Solicitation 72068821R00001 USAID Mali Senior Pubic Health Advisor_FINAL (1).pdf

U.S Agency for International Development s/c U.S Embassy ACI 2000, Rue 243 Porte 297 B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

Tel: (223) 2070-23-00 Fax: (223) 2022-39-33 http://mali.usaid.gov

SOLICITATION No.: 72068821R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: 10/27/2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 11/17/2020 at 17:00 GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation (72068821R00001) for U.S Personal Services Contract (U.S. PSC) –

Senior Public Health Advisor

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development

Mali, is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contractor

(PSC) services as described in this solicitation.

Applicants must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID/Mali to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit

USAID/Mali 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 the attached information.

Sincerely, Douglas Quiggle

Supervisory Executive Officer (Contracting Officer) http://mali.usaid.gov/

U.S. Agency for International Development

ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297

B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

Tel: (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33

ATTACHMENT 1 72068821R00001

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068821R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 10/27/2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 11/17/2020 at 17:00 GMT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Douglas Quiggle, e-mail at dquiggle@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Public Health Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977 - $120,868 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value (GS-14 grade range).

Candidate’s work experience and educational background would be considered. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, estimated to start o/a January 2021.

The base period will be for two years, estimated to start on January 2021, however, immediate upon receipt of Security/Medical clearances. Based on Agency need, the

Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for three years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period o/a January 2021 to January 2023

Option Period 1: o/a January 2023 to January 2024

Option Period 2: o/a January 2024 to January 2025

Option Period 3: o/a January 2025 to January 2026

The exercise of OPs will be pursuant to the FAR 52.217-9, therefore the total duration of this contract, including OP, will not exceed five years.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bamako, Mali

With possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

Mali is considered by the U.S Government as an Adult EFMs (age 21 and over) only post, with 25% danger pay & 30% post differential salary supplement.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens, and Resident Aliens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful candidate will be required to obtain a security clearance “Secret” as a pre-condition for employment.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

11.1 COUNTRY AND BACKGROUND

With immense security and developmental challenges, Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world. Mali has a population of nearly 16.5 million (2015), Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of mailto:dquiggle@usaid.gov http://mali.usaid.gov roughly $12 billion (2014) and GDP per-capita of $1,700 (2014). With slightly less than 50% of the population living in extreme poverty on less than $1.90/day and a life expectancy of 55 years, Mali ranks 176 out of 187 according to the 2014 United Nation’s (UN) Human Development Index.

Historically, Malians have faced numerous obstacles such as lack of education and economic opportunities, chronic malnutrition and food insecurity, an inadequate health care system, endemic corruption and weak institutions, and recurring insecurity due to conflict. In the post-coup era, Mali has formed a new government and has received increased focus and support from the international community. This presents an opportunity for Malians to confront these challenges and to forge a new future.

Mali has achieved improvements in health over the last 10 years, especially in the areas of child mortality reduction, uptake of modern contraceptive methods, and health facility-based births.

Survey data show that maternal and child mortality rates are decreasing. Despite these improvements, mortality and morbidity rates among women and children remain alarmingly high. Acute preventable childhood diseases, childbirth complications, nutritional disorders, infectious diseases, and water, food and vector-borne diseases are prevalent at high rates. Such conditions are associated with pervasive poverty, low education and literacy rates, high fertility, low levels of hygiene and sanitation, poor access to safe drinking water, severe gender inequality, and ongoing political instability. These problems are further exacerbated by poor utilization of health resources, shortages of adequately trained personnel, underdeveloped or destroyed infrastructure, and weak public sector governance, management, and lack of accountability. Poor coordination of health investments in the country as well as inconsistent engagement of local communities in health service and systems have led to stagnated improvements in some health indicators.

Mali is considered by the US Government as a high-threat post, with a 25% danger pay salary supplement and is a non-dependent (under 21 years) post.

11.2 BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

The Senior Public Health Advisor (SPHA) is the principal portfolio manager/administrator/technical advisor for selected public health areas. S/he is a senior manager within the Health Office serving as

Team Leader of the five-member Health Services Team, responsible for maternal and child health

(MCH), family planning (FP), nutrition, water and sanitation for health (WASH) and infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS. S/he is responsible for strategically managing resources to achieve both the short-term and long-term results identified in USAID Mali’s five-year health strategy (2018-

2023), managing specific portfolio activities, and helping ensure results, reporting information and analysis. S/he is also responsible for working with other Health Office teams including Health

Systems, Malaria, and Program and Operations, as well as members of other Mission program areas in identifying and operationalizing ways to maximize interventions across the portfolio, i.e., identifying opportunities for complementarities in health and education, food security, humanitarian assistance, governance, communication and economic growth through agriculture.

The SPHA provides technical and administrative guidance on the development and execution of the

USAID Mali Health Office interventions implemented by the collaborating agencies. S/he participates in the USAID process of programming allocated funding resources, and ensures that contractual and financial requirements are met. S/he works with a range of partners, such as US

Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), local Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), Cooperating Agencies and private partners, including those activities funded through USAID/W, to ensure that activities are consistent with the USAID/Mali Health priorities, USAID policy and http://mali.usaid.gov practice, and that agreed-upon results are being achieved. The incumbent ensures communication flow between USAID public and private partners, and actively contributes to bringing the various actors together. S/he also consults with other donors active in the health sector and identifies opportunities for collaboration and coordination of interventions.

The SPHA leads the management of PEPFAR in the Health Office. The Health Services Team contains the PEPFAR Infectious Disease Specialist who spends 50% of their time managing PEPFAR related activities. The SPHA is responsible for coordinating PEPFAR management, coordination and reporting with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), USAID’s West Africa Regional Office, and

USAID’s Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) and the Office of Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) in

Washington.

11.3 MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

11.3.1 Manage the Health Services Team (25%)

As leader of the Health Services Team, the incumbent will be responsible for the leadership and technical direction of the team, and the supervision of team members, making sure team members have appropriate work objectives to carry out the strategic mission of the team. S/he will also be responsible for setting targets for and measuring the results of the team’s activities and accomplishments. S/he will mentor, supervise and support team members as appropriate to be effective USAID custodians of USG development assistance.

11.3.2 Public Health Activity Development and Design (20%)

The incumbent will be responsible for developing annual operational plans for health service elements and sub-elements within the Health Office’s perspectives and goals. This will include but is not limited to MCH, FP, Nutrition, WASH, HIV/AIDS and infectious disease control. S/he oversees the health service components of the Health Office budgets and responds to requests from the Mission and Washington regarding budgetary and reporting needs and expenditures as and when appropriate.

11.3.3 Management of Activity Implementation (15%)

Using adaptive management, the incumbent will hold primary responsibility for providing strategic technical guidance to implementing partners and the Health Services Team to ensure sound management of health interventions, and discussing improvements with implementing partners to ensure they are achieving their results. At the same time, s/he ensures USAID/Mali health service activities are complementary to efforts of other donors and with the Malian Ministry of Health. S/he manages contractors and grantees by serving as a Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative

(COR/AOR) for selected implementing partners. This will include managing funding, program monitoring and reporting. S/he monitors field support activities and liaises with field support

COR/AORs in Washington. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring and reporting the results of all Health Service activities including FP compliance. The SPHA shall oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices. S/he will review and analyze data and information on relevant technical areas as a basis for providing up-to-date information on impact, effectiveness, outputs and inputs to programs.

11.3.4 Partner Relationships (20%)

The incumbent will establish and maintain productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders including senior and central divisions of the MOH and their Regional

Health Teams, World Bank, Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, other donors, and NGOs dealing with issues focusing on health services. S/he will develop and maintain relationships with these partners and stakeholders in order to effectively assure that all of USAID Mali health activities are complementary to other stakeholder efforts to enhance child health impact in Mali. S/he will chair donor/GOM technical working groups and provide senior leadership in influencing the health sector in Mali. S/he will also serve as one of the primary USAID representatives to the Minister of Health and serve on the Minister’s donor advisory board.

11.3.5 PEPFAR Coordination (20%)

The incumbent manages the USAID/Mali PEPFAR program. S/he coordinates activities with the

CDC, and works with the USAID Regional West Africa Office, and OHA and OGAC in Washington to ensure the proper and effective development of Country Operation Plans, implementation of activities and collection and reporting of PEPFAR indicators.

11.4 SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The incumbent reports directly to the Health Office Director, develops and negotiates his/her work plan with her/him, and will serve as Acting Deputy Health Director or Acting Health Director as needed, sometimes for extended periods of time.

11.5 SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The incumbent will supervise a team including the Nutrition Advisor, the Family Planning Advisor, the Infectious Disease Advisor and the Public Health Specialist. S/he works regularly with the financial analyst and the HIV/AIDS M&E Specialist on the Health Team and with other technical and support teams in the Mission, regarding specific policies, issues and implementing mechanisms affecting health. The incumbent will represent USAID to the US Embassy and also serve as Acting

Deputy Health Director/Health Director as needed and may assume the responsibilities of COR/AOR for one or more implementing mechanisms in the USAID Mali Health Office.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. The incumbent attend numerous internal and external meetings and carry out health program/project field visits.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID/Mali reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection. Applications will be pre-screened and offerors meeting the minimum required http://mali.usaid.gov qualifications for the position will be further evaluated by a panel based on the information/ documentation presented in the application package.

The following are the position minimum qualifications used to determine which offers must be rejected, and which can advance to evaluation:

1) U.S. citizenship or Resident Alien

2) Minimum of a Master’s Degree in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution and/or clinical qualifications. Educational specialization in child health, nutrition, newborn health, HIV or maternal and reproductive health is highly desirable.

3) Specialized experience in management of health programs is required. The incumbent will have at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing and managing public health programs and activities in developing countries, with a preference given to candidates with African experience, preferably in West Africa. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, and policy experience and problem-solving skills working on complex projects are required. Experience in managing

PEPFAR programs is highly desired.

4) Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position.

5) Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely – both orally and in writing in English (level IV) and French (level III).

Demonstrated ability to make sensitive oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior

USG and Government of Mali officials and other donors.

6) Complete application package submission including degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other pertinent documents as outlined in the section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER.

7) The offeror must not be listed as an excluded party in the System for Award Management

(SAM.gov).

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.

The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position.

Only finalists will be contacted by USAID/Mali with respect to their applications. Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors to be considered. USAID/Mali reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

1- Education (20 points)

Minimum of a Master’s Degree in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution and/or clinical qualifications. Educational specialization in child health, nutrition, newborn health, HIV or maternal and reproductive health is highly desirable

2- Experience (40 points)

Specialized experience in management of health programs is required. The incumbent will have at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing and managing public health programs and activities in developing countries, with a preference given to candidates with African experience, preferably in West Africa. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, and policy experience and problem-solving skills working on complex projects are required. Experience in managing PEPFAR programs is highly desired.

The incumbent will also have the following:

(a) Analytical ability to interpret public policies and assist in the development of revised policies as required in improving the policy environment related to public health in Mali.

Management skills to develop and implement effective health activities involving financial and human resources. Administrative skills to assist in the oversight of cooperating agency technical advisors and institutional contractors. Extensive supervisory experience to effectively manage a team of six professionals.

(b) Skill in conceptualizing programs, policies, and plans and developing strategies for their management and implementation. The candidate must be able to integrate short and long-range objectives of the USAID Health Office with the cultural/organizational needs of

Mali and its Government.

(c) Knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods; experience in designing and evaluating Public Health activities in Africa, preferably in West Africa

(d) Demonstrable skills are required in working effectively with health personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds, negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, writing, administration, and management.

3- Teamwork and Interpersonal skills (25 points)

Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The incumbent must have proven supervisory skills to provide strategic leadership for the team, as well as build capacity and mentor local staff in a developing country. The incumbent must have the following:

(a) Must be able to work effectively with a broad range of senior-level USG personnel and partners, and have demonstrated skills in donor coordination and collaboration. Ability to work both independently (self-starter, forward-thinker, able to carry out duties with minimal to no direct supervision) and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters is a must.

http://mali.usaid.gov

(b) Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical health information to both health and non-health audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters.

4- Language, Communication, and Computer Skills (15 points)

The incumbent must have the following:

(a) Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely – both orally and in writing in English (level IV) and French (level III). Demonstrated ability to make sensitive oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior USG and Government of

Mali officials and other donors.

(b) Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships at the highest level and a high level of trust with public/private organizations. Verbal communication skills are also used to negotiate activity plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members. Ability to communicate technical information to health and non-health audiences. Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.

(c) Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and other relevant software) are required for effectively operating in this position.

Maximum Points Available: 100

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee/panel will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the above required evaluation factors. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed.

Reference checks will be made for applicant considered as successful and suitable for the position.

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

Note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive for each solicitation, we will only contact candidates who are being considered. However, each applicant will receive an auto reply to acknowledge the receipt of his/her application.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

All offers must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line:

SOL: 72068821R000001 - Senior Public Health Advisor to bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

Attention: Executive Office

Human Resources Section

USAID/Mali

Eligible applicants must submit the following documents in English, or their application will not be considered for this position:

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.

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

2. Cover Letter (not more than 2 pages).

3. Resume or most current curriculum vitae (CV) - The CV/resume must contain enough relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation factor.

4. Supplemental document with written responses to the evaluation factors describing specifically what experience, training, education, etc., the applicant has received relevant to each evaluation factor (maximum 3 pages).

5. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation to

USAID/Mali PSC applications mail Box at bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

6. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

7. List of minimum three (3) professional references who are not family members or relatives, with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, with working/accurate telephone numbers and e-mail. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

USAID/Mali reserves the right to obtain from previous employers, relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its final decision. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor (1 page).

Note: The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications will not be accepted. USAID/Mali will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mails. The Offeror assumes all risk related to an electronic submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

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:

(a) Security Clearance Investigation (Form AID 6-1)

(b) Medical History and Examination (Forms DS-6561)

(c) Medical clearance - Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)

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

(e) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

(f) Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

mailto:bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

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:

(a) Temporary Lodging 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 Evaluation/Authorized/Ordered Departure (Section 600)

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (section 650)

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

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. 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. 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:

http://mali.usaid.gov

ITEM No.

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QTY

(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: 688PROGRAM

LOT

$TBD

$TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

10001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost after negotiations with Contractor

20001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost after negotiations with Contractor

30001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost after negotiations with Contractor

3. 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.

a. AAPD 06-10 – PSC Medical Payment Responsibility

b. AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal

Services Contractors (USPSCs) AAPD

c. AAPD 18-02 - Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services AAPD

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical

Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of

Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Equal Employment Opportunities:

USAID is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people. All qualified offerors will be considered regardless of age, race, color, sex, creed, national origin, lawful political affiliation, non-disqualifying disability, marital status, sexual orientation, affiliation with an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

~End of Solicitation~