Solicitation - Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist..pdf

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Attached to: USAID/Egypt - Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist
Solicitation number: 263-23-500
Issued by: US Agency for International Development Egypt

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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-23-500

ISSUANCE DATE: 2/9/2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 2/26/2023

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, Shelby P. Hunt 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

Shelby Hunt Digitally signed by Shelby Hunt Date: 2023.02.08 14:05:25 +01'00'

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 263-23-500

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 2/9/2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 2/26/2023 at 4:30 pm Cairo time

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

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

– Program Office

6. MARKET VALUE: $ 99,908- $ 129,878, equivalent to GS-14 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 2023.

“The base period will be for one year, estimated to start on August 2023. 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 one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. For over four decades, the American people have partnered with the people of Egypt to promote an environment where all groups in Egyptian society, including women and minorities, can lead healthy, productive lives. USAID's programming in Egypt, totaling over $30 billion since 1978, has directly and fundamentally supported gains such as a reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates, improvement in early grade reading ability, and an increase in marketable skills - leading to jobs and lasting prosperity in Egypt. The program is of the highest strategic importance to the U.S. Government (USG) and USAID, and public understanding of the program's accomplishments is critical to its success.

This Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist leads the Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team in the Program Office and works directly under the supervision of the Program Office Director. The Program Office provides overarching strategic guidance to the Mission and programmatic advice to the Mission Front Office and three technical offices. The Program Office manages the Mission's $670 million portfolio and the multi-million Egyptian Pound local currency program account. The Program Office provides intellectual leadership and rigor in aligning USG policies and strategies through strategic planning, project design, program budget planning, monitoring, evaluations, reporting; donor coordination; Government of Egypt (GOE) relations; and public outreach for the Mission with a team of 25, consisting of 4 USDHs, 5 USPSCs, and 16 FSNs.

2. Statement of Duties

The Senior DOC Specialist will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Egypt's programs and objectives. This will require targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Egypt, in accordance with the Mission's communications strategy and evolving circumstances, and in full coordination with broader USG strategy and objectives in Egypt.

It is especially critical for the incumbent to be adept at eliciting and applying input from many sources in the Mission and throughout Egypt to ensure that USAID programs are actively and appropriately publicized. This will require experience in the public relations field, as well as a deep understanding of USG foreign policy. The use of judgment in these functions, as well as cultural sensitivity, is particularly important as it relates to USG foreign policy and relationships with the host government and public.

The work requires close collaboration with the USAID Mission Director, Deputy Director, Senior Staff, Program Office, and Implementing Partners; the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) and broader USG Mission staff; and USAID Washington, specifically the Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) office. It will be critical for the incumbent to have an understanding of the concerns and attitudes of the Egyptian public, the GOE, and local staff and partners. The incumbent must be available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour work week when required/necessary.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Supervisory and Coordination Role: 25%

Lead the Mission's Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team, composed of four team members, to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives. Advise and coordinate with communication specialists in other technical offices at the Mission, as well as with implementing partner communication specialists.

Lead the development and implementation of the Mission's communications strategy and outreach plan. Monitor and evaluate progress toward communications objectives as outlined in the Mission-approved Communications Strategy.

Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to USAID public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the GOE, implementing partners, and other donors and institutions.

Coordinate with PAS, other USG agencies, and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development efforts and initiatives, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director.

Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives, as well as their communications and media strategy and relations.

Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency's Graphic Standards Manual.

Oversee and provide regular training to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking. Work closely with Contracting/Agreement Officer Representatives to ensure adherence to branding in the field. Seek guidance from the Regional Legal Officer and LPA on any disputes or waiver requests.

2) Public Information and Publicity Materials: 25%

Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission's offices and technical staff; and with implementing partners.

Manage the drafting, editing, and disseminating of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, responses to requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID/Egypt's activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, and to the extent possible, translated to Arabic. Documents must be prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind and designed for a variety of uses.

Prepare and/or oversee submissions for USAID Frontlines/newsletters, and other USAID public information platforms including the Administrator's Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.

Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach. A social media strategy will be developed to complement the broader communications plan.

Oversee maintenance of the Mission's English-language web materials to ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date.

Manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on USAID’s programming in Egypt for briefings and distribution to the public, the media, USAID/Washington, LPA, the State Department, Congress, etc., including general information about Egypt.

Oversee writing and distribution of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, etc. Coordinate with technical offices, PAS, and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information for local and international media.

3) Media Relations and Press: 25%

Promote separate, pro-active, targeted, information, and media outreach activities for the Egyptian, U.S., pan-Arab and international press. These activities are specifically designed to push accurate information about USAID’s programs deep into local, regional, and national markets in the U.S., Egypt, and the region, through selective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, and traditional communications.

Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level journalists from all media outlets.

Advise and work with PAS to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including TV, radio, and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc.

In collaboration with PAS, advise USAID senior leadership and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

Coordinate with GOE public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on publicizing joint events.

Supervise team monitoring Egyptian and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Report on placement of USAID-related articles in the Egyptian, pan- Arab, international, and U.S. press to the Embassy, Mission, and Washington.

Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming, as well as the effectiveness of the communications strategy.

As directed by mission leadership and in collaboration with PAS, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

4) Public Events: 25%

Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with PAS, the USAID senior leadership, technical teams, implementing partners, and as appropriate, GOE partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for the media; compile and disseminate press packets;

deal with protocol issues, site selection, staging, and logistics; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; write and/or edit briefers, scene setters, and memorandums principals representing the USG at events; and provide on-site coordination of the media.

Follow up with key media contacts to encourage coverage of public events. Ensure that all event information and materials are posted to the Mission website and social media sites.

Write, review, and/or edit press releases, speeches, talking points, briefers, and scene setters for USAID events.

Oversee maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/Egypt and to Embassy and Washington stakeholders.

Photograph and/or shoot video of USAID events for USAID and Embassy websites, social media feeds, and mission archives.

Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website and social media feeds. This could include photographs, videos, press releases, success stories, and fact sheets as appropriate.

Serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities.

Coordinate VIP site visits as necessary. Coordinate with the Embassy on schedules and logistics.

Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of CODEL, STAFFDEL, and other high-level visitors to USAID/Egypt, coordinating closely with partners in advance.

Position Elements:

A. Citizenship: The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen.

B. Supervisory Received: Incumbent will report to the Program Office Director, but is expected to work independently when carrying out responsibilities.

C. Supervision Exercised: Primarily two FSN DOC staff members, an FSN interpreter/translator, and a locally-engaged PSC. May supervise related contracts for communications services and any outreach TDYers.

D. Exercise Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of independent judgment, decision-making, teamwork, and communications management.

E. Authority to Make Commitments: No.

F. Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices.

G. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with local and international media, USAID staff, U.S. Embassy PAS and other personnel, USAID/Washington, and U.S. and local implementing partners.

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

3. Supervisory Relationship: Incumbent will report to the Program Office Director, but is expected to work independently when carrying out responsibilities.

4. Supervisory Controls: Primarily two FSN DOC staff members, an FSN interpreter/translator, and a locally-engaged PSC. May supervise related contracts for communications services and any outreach TDYers.

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 in journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, English, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies is required.

Prior Work Experience:

At least eight years of experience in public relations, journalism, or international development communications, or public affairs or international relations and/or outreach is required. At least 5 years of this experience should be in a developing country. At least 3 years of total experience should be with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context.

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.

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:

Education: (10 points)

Prior Work Experience: (40 points) At least eight years of experience in public relations, journalism, or international development communications, or public affairs or international relations and/or outreach is required. At least 5 years of this experience should be in a developing country. At least 3 years of total experience should be with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context.

Language and Writing Proficiency: (20 points)

The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English. Writing samples are required.

Unedited writing samples should be marked as such.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: (30 points)

The candidate must have demonstrated capacity in the following skills and abilities:

Demonstrated ability exercising sound, independent, professional judgment, managing several activities at once; and working under pressure to meet very short deadlines.

Outstanding coordination, organizational, and critical thinking skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy to understand narrative and make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations.

Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively .

Superior project management skills and the ability to take initiative based on broad guidance from management; must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively problem solve, and see through to completion.

Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques.

Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as videos or radio programs.

Maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult environment.

Willingness to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed.

Strong, working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet applications;

including Google Drive and the suite of Google apps.

Familiarity with Adobe Suite, particularly using Adobe Photoshop and working knowledge of

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and RSS feeds.

Familiarity using a digital camera and videotaping equipment.

Effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary, multi-cultural team.

Demonstrated ability to take initiative and proactively engage with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables.

Demonstrated success developing and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences. As well as success designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns targeted at specific audiences as well as the general public.

Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences.

Broad understanding of issues related to international development.

Extensive writing and editing experience.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment when representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media.

Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies.

Selection Factors Scoring Percentage Education 10% Work Experience 40% Language and Writing Proficiency 20% Knowledge, Abilities and Skills 30%

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 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

(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)

(d) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(e) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Travel (Section 280)

(g) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(i) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) when employees spend 4 hours or more anywhere in Egypt, on official travel.

(j) Sunday Premium Pay 5%

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)

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)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

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

- Award Type: Cost