Solicitation PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator_USPSC_.pdf

2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill Tel: (+263) 86 7701 1000 USAID (DOS) P.O. Box 6988 Internet: zimbabwe.usaid.gov 2180 Harare Place Harare, Zimbabwe Washington, D.C. 20521-2180

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061324R00010

ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: August 9, 2024 at 12:30 hrs Harare Local Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for United States Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator (GS-14 equivalent), USAID/Zimbabwe

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 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 underrepresented 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 costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in this solicitation.

Sincerely, Signature Priscilla Sampil Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Solicitation #72061324R00010

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72061324R00010

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME

FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 9, 2024 at 12:30 hrs Harare Local Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Zandile Goromonzi, e-mail:

zgoromonzi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator

6. MARKET VALUE: $104,604 - $135,987 equivalent to GS-14 base rate.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. USPCSs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Harare, Zimbabwe, with possible travel 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.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start on or about October 2024.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional three 1-year Option Periods for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: 10/06/2024 to 10/05/2026 Option Period 1: 10/06/2026 to 10/05/2027 Option Period 2: 10/06/2027 to 10/05/2028 Option Period 3: 10/06/2028 to 10/05/2029

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Nationals - an individual who is a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

The selected candidate must be able to obtain Facility Access clearance within a reasonable period (USAID will provide details regarding the clearance to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative issues are involved, any offer made will be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of The Contract

Background:

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest commitment ever by a nation towards an international health initiative for a single disease. PEPFAR is a multifaceted approach to combating HIV/AIDS in more than 100 countries around the world. Zimbabwe receives approximately $200 million to support a comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment program while actively identifying ways to ensure long term sustainability of epidemic control.

Basic Function of the Position

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator plays a critical role in managing the planning, implementation, and reporting of the interagency PEPFAR program. Primary responsibilities include facilitating communications between and among the various USG departments and agencies involved in the PEPFAR implementation; liaising routinely with GHSD/PEPFAR in Washington, DC; assisting coordination of the PEPFAR interagency team and overseeing both State and interagency financial portfolio of over $210,000,000. The incumbent assists in the development of annual Country Operational Plans (COP), reporting for semi-annual and annual performance cycles, reporting for the quarterly PEPFAR Oversight Accountability Response Team (POART) reviews, coordinates interagency Operational Plan Updates (OPUs), and prepares responses to requests for information, as well as other ad-hoc requests such as site visits, and requests for high level visitors.

The position provides leadership for the implementation and management of a cohesive PEPFAR program for Zimbabwe that makes the best use of the comparative advantages and competencies of participating USG agencies, achieves maximum results related to PEPFAR targets and GOZ objectives for HIV and AIDS, and is optimally responsive to the needs of Zimbabwean citizens at risk for, infected by, or affected by AIDS. The incumbent ensures PEPFAR activities are aligned with GOZ priorities, coordinates and keep agencies on task for interagency efforts i.e., reprogramming, results reporting, and provides all requisite related documentation to GHSD/PEPFAR.

The incumbent directly supervises the work of one LE staff member (CommunicationsSpecialist) and assists the Coordinator in overseeing the work of four other LE staff in the PEPFAR Coordination Office. The incumbent reports to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator and acts as Country Coordinator in the Coordinator’s absence from post.

2. Statement of Duties to be performed

Program Coordination and Planning with Embassy Zimbabwe and the Interagency Team

● Communicates GHSD strategy, USG policy and other technical direction to implementing agency leadership.

● Liaises with the PCC to manage communications with Embassy Harare front office, including the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Public Diplomacy offices.

● Manages all logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad hoc meetings of the PEPFAR Interagency Team, Interagency Technical Teams, and PEPFAR senior management team.

● Serves as co-convener of regular meetings of PEPFAR management team, consisting of Heads of Agencies and technical staff and of PCO weekly meetings for optimal coordination of programs.

● Develops and manages interagency calendars for COP planning.

● Provides technical guidance to the teams and personnel responsible for quality assurance of financial data entry for the COP.

● Assists in the preparation of CODELS, VIPs, TDYs and high-level visitor requests.

● Assures the accountability of PEPFAR and other HIV and AIDS programs supported by the USG to the front office, administration officials, members of Congress, and the public through the development and communication of appropriate statements, reports, and representation.

● Develops annual PEPFAR Communications Strategy and oversees external communications activities and publications, including a monthly newsletter, outreach activities highlighting the work of PEPFAR Heroes, and small grants management of up to $1 million.

● Helps coordinate internal communication with interagency, State AF and GHSD through drafting of correspondence and official cables to inform on Zimbabwe health landscape.

● Assists the PCC with coordinating PEPFAR activities and convening regular meetings with MoHCC HIV/TB division.

● Acts as the PCC in their absence.

● Supports the PCC to respond to requests from the U.S. Embassy Front Office, GHSD, the GOZ and cooperating partners regarding special initiatives, regional meetings, and conferences and other PEPFAR and/or HIV and AIDS related activities.

