Solicitation AG Environment Officer 72066722R00008.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066722R00008

ISSUANCE DATE: 08/11/2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 08/25/2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Services Contract (US/TCN PSC) for Agriculture & Environment Advisor, GS-14.

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.

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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Susan Easley

Supervisory Executive Officer Contracting Officer

72066722R00008

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO. 72066722R00008

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 08/11/2022

3. CLOSINGDATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 08/25/2022 (16:00)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Susan Easley, Supervisory Executive Officer, Wafaa Hassan, Human Resources Specialist Khartoumusaidhr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Agriculture & Environment Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 to $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. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is one (1) year, with the possibility of multiple one year extensions contingent on contractor performance, the needs of the Mission and availability of funding. The contract and extensions cannot exceed 5 years. Base Period: o/a October 14, 2022 to October 13, 2023

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Khartoum, Sudan with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Work.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent residents) or Third Country Nationals (TCN).

Hiring Preference:

In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including permanent legal residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there are no qualified U.S. Citizens (including permanent legal residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals will be considered. References

309.3.1.10 and 309.3.1.4.

For USPSC:

● Be a U.S. Citizen (including permanent legal residents).

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled SUBMITTING AN

OFFER (Section IV);

mailto:khartoumusaidhr@usaid.gov

● Be able to obtain a Facility Access Authorization.

● Be able to obtain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance.

● Be willing/able to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

● Employment is subject to funds availability and all required approvals/clearances obtained.

For TCNPSC:

● Be a Third Country National. Third Country National means an individual:

1. Who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty.

2. Who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S.

Government expenses.

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER

(Section IV).

● Be able to obtain a required Facility Access Authorization.

● Be able to obtain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance.

● Be willing/able to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

● Employment is subject to funds availability and all required approvals/clearances obtained.

If a TCNPSC is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCNPSC contractor will be required to train a CCNPSC identified by USAID in his/her recognized Technical Area of Expertise. The Supervisor will establish a structured training plan for the TCNPSC with a work objective and performance benchmarks to measure the contractor's progress toward achieving this required training deliverable.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful applicant must be eligible to obtain Facility/Computer Access, Public Trust Clearance for a TCNPSC and Secret level clearance in the case of a USPSC. as a pre-condition for employment. The final selected candidates must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Agriculture & Environment Officer will support implementation of high priority U.S.

Government initiatives under the Mission’s General Development Office (GDO) portfolio.

The GDO office oversees development assistance in the agriculture, environment and health sectors, including economic growth, value chain and market systems approaches, natural resource management (NRM), climate risk management, and engagement with Feed the Future. The GDO office implements its work through five U.S. and Sudanese staff members, overseeing procurement and management of a roughly $80 million portfolio.

The principal function of the Agriculture & Environment Officer position is to support agriculture and environment programming and directly oversee procurement and implementation of activities to achieve measurable results in improving food security and resilience in Sudan, and to better link Sudan’s agriculture sector with productive market systems through expansion of agriculture value chains. A secondary function is to promote good coordination and communication between GDO activities and humanitarian assistance (HA) activities.

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The Agriculture & Environment Officer provides technical support for private sector engagement and NRM in the agriculture sector, liaises with the Mission’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) team on activities intersecting with HA programming, and coordinates with the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (RFS) on Feed the Future-related programming. The incumbent (manages a staff of 1-2 people) and may serve from time to time as Acting GDO Director when that officer is absent.

He/She manages directly and/or provides oversight of 1- 4 activities under the GDO portfolio. He/She engages with host government officials and other partners, working with donor institutions, private sector actors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to advance Mission programming in the areas of agriculture and environmentally-sound development. The incumbent provides expert advice on agriculture market systems, value chain development, and linkages between food security, sustainable agricultural development and natural resource management. The position includes leadership responsibilities, including providing strategic vision for the office, enhancing team cohesion, and coordinating the work of other professional staff. Project management skills and AOR/COR responsibilities, including certification are also required.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The overall responsibilities of the Agriculture & Environment Officer are to provide technical expertise and professional guidance to USAID/Sudan and the U.S. Mission as a whole in the broad area of agricultural and environmentally sustainable development. The incumbent requires a depth of technical expertise and program management skills that will allow him/her to provide leadership on these and other implementation and policy issues, meeting and collaborating on a regular basis with senior officials and partners working with USAID and Embassy Khartoum, other donor organizations, USAID contractors and implementing partners, professional organizations, NGOs, international organizations, the private sector, (and, as permissible, the Government of Sudan).

