Solicitation Health Advisor 72066722R00010.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066722R00010

ISSUANCE DATE: 08/11/2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 08/25/2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Solicitation for a U.S./Third Country National Personal Services Contract (US/TCN PSC) for, 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

72066722R00010

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO. 72066722R00010

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: Health 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 two (2) years, 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) 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);

mailto:khartoumusaidhr@usaid.gov

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER (Section IV);

● 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:

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

● 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

Sudan's popular uprising and subsequent peaceful removal of President Bashir from office, the signing of the Constitutional Declaration, and the formation of the Civilian-Led Transitional Government (CLTG) in 2019 had set Sudan on a trajectory toward a more peaceful, inclusive society and an increasingly democratic government. Although the October 25, 2021 military takeover has stalled the transition to an increasingly democratic government in Sudan, the U.S. remains cautiously optimistic that the current situation can be resolved and is working to ensure that the reform process is restarted.

Recognizing the extreme fragility of this moment but also recognizing the historic opportunity that the current situation can still hold after decades of authoritarian rule, and in line with both U.S. national security and foreign policy interests and USAID's prioritization of Sudan in Africa, USAID/Sudan seeks to support the reform process to realize the goals of the 2019 revolution, resilience, and economic prosperity.

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

USAID/Sudan is seeking a Health Officer who will support the design, implementation and monitoring of its health programs. Sudan offers the opportunity to address some of the greatest public health challenges of our time. USAID/Sudan manages a dynamic and growing health program that includes activities specifically focused on strengthening health policy, maternal and infant mortality, health value chain development, sanitation, family planning and disease prevention. The Health Officer coordinates closely with USAID/Washington, USAID/Sudan teams, regional and DC health officials, Embassy Pol/Econ officers and health officials throughout the Sudanese government and international donor community. The incumbent will also work with key population-led civil society organizations to build their capacity to provide health products and services to their own communities. H/s will also work towards strengthening Sudan’s health systems to prevent, detect and respond to emerging infectious disease threats, like COVID, including working closely with the Government of Sudan to prevent future pandemics.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The Health Officer will be part of the General Development Office (GDO. The General Development Office designs projects and programs with appropriate budgets, to meet priority needs in agriculture, health, and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Under the direction of the Director, General Development Officer, the Health Officer will serve as USAID/Sudan advisor on health-related issues, including close coordination with USAID/Washington, USAID/Sudan teams, regional and DC health officials, Embassy Pol/Econ officers and health officials throughout the Sudanese government and international donor community. H/s will specifically focus on strengthening health policy, maternal and infant mortality, health value chain development, sanitation, family planning and disease prevention.

Program Management and Oversight (50 percent)

● Monitor the performance of health activities through regular site visits, review of technical reports and regular interaction with implementing partners.

● Liaise with implementing partners to jointly identify solutions to program implementation challenges.

● Work closely with USAID Global Health (GH) colleagues in Washington, DC to jointly manage mission health-related activities.

● Ensure that partners' activities are aligned with GH policies and international best practices.

● Ensure that USAID' s health activities are adequately tailored to the country context and Mission

Strategic Framework.

● Prepare updates, briefing papers, reports and press releases as assigned.

● Serves as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) or Activity Manager for selected programs/projects/activities. As an AOR/COR, the Specialist monitors program performance and progress, identifies implementation achievements as well as problems in performance, and initiates appropriate actions in consultation with the GDO Director. his/her supervisor, other [team] staff, and/or the Deputy and Office Director, as appropriate.

Technical Assistance (50 percent)

● Assist in the design of new health-related activities as needed and ensure that new interventions are consistent with Global Health policies and priorities and globally recognized best practices.

● Lead the efforts to expand access to and improve the quality of MNCH services in Sudan. The

Health Advisor facilitates communication and ensures collaborative working relationships with high-level decision makers, as well as technical staff, in the Ministry of Health, USAID/Washington counterparts, with other government entities, and with other donors, development partners and non-governmental organizations working in the health sector.

