Solicitation No. 72052224R00003 - USPSC GS-14 Rule of Law and Citizen Security Advisor -Updated.pdf

Avenida La Paz

Frente a La Embajada Americana

P.O. Box 3453 Tegucigalpa, Honduras

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72052224R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2024

CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 19, 2024

(11:59 p.m. Local Time - Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for an Offshore U.S. Personal Service Contractor

(USPSC) – Rule of Law, Governance and Citizen Security Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Honduras, is seeking applications from qualified persons to provide services under an offshore U.S.

Personal Services Contract (USPSC) 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 and sign the Application Form AID-309-2 and comply with the requirements as established below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All e-mail submissions must contain the Solicitation Number, SOL-72052224R00003, 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.

USAID/Honduras will evaluate offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID/Honduras encourages all individuals, including those form disadvantaged and under-represented groups to respond to this solicitation.

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, Alejandro P. Mora Contracting Officer mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

SOLICITATION No.: 72052224R00003

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72052224R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

July 19, 2024 (11:59 p.m. Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras)

4. POINT OF CONTACT:

USAID/Honduras – Human Resources Office:

E-mail: tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Offshore U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Rule of Law, Governance and Citizen Security Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $104,604 – $ 135,987 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

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

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Full-time. Employment under this contract will initially be for two (2) years with the possibility to extend for five (5) option years depending on availability of funds. The estimated start date will be contingent upon the successful outcome of a security and medical clearance of the selected candidate.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Citizenship if dual must be clearly stated to be eligible for consideration.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

Under the direct supervision of the USDH Supervisory Democracy Officer or designee, the Advisor will assist the USAID/Honduras Mission on all issues and programs pertaining to designing, procuring, implementing, and monitoring citizen security, rule of law, or governance activities and in other program areas as directed.

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 and support other growing technical areas in Rule of Law and Governance as required.

mailto:tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov

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. S/he will be responsible for maintaining a broad array of external contacts and will brief the Citizen Security Team Leader, Office Director, Mission Director, Ambassador, and other Mission Officers regularly on developments, challenges, and opportunities within the sector.

The Advisor will be responsible for supporting the coordination and integration of all USAID citizen security support including gender based violence, ensuring that all 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/Honduras’ citizen security activities are fully coordinated with Government of Honduras (GOH), and other donors active in these areas. They may also be called upon to perform these duties for Rule of Law and Governance. The Advisor will also be expected to work with minimal supervision to advance citizen security priorities as outlined in the USAID/Honduras Cooperating Development Country Strategy (CDCS) and the Root Causes Strategy.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The Advisor will handle all assigned work either independently or as required, as the leader or member of teams according to the direction of her/his supervisor, 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 will provide leadership and have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in the planning, development and management of program activities in citizen security and other 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, rule of law, and governance sectors in Honduras are multifaceted, politically sensitive, highly complex, and linked to other program areas 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, improved governance and service delivery, combatting disinformation, anti-corruption as well as working to ensure that a conflict sensitive approach is included across the citizen security portfolio and in coordination with the DG Office’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist.

-The Advisor will be expected to engage in the planning, implementing, or assessment of Mission efforts related to citizen security and other areas as directed. Additionally, the Advisor will be responsible for providing technical and policy advice and recommendations to Mission management staff from USAID/Honduras and Department of State, and to implementing partners regarding the design and implementation of citizen security and other activities planned or carried out in Honduras.

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 Advisor 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 Advisor will direct and/or participate in the direction and management of USAID investments in citizen security in close coordination with other U.S. Government (USG) agencies, particularly the Department of Justice and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, international organizations, and other donors as needed.

− Active participation in the development of 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 Advisor will provide technical analysis, advice and recommendations to senior Mission management and staff regarding the status, planning, and formulation of new activity designs strategy for Mission 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 Mission strategic plans, operational plans, annual reports and other planning and reporting processes and documentation will be expected.

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

Education: A Master’s Degree in law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or a related field is preferred.

Prior Work Experience:

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in international democracy and governance programming is required.

• Experience in designing and managing democracy, governance and security sector strengthening activities or portfolios is required.

• Experience must also include 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 politically sensitive international development context is highly preferred, as is direct experience in working to secure host-country buy-in for reform activities within a complex (or similarly complex) political environment.

• Prior work experience with other USG agencies or institutions is preferred.

• Experience in development and management of activities funded by USG or international donors is highly desirable.

Language proficiency: Must have Level IV English and Level III Spanish ability are required. English and Spanish communication skills. Candidates must have the ability to present analysis and recommendations in clear and concise written and oral formats.

Job Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of democracy, governance, and security programming and relevant best practices in the areas of rule of law strengthening, institutional development, and human rights is required. Understanding of U.S. Government organizations and operations, project planning and implementation procedures, and policies and procedures for technical program monitoring and management is highly desirable.

Skills and abilities and other requirements:

• Excellent analytical and conceptual abilities and capability to define USAID priorities in complex environments. Outstanding leadership, managerial and organizational skills are required, which are sufficient to both assist and help manage multifaceted, comprehensive development programs.

• Excellent communications skills both oral and written; demonstrated ability to communicate and persuade across cultures on complex issues and options. Excellent interpersonal skills required to work across the Mission and with external contacts and with local public and private sector institutions, as required.

• Knowledge of best practices in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating integrated, multi-sectoral programs is required. Historical, political and economic knowledge of the Central American region preferred.

• Candidate must possess sound and independent judgment with the skills to strategize, develop and effectively implement activities in a heavy workload/high stress environment.

• Ability to be flexible and work in a tense and time sensitive environment is required.

• Demonstrated ability to work in teams (i.e., good communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills), with proven organizational and administrative skills is a must.

• Ability to quickly spot new trends or problems concerning multilateral and bilateral foreign assistance, define their parameters, develop innovative conceptual approaches to consider them and coach others to make necessary policy recommendations to deal with them.

• Ability to maintain cordial and professional 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 Suite applications, as well as with web-based applications.

• Must be able to obtain a Level II AOR/COR certification or the ability to reinstate Level II certification within one month of employment is highly desirable.

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 and characteristics:

Numerical Rating System Selective/Evaluation factors:

• Evaluation Criteria Percentage

• Work Experience 25

• Knowledge 20

• Language Proficiency 15

• Skills and Abilities and other requirements 30

• Professional Demeanor 10 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.

At the end of the process, only the Offerors who are invited for an interview will be notified of the TEC final selection.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offerors must follow these instructions when applying to USAID/Honduras’ vacant positions.

Interested offerors are required to complete and submit the following, all included in one single PDF file:

a) Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit a complete 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.

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.

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

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.

d) USAID/Honduras reserves the right to obtain relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance from previous employers and may consider such information in its evaluation.

USAID/Honduras may seek performance information beyond the reference names provided in the application forms.

e) 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.

f) 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

The applicant must be able to obtain an USG secret level security clearance and a medical clearance stating that the applicant is able to engage in the type of activities required for the position and is also physically fit and able to reside in the Cooperating Country.

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.

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, as applicable:

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. Annual Increase (pending satisfactory performance evaluation).

e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation.

f. Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(c) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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”.

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

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

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-1

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

Funding Type: Bilateral Appropriation: 7222/231021 Template: Mission Program Funds Resource Category: 1130008, 1150958, 1210408

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

4. All applicable Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for PSCs 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, 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.

6. 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 the Personal Services Contracts Ombudsman webpage for additional information. The PSC Ombudsman may also be contacted via email at: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

7. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference 52.204-27

PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION (JUN 2023)

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.

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/5438912F316A0D26852585B6005A1599/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/5438912F316A0D26852585B6005A1599/$FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/home https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman file:///C:/Users/saguilera/Desktop/FSN%20Recruitment/PO%20USAID%20PMS%20(MEL)%20FSN-11/PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/honduras