Solicitation Senior Development Outreach and Communication Advisor GS14.pdf

PDF 455 KB Posted Nov 5, 2021

Attached to: Senior Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Advisor Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number: 72011422R00003
Issued by: US Agency for International Development Caucuses Georgia

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Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 28, 2023

This document is a solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor position with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Georgia. The solicitation seeks offers for a GS-14 level Senior Development Outreach and Communication Advisor resident in Georgia. The position is located in the Strategy and Program Office and will be responsible for leading USAID/Georgia's communications and outreach efforts including managing social media, traditional media relations, public events, and materials production. The minimum qualifications require at least seven years of relevant experience, an undergraduate degree, English language proficiency, and the ability to obtain a facility access security clearance. The base period of performance is one year with four additional option periods. The compensation range is from $93,907 to $122,077 annually. The closing date for offers is November 8, 2021.

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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011422R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: 10/21/2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 11/08/2021 (17:00 Georgia time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) - GS-14 Senior

Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Advisor, resident-hire 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.

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, Clinton Branam Supervisory Regional Executive Officer USAID/Caucasus

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011422R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 10/21/2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 11/08/2021 (17:00 Georgia time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions related to this solicitation should be sent via email to HR-tbilisi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: USD 93,907 to USD 122,077 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be one year, estimated to start o/a December 05, 2021 (pending the security clearance receipt date).

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period o/a December 05, 2021- o/a December 04, 2022 Option Period 1 o/a December 05, 2022- o/a December 04, 2023 Option Period 2 o/a December 05, 2023- o/a December 04, 2024 Option Period 3 o/a December 05, 2024- o/a December 04, 2025 Option Period 4 o/a December 05, 2025- o/a December 04, 2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tbilisi, Georgia. Travel may be required up to 20 percent of the time, generally in Georgia with possible international trips.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All interested U.S. Citizens, residing in Georgia

Definition: Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) means a U.S. citizen or resident alien who, at the time of contract award,-

(i) resides in the cooperating country for reasons other than U.S. Government or non-U. S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangements, that provides for repatriation to the U.S.;

(ii) is a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident alien who resides or will reside, in the cooperating country for the purposes of U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S.

Note: Physical presence in Georgia at the time of application is not a requirement however the selected candidate must reside in Georgia at the time of contract award.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful offeror must be able to obtain a ‘Facility access” level U.S. Government Security Clearance. If the clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Senior DOC Advisor is located in the Strategy and Program Office (SPO) and will be responsible for leading USAID/Georgia’s communications and outreach efforts.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior DOC Advisor position duties are as follows:

Supervision and Strategic Oversight:

- Leads the development and implementation of the Mission’s outreach and communications strategy, which promotes public understanding of and support for USAID programs and priorities.

- Leads the Mission’s DOC Unit to ensure the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the DOC Unit’s communications and outreach products and initiatives.

- Formulates and implements innovative outreach campaigns that advance development objectives as outlined in the Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).

- Formulates and manages the communications and outreach budget for the Mission.

- Monitors and evaluates progress toward communications objectives as outlined in the outreach and communications strategy. This includes establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the outreach and communications strategy, identifying indicators, and measuring progress to assess effectiveness and impact of outreach activities. Also includes monitoring local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Information gathered will be used to inform ongoing activities and set direction for future programming, messaging, and outreach.

- Collaborates/coordinates directly with the Embassy Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), which has the overall lead on in-country media engagement and U.S. Embassy public messaging.

- Collaborates/coordinates with USAID’s Europe and Eurasia Bureau in Washington, DC on shared initiatives.

Social Media and Traditional Media:

- Manages and expands USAID/Georgia’s social media handles, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Introduces innovative ideas to increase audience and leads team with best practices on social media management and content creation. Develop regular content for USAID sites.

- Responsible for visiting USAID projects in the field and conceptualizing human-interest success stories, social media posts and short videos for American and Georgian audiences that highlight USG priorities and USAID’s unique contributions to Georgia’s development.

- Works closely with implementing partners to solicit and develop material for social media and other platforms. Provides guidance/periodic updates to technical offices and implementing partners on appropriate social media material and practices.

- In collaboration with PDS, serves as the principal USAID contact for representatives of the local and international media to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs.

Maintains contacts with Western and local journalists from all media outlets. Regularly places USAID/Georgia stories in local press.

- Responsible for updating USAID/Georgia pages on www.usaid.gov to ensure that its content will have optimal impact in providing up-to-date information about the USAID Mission in Georgia and its programs for a wide range of audiences.

Public Events and Materials:

- As a component of the outreach and communications strategy, works with the DOC unit, technical staff, and implementing partners to plan, schedule, publicize, and carry out activities to present Mission programs to the public. This may include a range of communications tools with distribution to a variety of audiences, including field trips, specific events or activities, or media tours.

- Represents USAID in planning Mission events for the Deputy Mission Director, Mission Director, the Ambassador, and other high-level visitors. For such events, ensures that all http://www.usaid.gov/ information and documents related to the events (e.g., backgrounders/event memoranda, schedules, talking points, press-releases, speeches, etc.) have been prepared and coordinated, meeting quality standards and time requirements.

- Assists and oversees production of key outreach materials, including but not limited to program one-pagers, brochures, talking points, event memoranda, and press-releases.

- Performs duties relating to public outreach, information management and communication.

- Serves as final editor on all outreach products.

Support for USAID Implementing Partners:

- Maintains, cultivates, and utilizes the network of implementing partner outreach professionals.

- Trains technical office staff and implementing partners on developing effective communication plans and materials.

- Ensures branding, marking, and messaging compliance and consistency by all partners in their outreach and communications efforts.

- Reviews and approves all outreach and communications plans developed by outreach and documentary implementing partners. Works closely with USAID contractors and advise them on the quality of outreach material.

OTHER POSITION FACTORS:

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The incumbent reports to the SPO Director. The incumbent will receive overall direction from the supervisor, but will be expected to work independently, with limited supervision, and exhibit proactive planning and decision-making regarding daily activities. S/he must be capable of working independently to implement the communications and social media strategies while quickly pivoting to address urgent and unexpected problems. S/he must be capable of supporting multiple stakeholders across the Mission, in the Interagency, with Implementing Partners and with the public. Reporting is expected on a weekly basis as part of SPO meetings as well as to members of Senior Staff. The incumbent will have weekly meetings with the Mission Director and the Embassy’s PDS. Work is expected to be conducted in line with general Agency guidelines and Mission Orders for attendance, work quality, etc. Work will primarily take place in a standard office environment, but will require meeting with potential partners across Georgia. Some overnight travel and after-hours work is expected.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The incumbent directly supervises the work of at least one Foreign Service National. In addition, the incumbent coordinates and advises on the outreach and communications work of all USAID activities with relevant technical staff and implementing partners. The Senior DOC Advisor reviews and clears on all outreach products produced by technical staff, provides overall strategic direction for all outreach and communication activities, and coordinates those activities with the Embassy, the Europe and Eurasia Bureau, LPA, and other counterparts.

SCOPE AND EFFECT, AND COMPLEXITY OF THE WORK PERFORMED

The Senior DOC Advisor will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and strengthening public understanding of USAID’s strategy and programs. The incumbent will be expected to grow USAID/Georgia’s social media reach. This will require creativity, responsiveness, and a strong understanding of all USAID technical areas and programs. The incumbent will lead the Mission’s Communications team, guiding and coordinating the work of several professionals. The incumbent will also be expected to provide technical feedback and direction to contractors and USAID project staff.

LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The incumbent will have daily contact across the Mission, at all levels including the Front Office.

S/he will have frequent contact with the Embassy and will be the communications lead for USAID within the Interagency. The incumbent will have close, frequent contact with individual members of the media, civil society, private sector, and government entities, and others as they relate to matters concerning USAID’s outreach and communications.

SUPPORT ITEMS:

The Senior DOC Advisor will be provided with all support needed for the work. This will include an office, communication technologies, computer, supplies, etc. They will be provided with initial links to the media and will be expected to work independently to expand this network, and professionally advocate for any additionally required resources.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to qualify for this position, the offeror must meet the following minimum qualifications:

- Education: BA degree is required in journalism, communications, public relations, graphic design, international affairs, social science, English or other similar related subject area.

- Relevant Experience: A minimum of seven years of work experience with progressively increased responsibilities. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, journalism and digital communications.

Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable.

- Languages/Skills: A high degree of English fluency is required (reading, writing, and speaking), equivalent to native fluency. Given the nature of the position, demonstrated effective written and oral communication is a requirement. The qualified candidate should have an experience/skills in report writing, event planning and execution, and social media management, as well as demonstrated experience/skills leading, coordinating, and organizing across and within a multicultural work environment. The incumbent must be able to collaborate with, mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners, and have an understanding of the Georgian media environment and geopolitical situation.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

Security and medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification.

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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Selection and Evaluation Process: All the offerors who clearly meet the above-mentioned minimum requirements as set in the section II, may be further evaluated through the review of the offeror’s https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far submitted required documents (see section IV below) and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection criteria.

Evaluation/Selection Criteria.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria to a maximum score of 100 points:

● Previous Experience (35%):

Demonstrated increased responsibility for creating and implementing strategic communications is necessary. Candidates with successful experience in public relations, journalism, or related fields will be prioritized. Previous work experience with an international development organization or project is strongly preferred. Experience in report writing, events planning and execution, and/or social media is necessary. Demonstrated experience leading, coordinating, and organizing across and within a multicultural work environment are preferred. Experience in planning, strategizing, and application of policies and procedures regarding all development outreach and communications activities, such as branding and marking is preferred.

● Job Knowledge (30 %):

Candidates should have a demonstrated interest and understanding of issues related to international development and be able to translate them to a general audience. Knowledge of local, regional and international press, and regional development issues is necessary.

Understanding of Georgia’s geopolitics and current events is highly desirable. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is preferred.

● Skills (35 %):

The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English and be able to serve as both editor and speechwriter when called upon to produce high quality narratives. Georgian language skills are desirable. Strong computer skills in the full range of graphic design software, video editing software, PowerPoint, and graphics as well as Google suite tools are preferred. Experience managing Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms is required. The incumbent must be able to collaborate with, mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners. Candidates who have the ability to create innovative public facing materials, and work with diverse groups of peoples will be preferred.

After the closing date/time for receipt of submissions, the received application packages will be reviewed and evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) in terms of meeting the minimum requirements (Section II) and in accordance with the above evaluation/selection criteria (Section III) through the interview/testing process per the TEC decision.

USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicant(s) in person or by phone.

Reference Verification (Pass/Fail):

- Reference checks will be conducted only for applicant(s) considered as finalists.

- Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the applicant and without prior notification to the applicant.

- Any applicant not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.

Negotiations will be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked applicant at the conclusion of evaluations.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted via email to the Point of Contact in Section I: HR-tbilisi@usaid.gov.

Applications received after the closing date/time as specified in Section I, item 3, will be considered late and will not be considered for further evaluation.

Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following documents:

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:

https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2

2. A cover letter and current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the minimum requirements of the position (education, experience and language/skills).

3. Additionally, applicants are required to submit a writing sample, addressing each of the selection criteria describing specifically what relevant experience, job knowledge and skills the applicant has received relevant to each selection criteria described above, providing periods of performance where possible. Responses are limited to 300 words per selection criteria.

4. A minimum of three and a maximum of five professional references from the last five years. Offerors must provide email addresses and current telephone numbers for all references provided.

5. Statement of Availability: a written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position.

The applicants who do not submit the documents requested above under Section IV, items (1) through (3) will not be considered.

Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

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.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561)

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-85)

4. Finger Print 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) Annual/Sick Leave (if applicable)

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): N/A

NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC shall be subject to US Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.

VII. TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, Medicare and as applicable U.S. 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/aidar.pdf

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 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— https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf

(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)

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANT

IT Y

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

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

- Award Type: Cost