Solicitation No.72016823R00005 for USPSC Senior Democracy Advisor, GS-15_signed by CO.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72016823R00005

ISSUANCE DATE: 03/15/2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 04/05/2023/5:00 p.m. Sarajevo/Local Time

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

Democracy Advisor, GS-15, USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina

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 the Attachment

1.

Sincerely, Ken Seifert, Supervisory Executive Officer / Contracting Officer

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Roberta C. Frasurea 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tel: (387-33) 704-000 Fax: (387-33) 219-298 www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/europe-and-eurasia/bosnia http://www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/europe-and-eurasia/bosnia

SOL: 72016823R00005 – USPSC Senior Democracy Advisor

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72016823R00005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/15/2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 04/05/2022 at 5:00 p.m. Sarajevo

Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Ken Seifert, Supervisory Executive Officer, email at kseifert@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Democracy Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $117,518 to $152,771 equivalent to position grade level GS-15

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Eleven (11) month period. The performance dates are estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a July 2, 2023 to May 31, 2024

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful Offeror must obtain a U.S. Government

“Secret Clearance”. If the clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Background

USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina seeks highly qualified and politically savvy individuals to serve as the Senior Democracy Advisor / Director of the mission’s Democracy Office (DEMO). The position is a key member of the USAID mission and embassy leadership teams. The Office consists of seven Foreign Service National (FSN) staff, one Foreign Service Officer, and a $22 million annual budget that supports programming in rule of law, independent media, investigative journalism, anti-corruption, civil society strengthening, election reform, political pluralism, local governance, reconciliation, human rights, and local capacity development. DEMO leads the mission’s programming in the democracy and governance space. In addition to reporting to the

Mission Director, the Senior Democracy Advisor advises mission leadership on BiH governance, politics, elections, and international programming in these areas. The Advisor works directly with the Embassy’s Political Section to coordinate on mutual approaches to anti-corruption, rule of law, reconciliation, human rights, elections, and political pluralism strengthening. S/he works closely with the office’s FSN deputy director to ensure that programming adheres to the mission’s Country

Development Cooperation Strategy and manages the connection between democracy activities and those supported by the Economic Development Office.

mailto:kseifert@usaid.gov

1. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The position calls for an experienced international development expert with the knowledge and skills to manage a large, complicated portfolio of democracy and governance activities that operate within a complex, sensitive political situation. In addition to reporting to the Mission Director, the office director advises mission leadership on BiH governance, politics, elections, and international programming in these areas. The Senior Democracy Advisor works directly with the Embassy’s

Political Section to coordinate mutual approaches to anti-corruption, rule of law, reconciliation, human rights, elections, and political pluralism strengthening. The Advisor works closely with the office’s FSN deputy director to ensure that programming adheres to the mission’s Country

Development Cooperation Strategy and manages the connection between democracy activities and those supported by the Economic Development Office. The incumbent must be comfortable communicating with host government officials, the U.S. Ambassador, USAID/Washington, and other key stakeholders across the international donor community. The incumbent must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information to key decision makers. The incumbent will visit program sites, outside the primary office setting and act according to USG protocol and regulations.

The incumbent should possess excellent management skills, have experience in post-conflict situations, have significant knowledge about the design documentation, management, negotiation, and coordination of democracy and governance activities, in areas including but not limited to rule of law, anti-corruption, independent media, investigative journalism, human rights, reconciliation, elections, and political pluralism. The incumbent should also have experience communicating across a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials and the international community.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will lead the DEMO team and manage five direct reports, four FSN and one FSO.

S/he will ensure that activities under the DEMO portfolio continue to achieve their goals and work in collaboration with other mission activities. The incumbent will serve as a member of the mission’s senior staff and provide input to mission leadership on issues related to democracy and governance topics across BiH and the region. S/he will represent USAID at working group meetings within the embassy and actively coordinate donor responses among international community stakeholders. The incumbent will oversee the completion of procurements and ensure the start up of new activities. Other duties may include: research and preparation of a variety of written materials, serve as technical expert and authority for the planning, management and coordination of democracy and governance programs; working with other interagency partners, international actors, host government institutions and civil society, and implementing partners to ensure USG policy is met.

The incumbent must be comfortable making sound, independent judgments with little supervision once given the general framework within which to work. Judgment and ingenuity is required to interpret policy and program guidelines. The incumbent will have formal decision making authority within a broad program area. S/he will have wide latitude to independently plan, develop and carry out activities or changes to activities. The incumbent must be able to adapt quickly to different

Missions and to be able to provide authoritative expert advice. The work typically requires formal responsibilities for leading teams, guiding and coordinating the work of other professional or technical staff.

The Senior Democracy Advisor will be responsible for:

● Overall management of the Democracy Office, including personnel and the various activities the office supports.

● Mentoring and advising Democracy Office staff.

● Ensuring that activities currently under design are fully procured.

● Advise mission leadership on political developments in the country (including, but not limited to how BiH government actions will affect programming, 2024 election preparation, etc.)

● Overseeing, coordinating, and evaluating selected program operations for the Mission.

● Undertaking the planning, design, development, negotiation and implementation of projects as needed.

● Completing performance appraisal (merit-based compensation) process for FSN staff.

● Assisting with the management and oversight of grants, contracts, and purchase orders for which USAID is responsible.

● Reviewing correspondence, memoranda, press releases, and/or other documents relevant to program activities and contributing to talking points or speeches and briefing materials as needed.

● Working collaboratively with culturally and demographically diverse populations; working with Mission and Embassy leadership, other donors, and program or technical offices with a team and results focus.

● Working and negotiating with government officials at all levels of government.

● Negotiate and collaborate with donor partners in the design and implementation of activities.

3. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The Senior Democracy Advisor will take direction from and will report to the Mission Director or his/her designee.

4. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

During deployment, the Mission Director will set overall vision and objectives. The incumbent is expected to provide overall guidance to the DEMO team, including technical and strategic guidance. The incumbent will set broad objectives for DEMO team members and monitor progress towards results. The incumbent will be relied upon as the subject matter expert and serve as the direct supervisor to 7 staff. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision while remaining in line with agreed upon work plans and overall mission objectives.

5. SUPPORT ITEMS:

USAID BiH will provide the support services, equipment and supplies necessary to perform the work

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education (10 points): A Master's degree (with a minimum of seven (7) years of proven democracy, governance, humanitarian assistance experience) in International/Development Affairs, Public Administration, Public Policy, Democracy, Governance, Human Rights, Humanitarian

Assistance, Political Sciences and/or Law is required. (Education requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

Prior Work Experience (20 points): A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in democracy, governance, humanitarian assistance, and/or peacebuilding within donor/international organizations and/or host government. Experience should include/involve supervisory experience, project management, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, and/or procurement.

(Work experience requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position). A minimum of three years out of the requested experience should be in managing complex teams with diverse portfolios, and at least four years, in the field/overseas.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities (15 points):

Knowledge/Demonstrated Skills and Abilities in the below areas are essential:

Knowledge of the theory and practice of democracy and governance and democratic principles and practices, including capacity building for individuals and organizations; understanding of integration of these technical areas with other USAID development priorities such as economic growth; thorough knowledge of the principles and best practices for project development, design, and implementation, as well as evaluation of democratic development projects and programs;

ability to inter-relate democracy and governance issues, trends and developments to the broader political forces and factors at work in the host country; ability to write factual and interpretive reports covering complex subject matter is required; proven ability to prepare precise and accurate factual and analytical reports; demonstrated ability to effectively present in writing conclusions/analysis for Embassy, Mission, and Washington leadership, and memoranda of records to document meetings with the Government, donor, and other officials.

Strong writing, communication, organizational, and IT skills; proven ability to communicate quickly, succinctly, and tactfully in both speech and writing; ability to facilitate meetings and to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior government officials and partners; the ability to produce concise, clear, strategic communication pieces.

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.

The Evaluation Factors listed below will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

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

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs):

1. Education: 10 points

2. Prior Work Experience: 20 points

3. Knowledge/ Skills and Abilities: 15 points

4. Interview Performance: 40 points

5. Satisfactory Professional Reference Check: 15 points

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 100 points

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be requested to complete writing sample and will be interviewed via Google Meet at USAID’s discretion.

The hiring official may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors at the conclusion of evaluations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A US citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a security clearance at the secret level. The successful applicant must be able to receive a USAID security clearance that involves an applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a medical clearance. Details of how to obtain US

Department of State medical clearance will be provided.

4. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary.

5. Willing to travel to program sites as and when requested.

6. Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit:

1. A signed offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with

Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms by e-Mail only to: kseifert@usaid.gov.

2. Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying to (with clear explanation http://www.usaid.gov/forms mailto:kseifert@usaid.gov how you meet the minimum requirements);

3. Curriculum vitae/resume specifically addressing each Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as outlined in the solicitation;

4. Three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, peer and/or subordinate in current or previous employment) with current email address and telephone number;

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact specified in the Section I, Item 4.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the

Solicitation number in the offer submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

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.*

* See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section

VIII below.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO)/Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful

Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the S/EXO/CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit all required forms, including:

A. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

B. Medical History and Examination Form/Medical Clearance Update (Department of State

Forms DS-6561/DS-3057)

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

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

E. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary

Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror.

Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a U. S. citizen/Alien (offshore) PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer’s FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(f) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(g) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

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 Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

B. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

C. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Section 210)

D. Supplemental 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)

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 US PSC 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. AAPD 21-04 EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 ON ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19

SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION) (FAR

Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c) 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19

Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70:

PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

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—

(1) The fifty States;

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

(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.

(End of clause)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order

(hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

Item No Services Quantity Amount

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs

(ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 TBD at award

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct

Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 TBD at award

4. Acquisition & 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, https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 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.

USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina expects to award a personal services contract for a US Citizen commencing as early as practically possible, subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

USAID PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN

EMPLOYMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX

(INCLUDING GENDER IDENTITY, TRANSGENDER STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

AND PREGNANCY), NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, AGE, GENETIC INFORMATION,

POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, AND/OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTORS

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov