Solicitation.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061221R00008

ISSUANCE DATE: August 19, 2021

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: September 15, 2021

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) USAID SENIOR

DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR

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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Shawn Phillips

Supervisory Executive Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061221R00008

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 19, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 15, 2021 - 1700 hrs. Malawi Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Maria Mwale, HR Assistant, e-mail at lilongwehr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Senior Development Outreach and Communications Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977 to $120,868 per annum (GS-14 equivalent). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Three years, with two one-year options. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for two additional one-year periods for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2024

Option Period 1: o/a October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025

Option Period 2: o/a October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent U.S. residents

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a

Security Clearance at the HSPD12 level or “Logical/Physical Access” within a reasonable period of time. If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. BACKGROUND

The USAID Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor position is a three-year position, with option to extend for up-to two years, to align with the implementation of the Mission’s new Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS, 2020-2025). As a member of USAID/Malawi’s Program Development and Analysis (PDA) office, the Senior DOC will design a comprehensive DOC strategy, aligned with the CDCS, to produce and disseminate public information regarding the Mission and its development portfolio.

2. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

The major duties and responsibilities of the Senior DOC include increasing understanding of

U.S. government foreign assistance in Malawi, supporting targeted social and behavior change communications efforts, and encouraging dialogue with key stakeholders in Malawi and the U.S.

in support of foreign assistance objectives in Malawi. The Senior DOC is also responsible for providing oversight, advice, and guidance in developing and implementing the Mission’s communication strategy and budget. Close collaboration with the Mission’s Front Office, Embassy Lilongwe’s Front Office, USAID’s senior leadership team, USAID staff, implementing partners, and PAS will ensure that (1) outreach activities support USAID/Malawi and Embassy

Lilongwe’s strategic goals, (2) Embassy and Mission personnel are properly apprised of USAID public outreach activities; (3) policies and procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly followed; and, (4) U.S. government interests are protected. In addition to supervising the

Mission’s DOC team, the Senior DOC is also responsible for building capacity within the

Mission and with implementing partners to develop more effective communication plans and materials aligned with the DOC strategy.

3. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Strategic Communications Planning, Content Development, and Supervision 30%

● Lead the development and implementation of the Mission’s communication strategy and outreach plan, which promotes public understanding of, and support for, USAID programs. Ensure public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and provide information to USAID/W and the U.S. Embassy.

● Lead the development and dissemination of content, across all key platforms that tells the

USAID/Malawi story in a compelling manner, achieves defined social behavior change communication goals, and engages Malawi’s thought leaders and influencers in an ongoing conversation about USAID and development in Malawi.

● Monitor and evaluate progress toward communication objectives as outlined in the communication strategy. This includes establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the communication strategy, identifying indicators, and measuring progress to assess effectiveness and impact of outreach activities.

● Monitor local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning

USAID programs. Information gathered will inform ongoing activities and future programming.

● Formulate and implement innovative outreach activities that advance development objectives as outlined in the Mission’s CDCS.

● Coordinate with PAS and other USG agencies to develop strategic communications at the

Embassy level and ensure that USAID communications are in line with the broader

Embassy goals.

● Adhere to the Embassy Media Policy and PAS issued guidance/standard operating procedures on communication and outreach processes.

● Serve as the primary liaison with PAS in the execution of USAID events, the dissemination of USAID publicity materials, and on any other issues that may arise.

● Represent USAID in planning relevant Embassy events and site visits by the Ambassador and other high-level visitors.

● Collaborate closely with the Embassy’s PAS to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID’s programs and initiatives. Work in concert with PAS in developing activities designed to highlight U.S. assistance as defined by the Chief of

Mission and USAID/Malawi Mission Director.

● Through well-established professional contacts with donors, NGOs, and leaders of other relevant international and local organizations, gather, analyze, and properly format data and information on local and international opinion concerning USAID programs for the purpose of gauging the effect of information dissemination strategies, providing feedback on ongoing activities, and for planning future communications programming.

● Lead and supervise the Mission’s DOC team to ensure the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives.

The team is composed of one full-time Foreign Service National (FSN) staff and one half-time FSN member of the broader PDA team.

● Advise, guide, and build the capacity of Mission and implementing partner staff to develop effective communication plans and materials aligned to the Mission’s DOC strategy.

● Formulate and manage the Mission’s communication and outreach budget. Given USG and Agency directives to reduce expenditures on publications, travel, and conferences, the incumbent must identify cost-effective ways to achieve communication goals.