Management decisions require the ability to identify, assess, understand, and systematically address complex issues as they relate to Sudan’s economic, political and cultural realities that can lead to important unexpected changes or adaptations in relevant government’s policies. The incumbent represents USAID in donor groups, where he/she is responsible for ensuring the coordination of USG and other donor policies and investments; and coordinates closely with USAID/Washington.

Program Design and Management The Agriculture & Environment Officer will be responsible for managing a complex portfolio, including strengthening market systems approaches, NRM and private sector engagement within food security and economic growth activities and advising on how these activities can complement HA and other private sector initiatives within the Mission. As part of the portfolio is still in the design phase, this will involve management of procurement processes. The incumbent will:

● Assist or lead design efforts for new programming for the GDO team, including overseeing implementation of assessments, analyses and consultations to create new implementing mechanisms to further the goals of the Office and Mission as a whole.

Serve on technical selection committees for acquisition and assistance awards.

● As the Agreement/Contract Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) or Activity Manager, oversee bilateral, regional and USAID/Washington contracts, grants and cooperative agreements, draft statements of work and budgets, administratively approve vouchers for payment, and perform on-going activity oversight and management.

● Maintain close, cordial technical management relationships with USAID contractors, implementing partners and grantees to ensure quality, consistency and coordination of program planning, interpretation of policies and procedures, regulatory compliance and data collection for reporting. Keep partners informed of USAID requirements and priorities. Undertake regular monitoring field visits to activity sites.

● Contribute directly to monitoring implementation of GDO activities, reviewing work plans and reports, identifying key progress indicators, reporting success stories, conducting evaluations, and undertaking data collection for reporting on progress.

Contribute to analyses, assessments or reviews required for successful implementation of the GDO portfolio.

Strategic Technical Guidance The incumbent will serve as an advisor in design and implementation of the Mission’s agriculture and environment portfolio, including:

● Conduct strategic analysis and research, review reports and technical proposals, prepare substantive reports and briefing materials on issues related to technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing economic growth, value chain and market systems approaches, NRM and climate risk management within the agriculture and environment sectors.

● Advise the GDO Director, other Mission teams and the USG interagency on economic growth, value chain and market systems approaches, NRM and climate risk management in support of agriculture and environment activities and to guide policy decisions.

● Assure alignment of the GDO portfolio with Mission goals, the work of other donor programs, and USG programs and foreign policy priorities.

● Address climate change impacts, including adaptation and mitigation in relevant agriculture and environment programming.

Personnel and Operational Management The Officer will provide senior level support, training and mentoring to new and junior U.S.

Direct Hire and foreign service national staff working on the GDO portfolio, including on project management, AOR/COR responsibilities and specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in the agriculture and environment sectors. The incumbent will:

● Provide administrative and technical oversight of the portfolio on behalf of the GDO

Director and USAID/Sudan management.

● Manage personnel and financial resources allocated to the GDO, including staffing, administrative and financial analyses; supporting staffing actions; developing and tracking budget preparation; contributing to quarterly financial reports; overseeing implementation and other budget requirements for the GDO portfolio.

● Assist with GDO contributions to USAID/Sudan’s strategic planning and reporting, including assistance in formulating and implementing USAID’s annual Operational Plan, Performance Plan and Report, portfolio review, etc., in line with the USAID/Sudan Country Development Cooperation Strategy.

● Provide programmatic coordination with relevant Mission’s technical offices and identify opportunities for programmatic synergies.

Strategic Partnerships The Officer will be responsible for maintaining productive working relationships with relevant counterparts and developing new and innovative partnerships, including:

● Serve as a member of USAID technical working groups and other relevant to plan and improve the USAID and USG portfolio around agriculture and environment activities.

● Establish and maintain productive working relationships with a variety of officials and technical partners working for the USG, donors, international organizations, NGOs, local civil society, (and, to the extent permissible, the Government of Sudan,) to enhance collaborative efforts that achieve mutual goals and objectives. Represent and report back to the GDO, USAID and the U.S. Mission to Sudan at a variety of events and activities, including multi-donor discussions of significance to Sudan’s environment and agriculture sectors.

● Participate in the Embassy’s inter-agency relevant working groups meetings and report back to the GDO’s supervisor.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable): Not required

4. Supervisory Relationship: Incumbent is expected to act independently, in coordination with and direction from USAID/Sudan’s ODG Office Director.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applications will be initially screened by the Human Resources Office to determine whether applicants have met the advertised minimum qualifications. A list of qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring office for further consideration and screening.

○ Education: The applicant must have a master’s degree in a field related to the technical content of the position (economics, agricultural economics, environmental studies, agricultural development, agronomy, agribusiness, management business administration, international development, or similar). Additional training that is pertinent to the specific duties and responsibilities for the position will be considered as well.

○ Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English is required. Ability to read, write, and speak at a professional level in English on the core programmatic areas is required and will be tested.

○ Technical and Professional Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in agriculture, environmental management, climate change, international development, and other related fields, including work with international donors, NGOs and/or government. Significant knowledge of program management, monitoring and evaluation methods and a broad range of issues related to agricultural development is required. This may include demonstrated knowledge in the areas of agricultural value chain development, on-and off-farm agricultural sector and market-led job creation, entrepreneurial innovation, climate smart agriculture technologies, access to agricultural finance, private sector engagement, and the research innovation to implementation pipeline. Prior experience with and significant knowledge of international development agencies’ procedures and operations (development approaches, procedures for procurement and programming funds, defining objectives, monitoring results, AOR/COR certification) is highly desired.

○ Skills and Abilities: Day-to-day experience managing USG-funded contracts and grants.

Experience managing and/or working successfully with teams. Strong written and oral communication skills, presentation skills, and interpersonal skills..

○ The ability to obtain a security and medical clearances required for the position.

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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far 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 Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will conduct interviews with all offerors in the competitive range and provide the final rating and ranking of the offerors based on the interview. The CO will consider findings from the reference checks as part of the responsibility determination.

1. EDUCATION (10 POINTS): The applicant must have a master’s degree in a field related to the technical content of the position (economics, agricultural economics, environmental studies, agricultural development, agronomy, agribusiness, management business administration, international development, or similar). Additional training that is pertinent to the specific duties and responsibilities for the position will be considered as well.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE (45 POINTS): Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in agriculture, environmental management, climate change, international development, and other related fields, including work with international donors, NGOs and/or government. Significant knowledge of program management, monitoring and evaluation methods and a broad range of issues related to agricultural development is required. This may include demonstrated knowledge in the areas of agricultural value chain development, on-and off-farm agricultural sector and market-led job creation, entrepreneurial innovation, climate smart agriculture technologies, access to agricultural finance, and/or the research innovation to implementation pipeline. Prior experience with and significant knowledge of international development agencies’ procedures and operations (development approaches, procedures for procurement and programming funds, defining objectives, monitoring results, AOR/COR certification) is highly desired.

3. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS (25 POINTS):

Demonstrated ability to oversee activities and portfolios, and to implement team assignments with minimal oversight, as well as a thorough understanding of the myriad actions and relationships required to achieve work assignments in a timely manner. Strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required, as well as demonstrated ability in strategic planning, technical analysis, reporting and budget formulation.

Demonstrated ability to work with implementing partners to ensure creative, ambitious, innovative planning, implementation, and partnerships, as well as timely completion of tasks and assignments.

Demonstrated ability to support and mentor staff and oversee their work in a manner that facilitates growth and creativity, as well as ensuring timely completion of tasks and assignments.

4. INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: (20 POINTS):

Demonstrated experience working in teams to accomplish a defined set of tasks in a timely and collegial manner. Considerable confidentiality, sensitivity, poise, and maturity are mandatory, as the incumbent will represent USAID in high-level meetings with other USG, (government,) donor and private sector counterparts.

Demonstrated ability to craft well-written, concise, and on-time communications in English in the form of emails, memos, site visit reports, and other–sometimes sensitive–documents.

Demonstrated ability to consolidate and synthesize information and relate it in concise, simple terms to appropriate audiences. Formats may include reports, tables, charts, graphs, slide decks, verbal presentations, and informal talks. Demonstrated excellent verbal communication skills, with particular focus on diplomatic interactions and negotiation skills. Experience working with (and supervising) team members in multicultural settings is highly desired.

Total Points Available: 100 pts

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. AID 309- 2,“Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, “available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Cover Letter addressing the Evaluation & Selection Factors (III).

3. Current resume.

4. Application must be submitted ONLY via khartoumusaidhr@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: 72066721R00008 - Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

5. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Khartoum time 16:00.

6. No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained, unless you are required to have more information about this solicitation.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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.

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

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

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

4. Fingerprints Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:%20khartoumusaidhr@usaid.gov benefits and allowances:

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 (if applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(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), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

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/sit es/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID309-1 available at: https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITE

M

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTIO

N) (B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T

(D)

UNIT

PRI

CE

(E)

AMOUN

T (F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiatio n s with Contracto r_

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.

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 5CFR2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

5. 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

END OF SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Sudan provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Sudan also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity 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.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman