US-TCN PSC Solicitation No 72061121R00003 Senior Supply Chain Advisor Final.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061121R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: 09/15/2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 10/14/2021

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Offshore U.S. Personal Service Contractor and Third Country Nationals (US/TCN PSC): Senior Supply Chain Advisor in Lusaka, Zambia

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, Sections I through V of this re-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 attached information.

Sincerely, Summer Tucker Contracting Officer

Summer Tucker

Digitally signed by Summer Tucker Date: 2021.09.15 08:42:34 +02'00'

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72061121R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 09/15/2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 14, 2021, before and/or on 5:00 PM (Zambia local time)

4. POSITION TITLE: SENIOR SUPPLY CHAIN ADVISOR

5. MARKET VALUE: $ 110,460 - $ 143,598 equivalent to GS-15. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value, based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. For TCNPSC, the actual salary of the successful applicant will be negotiated based on an approved Alternate Classification Procedures and benefits in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B)). Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four (4) option years, depending on availability of funds.

Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds. No PSC contract may exceed a five-year period of performance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Zambia, Lusaka with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

8. WHO MAY APPLY: U.S. citizens, Resident Aliens and Third Country Nationals.

“U.S. national (USN)” means an individual who is a U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

“Third Country National” (“TCN”) means an individual who is neither a cooperating country national nor a U.S. national, but is a citizen or lawful permanent resident (or equivalent immigration status) of any country other than the countries which are prohibited sources. (See 22 CFR 228.15).

Hiring Preference: In order of preference, offers from U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) will be evaluated first. Only if it is determined that there are no qualified U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) will offers from Third Country Nationals (TCNs) be considered. References 309.3.1.10 and 309.3.1.4.

9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance. The final selected candidate must obtain an Employment Authorization and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. TCNs: Facility Access (Functions that would have required a secret level clearance, such as reviewing and weighing on Embassy cables and other internal reports, would be removed from the role in this case.)

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

(a) General Statement of Purpose of the Contract USAID supports the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) with high-impact, evidence-based health sector interventions to support HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment; malaria prevention and treatment; tuberculosis (TB) control and treatment; reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health care; nutrition; and water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Operating in a challenging yet dynamic environment, and working in close coordination with the State Department (DOS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Peace Corps, and the Zambian Government (GRZ), USAID/Zambia has one of the largest U.S.

Government development programs in Africa. USAID/Zambia’s overall budget is approximately $360 million and is implemented through four technical teams, including the Health, Education, Economic Development, and Democracy and Governance offices, with the assistance of four support offices. The Mission has over 100 staff, including U.S. direct hires, personal service contractors (PSCs), locally employed staff (LES), and third country nationals (TCN). USAID/Zambia hosts several high-profile Presidential initiatives and programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative known as Feed the Future, the Mandela Washington Fellows Program, the Global Climate Change Initiative, Power Africa, and Trade Africa. Zambia’s development agenda and rapidly changing environment require the most advanced management, programming and diplomatic skills.

USAID’s Health Office is the largest technical office at the U.S. Mission/Zambia, with an annual budget of approximately $275 million. The PEFPAR program is the 7th largest in Africa with a USAID budget of $175 million, while the PMI budget stands at $25 million and other health areas totaling $75 million. The office is comprised of 48 staff and manages a multifaceted program addressing maternal and child health, reproductive health/family planning, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria), health systems strengthening and human resources issues. The office is divided into seven technical Divisions (sub-teams) each supervised by a Division Chief, including HIV and TB; Malaria: Health Systems Strengthening;

Monitoring and Evaluation; Family Health; Social Protection; and Decentralized (regional) Offices.

USAID/Zambia’s Health Office aims to save and enhance lives by improving the health of Zambians and reducing the incidence and impact of HIV/AIDS and other illnesses, with a particular focus on women and children. Health Office staff partner directly with Zambian Ministry of Health (MOH) personnel to improve the quality of healthcare services and support healthy behavior change to lessen disease burden.

Three approaches guide the overall health program, including: (1): Strengthening Health Systems and Accountability; (2): Improving Health Service Delivery; and (3): Improving Community Health Practices.

The Health Office collaborates closely with other allied Zambian Ministries, the National HIV/TB/STI Council, and cooperating partners (donors) in support of Zambia’s ambitious goals of reducing the prevalence of TB and malaria to levels where the two morbidities cease to be public health concerns, ending preventable maternal, neonatal, and childhood deaths, and achieving an AIDS-free era by 2030. The aforementioned goals are pursued through the implementation of five-year National Health Strategic Plans (NHSPs) and five-year National HIV/AIDS Strategic Frameworks (NASFs). The Health Office also coordinates its efforts with the Mission’s Education, Economic Growth, and Democracy and Governance teams to implement integrated health programs across multiple sectors and platforms.

Commodity Security and Supply Chain management is an integral part of the USAID Zambia Health portfolio. Expending approximately $110 million/year on medicines and supply chain management systems, this area represents a significant USG commitment to deliver quality medicines where they are needed in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantity nationwide. It also constitutes the backbone for health service delivery in Zambia.

(b) Statement of Duties to be Performed The Senior Supply Chain Advisor will serve as the Leader of the Supply Chain Team in the Health Systems Strengthening Division, and is responsible for providing leadership and technical support to ensure the well-coordinated and effective program implementation of the USG supply chain portfolio in Zambia. The incumbent also carries out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic planning, and coordination activities to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program, the U.S.

President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) program, and reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH), tuberculosis, and nutrition programs. The incumbent represents USAID at official national government events, donor forums and technical working groups; as well as coordination among implementing partners and other USG agencies as it relates to the supply chain partners and PEPFAR, PMI and other health portfolios.

i. Technical Guidance

● Provide direct technical and strategic leadership to build systems and capacity of Zambian entities to procure, track, account for, manage, and distribute commodities to Government counterparts.

● Engage in high-level advocacy and negotiations with manufacturers and distributors to leverage price negotiations, volumes, best practices, technologies, and capacities (e.g. warehousing or manufacturing capacity).

● Serve as a subject matter expert providing technical advice and management support on supply chain management issues including warehousing, inventory management and distribution systems, driving and analyzing supply chain performance, distribution optimization through modeling, temperature monitoring, and cost analysis.

● Provide technical expertise for strategic planning activities related to USG project design, Zambian supply chain systems design, and supply chain activities, e.g. policy development, harmonization of supply chain systems, opportunities to enhance economies of scale benefits policy.

● Participate in PEPFAR coordinating team meetings and other meetings with Implementing Partners.

● Review and monitor Zambia’s procurement plans to ensure robust supply chain strategies and technical assistance.

● Conduct supply chain market intelligence and analysis to provide support on HIV, PMI and RMNCAH related commodity supply chain procurement and supply chain strategies.

● Participate in internal technical and advisory groups and Health Office meetings.

ii. Coordination and Integration

● Facilitate the coordination of USAID and USG funded supply chain activities in Zambia to ensure the most cost effective and diplomatic approaches to supporting Zambia’s and the USG’s goals under

PEPFAR.

● Develop and maintain relationships with relevant ministries, bi-lateral donors, international organizations, private sector, local/international NGOs, and other U.S. government agencies involved with HIV/AIDS and PMI activities to ensure that programs are coordinated and supported as appropriate.

● Support the coordination of supply chain partners and PEPFAR portfolio, with host governments, USG agencies, and other key stakeholders during the planning and implementation of USAID’s contributions to PEPFAR goals in the region.

● Support the Health Office to ensure coordination with the Global Fund.

● Share best practices and lessons learned in global forums.

iii. Program Management and Oversight

● Ensure supply chain partners and supply chain portfolio activities are carried out in accordance with

USAID directives and in collaboration with other PEPFAR programs.

● Review select implementing partner work plans to ensure procurement forecasting and planning is appropriate.

● Serve as an Agreement/Contracting Officer Representative (A/COR) for specific projects and activities, by providing technical guidance, budget and program development and review.

● Support development of indicator and performance monitoring plans for supply chain partners and supply chain portfolio related activities. Monitor progress according to these plans.

● Support other A/CORs and Activity Managers on the Supply Chain Team with the provision of strategic direction and technical input.

● Conduct site visits.

● Document and track lessons learned to help guide implementation.

● Directly supervise or mentor supply chain staff within the USAID Health Office which currently consists of two Foreign Service Nationals and one institutional contractor.

Work will be performed under the general direction of the Health Systems Strengthening Division Chief. Substantial interaction with the HIV/TB Team, Social Protection Team, Strategic and Information

Team, and Maternal and Child Health Team Leads and PEPFAR Coordinator is anticipated. As USAID/Zambia’s and the Health Office’s authority in the area of supply chain management, the incumbent is responsible for taking a pro-active approach in planning, setting priorities, independently carrying out responsibilities, and overseeing programmatic and technical work. The incumbent will supervise one Contractor and one FSN and will mentor other staff across the office.

If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 15% of their time to the training of a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.

