Solicitation- Senior Development Advisor USAID DRC- LV.pdf

PDF 470 KB Posted May 4, 2022

Attached to: U. S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Development Advisor, USAID/DRC
Solicitation number: 72066022R00007
Issued by: US Agency for International Development Democratic Republic of Congo

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ATTACHMENT 1 72066022R00007

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066022R00007

ISSUANCE DATE: May 04, 2022 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 04, 2022, 5:00 PM, Kinshasa Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Development Advisor, USAID/DRC

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attachment 1.

Sincerely, /S/

Sanoussi Traore Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066022R00007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 04, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE ANDTIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 04, 2022 before and/or on 5:00 PM (Kinshasa local time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Christiane Lemba at usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Advisor(s).

Note: This solicitation is for up to two Senior Development Advisors (SDAs); one Bilateral and one Regional. Candidates that apply to this solicitation will equally be considered for both positions by USAID/ DRC. If a candidate has a particular interest or qualifications towards one of the two positions, they can state so in their cover letter.

6. MARKET VALUE: $112,890 – $146,757 equivalent to GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, estimated to start o/a September 2022.

The base period will be one (1) year, estimated to start in September 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise four (4) additional option periods for one (1) year for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a September 01, 2022 to August 31, 2023 Option Period 1 o/a September 01, 2023 to August 31, 2024 Option Period 2 o/a September 01, 2024 to August 31, 2025 Option Period 3 o/a September 01, 2025 to August 31, 2026 Option Period 4 o/a September 01, 2026 to August 31, 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with possible regional and international travels.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidate must obtain both the appropriate security (Secret level and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Introduction

USAID/DRC is one of the Agency’s largest Missions, both in terms of staffing and resources. While the majority of programming target bilateral programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Mission is also a regional platform, covering non-presence country operations for the Central African Republic (CAR), Republic of Congo (RoC) and Gabon. Important regional programs include the Central African Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE), the Agency’s largest biodiversity program, robust humanitarian activities and smaller, more targeted interventions addressing stabilization and reconciliation in this volatile region. With an FY21 program budget in excess of $850 million, the DRC and Central Africa are a strategic priority US Government engagement and a priority for foreign assistance.

USAID/DRC launched an ambitious new CDCS, underscoring the US-DRC Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity and supporting DRC Presidential priorities for universal basic education and health care. Central to the new strategy is an integrated cluster approach around anchor institutions, such as mining towns and national parks, as a new initiative to increase resilience and sustainability while leveraging partnerships with the private sector, faith-based organizations and indigenous people’s groups. The Mission manages some of the Agency’s largest programs for basic education, democracy and governance, water and sanitation, malaria, maternal and child health, environmental protection and humanitarian assistance, while also being at the forefront of innovative approaches to conflict-free, responsible minerals trade and programming in the nexus between humanitarian and development assistance. Eastern DRC remains volatile, and limited infrastructure hinders access to some field locations. CAR has experienced varying levels of unrest, with limited travel due to insecurity, while ROC and Gabon remain relatively stable and permissive.

Eastern DRC remains volatile, and limited infrastructure hinders access to some field locations.

CAR has experienced varying levels of unrest, with limited travel due to insecurity, while ROC and Gabon remain relatively stable and permissive. Kinshasa is a dynamic and challenging environment to work in, as evidenced by the 30 percent hardship differential, 42 percent COLA, and three R&Rs for the two-year post.

Mission approved staffing totals 215 (149 currently filled, 66 positions vacant). Historically, three-quarters of the USDHs have been in their first to third tours. The Mission is almost through an intensive CCN hiring process to recruit 44 staff over several years.

1. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

In close coordination with the Mission Director and the rest of the Front Office leadership, the Senior Development Advisor (SDA) will perform functions more often associated with a Deputy Mission Director.