● They work with the USG interagency team to ensure that PEPFAR Zimbabwe is adequately represented in meetings and conferences and responds to initiatives and special assignments, as appropriate.

● They facilitate the development of PEPFAR Zimbabwe materials that are disseminated internally and externally including informational materials, press releases, speeches, strategy documents, etc. The incumbent ensures that all materials emanating from the PEPFAR Zimbabwe office are of the highest professional quality.

Program Coordination with the Global Health Security and Diplomacy/PEPFAR office

● Coordinates response to ad hoc queries from GHSD/PEPFAR and/or partners such as the MoHCC, GoZ, UN and Global Fund.

● Liaises with GHSD/PEPFAR management and budget staff and in-country participating agencies to ensure rapid and effective availability and use of funds.

● With the PCC, manages iterative participation in headquarters interagency reviews of the annual Country Operational Plans, semi-annual and annual performance reporting, and other PEPFAR wide review processes.

● Participates in routine meetings with GHSD/PEPFAR Chair and PPM.

● With the PCC, coordinates the development of the annual COP including working with technical teams to monitor, evaluate and document progress and influence change, as needed.

Budgeting, Personnel Management, and Administration

● Serves as principal point of contact for Embassy/Zimbabwe financial management of PEPFAR State Budget, coordinating with the Ambassador Small Grants as necessary.

● Direct fiscal oversight of the PEPFAR Coordination office budget.

● Develops and manages performance within the annual operating budget for the

PEPFAR State Budget, including quarterly financial reviews.

● Evaluates overall expenditures and financial data on a yearly basis to determine improved areas for programming, along with efficiency gains and cost savings.

● Assist with and advise on the recruitment, screening, and selection of staff, as needed.

● Serves on Embassy/Zimbabwe’s ICASS, participating in routine meetings and ensuring quality control of Embassy driven ICASS data.

3. Supervisory Relationship: Works under the supervision of the PEPFAR Country

Coordinator who provides administrative direction, and may suggest approaches to consider, results expected.

4. Supervisory Controls: DCC will supervise up to two local staff who support the

PEPFAR program in Zimbabwe, providing overall guidance and coordinating their work to achieve program objectives.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: A master’s degree in public health, business administration or related subject that affords an understanding of managing large scale, highly complex, evolving public health programs is required.

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of professional level experience managing professional, interagency or interdepartmental teams with at least three focused on HIV public health programming is required. Minimum three years demonstrated experience managing large teams, complex processes, strategic planning, as well as experience living and working in developing countries is required. Prior work experience supervising professional staff is mandatory. Prior experience with fiscal management of large portfolios is critical. At least two years’ experience working with the U.S. government in one or more PEPFAR countries is strongly desired. An understanding of the landscape for public health programs in Southern Africa is required.

Language Proficiency: Fluent in English speaking, reading, and writing are required.

The position has a highly demanding writing responsibility. Knowledge of the terms related to HIV; health systems issues are helpful.

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 technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

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

Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications stated above in Section II will be rated and ranked according to the following evaluation criteria. Top candidates will be invited for an oral interview.

Job Knowledge (60 points) The DCC position requires professional mastery of both administrative and management responsibilities, finance, and budget skills as well as technical expertise in one or more areas related to HIV/AIDS response. Knowledge of and experience with complex public health program planning and reporting. Skills organizing complex activities with large groups. Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities.

Ability to manage and work with diverse teams. Possess a critical eye for details and strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication and writing skills.

Skills and Abilities (40 points) Ability to use and learn software programs for internal management and presentations outside the Mission is required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work constructively in a team structure. Must have demonstrated experience in adapting to and working effectively in different cultures. The ideal candidate will have conflict negotiation skills and skills in resolving complex issues. Must have prior experience supervising highly professional staff.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. The application package should be submitted via email to zimrecruit@usaid.gov to the attention of the Human Resources Office and must include:

- The offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with handwritten signature,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

- A signed application letter, detailing how the applicant meets the above minimum qualifications and selection criteria. Please type in the letter your response to each item, i.e., education, and state how you meet the targeted minimum qualifications.

Failure to do this will result in you not being shortlisted.

- A current resume relevant to the position (no more than 2 pages).

- Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your mailto:zimrecruit@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/forms performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the applications.

- Any other documentation that addresses the qualification requirements of the position listed above.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to zimrecruit@usaid.gov addressed to the Point of Contact in Section I.

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

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The Contracting Officer will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

a. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State forms)

b. Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306)

c. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive positions (FS-85)

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

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 mailto:zimrecruit@usaid.gov 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

(a) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

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

(c) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(d) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(e) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(g) Post Hardship Differential (Chapter 500)

(h) 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 USPSC awards are available at these sources:

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.acquisition.gov

1. 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)

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: [e.g. R497]

2 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor https://www.acquisition.gov./ https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

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

- Award Type: Cost

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

- Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

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 after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

2. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct.

5. 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.

1. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference [Insert the applicable FAR date in the format 3-LETTER MONTH, 4-DIGIT YEAR]

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED

APPLICATION

JUN 2023

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman about:blank