALT requirements) with fully executed award or assistance documents.

Assist the Contracting Officer in the determination of the competitive range and prepare defensible justifications and Source Selection Memoranda. Guide technical teams in pre-PALT requirements for awards and modifications. Prepare awards and modifications in Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) with complete supporting documents including comprehensive Negotiation Memorandum with detailed cost analysis, for the Contracting Officer’s signature.

Develop long-range plans for new or complex programs in collaboration with Mission technical offices, lead in the preparation and update of procurement plans, provide OAA guidance on pipeline / forward funding analyses and portfolio reviews, review project papers and represent OAA at program planning meetings.

Identify services to be acquired by award, grant or cooperative agreement or Inter-agency Agreement. Prepare and monitor milestone plans for every award, ensure timely implementation, and keep the Contracting Officer informed of anticipated workload demands. Anticipate problems and provide advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required. Serve on activity development teams.

Serve as an advisor to the program office and activity planners. Advise on the procurement instruments to be used, assist in the preparation of program descriptions and prepare technical evaluation committee guidance. Provide guidance and training to project/technical staff on USAID regulations, CFR and FAR requirements.

Collaborate in the development of evaluation criteria.

b) Post-Award Expertise and Services (35%)

Perform all actions required to administer the complete variety of A&A instruments from contractor/recipient mobilization through to closeout. Rely on a comprehensive mastery of the Mission Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), Project Appraisal Documents (PADs), FAR, AIDAR, ADS, CFR, OMB Circulars, PEBs, Mission Orders, and other procurement/assistance sources to assure output-based administration and achievement of the Mission's programs and timely delivery of the purchased supplies and/or services.

Exercise a proactive role during the administration phase to include coordinating with technical, controller and legal offices, conducting meetings and conferences as required, maintaining good communications with contractors, recipients and grantees, interpreting award or award provisions, reviewing and preparing requests for Contracting Officer approval, and negotiating and finalizing instrument modifications when warranted.

Guide and oversee the CCNPSC A&A Specialists in all post- award functions through close-out, ensure there are no pending administrative actions, that the award is complete in every aspect, and all approvals have been obtained including final audits, indirect cost matters, and any needed final modifications. Coordinate special requirements with other U.S. Government offices and agencies, including the Regional Inspector General (RIG) and Small Business Administration (SBA).

Ensure that the results required are documented.

Ensure award terms and conditions are met and that the implementing partner delivers the required goods or services in a timely manner to achieve the objectives of the Mission’s projects and programs. Interpret award provisions for recipients and contractors. Perform periodic site visits, limited financial reviews, prepare rate and cost adjustments, redirect levels of effort, review and prepare modifications and/or approvals for time and cost extensions, change orders, stop work orders, sub-award consents, incremental funding, key personnel, equipment purchases, property disposition, cure notices or show cause letters, and oversee award closeout. Advise technical office counterparts and implementing partners on their administration responsibilities contained in awards. Advise technical offices on resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver requests, expediting of deliveries, apparent overlapping responsibilities, and resolution of claims.

Respond to protests, audits and limited financial review findings and recommendations by researching and developing necessary analysis, documentation, and history of the awards. Work with the Regional Legal Officer (RLO) and Controller in preparing the Mission’s position and provide assistance to the Contracting Officer to support the Government's defense on protests to the General Accounting Office (GAO), and programmatic and financial audits conducted by the Regional Inspector General (RIG).

Assist Contracting Officer with conduction of pre-award and post award surveys when needed. Evaluate the adequacy of the contractor's / recipient’s business management systems for areas such as personnel compensation, procurement, insurance, sub-contracting procedures, financial management, and results of financial audits, for ability to perform and for compliance with federal regulatory requirements, when needed.

Resolve audit findings on post-award audits. Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations to managers as a result of the reviews. Conduct in-depth compliance review and evaluation of complex, unusual, or unprecedented award actions requiring higher-level approval. Ensure that award terms and conditions are met. Recommend issuing cure or show-cause notices when the Contractor is not in compliance. Prepare termination of awards for the convenience of the government or default by the awardee.

Prepare all documentation necessary to support and defend termination decisions.

Negotiate termination claims settlement.

c) Staff Development and Policy Analysis (15%)

Serve as a key trainer and advisor for the CCNPSC (FSN) A&A staff and Agreement/Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/COR) in USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone as needed by providing them with advice, training and support. The training/mentoring will include formal presentations / job-specific technical training, informal day-to-day training and sharing of experience based knowledge. The training shall encompass procurement planning, design and solicitation processes, negotiation and award, award compliance monitoring and administration, cost realism analysis, market research, forward funding/pipeline analysis, design of tools and templates to utilize in training, and other topics as assigned.

Represent the OAA viewpoint with the objective of having all team members fully understand and appreciate the key nature of the procurement and assistance function, how to obtain needed services or assistance to meet time schedules, as well as the statutory and procedural requirements established by Federal and USAID authorities for the purpose of protecting the U.S. Government’s best interests.

Track new procurement and procurement related policies and procedures and prepare presentations/ guidance on new procurement and procurement related policies and procedures for A&A staff and Contracts Officer’s Representatives and Agreement Officer’s Representatives (AOR/CORs). Provide advice on Acquisition and Assistance policies and procedures to external groups (e.g., other USG agencies, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), public international organizations (PIOs), for-profit contractors, other donors, etc.).

Recommend new or improved processes in or related to procurement, e.g., develop pre-PALT checklist and timeline for technical teams, formulate guidelines, implement new developments, and provide policy interpretation for contracting activities.

Ensure that all necessary documentation (e.g., memoranda, correspondence, technical papers, sub-award consent requests, authority to make grants under awards, salary and personnel approvals, equipment approvals, and Congressional inquiries) for all current A&A actions are maintained by A&A staff according to USAID records management regulations in ASIST and on the Mission’s p: drive. Ensure A&A staff provide timely reminders to COR/AORs of their Continuous Learning Point (CLP) requirements for Federal Acquisition Institute FAI CSOD) and GLAAS and to maintain current certifications in FAI CSOD and active roles in GLAAS.

Ensure all Supervisors maintain active authorizations in FAI CSOD and in GLAAS.

D. Supervision and management responsibilities

Supervision Received: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist will report to the Contracting/Agreement Officer or designee.

Supervision Exercised: Will provide supervision to three Acquisition and Assistance Specialists (ladder positions) as designated.

Exercise of Judgment: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying acquisition and assistance regulations in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. Position requires a high level of ability with regard to understanding Contracting and assistance policies and regulations and the ability to analyze situations and accurately apply those regulations and make sound judgment.

Authority to make commitments: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist does not have the authority to sign A&A instruments or other documents that require a warrant, and no authority to make legal determinations that have the effect of binding the Government.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist establishes and maintains solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel, contractors and assistance recipients.

Time required to perform full range of duties: The Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist is expected to be an expert in the field of USG acquisition and assistance procedures.

Physical Demands/ Work Environment: The work is sedentary and performed in an office setting, unless travel to Freetown or site visits in Guinea and Sierra Leone are needed.

If a third country national (CCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 10 hours/week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC’s Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a four-year U.S. University degree (equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution) in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management is required.

Work Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of seven (07) years of Acquisition and Assistance experience with the U.S. government in complex pre-award, award, and post-award responsibilities. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment and lead teams in the full range of responsibilities - procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. Experience that demonstrates pre-award skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration.

In addition, applicants must have completed the Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting (FAC-C) Professional training.

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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together.

USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

1. EVALUATION FACTORS

Education (10 points): A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a four-year U.S.

University degree (equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution) in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management is required.

Work Experience (20 points): Applicants must have a minimum of seven (07) years of Acquisition and Assistance experience with the U.S. government in complex pre-award, award, and post-award responsibilities. Demonstrated prior experience and ability to exercise independent judgment and lead teams in the full range of responsibilities -procurement planning, solicitation, analysis and evaluation of proposals, negotiation and award of acquisition and assistance instruments, cost and price analysis, administration, termination, negotiation of changes, execution of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance and disposition of claims. Experience that demonstrates pre-award skills and experience in making formal presentations and in post award administration.