● Deliver analytical and technical assistance services to other bilateral/multilateral agencies, Government of Sudan and civil society in developing and implementing policies and programs based on best practices and innovations in maternal, newborn, and child health.

● Representing the U.S. Government, the Health Advisor participates on national technical working groups and builds alliances with External Development partners and provides essential communication and liaison within USAID offices and with other USG agencies.

● Participate in review of annual work plans, monitoring & evaluation plans and technical reports.

● Serve as the lead technical specialist for the WASH portfolio and provide expert direction in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of WASH programs and interventions. Lead efforts to identify, prioritize and address key technical challenges, and policy and institutional structures, constraints and opportunities in sustainable water and sanitation service provision and management in the country, including those related to private sector participation in the sector.

● Represent USAID at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to WASH, including regular participation in national level WASH technical working groups and related committees. Develop, maintain and strengthen working relationships with key partners, including national ministries, local governments, international organizations and other donors, private sector, NGOs, universities and the media to identify and implement efforts to increase synergy among the key stakeholders.

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: A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in public health (MPH), social sciences, and/ or in a related field.

○ Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in the design and management of health programs, with a preference for experience in the Sahel.

○ Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English is required. Ability to read and speak at a professional level in English on the core programmatic areas is required and will be tested. Some exposure or familiarity with Arabic would be considered highly desirable but is not required.

○ Technical and Professional Experience: At least 10 years of professional experience working in the field of health development on behalf of an international organization, the U.S. government, a non-government organization or private sector entity working in the international context. Of the 10 years, the candidate should possess at least 7 years of experience developing, managing, or implementing health programs and activities in a diverse field of health to include experience managing water, sanitation and hygiene activities, maternal newborn and child health, and health systems strengthening, .

Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem-solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required. Ability to navigate and manage politically sensitive issues related to health programming is preferred.

○ 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 excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a small team and international colleagues.

○ The ability to obtain a Secret level 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 range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far 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): Minimum of a master's degree in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution and/or clinical qualifications. A PhD in public health and/or Doctoral degree in medicine, epidemiology, or related field preferred.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE (30 POINTS): The Health Adviser must have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in the design, implementation and monitoring of public health programs. A preference is given to public-health related work with other international donor organizations, private sector institutions, and/or civil society organizations in the developing world, and preferably in Sudan or South Sudan, or neighboring countries. Prior work experience with USAID or other donor organizations, in areas of program management, implementation and administration is highly desirable.

3. KNOWLEDGE (30 POINTS): The Health Officer must have thorough knowledge of the technical concepts of public health programming. S/he must also know the principles and accepted procedures of program management, evaluation, reporting and budgeting.

Knowledge and expertise in USAID programs, policies and procedures is highly desirable.

The Health Office should be familiar with maternal, newborn, and child health practices and principles, with broad experience working with national stakeholders including government, professional associations, and faith-based organizations. H/s provides strategic and technical leadership in the design and implementation of USAID/Sudan family health activities throughout Sudan

4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES (30 POINTS):

● Technical, analytical, and managerial abilities (project and staff) combined with excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and leadership skills. This includes learning agility and the ability to effectively adapt to new or changing situations; problem-solving abilities; the ability to establish and maintain effective relations with international and host-country counterparts; sensitivity to others; and balanced judgment.

● Ability to develop and maintain high level contacts (GH, donors, civil society, local bodies) and productive working relationships with other counterparts.

● Advanced capacity to work successfully in a fast-paced environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. Expert ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically

● Excellent English writing and editing skills, as well as ability to provide cohesive oral presentations (formal and ad hoc) around complex issues in an understandable manner;

ability to draft quality and clear documents including briefing papers, project design documents, and reports.

● Demonstrated skills in coordinating and collaborating between teams, offices, and or units within a larger organization.

● Proficiency in the use of MS Office suite, Gmail, and Google suite is essential.

● Advanced skills/abilities in the aforementioned areas is desirable.

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 –: 72066721R00010 - Health 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 benefits and allowances:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:%20khartoumusaidhr@usaid.gov

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) 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

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTIO

N) (B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(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 negotiation s with Contractor_

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information

Bulletins(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

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