Solicitation- Development Outreach and Communications Adviser FV.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 72066022R00003

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066022R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: November 05. 2021 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: December 03, 2021, 5:00 PM, Kinshasa Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (US/TCNPSC) – Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Adviser, USAID/DRC

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 offer.

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

Sincerely, /S/

Samuel Matthews Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066022R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 05, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE ANDTIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 03, 2021 before and/or on 5:00 PM (Kinshasa local time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Christiane Lemba at usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Adviser

6. MARKET VALUE: $79,468 – $103,309 equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, estimated to start o/a March 2022.

The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start in August 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise three (3) additional option periods for one (1) year for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a March 01, 2022 to February 29, 2024 Option Period 1 o/a March 01, 2024 to February 28, 2025 Option Period 2 o/a March 01, 2025 to February 28, 2026 Option Period 3 o/a March 01, 2026 to February 28, 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with possible regional and international travel.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens (USNs) and Third Country Nationals (TCN). USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidate must obtain both the appropriate security (HSPD-12/Facility Access authorization) and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (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 may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BACKGROUND

The USAID Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) manages one of the United States Government’s largest and most complex development programs in the world with a budget of approximately half a billion dollars per year in development and humanitarian aid. Strategically located at the crossroads of the African continent and sharing borders with nine countries, the DRC is the second largest country in Africa in terms of area and the fourth largest in terms of population.

Possessing both unparalleled natural resource wealth and an array of development challenges, the DRC is a key political anchor and U.S. foreign policy priority. The scale of the programming combined with a complicated geopolitical context renders the Mission’s outreach work extremely complex.

Performing functions of a regional Mission, USAID/DRC is responsible for three operating units – the DRC, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Central Africa Regional – and provides oversight of programming in the Republic of Congo (ROC). The Mission’s portfolio includes several Presidential Initiatives including Feed the Future, Global Health, the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI). Each of these initiatives comes with its own marking and branding requirements. The Mission also houses USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) permanent team. USAID/DRC’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) integrates investments in education, stabilization, democracy and governance, health, social protection, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance into three cross-cutting Development Objectives. The Mission's robust regional portfolio also includes environmental and Counter-Lord's Resistance Army programming.

Given the scale of the programming, as well as recurring conflict, health epidemics, and natural disasters, USAID/DRC operates in a unique environment -- making the Mission’s outreach work extremely complex.

The Development and Outreach Communications (DOC) function is part of the Mission’s Program Office. The 15-member Program Office team comprises five U.S. Direct Hires, and 10 Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). The DOC Adviser will work closely with the DOC Specialist.

1. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

The DOC Adviser reports to the Supervisory Program Officer. The DOC Advisor will frequently directly interact with the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, the Head of the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section and the Press Attaché as well as with the Press and Public Affairs directors of other governments’ development agencies and INGOs operating in DRC. He/she will help to plan and directly support press events and field trips involving the participation of the U.S.

Ambassador, the Deputy Chief of Mission, USAID leadership, and visiting VIPs.

S/he must be able to work constructively across team structures in a high-paced, working environment often driven by tight deadlines. S/he must demonstrate initiative, have the ability to firmly guide the outreach efforts of USAID’s implementing partners, produce accurate and timely products with minimal supervision, and have the knowledge and skills needed to provide communications oversight and conduct training on best communications practices for USAID staff and implementing partners. In addition, s/he must be a skilled story-teller, capable of using communications tools and channels including video clips, social media, and targeted written pieces for both Mission and Agency platforms and publications.

Substantial reliance is placed on the DOC Adviser’s use of judgment regarding all aspects of outreach activities. The employee must react to and interpret changing priorities and circumstances in the local media and provide guidance on how these shifts affect the work of the mission. The need to exercise good judgment carries over into communication with Washington stakeholders, including through speeches, cables, or other similar documents, as well as in the sphere of social media, as he/she will be posting regularly on behalf of the United States Government.

The DOC Adviser’s experience and managerial skills will be brought to bear on a daily basis as USAID Mission Management, AORs/CORs and implementing partners flood the DOC Office with questions each day regarding the positioning of USAID assistance and with requests for advice and clearances. The DOC Adviser must plan his/her work schedule independently and direct colleagues to use their skills and abilities effectively. Together with the DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser also serves as the Mission’s “Branding Champion.”

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

The DOC Adviser is an integral part of the Mission’s communications and outreach team and provides leadership and support to all Mission technical offices. Along with the Cooperating Country National (CCN) DOC Specialist, s/he is the primary interlocutor with the Embassy’s PAS Head and the Press Attaché, and serves as the Mission’s point of contact with the U.S. and international media and Washington-based stakeholders on communications-related matters, or as directed by the Mission leadership.

The position requires high-level contacts within the U.S. interagency in the DRC, CAR, ROC, and Washington, D.C., the host country community, and chiefs of party of implementing partners.

Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser develops, regularly updates, and implements a comprehensive communications and outreach strategy that promotes USAID’s activities to external and internal audiences. The DOC Adviser plays a key role in identifying communications’ objectives, messages, audiences, products, and budgets, and developing plans in coordination with USAID managers and technical teams consistent with USAID/DRC’s development strategy and the overall Embassy communications goals. The strategy is used to inform USAID’s implementing partners on the selection, targeting, and placement of materials to raise awareness of USAID activities in RDC, CAR, and ROC. The DOC Adviser works with the CCN DOC Specialist to ensure that outreach activities are cost-effective, well-targeted, well-defined, visually appealing, and contain human interest elements. The DOC Adviser guides the work of implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. assistance efforts and initiatives in the DRC, CAR, and ROC, as defined by the Chief of Mission, USAID Mission Director, and the Deputy Mission Directors.

To operationalize the communications strategy, the DOC Adviser will put in place policies and procedures for Mission communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the Mission, the Embassy, and with implementing partners including review and/or develop templates for various communications tools, standards for creating and finalizing communications materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.

Specific activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Public Outreach: 30% The DOC Adviser counsels Mission leadership on targeted media placement, including print, TV, radio, and Internet; s/he coordinates closely with the CCN DOC Specialist in providing similar guidance to USAID technical offices and implementing partners. Working closely with the CCN DOC Specialist, s/he identifies activities appropriate for media coverage, participates in field inspections and final selection, and accompanies TV/radio crews to site locations for filming.

The DOC Adviser coordinates field travel and public affairs activities of the USAID leadership, the Embassy leadership, and major U.S. Government and congressional visitors. The DOC Adviser prepares schedules, briefings, and all information related to events (e.g., backgrounders/scene setters, briefing materials, talking points, speeches, video/photo coverage, etc.), and organizes logistics, guest lists and other arrangements in collaboration with mission staff. In concert with the CCN DOC Specialist, DOC Adviser works with USAID technical offices to plan and implement public events which maximize exposure for U.S. Government’s development and humanitarian assistance, and supports the conception, information collection, and dissemination of all public materials relating to USAID programs.

The DOC Adviser helps guide implementing partners work, and advises on planning, scheduling, publicizing and carrying out activities which effectively inform audiences in DRC, CAR, and ROC, as well as the U.S. about the work provided for by the American taxpayer funds. Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser organizes training for CORs/AORs and implementing partners on communication and media skills such as working with the media, developing briefing materials, stories and blogs, video production, photo taking and planning and managing special events.

As a resident expert on the Agency’s branding, marking and style guidelines, the DOC Adviser helps develop and deliver training for CORs/AORs and implementing partners on USAID branding and marking requirements. S/he ensures that regulations are followed and applied as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency’s Graphic Standards Manual. S/he reviews and edits implementing partner branding and marking plans and works with the contracts officer and COR/AOR on approval of these final documents. The DOC Adviser ensures that partners’ materials (videos, websites, banners, posters, brochures, publications, etc.) are in compliance with approved marking and branding plans, and, by extension, USAID requirements. When required, the DOC Adviser can recommend revisions, reprinting, or other appropriate action. S/he seeks guidance from the Africa Bureau and/or USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau (LPA) on any branding and marking waivers or disputes. S/he is also responsible for ensuring that USAID staff and implementing partners understand the nuances involved in working with funding provided through Presidential and other special initiatives and the branding and marking requirements for those activities.

Visibility Products and Materials: 35%

The DOC Adviser coordinates with PAS in DRC to ensure that the Embassy is properly apprised of USAID public outreach activities, as well as with the Embassies in ROC and CAR. S/he also serves as a liaison with the USAID/Africa Bureau’s Communications team in Washington.

The DOC Adviser collects input, edits, and prepares information for use through a range of USAID products and platforms tailored to target audiences; manages the procurement and distribution of communications materials related to USAID foreign assistance in the DRC, CAR, and ROC; and serves as a liaison for information requests coming from Washington. Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser consistently drafts, formats and updates high-quality public information materials such as briefers, talking points, speeches, portfolio fact sheets, and Mission website content and maps. S/he writes, solicits, reviews, and prepares an array of success stories, articles and blog submissions for USAID/DRC and USAID/Washington platforms. S/he manages social media platforms in coordination with the DOC Specialist (including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Flickr).

The DOC Adviser must know how to use relevant software programs and social media to manage USAID DRC’s public-facing, online digital platforms. The DOC Adviser must also have the ability to highlight and communicate effectively the impact of the USAID/DRC bilateral and regional portfolio through the use of photography, video and public presentations. The DOC Adviser is expected to know how to capture high-quality images and video footage that meet the standard of modern journalistic practice, and to edit those materials for use across USAID outreach platforms. The DOC Adviser ensures that the Mission is able to accommodate special outreach requests from the Africa Bureau, LPA, Global Health, and Presidential Initiatives at USAID/Washington, and the Embassy Public Affairs Section.

Media Relations: 25% The DOC Adviser counsels the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Directors and USAID staff as to when press coverage is not recommended for culturally or politically sensitive issues. S/he works closely with PAS, who are the point of contact for U.S. and international media inquiries, and is responsible for supporting USAID/DRC media activities, including monitoring media coverage on issues related to USAID activities in DRC, CAR, and ROC.

The DOC Adviser works with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including TV, radio and other media. In coordination with the PAS and CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser builds and maintains a professional network of media contacts interested in USAID activities in the DRC, CAR, and ROC. Responsibilities include arranging interviews with the USAID leadership, press-briefings, press-tours of USAID activities, and preparing USAID/DRC and visiting senior U.S. Government officials from USAID/Washington for interviews with the media.

Together with the CCN DOC Specialist, the DOC Adviser is responsible for writing and distributing press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, etc. and following up with the media to encourage and support coverage of activities. S/he will coordinate with USAID leadership, USAID technical teams, Embassy’s PAS, and LPA to ensure local and international media requests for information are met with well-written, timely, and accurate responses.

Supervision: 10%

The DOC Advisor will directly supervise the CCN DOC Specialist, the CCN Translator and any additional DOC personnel hired as the Mission expands its DOC staff. In that supervisory role, the DOC Advisor will prepare work plans, annual performance evaluations, and provide general guidance and counseling.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The Office Chief will report to Program Officer. The DOC Advisor directly supervises two or more DOC personnel is expected to provide mentoring and guidance to newer staff members.

4. Supervisory Controls

The Program Officer provides general administrative and policy direction defining the assignment in terms of broad mission statements. The DOC Specialist plans, designs, executes, and evaluates the overall Development Outreach and Communications program, independently determining the methods and approaches to be used. The Development Outreach and Communications program is evaluated in terms of results achieved and objectives met. Decisions and plans are accepted as technically authoritative.

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 hours/week 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

The education and work experience factors below determine basic qualifications for the position.

Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

1. Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in the field of communications or journalism, public relations or marketing, English, international relations or a related field is required.

2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience (public relations, public information and outreach or international development) with at least some of that experience in an international setting is required

(international organization, corporation, government, or NGO). Proven experience in disseminating information to diverse target audiences (including US) is required, as is demonstrated expertise in producing effective public relations events and communications materials. Previous work experience with the U.S. Government or another international development organization is also highly desirable

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.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education and Work Experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the two (2) Quality Ranking Factors listed below. The applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor. Please provide a word count after each response.

1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (60 points)

The successful candidate must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Demonstrated skills and/or experience in public relations.

● A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies;

experience in the region is highly desirable.

● The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the U.S. Government while discussing program activities with the press and media are essential elements of the job.

● Outstanding coordination, organizational, and event planning skills within a multi-cultural work environment.

● Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.

● Possess the ability to draft, edit, proof-read and fact check information in various print and online media formats (e.g., press release, speech, talking points, fact sheet, website, stories, blogs) targeting and distinguishing in-country Congolese audiences and stakeholder audiences at USAID HQ and in the

US.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

● Through knowledge of media operations (print, television, internet, radio), including how to shape a story and get it published.

● Ability to work independently managing several activities simultaneously and to work effectively and efficiently under time pressure is a must.

● Ability to perform conscientiously with minimal daily supervision and direction.

● Able to demonstrate initiative and be creative.

● Demonstrated ability to manage, coach, and mentor individuals and diverse teams to improve overall performance. Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills are required (verifiable by former employers).

● Strong and demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques.

● Superior project management skills and the ability to take initiative; must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively problem solve and see work through to completion.

● Effective training and mentoring skills to ensure staff members and implementing partners are equipped with the knowledge and skill sets necessary to effectively deliver USAID’s messaging.

● Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively.

● Outstanding initiative to take the lead on press related activities, helping Partners and Staff tell their success stories to a variety of stakeholders.

● Maintains superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure.

● Good understanding of the local environment and culture.

● Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as video spots and other outreach platforms.

● Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English are required, and French preferred.

● Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.

● Strong, working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Drupal, internet and social media applications (including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr…)

● Willingness to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed.

● Strong skill in and experience with using a digital camera, audio recording devices and video equipment and doing post-production editing.

2. Communication Proficiency (40 points)

● Outstanding verbal and written English communication skills, analytical ability, and interpersonal relationships are required.

● Native-level English written skills required for drafting, copy editing, and proofreading public print and online materials. A written test will be required.

● Basic knowledge of French is desirable.

● Basic knowledge of DRC culture and work environment is an asset.

● The incumbent will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all of the Microsoft Office Suite applications, especially PowerPoint.

● The incumbent should have experience with different types of social media applications (e.g.

Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Flickr), as well as website content management software such as Drupal.

● Knowledge of digital photography, video, graphic design or GIS graphic presentation skills.

● Demonstrated aptitude for understanding complex issues and the ability to translate and simplify them for key audiences

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

Total Possible Points: 100

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be evaluated and scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates may be requested to complete a writing test and be interviewed either in person, by telephone or videoconference at USAID’s discretion. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered for selection. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.

The security clearance and medical clearance are required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks at the conclusion of evaluations.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

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

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

4. Letter of application/cover letter.

5. Current resume/CV.

6. Supplemental document specifically addressing the two QRFs (Knowledge, Skills and

Abilities and Communication Proficiency).

7. List of minimum three (3) professional references with contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses). The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

8. Application must be submitted ONLY via usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: 72066022R00003 Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Adviser.

9. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date.

10. 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 an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO.

If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.

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:

● Security Eligibility/Facility Access

● Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for http://www.usaid.gov/forms those benefits listed under item 1. below.)

1. BENEFITS (if applicable):

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(e) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (if applicable):

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

(a) Temporary Quarter 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/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— https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

(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.

3. 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:

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: [e.g. R497]

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

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

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

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

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

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

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

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

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

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

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