Solicitation No. 72052221R00010 ROL - Citizen Security Specialist.pdf

Avenida La Paz

Frente a La Embajada Americana P.O. Box 3453 Tegucigalpa, Honduras

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

ISSUANCE DATE:

72052221R000

September 2, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 17, 2021 (Midnight Local Time - Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for an off-shore U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Rule of Law / Citizen Security Specialist

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Honduras, is seeking applications from qualified individuals in providing personal services as described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the information provided below and sent electronically to tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above.

To ensure consideration of the application for the intended position, the applicant must prominently submit a signed Application Form AID-309-2 with a Curriculum Vitae or resume attached and comply with the requirements as established below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All e-mail submissions must contain the Solicitation Number, SOL-72052221R000 , in the subject line. It is recommended that the applicant retain copies of all application materials for their records.

Please note that USAID/Honduras does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application. Applications received after the Closing Date and Closing Time specified above will not be considered.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID/Honduras to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID/Honduras to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Also, USAID/Honduras reserves the right to award, or not to award the contract herein contemplated, subject to availability of funds.

Any questions must be directed in writing to tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Natalya Komarova Contracting Officer

Natalya Ivanovna Komarova

Digitally signed by Natalya Ivanovna Komarova Date: 2021.09.02 19:16:39 -04'00'

SOLICITATION No.: 72052221R000

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052221R00009

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 2, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

September 17, 2021 (Midnight Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

4. POINT OF CONTACT:

USAID/Honduras – Human Resources Office:

E-mail: tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Rule of Law/Citizen Security Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $79,468.00 – $103,309.00 equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Other allowances will be granted as applicable in the Cooperating Country.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Full-time, short-term. Employment under this contract is for a period not to exceed 12 months. Estimated start date will be contingent upon the successful outcome of a security and medical clearance of the selected candidate.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Honduras, Democracy and Governance Office (DG). The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent U.S. Residents to be eligible for consideration.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: HSPD-12 (Facility/USAID Computer Access Only).

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of Contract:

Under the direct supervision of the Democracy and Governance Office Director, the Citizen Security Advisor and Team Lead will assist the USAID Mission on all issues and programs pertaining to designing, procuring, implementing, and monitoring citizen security activities in Honduras.

The Advisor is responsible for guiding the delivery of technical assistance through the management of various mechanisms including assistance agreements, contracts, and grants to support the rebuilding of the citizen security portfolio at USAID/Honduras

The Advisor is the Mission's principal technical expert and point of contact on all matters pertaining to citizen security including gender-based violence, juvenile justice, primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, as well as gang desistance. They will be responsible for maintaining a broad array of external contacts and will brief the Office Director, Mission Director, Ambassador, and other Mission Officers regularly on developments, challenges, and opportunities within the sector.

The Advisor will be responsible for: leading the coordination and integration of all USAID citizen security support including gender based violence ensuring that all Mission citizen security activities are fully coordinated with, complementary to, and supportive of the assistance activities of other U.S. Government agencies and USAID programs; and for ensuring that the design and implementation of all USAID citizen security activities are fully coordinated with Government of Honduras, and other donors active in these areas They will be expected to work with minimal supervision to advance citizen security priorities as outlined in the USAID/Honduras CDCS and the newly approved Root Causes Strategy.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The Advisor and Team Lead will handle all assigned work either independently or as required, as the leader or member of teams according to the direction of the DG Office Director, established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance is placed on the Advisor to independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties, and responsibilities. The Advisor will identify complex problems that arise related to job responsibilities, and in conjunction with necessary parties, develop, coordinate, and clear proposed solutions; and then take appropriate actions necessary to implement solutions.

a) Program Design and Management (50%)

The Advisor and Team Lead will provide leadership and have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in the planning, development and management of program activities in the citizen security areas including: development of policy recommendations;

determination of priorities; making decisions on activity implementation matters; identifying and resolving program issues; assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically-sound and cost-effective manner; and assuring activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements.

The citizen security sectors in Honduras are multifaceted, politically-sensitive, and highly complex, requiring the Advisor to excel at undertaking analysis and decision making related to complex, multi-faceted and conceptual problems with high levels of difficulty. The Advisor will design, report on, and oversee the implementation of a complex portfolio of activities likely to include, but not be limited to the following areas: support to improved performance of national and municipal justice and security institutions and systems;

increased citizen engagement with judicial and security actors; support for improve prosecutorial processes related to juvenile justice; improved access to justice; increased judicialization rates; the role of the informal/customary justice sector, restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution in Honduras and how these interact with formal justice sector;

support for effective community and relational policing, including advancement of police reform agendas and increase cohesion between communities and law enforcement personnel; tertiary and gang desistance; violence prevention as it is related to irregular migration; gender based violence, including sexual and domestic violence.

The Advisor and Team Lead will be expected to engage in the planning, implementing, or assessment of Mission efforts related to all citizen security. Additionally, the advisor will be responsible for providing technical and policy advice and recommendations to USAID, Department of State and implementing partners regarding the design and implementation of citizen security activities planned or carried out in Honduras.

The Advisor will be a senior member of the Democracy and Governance Office (DG).

b) Coordination, Policy Dialogue and Management (30%)

With a growing amount of research into citizen security programming and anti-corruption best practice and a growing USAID focus on analysis, evidence-based programming and results, the USPSC will be expected to maintain a high-level of specific sector expertise related to international and local best practices and evidence-based programming, and apply this knowledge to new designs and procurements.

The USPSC will direct and/or participate in the direction and management of USAID investments in citizen security in close coordination with other USG agencies (particularly the Department of Justice, and State Department’s INL), international organizations, and other donors as needed.

Active participation in the development of Embassy, Mission strategic plans, operational plans, annual reports and other planning and reporting processes and documentation will be expected.

c) Technical Advice and Strategy Development (20%)

The USPSC will provide technical analysis, advice and recommendations to senior Mission and Embassy management and staff regarding the status, planning, and formulation of new activity designs strategy for Mission and Embassy engagement (political and programmatic) and assistance in the areas of justice and security sector, governance, anti-corruption, and human rights.

Active participation in the development of Embassy and Mission strategic plans, operational plans, annual reports and other planning and reporting processes and documentation will be expected.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation:

Limited training will be available, as the incumbent is expected to have sufficient experience in USAID processes as well as experience in integrated programing implementation. The contractor shall complete the Confidential Financial Disclosure Form (OGE-450) when required and shall attend mandatory annual Ethics training as available.

4. Supervisory Relationship:

The USPSC will be supervised by the DG Office Director.

5. Supervisory Controls:

The USAID PSC will manage a staff of two CCNPSC USAID Project Management Specialists

(FSN-11).

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. During site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion, including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or the carrying of moderately heavy material.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. Education. A Master’s Degree in law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, area studies, or a related field is required. Eight years of relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

2. Work experience. Experience in designing and managing democracy, governance and security sector strengthening activities or portfolios is required; experience in development and management of activities funded by USAID or international donors is highly desirable, with a required minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the following areas: design and/or management of development programs focused on administration of justice, human rights, citizen security, juvenile justice, gender, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in coordinating activities with inter-agency counterparts, other donors and partners in a complicated, politically sensitive international development context is highly preferred, as is direct experience in working to secure host-country buy-in for reform activities within complex (or similarly complex) political environment.

3. Knowledge level required. A comprehensive knowledge of democracy, governance, and security programming and relevant best practices in the area of rule of law strengthening, institutional development, and human rights is required. Understanding of US Government organizations and operations, project planning and implementation procedures, and policies and procedures for technical program monitoring and management is highly desirable.

4. Language proficiency. Must have excellent English and Spanish communication skills. Candidates must have the ability to present analysis and recommendations in clear and concise written and oral formats.

5. Skills and abilities and other requirements.

Candidate must possess sound and independent judgment with the skills to strategize, develop flexible and work in a tense and time sensitive environment is r work in teams (i.e., good communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills), with proven relationships with USAID, Host Government, other donors, and NGO counterparts is also required.

A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in representing the USG are essential elements of the position.

Must have excellent computer skills in all Microsoft Office and Google applications.

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.

Candidates that meet the minimum requirements, as outlined in this solicitation, will be evaluated and ranked based on the following evaluation criteria:

Evaluation Criteria Percentage

Education 10% Work Experience 25% Knowledge 20% Language Proficiency 15% Skills and Abilities and other requirements

30%

Total 100%

Applicants meeting the above required minimum qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The hiring panel may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following:

a) Completed and signed Application Form AID-309-2 “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals”. Incomplete AID 309-2 forms will not be accepted and therefore will not be considered for this solicitation. This form is included as Attachment A of this solicitation.

b) Most current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume. The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria.

Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

c) Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the e-mail address specified in the cover letter of this solicitation. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail.

2. By submitting the application materials, the offeror certifies that all the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. The offeror agrees to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to the offer may result in being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The applicant must be able to obtain an HSPD-12 (Facility/Computer Access Only) which involves the applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a medical clearance to work worldwide stating that the applicant is able to engage in the type of activities required for the position and that is also physically fit and able to reside in the Cooperating Country.

Details of how to obtain such clearances will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer has been made.

The CO, or his/her designee, will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

1. Medical History and Examination Forms (Department of State Forms)

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

3. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions

(SF-85) submitted through e-Qip

4. Fingerprint Cards

5. e-QIP signature forms

6. AID 6-85 Foreign Activity Data

7. AID 500-6 Dual Citizenship Questionnaire (if applicable)

8. OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment

9. Other forms as appropriate

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Eligibility for benefits and allowances depends on the type of position and contract issued at the time of employment. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

a) Employer's FICA Contribution.

b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (unless health and life insurance coverage for retiree employees does not provide or specifically excludes overseas coverage, retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health and life insurance under their contracts. Additionally, a USPSC who is a dependent of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their Government employee’s or retiree’s Government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for these contributions).

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment.

d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation.

e) Eligibility for Family and Medical Leave (FML).

f) Annual and Sick Leave (no vacation shall be earned if the tour of duty is less than 90 days).

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Areas):

a) Post Differential beginning with the 43rd day at post (Chapter 500 and Tables in Chapter 900).

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

c) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

d) Payments During Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600).

e) Payment of MEDEVAC Insurance.

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”

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

Funding Type: Bilateral Appropriation: 7218/191021 / 7218/201037 Template: Mission Program Funds Resource Category: 1130008, 1150958

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

3. All applicable Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for PSCs with Individuals.

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.

The US Mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras provides Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) and fair and equitable treatment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

See https://www.usaid.gov/honduras for additional information on USAID’s work and programs.

OMB No. 0412-0579 Expiration Date: 05/31/2021

AID 309-2 Page 1 of 3

OFFEROR INFORMATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS

The Privacy Act Statement is found at the end of this form.

Section A – Offeror Information

1. Title of Solicited Position

2. Offeror’s Proposed Base Salary

3. Solicitation Number

4a. Last Name

4b. First and Middle Names

5a. Mailing Address

6. Phone Numbers (include area code if within the United States of America)

6a. Daytime

5b. City

5c. State

5d. Zip Code

6b. Evening

5e. Country (If not within the United States of America)

7. Email Address (if available)

Section B – Work Experience Describe your paid and non-paid work experience related to this offer. Do not attach job descriptions.

Base Salary definition – basic compensation for services rendered, excluding bonuses, profit-sharing arrangements, commissions, consultant fees, extra or overtime work payments, overseas differential or quarters, cost of living or dependent education allowances.

1. Job Title (if Federal, include series and grade)

2. From (mm/yyyy)

3. To (mm/yyyy)

4.Base Salary per

5. Hours per week

6. Employer’s Name and Address

7. Supervisor’s Name and Phone Number 7a. Name

7b. Phone

8. May we contact your current supervisor? Yes No If we need to contact your current supervisor before making an offer, we will contact you first.

9. Describe your duties, accomplishments and related skills (if you need to attach additional pages, include your name, address, and solicitation number)

OMB No. 0412-0579 Expiration Date: 05/31/2021

AID 309-2 Page 1 of 3

Section C – Additional Work Experience

Continue on a separate page if required to list all employment relating to the duties of the position.

1. Job Title (if Federal, please include series and grade)

8. May we contact your current supervisor? Yes No If we need to contact your current supervisor before making an offer, we will contact you first.

9. Describe your duties, accomplishments and related skills (if you need to attach additional pages, include your name, address, and

1. Job Title (if Federal, please include series and grade)

8. May we contact your current supervisor? Yes No If we need to contact your current supervisor before making an offer, we will contact you first.

9. Describe your duties, accomplishments and related skills (if you need to attach additional pages, include your name, address, and

AID 309-2 Page 2 of 3

Section D - Education

1. Last High School (HS)/GED school. Give the school’s name, city, state, Zip code (if known), and year of diploma or GED received:

2. Mark highest level completed: Some HS HS/GED Associate Bachelor Master Doctoral

3. Colleges and universities attended.

Do not attach a copy of your transcript unless requested.

Total Credits Earned Semester Quarter Major(s) Degree (if any), Year Received 3a. Name

City

State

Zip Code

3b. Name

3c. Name

Section E – Other Education Completed

Do not list degrees received solely on life experience or obtained from schools with little or no academic standards.

Section F – Other Qualifications License or Certificate Date of Latest License or Certificate State or Other Licensing Agency 1f.

2f.

Section G – Other Qualifications Offer-related training courses (give title and year). Offer-related skills (other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.). Offer-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (publications, memberships in professional/honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards). Give dates, but do not send documents unless requested.

Section H - General 1a. Are you a U.S. citizen? Yes No 1b. If no, give the Country of your citizenship

1c. Are you a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

(Green Card Holder)? ___Yes ___ No

2. Check this box if you are an adult male born on or after January 1st 1960, and you registered for Selective Service between the ages of 18 through 25 or have an exemption

3. Were you ever a Federal civilian employee? Yes No If yes, list highest civilian grade for the following:

3a. Series

3b. Grade

3c. From (mm/yyyy)

3d. To (mm/yyyy)

Section I – Offeror Certification

I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information on and attached to this offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. I understand that false or fraudulent information on or attached to this offer may be grounds for not awarding me the contract or for early contract termination after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. I understand that any information I give may be investigated.

1a. Signature 1b. Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

AID 309-2 Page 3 of 3

Privacy Act Statement

Authority: Foreign Assistance Act, Pub. L. 87-165, as amended; 48 CFR 37.104, Personal services contracts; 48 CFR Ch. 7, App. D, Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services.

Purpose: This form collects personal information on offerors for USAID personal services contracts and is used to evaluate your qualifications for award of such a contract. This form is only valid with an OMB Number displayed in accordance with 44 USC 3506(c)(1)(B)(iii)(V).

Routine Uses: The personal information is used to examine and evaluate your qualifications for award of a specific personal services contract. The personal information is also used to determine the most appropriate offeror for such an award. The information may be shared outside of USAID to confirm your qualifications.

Disclosure: Providing personal information is voluntary. However, failure to provide any of the requested information may delay or prevent action on your offer for award of a personal services contract.

Public Burden Statement

We estimate the public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average sixty (60) minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering data and completing and reviewing the information. Send comments regarding the burden statement or any other aspect of the collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden via e-mail to pscmailbox@usaid.gov. Do not send offeror forms to this e-mail address; offerors must follow the instructions provided in the solicitation for this contract opportunity.

mailto:pscmailbox@usaid.gov