Job Knowledge (30 points): Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following A&A competencies: knowledge of FAR, USAID A&A regulations, and agency-specific policies and procedures; knowledge contract types and possession of requisite skills for the particular A&A assignments (e.g. task orders, commercial items, etc.); analytical skills to review a statement of work (or program description) for contract ability, consistency, readability and completeness; ability to prepare solicitations and review and assist in the development of instructions for offerors/applicants and evaluation criteria.

Skills and Abilities (40 points): Applicants must demonstrate their skills, and abilities in advanced conceptualization, analyzing and organizing a large amount of complex information simultaneously, and strategic planning. Attention to detail and an ability to work calmly and skillfully under pressure are essential.

Ability to analyze business proposals and negotiate to orchestrate “win-win” settlements between disparate parties is required. The abilities to organize and manage a large volume of work; establish and sustain high level missions/agency, host country/business community relationships; and collaborate with, lead and supervise professional-level staff are required.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with high-level representatives of the US and Regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments, particularly in operations within a challenging environment.

Skills in researching, preparing and presenting oral and written reports and ability to influence opinions of others are necessary.

Required computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, web-based applications (i.e. Google Business suite), and database front-end programs.

Fluent spoken/written English (Level IV) and the ability to compose administrative correspondence and contractual language are required. French familiarity but not required.

2. SELECTION PROCESS

After the closing date of the solicitation, the Human Resources Office will assess which applications meet the minimum Education and Work Experience qualifications.

Applications that meet all minimum qualifications will be further evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) based on the evaluation factors listed above.

Applicants with the highest scores will be invited for an interview.

Professional references will be conducted for selected candidates and will be utilized as part of the TEC’s recommendation process to the Contracting Officer.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

2. Cover Letter: The cover letter should contain an overview of the applicant’s qualifications and must state how the applicant meets the evaluation criteria in accordance with Item III “Evaluation and Selection Factors”.

3. Current resume/curriculum vitae: Qualified Offerors must submit a complete resume that includes: 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 may not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

a) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

b) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments.

4. References: Offerors are required to provide 3-5 references who are not family members or relatives. References should include at least one (1) current or former supervisor who can provide information regarding applicant job knowledge and professional work experience.

5. USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

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

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

SELF CERTIFICATION

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

● For the Apparently Successful Offeror:

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

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

USE OF THE AGENCY’S MISCONDUCT PORTAL AND INQUIRIES

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

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

NEW ENTRANT ORIENTATION (NEO)

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

For PSCs onboarded overseas, including CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, the PSC must complete an online module related to USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as administered by their cognizant CO as part of their onboarding process.

The CO will include documentation in the award file that the PSC has completed the online module and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

6. 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.

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

All the above-mentioned documents are REQUIRED and must be in ENGLISH. Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered

The Agency retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

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. DS-1843 Medical History and Examination - for individuals age 12 and older

2. DS-1622 Medical History and Examination - for children age 11 and younger

3. DS-3057 Medical Clearance Update (MCU)

Found at https://www.state.gov/forms-medical-clearances

4. SF-85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (USN and TCN)

5. OF-306, Declaration of Federal Employment (US)

6. SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Position (US)

7. SF-87, Fingerprint Card (US)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

● USPSC

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

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

(a) Temporary Quarters 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)

● TCNPSC

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(b) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(d) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES (as 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 Quarters 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)

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. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTI

TY

(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: [e.g.

R497]

● Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

2 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: [e.g.

R497]

● Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

1002 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

● Award Type: Cost

● Product Service Code: [e.g.

R497]

● Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after 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.

USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives AAPD-20-08 Rev1): Leave and Holidays for CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, including country leave for qualifying posts for eligible TCNPSCs, available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/aapd- 20-08 Rev1_0.pdf

USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives AAPD-18-02 Rev3: Revisions to Medevac Policies for USPSCs and TCNPSCs, available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/AAPD-18-02-Rev3.pdf

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/resources_standards-of-conduct

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.

7. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED

APPLICATION

JUN

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The U.S. Mission in Guinea provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or transgender status), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, marital or parental status, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, political affiliation, or involvement in protected equal employment opportunity (EEO) activity. USAID/Guinea also strives to achieve equal employment opportunities in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

END OF SOLICITATION