For the Senior Development Advisor (Bilateral)

S/he oversees the day-to-day work of five offices: one support office (Office of Assistance and Acquisition) as well as the technical offices of health, education, democracy and governance, and economic growth. The SDA (Bilateral) assumes the responsibilities and authority of this role in the absence of a Deputy Mission Director, except where prohibited by regulations/directives. While the SDA (Bilateral) will not directly supervise or serve as rater of U.S. Direct hires, s/he will provide expert oversight, guidance and vision in order to lead the team. This requires that the incumbent be fully familiar with U.S. government policy priorities, as well as USG-funded development programming and activities, the issues and objectives involved, and the implementation partners and local counterparts. The SDA is required to travel within the Democratic Republic of Congo, in support of USAID interests.

For the Senior Development Advisor (Regional)

S/he oversees the day-to-day work of six offices: three support offices (Executive, Program and Financial Management) as well as the regional offices for CARPE (Environment), Peace and Security and Humanitarian Assistance. The SDA assumes the responsibilities and authority of this role in the absence of the second Deputy Mission Director, except where prohibited by regulations/directives. While the SDA will not directly supervise or serve as rater of U.S. Direct hires, s/he will provide expert oversight, guidance and vision in order to lead the team. This requires that the incumbent be fully familiar with U.S. government policy priorities, as well as USG-funded development programming and activities, the issues and objectives involved, implementing partners and local counterparts. The SDA is required to travel within the Congo Basin, in support of USAID interests.

The SDA works closely with the Mission Director, relevant U.S. Ambassadors, other members of the relevant country teams, and engage with senior officials from respective governments and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The SDA (Regional) supports the SDA (Bilateral) in the overall management and implementation of programming and operations in the DRC and the region. Both SDAs jointly engage in the day to day supervision (as appropriate) and training of junior staff, both USDH and FSN. Strong leadership, management, and implementation skills are required to oversee the four support offices and seven technical teams, combined with political savvy and a broad understanding of USAID procedures and operations.

The position is located in the Office of the Director (DIR), USAID/ DRC, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The position’s primary purpose is to act as a senior advisor and de facto DMD Regional. S/he will perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Mission Director from time to time. This highly experienced senior advisor will be required to assist in coordinating a range of activities and people in project design, strategic planning, and reporting services.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to Congressional or National Security Council reporting, strategic planning and development of the formal structure for the regional platform, staff development and well-being, and regional coordination.

The SDA will maintain open and frequent communications with the USAID/DRC Mission Director in providing leadership and management to USAID programs/activities and operations in DRC and the sub-region of the Congo Basin. The position requires an individual with not only sound knowledge of development but also one with well-developed diplomatic, political and intellectual skills, who has familiarity with the geopolitical context in which the Mission operates, who is ready to be immediately effective and is capable of working with a diverse group of people with inclusiveness, kindness, and a sense of humor.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

For the Senior Development Advisor (Bilateral)

1. Provides subject matter advice and assistance to the Office of the Director

a) Office of the Director (DIR):

a. Serves as an experienced mentor and coach for Mission colleagues on issues related to USAID business processes, relevant technical expertise and office management.

b. Advises USAID Mission Director on all matters pertaining to program direction and strategy, financial management, and administration.

c. Translates objectives of the Mission, USG and the Agency into specific tasks, and organizes resources to accomplish these tasks in a timely and efficient manner, while ensuring both full participation of mission staff and high quality results.

d. Ensures the availability of technical and program resources to accomplish USAID’s objectives.

e. Represents USAID, as required, and briefs host country government officials, bilateral and multilateral donors, private individuals and others, as needed on USG development assistance programs, policies, objectives and development priorities, thus ensuring coordination and achievement of maximum development impact with USAID resources.

f. In concert with the Mission Director and members of the Director’s Office, provides necessary liaison and reporting to the Ambassador, Embassy staff, and other USG officials and country team members.

b)Bilateral operating unit:

a. Supports the technical teams in compiling data, interfacing across the Mission, and drafting responses to internal and external programmatic taskers about the program portfolios.

b. Identifies sensitive, activity-related policy and implementation issues which need to be addressed. Provides advice and assistance to address these issues, which can range from addressing detailed paperwork, waivers, and certification requirements to assisting with the broader conceptualization of project design and long-term planning.

c. Stays abreast of emerging trends in elections/democratic transition support, anti-corruption efforts, and responsible mining. Works with subject matter experts on ensuring USG posture is fully engaged and responsive to needs.

d.Provides expert advice on Mission strategic planning efforts, such as the recent Country Development Strategy or other similar efforts as identified by the Mission Director and Washington, D.C.

2. Assists in the planning, procurement process and monitoring

a) Assists technical teams with project and activity planning and reporting requirements, including project design expertise to relevant offices.

b)Serves as a resource for OAA on all programmatic aspects of current and future fiscal year procurement actions. Looks for opportunities to streamline portfolios, increase mission-wide AOR/COR skills. (In concert with the other members of the Director’s Office).

c) Assists technical teams to create or refine plans for new projects, providing necessary training, insight, and assistance. Ensures completion of required documentation (concept papers, project appraisal documents and project authorizations) as needed.

d) Assist in compiling the Mission's responses to both internal and external program inquiries regarding the program budgets, including Questions for the Record, Congressional inquiries and notifications, briefing papers, and other taskers from Washington.

For the Senior Development Advisor (Regional)

1. Provides subject matter advice and assistance to the Office of the Director

a. Serves as an experienced mentor and coach for Mission colleagues on issues related to USAID business processes, relevant technical expertise and office management.

b. Advises USAID Mission Director on all matters pertaining to program direction and strategy, financial management, and administration.

d. Ensures the availability of technical and program resources to accomplish USAID’s objectives.

f. In concert with the Mission Director and the SDA II, provides necessary liaison and reporting to the ambassadors, embassies’ staff, and other USG officials and country team members.

g. With the input from the support offices, provides leadership and oversight on internal USAID management, including the development and execution of the Operating Expense Budget, recruitment and counseling of personnel, and ensuring mission program integrity.

2. Provides leadership to the regional platform and CAROU, CAR operating units

a. Supports the Program Office in compiling data, interfacing with technical teams, and drafting responses to internal and external programmatic taskers about the program portfolio.

b. Identifies sensitive, activity-related policy and implementation issues which need to be addressed. Provides advice and assistance to address these issues which can range from addressing detailed paperwork, waivers, and certification requirements to assisting with the broader conceptualization of project design and long-term planning.

c. Provides expert advice on Mission strategic planning efforts, such as the CARPE Vision document and any regional guiding document that the platform might develop as identified by the Mission Director.

3.Assists in the planning, procurement process and monitoring

a. Assists technical teams with project and activity planning and reporting requirements, including project design expertise to relevant offices.

b.Serves as a resource for OAA, Program and OFM on all programmatic aspects of current and future fiscal year procurement actions. Looks for opportunities to streamline portfolios, increase mission-wide AOR/COR skills. (In concert with the other members of the Director’s Office).

c. Assists technical teams to create or refine plans for new projects, providing necessary training, insight, and assistance. Ensures completion of required documentation (concept papers, project appraisal documents and project authorizations) as needed.

d. Assist in compiling the Mission's responses to both internal and external program inquiries regarding the program budgets, including Questions for the Record, Congressional inquiries and notifications, briefing papers, and other taskers from Washington.

3. Supervisory Relationship

This is a senior advisory position. The incumbent will not exercise any supervision; however, they may be responsible from time to time for supervising the senior management team at the mission during the period when serving as Acting Mission or Deputy Mission Director, in accordance with ADS 103.3.1.1.b., which states: “(1) While they may supervise USPSCs and non-U.S. citizen employees, they may not supervise U.S. citizen direct-hire (USDH) employees of USAID as part of their regular duties and responsibilities. They may supervise USDH employees on a limited basis, not to exceed 60 days in any 180 days period, to cover a temporary USDH absence.” As such, Office Directors under the oversight of an SDA will officially report directly to the Foreign Service Officer Deputy Mission Director or the Mission Director and s/he will be responsible for their performance evaluations. Close collaboration on a successful rating and review system will be critical to success.

The incumbent may be called upon to provide coaching and mentoring expertise to Mission colleagues.

4. Supervisory Controls

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate a high level of leadership, independence, professionalism, judgment, and responsibility. S/he will report directly to the Mission Director, who will be responsible for managing the contractor's performance. Work results are usually reviewed only for attainment of objectives and conformance with policies and regulations.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

The education and work experience factors below determine basic qualifications for the position.

Applicants who do not meet all of education and prior experience requirements are considered NOT qualified for the position.

1. Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant development related, other social science or business field is required.

2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of fifteen years of demonstrated technical and administrative leadership in the programming skills is required. That experience will cover a combination of the following: strategic planning, program implementation, design and reporting as well as coaching and mentoring. At least ten years of that work must have been with USG.

Additional experience in programming capacities either with a bilateral or multilateral donor organization is acceptable. Ten years of the applicant’s overall experience must be at a senior managerial level, as an office director, or higher.

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.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the Education and Work Experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the three (3) Quality Ranking Factors listed below. The applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor. Please provide a word count after each response.

1. Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (40 points)

(a) High-level experience with USG as a senior leader with wide-ranging knowledge of the program environment including: strategic planning, internal and external reporting, and project management.

That experience must cover: knowledge of how to apply USG guidance and policy to meet the circumstances at the Mission level; knowledge of how to gain consensus from senior officials for a particular course of programmatic action; and the ability to advise Mission staff on the planning and preparation needed to move programmatic objectives forward.

(b) The varied duties and responsibilities of the position also call for broad professional education, training, and knowledge, related to both the technical and administrative aspects of USG programming work.

(d) Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse context are https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far required.

(e) Previous experience in Africa and the Francophonie with a thorough understanding of US foreign policy goals and objectives for the Congo Basin is highly desirable.

(f) Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain high‑level contacts with a host country government, within the USG interagency arena, donor organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, and private-sector organizations is necessary.

(g) Excellent time management skills and ability to cope effectively with a fast-paced, often stressful work environment are essential as well as the ability to help staff manage their own well being and professional growth.

2. Management Skills and Abilities (40 points)

(a) Strong management, organizational, and analytical skills are required. The position demands demonstrated ability in staff management, oversight, strategic planning, and technical as well as political analysis.

(b) Management skills required to develop and implement effective development activities involving financial and human resources.

(c) The incumbent must have proven skills in capacity building and mentoring local staff in a developing country. The applicant should possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and the ability to effectively lead a diverse team to achieve difficult objectives under demanding work conditions.

(d) Demonstrated skills in negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, writing, administration, and management.

3. Language and Communication Skills (20 points)

(a) Superior oral and written communication skills in English are required.

(b) French, Swahili and/or Lingala language skills are considered a benefit, but not mandatory.

(c) The ability to write clearly and concisely using approved Agency software, excellent oral communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills are all essential.

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks-Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be evaluated and scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates may be requested to complete a writing test and be interviewed either in person, by telephone or videoconference at USAID’s discretion. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered for selection. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.

The security clearance and medical clearance are required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks at the conclusion of evaluations.

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

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.

4. Letter of application/cover letter.

5. Current resume/CV.

6. Supplemental document specifically addressing the three QRFs (Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Management Skills and Abilities and Language and Communication Skills).

7. List of minimum three (3) professional references with contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses). The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

8. Application must be submitted ONLY via usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: 72066022R00007 Senior Development Advisor (Bilateral and/or Regional)

9. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date.

10. 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.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

● Security Eligibility/Facility Access

● Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item 1. below.)

1. BENEFITS (if applicable):

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

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 Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650).

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

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. ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT

2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause –

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(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.

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

USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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

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)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost