Solicitation 72068023R00002-_PMI_Advisor Benin.pdf

7206801323R00002

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068023R00002

ISSUANCE DATE:

CLOSING

DATE/TlME:

August 29, 2023

September 29, 2023 at 12:00 noon Benin Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a United States (US) or Third Country National (TCN) Personal

Service Contractor PSC Malaria Advisor for the President's Malaria Initiative

(PMI), (GS-14 equivalent), USAID/Benin

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 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 offers.

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

Sincerely, Donald Brady

Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATIQN

1. SOLICITATION NO: 7206801323R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 29, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME

FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 29, 2023@ 12:00hrs noon, Benin Local Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/EXO HR Team; cotonouhr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Malaria Advisor for the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), GS-14

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 - $124,764 equivalent to GS-14. The Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 5 years, estimated to start on or about October 2023

"The base period will be 2 years, estimated to start on/about October 2023. Based on

Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option periods for 3 periods for the date(s) estimated as follows:"

Base Period: 10/01/2023 to 09/30/2025 Option Period 1: 10/01/2025 to 09/30/2026 Option Period 2: 10/01/2026 to 09/30/2027 Option Period 3: 10/01/2027 to 09/30/2028

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Cotonou, Benin, 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.

mailto:cotonouhr@usaid.gov

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidate must obtain both the appropriate security (Facility Access authorization) and medical clearances within a reasonable period (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made will be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

i. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The PMI USAID Resident Advisor (PMI Advisor) shall provide specialized, senior-level technical expertise in malaria, as well as leadership, guidance and overall direction on the development and execution of the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) in collaboration with the

PMI Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Resident Advisor. The PMI Resident Advisor shall liaise with backstops for the PMI in USAID Washington, CDC counterparts in country and

Atlanta, and USAID personnel working within and overseeing the Mission’s activities related to malaria control and other health areas. These responsibilities include providing expert malaria technical guidance and advice to national malaria control program and regional level counterparts, and other malaria control partners, including other United States Government

(USG) entities working in malaria prevention and control. The PMI Resident Advisor shall exercise extensive independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, in representing the

USG in critical technical and policy forums, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. The PMI Resident Advisor will also represent USAID at functions; approve policy documents; provide technical guidance and/or directly manage contracts and grants; budget; and develop planning documents and work plans.

The incumbent must possess specific technical expertise in public health and malaria treatment, prevention, and control in particular, and possess an understanding of the social, economic and cultural determinants and implications of the epidemic in Benin and neighboring countries, as well as have the experience and skills required to help formulate the USG position on malaria and make important policy decisions as a key representative of USAID in Benin.

ii. Basic Functions of the position:

1. Ensure that all activities are consistent with internationally accepted technical best practices for malaria control and relevant to the specific epidemiology of Benin and neighboring countries;

2. Collaborate with senior staff of the national malaria control program (NMCP), entomological research center (CREC) and other partners, such as the Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, World

Bank and non-governmental organizations (NGO) and faith based organizations (FBO) to design, plan and implement malaria prevention and control activities consistent with the malaria control coverage needs identified by the strategy and plans of the NMCP and PMI;

3. Coordinate with other partners and support efforts to address malaria control delivery gaps and help build technical and managerial capacity within the NMCP at the national, district and lower levels;

4. Provide technical support to all partners and managerial support as needed during design and implementation phases of the project to ensure effective implementation and quality of interventions, and that programmatic targets are met.

5. In collaboration with the USAID Supply Chain Governance Advisor, work with suppliers and partners to ensure that quality commodities are purchased in a timely and cost-effective manner. Also, ensure that pharmaceuticals and other commodities are delivered to health service delivery points to avoid stock-outs. Ensure that the absorptive capacity exists in implementation sites to receive, manage and distribute these items effectively.

6. Ensure that malaria activities are integrated into overall USAID-supported health activities and to coordinate these activities with the NMCP, CREC and Ministry of Health (MOH) to avoid duplication of effort and programming gaps;

7. Assist the PMI administrative manager to ensure full accountability and value for money of funds provided by the PMI;

8. Serve as the AOR/COR for the malaria program and ensure that financial and technical reports on the President’s Malaria Initiative in Benin are prepared and submitted as required;

9. Assist the NMCP, CREC and MOH in ensuring effective communication and coordination between Roll Back Malaria and Global Fund partners, including donor agencies and other stakeholders working on malaria control in Benin and neighboring countries;

10. Ensure effective coordination and collaboration between MOH departments related to malaria prevention and control in Benin. These departments include the NMCP, Department of

Disease Control, Department of Family Health, and others as appropriate;

11. In collaboration with CDC Resident Advisor, the PMI Project Management Specialist and

PMI Data Specialist, work with the NMCP, CREC and other partners to develop and execute a monitoring and evaluation plan to be implemented through existing MOH systems and existing USG supported mechanisms. Carry out monitoring and evaluation visits to implementation sites to ascertain all quantitative and qualitative data is collected properly and ensure programmatic quality and value for money are maintained;

12. Ensure that financial and technical reports on PMI in Benin are prepared and submitted as required. More specifically, provide and coordinate inputs to PMI/Washington for the development and completion of the Annual Report.

iii. Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The PMI Resident Advisor, in collaboration with the PMI CDC Resident Advisor, shall oversee the technical design, planning, implementing, and monitoring of the PMI. S/he shall work in tandem with the PMI CDC Resident Advisor in liaising with backstops for the PMI in

USAID Washington, counterparts at CDC Atlanta, USAID personnel working within and overseeing USAID’s health activities and providing technical and managerial support to the

CREC and NMCP Directors and their staff and helping to build capacity within CREC and

NMCP. In addition, the PMI Resident Advisor shall represent USAID and the USG on various national and international technical and policy forums.

The PMI Resident Advisor is supervised by the USAID Health Office Director and in his/her absence by USAID/Benin Country Representative with occasional oversight from the

USAID/Washington PMI Director. The PMI Resident Advisor will supervise the FSN

Malaria Specialist and FSN Malaria Data Specialist. The PMI Resident Advisor, the PMI

CDC Resident Advisor, the FSN Malaria Specialist and the FSN Malaria Data Specialist will be fully integrated within USAID in Benin and fully participate in USAID health office and

USAID-wide activities.

Specifically, the PMI Resident Advisor shall provide:

● Technical Leadership (35%): The incumbent, working in collaboration with the NMCP, with support from Washington, will be responsible for developing and providing expert malaria technical guidance and advice to guide planning and implementation of malaria control interventions. The incumbent will be responsible for developing annual work plans in line with PMI objectives and goals. This will include but is not limited to case management of malaria in health facilities and at the community level; distribution of LLINs through health facilities, large-scale campaigns, and the private sector; intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women; seasonal chemoprophylaxis for children under five; indoor residual spraying; and developing information, education and communications materials to promote the use of these interventions.

● Management of Activity Implementation (25%): The incumbent, in collaboration with the

NMCP and CREC, will be responsible for project oversight and management. This includes but is not limited to malaria prevention and control activities such as behavior change and communication activities, bed net purchase and distribution through the existing health services and at the community level, antimalarial drug purchase and distribution through the existing health services, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) coverage and the diagnosis and treatment of acute malaria, and indoor residual spraying. The incumbent, in collaboration with the PMI CDC Resident Advisor, will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting the results of all PMI activities. The PMI Resident Advisor shall manage and oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices. Provide in-depth review of work plans including strategies and approaches proposed by implementing partners to carry out activities. The incumbent is also expected to have a working knowledge of other health programmatic activities and actively seek to identify synergies and create linkages for greater efficiency in programming foreign assistance resources.

● Partner Relationships (20%): Successful performance in this position depends upon establishing and maintaining productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders such as the MOH, Benin’s regional governments, World Bank, Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, other Donors, and NGOs dealing with issues focusing on malaria. The PMI Resident Advisor shall, therefore, develop and maintain relationships with these partners and stakeholders in order to effectively assure that all of USG PMI’s activities are complementary and enhance all other malaria activities being implemented in the country.

The incumbent will participate in meetings hosted by the NMCP on malaria and play a technical leadership role in the sector.

● Teamwork (10%): The incumbent is a member of the USAID health office and is required to work closely with the rest of the team under the leadership of the Health Office Director to meet USAID health objectives in Benin. The incumbent is also expected to have regular communication with USAID/Washington PMI and CDC/Atlanta PMI teams.

● Monitoring and Evaluation (10%): Monitoring and evaluation is a key component of PMI.

The PMI Resident Advisor shall be responsible for working with the PMI CDC Resident

Advisor in developing a monitoring and evaluation plan in line with the PMI targets, as well as ensuring that PMI partners develop project monitoring plans and report in a timely manner on their activities. It is also expected that the PMI Resident Advisor shall provide expert advice and practical experience in helping the MOH, the NMCP and other partners to monitor inputs and outcomes, progress towards RBM goals, and how to execute it jointly.

iv. Supervisory Relationship

The Malaria Advisor reports directly to the Director of the USAID/Benin Health Office and also receives programmatic guidance from the Malaria Division within the Bureau for Global

Health within USAID/Washington. The Malaria Advisor works with minimum supervision and, along with the CDC Resident Advisor, is responsible for monitoring and reporting the results of all PMI activities. The Malaria Advisor is required to exercise comprehensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, including the specific approach to be taken, the resolution of problems and conflicts, and the meeting of deadlines.

The Malaria Advisor supervises two employees - one Malaria Specialist and one Malaria

Data Management Specialist - including drafting the employees' annual performance review, setting work targets, and developing their individual development plans.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the United States, or to other

Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

"If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the

TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 10 days a month of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC 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

i. Education: A minimum of a master’s degree in public health, tropical medicine, epidemiology, international health, or other health science is required.

ii. Prior Work Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing, and managing malaria and other health programs in sub-

Saharan Africa. Experience in malaria prevention, control and/or treatment programming such as, case management of malaria in health facilities and at the community level; distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) through health facilities, large-scale campaigns, and the private sector; intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women; seasonal chemoprophylaxis for children under five; and indoor residual spraying. At least five years' experience leading teams and cultivating successful partnerships with governments, donor partners, civil society, and private enterprises to advance national public health priorities.

Ill 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.

Offerors who meet the basic qualifications will be rated and ranked according to the following job related criteria. Top candidates will be invited for an oral interview.

Technical Knowledge and Development Program Management Experience (40 points)

i. Expertise of malaria or vector borne diseases, including but not limited to vector control, entomology, clinical case management of malaria, epidemic surveillance, commodity forecasting, and program monitoring and evaluation.

ii. Understanding of malaria programming including such as, case management of malaria in health facilities and at the community level; campaigns to distribute long-lasting insecticide nets; intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women; seasonal chemoprophylaxis for children under five; indoor residual spraying.

iii. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods for the development of evaluation/research agendas and related scopes of work.

Skills and Abilities (35 points)

i. Technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required.

ii. Analytical ability to interpret public policy and apply it to programming.

iii. Performance management of programs and teams to produce quality results, including budget management; mentoring/coaching and staff development; and programmatic monitoring and evaluation.

iv. Program and policy development for national malaria prevention and control.

v. Interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy to establish and sustain effective working relationships with senior officials; navigate and manage politically sensitive issues; broker consensus and negotiate win-win solutions to difficult situations; work effectively with a variety of people from various backgrounds; and promote a team environment.

vi. Oral and written communication in English to translate highly technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences; Ability to develop and deliver compelling and persuasive technical presentations to senior USG and host-government officials, as well as international audiences.

vii. Computer skills including ability to navigate the Internet, manage email applications, use Microsoft suite of applications and use statistical or other types of analytical software (e.g.) SPSS Statistics), as relevant.

Demonstrated Teamwork and Interdisciplinary Approach (25 points)

i. The ability to work in a team setting and to maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of governmental and non-governmental professionals at all levels of Benin society.

ii. A high level of socio-cultural sensitivity and judgment in dealing effectively http://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far with malaria as it affects all segments of Benin society.

iii. Oral and written French proficiency is a requirement for the position and will be assessed.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

l. The application package should be submitted via email to Cotonouhr@usaid.gov to the attention of the Human Resources Office and must include:

Signed USAID Form AID 309-2 PSC Application Form (Offeror Information for

Personal Services Contracts) with handwritten signature (available at the USAID website, https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personalservices-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2 or https://www.google.com/search?q=usaid+aid+309-2

An application letter, detailing how the applicant meets the above minimum qualifications and selection criteria. Please type in the letter your response to each item, e.g., Education, and state how you meet the targeted minimum qualifications.

Failure to do this will result in you not being shortlisted.

Current curriculum vitae (CV).

A current resume relevant to the position (no more than 2 pages).

Any other documentation that addresses the qualification requirements of the position listed above.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and questions relating to the solicitation submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 4.

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

Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - Please be advised that upon award, the contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of on-boarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated. USPSCs/TCNPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S.

Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR IO AWARD

1. Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

a. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Fonns)

b. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

c. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) mailto:Cotonouhr@usaid.gov

d. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

2. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors -

Please be advised that, upon award, the contractor will be required to follow the

Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding

COVID-19 requirements.

V. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

I. BENEFITS:

(a) Employee's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution towards Health and 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

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

VI. TAXES

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

VII. USAlD REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

I. 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/l868/aidar O.pdf

2. AAPD 21-04 Revision 3 - New award requirements to implement Executive Order

(E.O.) 14042 on Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/202 I /09/09/executive-order-on ensuring-adequate-covid-safety-protocols-for-federal-contractors/ issued on

September 9, 2021. The requirements in this E.O. are applicable to contracts (including personal services contracts) and contract-like awards, with the goals of maximizing the number of individuals vaccinated and decreasing the spread of COVID-19.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEVFAR-22-0lc) http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/l868/aidarO.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/202

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas -

(l) 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, dates September 9, 2021

(published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86FR 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.

(d) (End of clause)

3. 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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar 0.pdf

4. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be dete1mined upon contract award.

LINE ITEMS

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

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: R497

- Accounting Info:

TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor_

2001 Option Period 2 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service

Code: R497

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor_ http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/forms

- Accounting Info:

TBD

3001 Option Period 3 –

Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service

Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor_

5. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

6. 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%20Regu1ations.

7. 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/persoual-service-contracts-ombudsman.

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regu1ations http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/persoual-service-contracts-ombudsman http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/persoual-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov