Solicitation AA Specialist (2 positions) 72052723R00008.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052723R00008

ISSUANCE DATE: May 4, 2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 1, 2023 at 17:00 (Lima time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, GS-10 equivalent (2 positions available)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all Offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups , to respond to the solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment I.

Sincerely, Magdalena Maxwell Contracting Officer USAID/Pe

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052723R00008

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 4, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 1, 2023 at 17:00 (Lima time)

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (2 positions available)

6. MARKET VALUE: $53,990 - $70,190 equivalent to GS-10 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. This is a resident-hire position. It does not include offshore benefits such as housing, post differential, and post allowance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Peru. Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period of performance will be from o/a July 2023 to July 2024.

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

Base Period: o/a July 2023 to July 2024 Option Period 1: o/a July 2024 to July 2025 Option Period 2: o/a July 2025 to July 2026 Option Period 3: o/a July 2026 to July 2027 Option Period 4: o/a July 2027 to July 2028

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident/registered alien (“green card holder”). This solicitation is open to Resident-Hire U.S. Nationals who are currently residing in

Peru and legally permitted to work in the country without needing a work permit.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

mailto:limausaidhr@usaid.gov

A. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (AA/S) position is located in the Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance (ROAA) at USAID/Peru. The primary purpose of the AA/S is to support the execution of acquisition and assistance (A&A) actions, such as grantmaking and contract negotiations, in support of critical USAID programs throughout Peru and the country offices it supports. Current country office support includes Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay. The AA/S will assist with the planning, developing, managing, and advising of all aspects of procurement and A&A management relating to and affecting USAID/Peru assistance programs, policy and project planning, design, implementation, and evaluation.

The AA/S reports directly to the Director of ROAA or their designee, and will receive formal and on-the-job training. The incumbent is expected to function independently with minimal supervision within approximately six months. The AA/S role has a steep learning curve and the incumbent will be supported in their professional development.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The AA/S will provide a full-range of A&A support and will be responsible for carrying out day-to-day activities under the mentorship of more senior ROAA employees. This includes:

1. The negotiation, award, and administration of both Assistance- and Acquisition-type instruments, such as grants and contracts, to accomplish both emergency-response and traditional development programs. The AA/S will prepare pre-award documents, conduct negotiations, and finalize award documents and award file documentation for a

Contracting/Agreement Officer's (C/AO) review and signature. The incumbent will be available for consultation on procurement issues with Mission technical staff, other in-country U.S. Government (USG) officials and representatives, Government of Peru officials, implementing partners, contractors, and others, as required.

2. Provide A&A policy and regulation guidance. The AA/s will develop expertise in Federal and USAID regulations, and the associated governing guidance [e.g., the FAR and USAID

Supplement (AIDAR), CFR, OMB Circulars, FAM, and FTR] for all types of procurements.

3. Maintain up-to-date A&A files and records, manage Contractor Performance

Assessment Reports (CPARs), and support award closeout.

4. Research and resolve issues, and draft responses in official correspondence as assigned.

5. Any other ROAA duty that may be assigned by the ROAA Director or their designee.

C. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The AA/S will receive supervision, policy direction, and guidance from the ROAA Director (or their designee).

D. SUPERVISORY CONTROL:

The incumbent will not have supervisory responsibilities.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is mostly sedentary, but there is some traveling required to project to sites, facilities and in-country.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A Baccalaureate Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college / university degree is required. An equivalency accreditation is required if the degree is from a non-US institution.

Experience: At minimum of three (3) years substantive professional work is required.

Job Knowledge: Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required. An understanding of USG A&A regulations and policies, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex A&A portfolio, and/or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, is preferred.

Skills and Abilities: The ability to plan and administer simple A&A activities and provide A&A support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The ability to apply contracting and assistance regulations, procedures, and policies to acquisition and assistance programs involving few complexities, is required. Skill in solving practical problems relating to A&A is required. An ability to deal effectively with mid- to high-level representatives of the US, local, and regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments throughout the region, is required. Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Office suite is required. Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, along with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail, are required. The ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict CONFIDENTIALITY, and meet all STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/ETHICS STANDARDS in accordance with US law throughout all phases of the A&A process, is required.

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

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

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

1. Offerors who clearly meet the aforementioned minimum education and work experience qualification requirements may be further evaluated through review of the offeror’s submitted required documents and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors. A competitive range will be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who may be further evaluated through technical tests and interviews to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors.

2. Reference checks will be conducted with the highest-ranked offerors.

3. Evaluation and Selection Factors. Applicants meeting the required qualifications of the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The following is the evaluation criteria for this position:

a) Education

b) Work Experience

c) Technical Knowledge

d) Abilities and Skills

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Fingerprint Card (FD-258) **

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

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and Holidays

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 Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) c)Post Allowance (Section 220)

d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

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.

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S.

Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT

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

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

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

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

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

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

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

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

(End of clause)

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

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

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: to be specified in the award

1 LOT $TBD $TBD at after negotiatio ns with contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497 after negotiatio ns with contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497 after negotiatio ns with contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497 after negotiatio ns with contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497 after negotiatio ns with contractor

4. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPDs/CIBs specifically applicable to this position include:

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

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

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

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

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

AAPD 06-10: PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

6. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency.

Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

[End of Solicitation] https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations