Solicitation number 263-24-500 - Development Outreach and Communications Specialist..pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-24-500

ISSUANCE DATE: 03/27/2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 04/25/2024

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

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.

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

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, Vivek Atluri Contracting Officer

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1A Nady El Etisalat Street (off Laselki) New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code11435

(2-02) 2522-7000 cairomedia@usaid.gov usaid.gov/egypt | #usaidegypt | @usaidegypt

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 263-24-500

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/27/2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 04/25/2024 at 4:30 pm Cairo time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Human Resources Office, e-mail at usaidhr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Specialist– Program Office

6. MARKET VALUE: $88,520 - $115,079, equivalent to GS-13 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with option to renew, estimated to start on August 2024.

“The base period will be for one year, estimated to start on August 2024. Based on the Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for 4 additional years.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Cairo, Egypt with possible travel or as stated in the Statement of

Duties.

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

A. General statement

USAID/Egypt manages a complex development program in a highly demanding environment. With roughly $30 billion in programming since 1978, USAID directly contributed to reducing infant and maternal mortality, improving early grade reading, and advancing innovation, scholarship, and marketable skills. Effectively communicating to improve public awareness and understanding of USAID activities in Egypt is central to the achievement of United States foreign assistance and public diplomacy objectives.

The Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist draws input from diverse sources in the Mission and throughout Egypt to ensure high visibility for USAID partnerships, investments, and activities.

This requires cultural sensitivity, sound judgment, and experience in international development and public relations, as well as an understanding of USG foreign and development policy.

The Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist promotes the work of USAID using clear and concise language and tailoring messaging to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Egypt. The incumbent produces communications content, manages external engagements including press and events, and aligns USAID messaging and communications with broader United States foreign policy objectives in Egypt.

The Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist works within the Program Office and is supervised by the Senior DOC Specialist. The Program Office provides overarching strategic and programmatic guidance to the Mission and aligns USG policies and strategies through planning, project design, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, donor coordination, Government of Egypt relations, and public outreach. The DOC Specialist works with Mission leadership and senior staff, the Embassy Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), technical teams, partners, and USAID in Washington.

2. Statement of Duties

Strategic Planning, Management, and Coordination (30%) The DOC Specialist works with the Senior DOC to: 1) develop and implement strategic communications plans, high-impact messaging, DOC management systems, and public communications guidance for USAID and partner staff; 2) coordinate in-house and outsourced communications plans, campaigns, and deliverables with Mission leadership and senior staff, Embassy PDS, technical teams, partners, and USAID in Washington; and, 3) advise implementing partners and Mission leadership and staff on high-impact communications throughout the program and project life-cycle. The incumbent oversees the DOC team in the absence of the Senior DOC.

Events and Press (30%) The DOC Specialist works with technical teams and partners to plan and manage USAID public engagements including ceremonies, conferences, press interactions, and high-level visits. In coordination with the Senior DOC, the incumbent’s duties include, but are not limited, to the following: 1) Establish and ensure adherence to Mission events and press guidance; 2) Work across technical teams to track USAID/Egypt public events and engagements, and to facilitate use of the Mission events calendar by Mission and Washington stakeholders; 3) Organize and coordinate events and messaging with technical teams, the USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, implementing partners, the U.S. Embassy, Government of Egypt officials, and other local partners; 4) Oversee and coordinate event planning, scheduling, protocol, site selection, staging, and logistics, including for frequent high level visits; and, 5) Manage media relations by assessing the media landscape, briefing journalists and editors, compiling and disseminating press packets, and fielding interview requests.

Public Information and Publicity Materials (30%) The DOC Specialist produces and manages production of a wide range of timely and accurate communications content. Duties related to content creation include: 1 ) write, review, edit, and manage the approval of press releases, speeches, talking points, briefers, scene setters, fact sheets, success stories, social media posts, web content, and other publicly accessible information about the work of USAID in Egypt; 2) capture and produce images and video; 3) prepare submissions for USAID public information platforms such as Medium and Exposure; 4) tailor messaging to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Egypt, including by managing translation services; 5) follow USAID style guidance for public information and promote compliance with style guidance by USAID staff and partners; 6) edit and advise on materials supplied by USAID/Egypt’s partners; and, 7) promote understanding and adherence to USAID branding and marking requirements with technical teams, the Office of Acquisitions and Assistance, and USAID partners.

Other Activities as Appropriate (10%) The incumbent occasionally performs other relevant duties that are not specifically described above. Such additional duties, assigned by the Senior DOC or designee, are considered inherent to the position as well as to the smooth functioning of a results-oriented USAID Mission.

Position Elements:

A. Exercise Judgment: Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID/Egypt personnel as well as representatives from other organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

B. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

C. Available Guidelines: USAID Automated Directives System; Foreign Affairs Manual; 2 CFR

700.16; USAID Graphic Standards Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide. USAID guidelines on allowable communications activities and relationships with PDS and the media; Agency procurement and contracting procedures; priorities set by approved strategies; U.S. Embassy guidelines on public outreach and media relations.

D. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent works extensively with USAID leadership and technical staff across the Mission to manage and produce public facing activities, events, and communications content. This includes regular contact with implementing partner communication points of contact. The incumbent works closely with the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section and other Interagency communicators on a range of activities including briefing materials, events, and media contacts. Contacts occur with individuals – including senior management - to prepare for and staff special events. This includes high-level U.S. government officials, journalists, and media actors, implementing partners, Government of Egypt counterparts, and community representatives.

E. Time required to perform full range of duties: Six months.

3. Supervisory Relationship: The incumbent reports directly to the Senior DOC Specialist and receives guidance from the Middle East Bureau Outreach team and the Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau.

4. Supervisory Controls: The position supervises two CCN members of the DOC team.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

All candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be screened accordingly, and only those that meet the below, required criteria, will be moved forward in the recruitment process.

● Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Media, Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, International Relations, Social Sciences or other related field is required.

● Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs, international development, cross cultural communications, or a related field is required. At least two of the required years of experience should be in U.S. Government or USAID partner communications.

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

Upon closing of the solicitation, a committee will convene to review the applications. Applicants who meet the education & experience requirements, listed above in Section II, will be scored and ranked based on the following selection factors:

1. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs, international development, cross cultural communications, or a related field is required. At least two of the required years of experience should be in U.S. Government or USAID partner communications.

2. Languages: Proven ability to write about technical subjects in clear, concise English on short deadlines.

Experience drafting senior leadership speeches and briefers targeting a wide variety of audiences. Writing samples are required. English fluency is required.

3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must demonstrate experience planning and implementing communications campaigns; using social media; organizing public events and managing press relations; producing a wide range of communications content including still images, audio, print, and video; planning and delivering communications training; and working productively with high-level management and technical staff to advance the achievement of institutional communication objectives.

Demonstrated history of effectiveness in a multicultural team environment and working with a wide range of individuals and organizations in a developing country context. Proven ability to explain complicated processes clearly, facilitate productive multidisciplinary teamwork, motivate subordinates, and professionally mentor less experienced colleagues. Strong human relations skills and demonstrated ability to be persuasive, culturally sensitive, and diplomatic with a range of audiences, including successful relations with host government officials, journalists and media, Embassy and USG staff, VIP visitors, and NGO and donor representatives. Superior written and oral communication skills are required along with demonstrated ability to gather and convey information clearly and concisely, to make oral presentations, and to prepare concise, publication-ready documents, reports, and other written materials.

Selection Factors Scoring Percentage Work Experience 30 Language and Writing Proficiency 30 Knowledge, Abilities and Skills 40

TOTAL 100%

* As per details reflected under Qualifications above.

Other Requirements:

The incumbent must be:

1. A U.S. citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a "Secret" Security Clearance.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a State Department Medical Clearance for assignment to Cairo, Egypt. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Clearance will be provided.

4. Complete Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Training before arriving in Cairo.

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.

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

2. 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.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV /resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

Shortlisted applicants are invited for tests and/or interviews during this time frame. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who are shortlisted for a position are contacted for an interview. Please do not contact HR for a status report on your application once your application has been acknowledged. Interviewed candidates will normally be advised of the outcome of the selection process after a period of about four weeks.

NOTE: Experience and education which exceed the requirements set forth in the position description but which are not directly related to or required in the performance of expected duties

WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS JUSTIFICATION FOR UPGRADING THE POSITION OR

DESIGNATED SALARY AS SET BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER.

4. 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 http://www.usaid.gov/forms

Section VIII below.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO or his/her designee 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. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

2. Application for Federal Employment (AID 309-2)

3. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

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

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

6. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Leave and holidays

(g) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

2. 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

(a)Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Post Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 220)

(d) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(e) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Travel (Section 280)

(g) Post Differential (Chapter 500) http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(h) Payments during Evacuation/ Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(i) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

(j) Sunday Premium Pay

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. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 6 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-FAR22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause –

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

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

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 7 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. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNI

T (D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUN

T (F)

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

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiation s with

Contractor

- 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 Phoenix/

GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)]

- Award Type: Cost

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

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ https://www.usaid.gov/forms

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/

GLAAS]

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/

GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award

4001 Option Period 4 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/

GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award

4. 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.

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. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

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 our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman about:blank