2) Public Information and Publicity Materials 15%

● Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the

Mission with technical offices and outside the Mission with implementing partners.

● Build the capacity of implementing partners to develop timely, accurate, effective, and well-written media materials through regularly scheduled in-house workshops.

● Oversee the drafting, editing, organization, and dissemination of a standard information package of publicity materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, project briefs, country profile, development objective summary, presentations, responses to requests for information, and all other public information materials related to USAID/Malawi activities. Materials must be tailored for both internal audiences (incoming staff, high-level visitors, LPA, Congress) and external audience (general public and media).

● Present development topics in clear, concise English and translate sometimes complex or highly technical language into a format easily understood by the general public.

● Generate and maintain a standard set of narrative data related to the Mission’s development portfolio for general use in briefers, outreach materials, communications, etc.

● Develop and maintain online outreach content, including websites, social media, etc.

● Oversee preparation of a weekly summary of events and submissions for USAID

Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media sites.

● Coordinate and oversee USAID/Malawi’s branding and marking efforts. Serve as brand expert, and advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events. Design and conduct workshops on the implementation of branding guidelines. Serve as technical point of contact on waivers to branding requirements in relationship to media.

3) Media and Public Relations 15%

● Manage information and media outreach activities in coordination with the Front Office and technical teams. Ensure strategic selection of events and optimal representation by

USG personnel to more effectively and efficiently communicate USAID messaging.

● Work with PAS to manage USAID/Malawi’s relationship with international, regional, and local press, including encouraging accurate reporting, equity, and troubleshooting as necessary. Interact with local media contacts regularly. Process materials and address any necessary changes to ensure that items go to press on time. Provide advice to the

Mission and to USAID/LPA regarding appropriate press contacts.

● Advise and work with PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of

USAID/Malawi programs, including TV, radio, and other media. This may include arranging interviews, preparing talking points, organizing briefings, and media tours of

USAID projects.

● Work closely with the Front Office and USAID staff on press and media relations to ensure targeted and coherent messages consistent with the Communication Strategy from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

● Respond to inquiries from the general public, media (in coordination with PAS), and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

● Oversee development of effective media outreach materials, ensuring accurate information and presentation of development topics and the impact of USAID programs in a format easily understood by the general public.

4) Event Planning and Management 15%

● Provide customer-focused support to technical teams to facilitate the planning and execution of events that successfully meet identified communication goals to specific audiences.

● Plan and schedule a calendar of events with the DOC team and technical team staff, including project managers, host country officials, NGOs, and implementing partners.

● Serve as DOC advisor on the outreach component of events, in coordination with PAS, Front Office, technical teams, and implementing partners. Directs and coordinates all

USAID/Malawi public events, including conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Supervises drafting, editing, and distribution of all fact sheets, reports, and public documents. Organize press packets, address protocol issues, participate in site selection and staging, manage logistics, and recommend appropriate USG representation.

● Review and edit press releases, scene setters, and talking points drafted by USAID staff and implementing partners for USAID events.

● Manage documentation of USAID events, including video, documentaries, photos, updates to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts.

● Serve as the Mission’s primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the Embassy, USAID, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities.

● Serve as control officer or participate in teams planning VIP visits. Lead preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products to support these visits.

● Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of high-level visitors throughout the country.

5) Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) 15%

● In coordination with relevant technical offices, update the Mission’s nascent social behavior change strategy and develop tools and processes to support technical office

SBCC interventions and activities.

● Co-lead the Mission’s SBCC strategy implementation to support the use of evidence-based approaches, to include organizing and managing a digital repository of relevant resources.

● Coordinate with other national and international stakeholders in Malawi to increase the impact of SBCC interventions and activities.

6) Mission Youth Point of Contact 10%

● Serve as co-lead on the Mission’s Youth Development Objective (DO) Team to implement USAID’s Youth Development Policy.

● Liaise with the Agency Youth Coordinator on youth related strategy, project, and activity designs, as well as related monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.

● Liaise with the Agency Youth Coordinator on the in-country Positive Youth

Development training for Mission and implementing partner personnel.

● Serve as the Mission’s point of contact for the U.S. State Department’s Young African

Leaders Initiative.

