Solicitation- HIV Team Leader - rev jss.pdf

SOLICITATION : 72061220R00007

ISSUANCE DATE: September 18, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: October 15, 2020

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) HIV TEAM

LEADER

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, Janine Scott Supervisory Executive Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061220R00007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 18, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 15, 2020 - 1700 hrs. Malawi Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Fiskani Mbeya, HR Assistant, e-mail at fmbeya@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: HIV Team Leader

6. MARKET VALUE: $109,366 to $142,180 per annum (GS-15 equivalent). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, beginning o/a 1 December 2020. Based on the Mission needs, 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 December 1, 2020 – November 30 , 2021 Option Period 1: o/a December 1, 2021 – November 31, 2022 Option Period 2: o/a December 1, 2022 –November 31, 2023

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such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.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

One of the five poorest nations in the world, Malawi faces a long list of interwoven and inseparable development challenges. Malawi’s population is forecasted to almost double by 2040, only 6 percent of children who start primary school actually graduate from secondary school, and 80 percent of the population is dependent on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. While Malawi is doing relatively well in most measures of its commitment, its capacity to manage and finance its journey to self-reliance is low.

Malawi is also one of the 23 bilateral programs in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Started in 2003, PEPFAR is a unified USG strategy which aims to reduce the HIV/AIDS burden on the countries that are the most impacted by the epidemic. In particular, PEPFAR focuses support on low income countries, and in FY 2019 USAID obligated approximately $1.8 billion, of which $159 million went to Malawi. Since the start of PEPFAR funding, Malawi has received nearly $1 billion in PEPFAR funding. Malawi has made remarkable progress toward stemming the HIV epidemic, and is expected to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals by 2020 but will require considerable support to maintain these gains and accelerate toward the 95-95-95 goal.

As of 2019, PEPFAR Malawi supported over 800,000 people on treatment, 92% of whom are virally suppressed. Increasing the capacity of and funding for local partners is seen as a major priority for both USAID and PEPFAR to improve the sustainability of the HIV response. To sustain epidemic control, it will be important that locally owned and operated organizations have sufficient technical and operational capacity and durability to ensure long term impact. PEPFAR has set a goal that 70% of all funding provided to USAID should be directed to local partners by the end of FY2020. To date, 43% of all USAID/Malawi funding is directed to local partners, which includes treatment, key populations, and orphans and vulnerable children services.

PEPFAR Malawi is an interagency effort led by the PEPFAR Coordination Office in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Defense, Peace Corps, and USAID. The HIV team within the HPN Office is responsible for USAID’s PEPFAR funded activities and consists of twenty-eight staff, who manage a portfolio of 20 activities with a total estimated value of over $229 million. USAID/Malawi’s PEPFAR-funded activities also contribute to a new Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) through which USAID/Malawi will implement a new cross-sectoral strategic approach to support the country to become more gender equitable and democratically accountable. Over half of USAID/Malawi’s FY19 budget goes toward a diverse and complex health portfolio that is integral to the success of USAID/Malawi’s CDCS.

2. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

HIV Team Leader serves as the principal manager overseeing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS/TB portfolio, which includes robust HIV pediatric and adult care and treatment, prevention and OVC programming for USAID/Malawi. The HIV Team is part of the Health, Population and Nutrition Office (HPN). HPN manages a FY 2019 annual budget of $140 million, of which the HIV Team manages $72 million. HPN comprises 52 staff, including 5 USDH, 7 US and TCNPSCs, and 39 FSNs. The HIV Team Lead reports to the Health Office Director and directly supervises one USDH (the Senior HIV Advisor), one PSC, and two FSNs, while providing strategic oversight and technical direction to all 26 staff on the HIV team and a portfolio of 20 activities with a total estimated value of over $229 million for five years. The HIV Team Lead represents USAID in both Government of Malawi (GoM) and donor coordination structures and serves as the USAID lead on the interagency President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) leadership team, which also includes State Department, CDC, Peace Corps, and Department of Defense.

This is an essential strategic leadership position with HPN. The HIV Team Leader leads the development, management and implementation of the USAID portion of the PEPFAR program and has direct responsibility for strategic planning, day-to-day coordination and overall management of the USAID PEPFAR portfolio in Malawi. The HIV Team Leader is responsible for ensuring the well-coordinated and effective program implementation of the USG HIV/AIDS/TB portfolio in USAID/Malawi and the HPN Office. Duties and responsibilities include strategy development within PEPFAR and USAID parameters, program conceptualization, planning, and development, management, technical direction, and supervision of USAID staff, and management and implementation oversight of USAID/Malawi HIV/AIDS/TB investments (grants, contracts and cooperative agreements) as they relate to health activities related to the PEPFAR program. S/he works closely with the PEPFAR leadership, other HPN divisions, and across USAID/Malawi technical offices to ensure that all activities contribute to measurable results that are in accordance with agency regulations, PEPFAR strategic objectives, international ethical guidelines and standards for public health care. The incumbent coordinates closely with and provides guidance to the Government of Malawi HIV/AIDS/TB program to ensure U.S. government investments in the HIV/AIDS/TB sectors are in line with the GOM strategic framework and are effectively and transparently implemented.

3. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The HIV Team Leader will work independently with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to provide management and strategic leadership to the HIV Team in the following ways:

Strategic Leadership and Program Management 60%

The HIV Team Leader is fully responsible for the entire USAID HIV/AIDS/TB portfolio under the Malawi PEPFAR program. The HIV Team Leader will provide overall strategic leadership, management and implementation oversight for the complex and diverse HIV/AIDS/TB program and serve as a USAID technical expert and leader within the interagency PEPFAR space. The HIV Team Leader will lead the strategic planning, development, oversight, management, and assessment of USAID/Malawi’s PEPFAR-funded HIV/AIDS programs in areas such as HIV testing services, HIV treatment and retention, voluntary male medical circumcision, and comprehensive HIV programming targeting priority populations such as Key Populations, orphans and vulnerable children, and Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).

The HIV Team Leader carries out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic, coordinating, planning and evaluation responsibilities related to the assigned portfolio, and ultimately is responsible for overseeing development and management of all HIV Team mechanisms, strategic leadership, planning, budgeting, and reporting against both USAID and PEPFAR requirements.

The HIV Team Leader is responsible for the development and implementation of annual Country Operational Plans (COPs), ensuring plans are designed according to USAID’s strategic advantage and sufficient funds are allocated to reach goals. The incumbent initiates new programs and activities in accordance with the Ministry of Health policies, guidelines and protocols and PEPFAR public health program goals, objectives, and policies. This includes playing a lead role in strategic planning and program development through the provision of direct technical assistance, and well executed program planning with partners.

The HIV Team Leader will be responsible for planning a broad range of HIV/AIDS activities, including identifying opportunities for integrating development assistance principles with HIV/AIDS sector programs; participating in the formation of policies and guidelines to further HIV/AIDS activities in the geographic area; and, coordinating program development, implementation, and performance monitoring plans that encourage HIV/AIDS activities.

The HIV Team Leader is the senior public health advisor who will provide highest level strategic and leadership services and is responsible for the strategic planning, design, management, and implementation oversight of USAID/Malawi’s HIV/AIDS/TB prevention, care, and treatment investments as they relate to health activities related to the PEPFAR program. The Team Leader is recognized by the USG and the GOM as an expert in the field of HIV/AIDS/TB care, treatment, and prevention and serves as a key advisor to mission management, the PEPFAR Interagency, the GOM, and to implementing partners (IPs).

A key activity of the HIV Team is to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate PEPFAR-funded HIV/AIDS programs that are carried out by cooperating/implementing partners. This requires close cooperation with other donor agencies, implementing and/or cooperative agreement partners, facilitation during implementation, frequent monitoring and, in liaison with the Strategic Information unit, evaluating partner performance against desired results that are in accordance with USAID and PEPFAR guidelines and protocols. The incumbent ensures that program requirements of USAID grants, contracts and/or cooperative agreement are correctly followed and according to PEPFAR and international HIV/AIDS program standards. Independently or in coordination with other experts, the job holder prepares and presents comprehensive program reviews to include accomplishments, challenges and recommendations on curtailing or expanding programs.

The HIV Team Leader keeps abreast of current and new HIV care and treatment issues, guides and crafts USG/USAID policy and programs in Malawi in the area of HIV prevention, care and treatment service delivery, interprets and advises the Office and Mission on implications and implementation options to maximize programmatic opportunities (as strategic and cost-effective) within Malawi's integrated programming environment.

The HIV Team Leader will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the large HIV Team, including supervision, management, mentoring, coaching and technical direction of staff. The HIV Team Leader will directly supervise 3-6 technical staff, while providing strategic oversight and technical direction to all 27 staff on the HIV team, who are responsible for a portfolio of 20 activities with a total estimated annual value of over $70 million. S/he will also supervise, coach and mentor individuals (junior, mid-level, and senior foreign-service nationals) and teams within the HIV team to improve overall performance. The HIV Team Leader will create a supportive work environment that values diversity, and elicits the highest possible level of performance from the entire team. S/he will set clear individual and team work objectives and ensure that staff members meet those approved work objectives.

Representation, Interagency Coordination, and Reporting 40% The HIV Team Leader will serve as a USAID lead on the interagency PEPFAR Management team ensuring coordination of work plan development, implementation strategies, and evaluation plans for all USG agency activities in Malawi. The incumbent will represent USAID in internal and external technical, policy, and strategic planning PEPFAR meetings with Embassy Front Office, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Gender officials, civil-society organizations, and other development partners.

As an integral member of the PEPFAR Management team, s/he will provide technical direction and guidance to PEPFAR technical working groups and implementing partners. S/he will also coordinate USAID/Malawi’s HIV portfolio with other USAID-funded organizations, other USG agencies, development partners, and the private sector within Malawi.

The incumbent coordinates closely with and provides guidance to the Government of Malawi HIV/AIDS program to ensure U.S. government investments in the HIV care and treatment sectors are in line with the GOM strategic framework and are effectively and transparently implemented. The HIV Team Leader will coordinate and negotiate with senior Government of Malawi and USG officials, other donors, implementing partners, civil society, and private-sector partners to improve implementation, strengthen partnerships, and improve coordination. The incumbent will also liaise with partner-country officials of other ministries and government entities, such as Finance, Planning, Education and Economic Development, on plans and programs. The HIV Team Lead also liaises with the Global Health Bureau in Washington DC and the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and orients USAID's health program to align optimally with principles and program objectives of

PEPFAR.

The incumbent is a key player in the U.S. Mission’s interagency health efforts. S/he serves as the first point of contact to the U.S. Mission Leadership for all HIV-related USAID issues, partners and programs. In coordination with the PEPFAR Senior Management team, the incumbent keeps the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission up to date on the status of the program through regular briefings and written communication.

The HIV Team Leader has a direct leadership role in the development of the annual PEPFAR Country Operational Plan, Annual Performance Report, quarterly PEPFAR Oversight and Accountability Review Team meetings, Expenditure Analysis, and End of Fiscal Year reporting. S/he will also ensure compliance with the Site Improvement through Monitoring System (SIMS) requirements while ensuring that SIMS analysis is incorporated into program implementation. S/he will also be responsible for producing high quality portfolio analyses and presentations, and other key requirements, as directed by OGAC or USAID.

4. Supervisory Relationship: The HIV Team Leader will receive supervision and broad administrative guidance from the HPN Office Director and/or Deputy Director. The HIV Team Leader is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and will have a wide latitude to take initiative, acting proactively in planning and carrying out his/her assignment with significant autonomy, consulting the supervisor only when circumstances indicate an exceptional need for clarity and direction. The incumbent works independently, providing leadership to others involved in the management of the HIV/AIDS/TB portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of the new HIV projects/activities. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change. If the work should be reviewed, the review concerns such matters as fulfillment of program objectives, effect of advice and influence on the overall program, or the contribution to the advancement of the program.5. Supervisory Controls: The HIV Team Leader will provide oversight and managerial leadership to the HIV Team comprising of 27 professionals and technical experts. The incumbent will lead, direct and manage the HIV Team staff members to ensure they meet the Office and Mission strategic goals and objectives.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education The complex and highly technical and visible nature of the position requires a minimum a Master’s degree in medicine, laboratory sciences, international public health, social sciences, health care development or other applicable related field.

Work Experience At least ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring large scale public health programs, including programs related to HIV epidemic control, is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a clear progression in his or her previous work experience and have experience working on HIV or other public health programming.

At least seven (7) years of demonstrated supervisory experience in leading and managing large, diverse teams of professional staff. Prior experience in a high-level management position is required.

Experience working with US government agencies, other donors, international organizations, public international organizations, and/or other relevant development stakeholders is required.

Demonstrated experience working with high-level host country counterparts, in- country program managers, policy makers and a broad array of international health service providers and community leaders.

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.

Education: Pass/Fail Experience: Pass/Fail

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

In-depth knowledge of the latest HIV science and/or research related to both community- and facility-based ART retention, adherence and viral load suppression interventions and strategies, as well as knowledge related to broader health systems issues and familiarity with international treatment initiatives. Demonstrated technical leadership, policy experience, and experience designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating large HIV or public health programs.

This position requires highly specialized technical skills, expert subject matter knowledge, political and diplomatic tact, complex problem-solving skills and significant experience related to the respective field of HIV prevention, care and treatment. High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs.

Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form. Ability to interpret routine programmatic data, targeted evaluation and operational research data and advanced numerical skills for data analysis are required. Strong ability to produce concise, clear reports, and utilize word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. Ability to develop and monitor clinical components of HIV strategic plans.

Proven ability to work effectively with high level personnel from government, the donor community, implementing partners, and other development organizations is essential.

Demonstrated ability to work across agencies, and with high level senior-ranking host country government officials, is required. Ability to work effectively on her/his own, as a member of an office management team, and as a mentor to junior staff, is required. The incumbent must possess strong technical and management skills, complemented by outstanding cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills to be successful. 40 Points https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Language and Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral English communication skills, particularly strong writing and editing skills, are required. S/he must have the ability to summarize and synthesize information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished written and oral communication. Exceptionally strong interpersonal skills and abilities to work in a multi-cultural setting are required. Experience motivating and leading teams of professionals are required. 20 Points

Management Skills Demonstrated ability to manage a complex portfolio of health or HIV activities. Excellent organizational, communication and negotiation skills. Strong supervisory skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse, multi-cultural team of highly qualified technical experts. 25 Points

Reference checks: 15 points

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

2. A 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 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 basis. 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

4. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

5. Annual & Sick Leave

6. Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary, and pouch mail service http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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 Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

1 LOT

$ _TBD__

$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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

- Accounting Info:

[insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

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 negotiations

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 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 .

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