11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

All candidates must

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING;

● Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

● Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested;

For USPSCs: Offerors must

● Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (“green card holder”);

● Be able to obtain Secret Clearance;

For TCNPSC:

● Be a Third Country National. Third Country National means an individual: (1) Who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty (Zambia); and (2) Who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S.

Government expenses;

● Submit a complete application as outlined in the section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER (Section IV);

● Be able to obtain a required Facility Access Authorization;

● Be able to obtain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance;

● Be willing/able to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested;

● Employment is subject to funds availability and all required approvals/clearances obtained.Employment is subject to funds availability and all required approvals/clearances obtained.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Lusaka, Zambia.

No special demands are required to perform the work.

13.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection criteria listed below.

Applicants are required to address each of the selection criteria describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page.

EDUCATION: A relevant graduate degree (MS, MPH, PhD, etc.) in pharmacology, supply chain management, public health management, business administration, or related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

● Minimum of ten years of experience in providing technical assistance to HIV/AIDS, malaria or other health programs in African countries or other similar developing countries; of which.

i. A Minimum of seven years should be leading large scale supply chain programs.

ii. Minimum of five years of management experience related to programs in developing countries that involve significant partnership and collaboration across multiple partners.

iii. Minimum of five years managing, supervising and mentoring staff.

iv. Minimum of five years of demonstrated, successful experience coordinating complex programs with multiple partners (especially those involving two or more US Government agencies) in resource-poor settings.

v. Experience with PEPFAR, PMI or other health programs in Africa or other developing countries

KNOWLEDGE:

● Demonstrated ability to understand the strategic purpose and goals of multiple organizations working in supply chain management and other health programs.

● Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-sectoral environment with several multi-lateral agencies to identify and solve problems, and coordinate and support activities that lead to mutual success in programs relevant to the position.

● Demonstrated Grasp of management, supervision and mentoring principles.

● Demonstrated Understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies including frameworks, development of indicator and performance monitoring plans, data quality assurance, analysis reporting and best practices in data dissemination in international/resource poor settings.

● Demonstrated ability to build the capacity of local institutions to take on increased responsibility for supply chain functions.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

● Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical information to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

● High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity, and originality to interpret strategy and to analyze, develop, and present work results. Excellent leadership skills.

● Professional-level English is required for this position (both oral and written).

II. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SELECTION PROCESS

The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application. Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

1. 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 scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants recommended for selection. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

2. EVALUATION FACTORS

The following factors will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application.

USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

Evaluation Summary Work Experience: 40 points Knowledge: 20 points Skills and Abilities: 40 points Total Possible Points: 100 points

III. APPLYING

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. (The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks of the highest ranked applicants). References will be asked to complete a questionnaire that assesses the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above specific criteria. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

All applicants must complete the attached Application for Employment (AID 302-3) and submit a cover letter outlining their relevant qualifications and experience for the position.

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Letter of application/cover letter.

2. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 302-3, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

3. Current resume/CV

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, item 12.

4. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, applicants must prominently reference the solicitation number in their submission.

5. Application must be submitted ONLY via EXOZambiaHR@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –:

SOLICITATION # 72061121R00000 USAID/Senior Supply Chain Advisor

POINT OF CONTACT:

Summer Tucker, Executive Officer

SUBMIT ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:

EXOZambiaHR@usaid.gov (E-mailed applications required.)

6. Please submit the application only once; and

7. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. The application must be submitted before or on the closing date at 5:00 p.m. (Local Zambia Time)

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

Once the 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) Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

2) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

3) Finger Print Card (FD-258)

V. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES (if/as applicable) As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC 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

ALLOWANCES (if applicable)*: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances.

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

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), and Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

*Eligibilities for allowances are in accordance with Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) based on the type of appointment and Mission Policy.

Note: Allowances for TCNPSCs will be determined based on approval by the Mission Director, and will be calculated specific to the offeror selected for the position.

VI. TAXES

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

TCNPSCs are subject to an individual’s country tax laws and should follow tax requirement of their country of origin.

VII. 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. 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:

ITEM NO

(A)

SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period

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

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: FUND:DV-19/20

PROG AREA: PO.2

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

1001 Option Period 1

– Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

1 LOT $_TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations With Contractor

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: FUND:DV-20/21

PROG AREA: PO.2

2001 Option Period 2

– Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: FUND:DV-21/22

PROG AREA: PO.2

1 LOT $_TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations With Contractor

3001 Option Period 3

– Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: FUND:DV-22/23

PROG AREA: PO.2

1 LOT $_TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations With Contractor

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

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

5. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

The U.S. Mission in Zambia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Zambia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

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