4. Supervisory Controls: The Senior DOC will be supervised by the Director of USAID’s PDA

Office or his/her designee. Work products and recommendations submitted by the incumbent are expected to be of a high technical quality, consistently aligned with the DOC strategy and the Mission’s Media Policy. The incumbent will be expected to work independently, taking initiative in determining, planning, and executing assignments. The position maintains wide latitude to exercise independent judgement.

5. Supervision Relationship: The Senior DOC will supervise and lead the Mission’s

DOC team to ensure the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives. The team is composed of one full-time

Foreign Service National (FSN) staff. In addition, the Senior DOC will provide advice, guidance, and capacity-building services to USAID staff and implementing partner communication professionals to implement the Mission’s DOC strategy.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

https://www.usaid.gov/policy/youth

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

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

2. Work experience: A minimum of seven-years of progressively responsible experience, three (3) years of which in a supervisory capacity, in public relations, strategic communications and outreach, diplomacy, journalism, or a related field is required. Previous work experience with an international development organization overseas is strongly preferred. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. The incumbent must have successful demonstrated experience in using social media; organizing and conducting events; producing web content, videos, podcasts; planning and delivering training; and working productively with journalists and other key members of the community. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable. Strong preference will be given to candidates familiar with Malawi. Experience in report writing, events planning and execution, website design, and social networking media is required.

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.

Factor #1: Knowledge, (30 points)

Knowledge and experience with the usage of various social media platforms with an emphasis on messaging/marketing/social marketing. Demonstrated ability and experience to create compelling messaging across a variety of media (press releases, responses to media inquiries);

including print, blogs, newsletters, social media, video, and speeches. The ability to think creatively about other communication means to tell a compelling story and convey key messages through multi-faceted strategic communication campaigns.

Factor #2: Skills and Abilities (30 points)

The successful candidate must be capable of crafting strategic communication plans and information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, web-site, cables, etc.) that appropriately target a variety of audiences. Excellent leadership, coordination, and organizational skills within a multicultural work environment are required. Experience in planning, strategizing, and application of policies and procedures regarding all development outreach communications activities, such as branding and marking, is required. The candidate must have a broad understanding of issues related to international development and be capable of translating those issues to a general audience. Knowledge of local, regional, and international press, and regional development issues, is a must.

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

Factor #3: Communication skills (20 points)

Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across cultures, on teams, and with a broad range of development partners. Proven ability to work under pressure and produce professional results quickly.

Factor #4: Supervisory experience (20 points)

Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to mentor and guide staff and implementing partners is required. Experience conducting trainings and workshops to build staff capacity to design effective communication plans and materials that are timely, accurate, effective, and well-written for multiple audiences is also required. This includes experience building capacity to draft, edit, organize, and disseminate publicity materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, project briefs, presentations, and responses to requests for information.

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.

After an initial application screening, the best qualified applicants may be invited for a written examination and to an oral interview.

2. A signed Cover Letter of no more than two pages

3. Resume or the most recent Curriculum Vitae (CV). The CV/resume must contain enough relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria.

To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.

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

5. 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.

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

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 and e-mail numbers. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Malawi 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. Reference checks will be done on http://www.usaid.gov/forms selected applicants only. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the Applicant.

8. Late Submissions: Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the cover letter to this solicitation. You are directed to

Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information. USAID/Malawi reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.

9. Phone interview(s): may be conducted with most highly rated Applicants only. The purpose of a phone interview may be to facilitate USAID’s proper understanding of the Applicant-provided information for Section IV: Evaluation Criteria, in order for the assigned a numerical score to reflect a well-informed bases. Although the interview is not subject to scoring, if and when information gained by USAID during the interview substantively adds to or detracts from

USAID’s initial understanding based on the Applicant’s written submittal, an adjustment in a particular score may be justified.

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. AID 309-2

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **

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

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

** Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

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 those benefits listed under item A below.)

A. BENEFITS:

1. Employee's FICA Contribution

2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

3. Pay Comparability Adjustment http://www.usaid.gov/forms

4. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

5. Annual & Sick Leave

6. Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

B. 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

1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

3. Post Allowance (Section 220)

4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

5. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

6. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

7. Danger Pay (Section 650)

8. Educational Allowance (Section 270)

9. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

10. Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

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. 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)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period -

Compensation, Fringe

1 LOT

$ _TBD__

$_TBD at

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

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] with

Contractor_

1001 Option Period 1 –

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service

Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info:

[insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS] negotiations

2001 Option Period 2 –

Benefits and Other

Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service

Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info:

[insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS] negotiations

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 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

***END OF SOLICITATION***