Solicitation SUPVY REGIONAL DOC SPEC USPSC OFF-SHORE HIRE.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Annex 2 Building U.S. Embassy Tel: (632) 5301-6000 1201 Roxas Boulevard Fax (632) 5301-6213 1000 Ermita, Manila, Philippines https://www.usaid.gov/philippines

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72049222R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2021 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 22, 2021

5:00 PM (Philippine Time)

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.

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, LYNN P. WINSTON

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72049222R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 22, 2021, 5:00PM Philippine time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Weng Salud, e-mail at rsalud@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Regional Development Outreach and Communications

(DOC) Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: USD 93,907 - 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 two (2) years, estimated to start o/a February 13, 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period o/a February 13, 2022 - o/a February 12, 2024 Option Period 1 o/a February 13, 2024 - o/a February 12, 2025 Option Period 2 o/a February 13, 2025 - o/a February 12, 2026 Option Period 3 o/a February 13, 2026 - o/a February 12, 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Manila, Philippines with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Level

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

As USAID/Philippines implements an expanded portfolio of development activities throughout the region (Pacific Islands and Mongolia), there is a significant increase in workload across the technical and support offices.

As the need for strong communications in a rapidly changing operating environment grows, and as USAID increases its engagement in the region to advance the Indo-Pacific Vision, the Supervisory Regional Development Outreach and Communications Specialist must work mailto:rsalud@usaid.gov closely with USAID staff, implementing partners, and Embassy Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) in the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia.

The Supervisory Regional Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist is expected to establish effective, collaborative relationships, and systems with USAID staff, implementing partners, and the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officers (PAOs). S/he leads the analysis, collection, and distribution of information associated with USAID’s foreign assistance program in the region. S/he maintains regular contact and collaborates with U.S.

Embassy Public Affairs Sections (PAS) to ensure that the Senior Embassy personnel are properly apprised of USAID-managed public activities and projects and that policies and procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly adhered to and that the United States Government (USG) interests are protected. S/he also serves as principal liaison with the Agency’s Asia Bureau and Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington

(USAID/LPA).

Statement of Duties to be performed:

The specific duties of the Supervisory Regional Development Outreach Communications Specialist include but are not limited to the following:

1) Develop and oversee implementation of outreach and communication strategies -

20%

a. Leads the DOC Team to develop strategic communication strategies for the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia, including corresponding work plans and metrics for success.

b. Ensures effective implementation of USAID's Regional Communications Strategy, in coordination and consultation with USAID’s Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs, USAID’s Asia Bureau and the USAID staff in the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia.

c. Oversees target-setting and performance monitoring of the strategy and recommends adaptive management as appropriate.

d. Oversees the DOC annual budget management and advocates for resources required to achieve the communication strategy goals and objectives.

2) Oversee strategic outreach activities - 30%

a. Leads the DOC Team to plan for strategic outreach activities (e.g. site visits, public events, social media campaigns, press releases) that raise USAID’s profile in the region.

b. Works with the DOC Specialists to design and manage public events and site visits. This includes but is not limited to overseeing speech-writing, event planning logistics, media invitations, media management, etc. S/he coordinates or oversees coordination of public affairs activities in field travel for VIPs such as U.S. Ambassadors and other senior U.S. government officials. S/he ensures that any briefing materials meets quality standards and time requirements, and are cleared as appropriate.

c. Responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies and procedures for USAID regional communications, including developing templates for various communications tools, standards for DOC materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.

d. Supervises social media campaign development and posting on all USAID Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia social media platforms. Analyzes social media analytics and recommends strategic approaches.

e. Serves as an advisor on regional media engagement. As a subject matter expert, s/he maintains close, frequent professional contact with PAOs, the Department of State Regional Media Hub, and regional and local media outlets.

f. Advises USAID staff on appropriate media protocol and coaches USAID staff to effectively represent the U.S. Government in public fora.

g. Oversees media monitoring in the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia, as well as relevant American media that may affect USAID programming. Analyzes significant media trends and keeps USAID staff abreast of significant events that may affect policy or programmatic decisions.

3) Oversee public communications approaches and products - 30%

a. Supervises the DOC Team to plan for, develop, and disseminate relevant and timely communications products, such as stories, audio-visual products, and briefers, that effectively communicate USAID’s work to the public.

b. Serves as the main face of the Mission’s public communications to USAID’s Asia Bureau and LPA. As such, s/he is responsible for coordinating responses to information requests from Washington that have a public communications component, such as Congressional Budget testimonies, speeches for USAID/Washington staff, etc.

c. Ensures the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of briefers, portfolio handbooks, fact sheets, and any other written products for public consumption. Coordinates with USAID technical offices, USAID implementing partners, the Asia Bureau, and LPA to produce and disseminate these products.

d. Supervises and advises the DOC Specialists working on audiovisual materials (e.g.

videos, podcasts, photo essays) to ensure that material is appealing, culturally and politically appropriate, and contains a human interest element.

e. Supervises the DOC Specialists in the management of all online platforms (currently including websites, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr for Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia), ensuring that content is accurate and up-to-date.

f. Serves as an authority on communications approaches and products that will resonate with the American public. Works closely with local DOC Specialists and Embassy Public Affairs staff to determine culturally appropriate communications approaches and products that will have local appeal.

g. Responsible for ensuring that appropriate USAID branding and marking plans are developed and enforced. As the mission authority on branding, s/he approves any branding and marking waivers or exemptions when doing so is not in the best interests of the U.S. Government.

4) Build capacity and collaboration on public outreach and communications - 20%

a. Supervises and is responsible for the performance and professional development of an FSN Senior DOC Specialist, two FSN technical-level DOC Team members, and a local-hire USPSC Writer. Working closely with senior-level Foreign Service Officers based in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, s/he oversees the outreach and communications work of, and provides strategic direction for, two local-hire USPSC DOC Specialists based in these countries. (Note: DOC Team composition subject to change based on need and hiring timelines.)

b. Liaises frequently with PAOs and other Embassy sections to collaborate on strategic outreach and communications opportunities, such as joint events, field travel, social media campaigns, etc. Ensures that USAID is prominent among U.S. Embassy communications efforts.

c. Works with the DOC Team to build capacity of USAID staff on writing, presentation skills, representing the U.S. government, and other communications skills through coaching, seminars, workshops, etc.

d. Works with the DOC Team to build the capacity of USAID implementing partners on event management, social media posting, photography, branding, marking, and other communications skills through seminars, coaching, workshops, etc.

Supervisory Relationship and Controls

Supervision is exercised in a broad and general manner. The Supervisory Regional DOC Specialist reports/consults directly to the Program Development Office Director or his/her designee on relevant policy issues. S/he is expected to take self–initiative in planning and carrying out his/her assignment. S/he supervises approximately up to six senior- to mid-level, geographically dispersed FSN DOC Specialists and local hire USPSC DOC Specialists based in Manila, Suva, and Port Moresby.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1. EDUCATION: A Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, international development, or in a related field is required. A Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, international development, or in a related field is highly desirable.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of eight years (or ten without a Master’s degree) of demonstrated successful experience in communications, public relations, international development, or related field is preferred. At least five years of experience in managing teams is required.

3. JOB KNOWLEDGE: The position requires: (1) Mastery of a wide range of methods effective, state state-of-the-art outreach and communications strategies and media formats;

(2) Strong command of U.S. foreign policies. S/he must be able to apply the most recent communications approaches in an evolving policy and programming environment and guide the Front Office in public communications that may significantly influence public policies or programs; (3) Skill to articulate and advocate for U.S. programs and priorities that involve substantial agency resources to a wide range of audiences; (4) Good knowledge of the different press outlets and influential organizations in the region, and ability to make judgments and provide advice on best press outlets available.

4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: With demonstrated exceptional leadership, management, and supervisory skills. Excellent English writing, oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills are required. Good coordination, teamwork, and organizational skills within a multi-cultural work environment are required. Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure is a must, as is the ability to take initiative and be creative.

Knowledge of word processing and PowerPoint and online media platforms is required.

Skills in Adobe Photoshop, social media, photography, and videography are a plus.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words), and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. Samples must be written by the applicant; co-written articles are not accepted. A writing test may be administered to successful applicants.

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

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

For offerors meeting the minimum qualifications under Section II, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection factors listed below:

Rating System (Maximum 100 points):

1. Education (15 points)

2. Work Experience (35 points)

3. Job Knowledge (30 points)

4. Skills and Abilities (20 points)

SELECTION PROCESS

After the closing date for receipt of offers, a committee will be convened to review offers and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Offers which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their offers. As part of the selection process, finalist offerors may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Each candidate selected for the interview will also be asked to participate in a short written exercise to demonstrate their technical skills in preparing strategic communication materials. This test will be conducted before the oral interview.

Reference checks will be made only for offerors considered as finalists. The selected offeror must obtain required security clearance level, within a reasonable period of time, from USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, D.C. USAID will provide further guidance to the successful offeror.

USAID expects to award a personal services contract for the period of performance commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Offers must be received on or before the closing date and time specified in the cover letter via e-mail to: aidmnlhr@usaid.gov, with copy to: rsalud@usaid.gov. Please indicate the Solicitation Number (SOL72049222R00002) in the subject line. Offeror submissions must also clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror s' submitted documents.

2. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far mailto:aidmnlhr@usaid.gov mailto:rsalud@usaid.gov

Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be signed and scanned.

3. Submit a complete, current resume.

4. Submit a supplemental documentation specifically addressing the evaluation factors and qualifications shown in the solicitation (Section III. Evaluation and Selection Factors).

5. The offeror must submit at least two writing samples which should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words) and should demonstrate the offeror's ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. Samples must be written by the offeror; co-written articles are not accepted.

6. Provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references (with email addresses and phone numbers), including two references who are direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the offeror’s knowledge.

7. 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.

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated.

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:

• OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment

• AID 6-1 Request for Security Action

• DS-1843 Medical History and Examination

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 and Sick Leave

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

• Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

• Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

• Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

• Post Allowance (Section 220)

• Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

• Education Allowance (Section 270)

• Education Travel (Section 280)

• Post Differential (Chapter 500)

• 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:

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 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-FAR- 22- 01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas means— 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 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.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.

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

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION) (B)

QUANTIT Y

(C)

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]

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

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g.

R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert from

Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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 negotiations with Contractor_

4. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

AAPD 21-04- Executive Order 14042 on ensuring adequate COVID-19 Safety protocols for federal awards (FAR Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)- October 12, 2021

AAPD 21-01 - Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the AIDAR Appendices D and J- March 26, 2021

AAPD 18-02 REVISED - This AAPD extends and revises implementation of medevac regulations for USPSCs and TCNPSCs under AIDAR Appendix D and J, § 12, clauses #25 in Appendix D, and #21 in Appendix J. – December 18, 2019

AAPD 10-01 – PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS- Changes in USG reimbursement amounts for health insurance and physical examination costs - 01/08/10

AAPD 06-10- PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility – October 30, 2006

AAPD 06-08 - AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts – June 23, 2006

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

6. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/work- usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov