Solicition for Offshore USPSC Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor.pdf

Issuance Date: November 17, 2021 Closing Date and Time: December 16, 2021 16:00 Yangon Time

Solicitation Number: 72048222R00002

Subject: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) – Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor, GS-14

To All Interested Applicants:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (AID 309-2) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the instructions to applicants provided in the attachment by the date and time specified. Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Submissions must be electronic and sent to usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov by the deadline indicated above. To ensure delivery by the due date it is recommended that applications be sent as email attachments of a size less than 25MB. Late applications will not be considered. Any questions regarding this position should be sent to usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov.

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the AID 309-2. Applications that are received without a signature or incomplete applications will not be considered for the Position.

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 application.

Sincerely, Scott W. Spencer Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Burma

U.S. Agency for International Development c/o American Embassy 110 University Avenue Kamayut Township 11041 Yangon Tel: (95-1) 7536 509 | www.usaid.gov

U.S. Agency for International Development Embassy of the United States of America 110 University Avenue Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar

SOLICITATION NO: 72048222R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: November 17, 2021 CLOSING DATE: December 16, 2021

4:00 PM BURMA TIME

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Off-Shore U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) for the position of Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor, GS-14

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (AID 309-2) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide services as Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor under a Personal Services Contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position will be in Bangkok, Thailand, with potential relocation to Yangon, Myanmar.

Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the ATTACHMENT 1 information, at the place and time specified. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be considered.

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.

USAID/Burma will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to the undersigned at usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov.

Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted.

Sincerely, /s/

Scott W. Spencer Supervisory Executive Officer

USAID/Burma

SOL 72048222R00002

Solicitation for Off-Shore U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) for the position of Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor, GS-14

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048222R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 17, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 16, 2021

4. POINT OF CONTACT: SCOTT W. SPENCER, Email at usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: SENIOR CONFLICT AND GOVERNANCE ADVISOR

6. MARKET VALUE: MARKET VALUE: $ 93,907 - $ 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 years, estimated to start on/about

February 15, 2022.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three one-year option years to extend for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: February 15, 2022 to February 14, 2024 Option Period 1: February 15, 2024 to February 14, 2025 Option Period 2: February 15, 2025 to February 14, 2026 Option Period 3: February 15, 2026 to February 14, 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: BANGKOK, THAILAND with frequent travel as stated in the

Statement of Duties. Depending on the operational environment, there is potential for this position to be relocated to Yangon, Myanmar during the period of performance.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to United States Citizens. Only short-listed candidates will be considered for an interview.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: SECRET

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor (“Senior Advisor”) is a member of USAID/Burma’s

Office of Democracy, Governance, and Humanitarian Assistance (DGHA) and reports to the DGHA Office Director or his or her designee. The Senior Advisor’s principal responsibility will be to provide strategic guidance to Office, Mission, and Embassy leadership on the development implications of Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis and multiple internal conflicts, with particular attention, but not limited, to Rakhine, Kachin, and northern Shan States. The incumbent must be able to represent USAID/Burma’s strategy and programs at senior levels of the host government, other country governments in the region, bilateral donors, international organizations, local government officials, international and local NGOs, and beneficiaries.

USAID/Burma’s DGHA Office oversees assistance in support of the country’s ongoing democratic transition and to mitigate the effects of Burma’s long-standing conflicts and build resilience to future violence. The Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor manages DGHA activities in support of these efforts and provides strategic guidance on conflict, political, and governance issues to the broader Mission, Embassy, international donors, and U.S. policy-makers.

The incumbent will play a central role in the interagency related to conflict in Burma and must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret at minimum, and a Top Secret if necessary, as determined by the Mission.

This is a supervisory position requiring excellent managerial and communication skills, an ability to perform in a complex and highly sensitive political environment, experience in policy formulation and negotiation at the highest levels (government and non-government organizations), and a strong interest in assisting countries in transition. The Senior Advisor should have extensive project and personnel management experience and understanding of grantee and contractor/USAID relationships. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with grassroots organizations and their constituencies, national and local government officials, U.S.

Government agencies, and international organization officials. Since work will require continued changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual will be someone who is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change.

The incumbent must possess specialized knowledge of civil society strengthening and non-violent action philosophies; peace processes; national dialogues; conflict mitigation and management;, good governance; mediation/arbitration; women peace and security; and human rights, preferably in Burma or similar contexts in Southeast Asia. Prior experience working in closing political environments, managing programs in transition contexts and/or in third-country programming is desirable. Prior work experience with the U.S. Government agencies are preferred. The successful candidate will possess excellent political analysis and reporting skills, strong writing skills, and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a highly stressful environment while exercising sound judgment in politically charged environments.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The work of the Advisor requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent has a high level of integrity and attention to detail to ensure the use of Mission systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. She or he places a premium on the building of positive relationships with his or her respective team in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The Advisor is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of the Mission.

Under the direct supervision of the USAID/Burma DGHA Director or his/her designee, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Independently conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy, host country government, other country governments in the region, ethnic leaders, and local government and civil society officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy. When necessary, refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, linked to neighboring country programs where appropriate;

On his/her own initiative, provide support for the design and execution of programs that leverage the existing Mission portfolio, or identify new programmatic needs, to respond to emerging events in Burma or the region. Support may include attendance and/or facilitation of program management processes for follow-on programming including rolling assessments, strategy review sessions, program performance reviews, and management reviews;

Concisely and coherently communicate and coordinate in-country activities with USAID and its implementing partners, the U.S. Embassy, and other donor organizations as it relates to conflict and governance elements;

Design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives and recruit, train, supervise, mentor and evaluate the performance of in-country Mission staff as assigned by the DGHA Office Director, providing regular feedback. The position directly supervises one Foreign Service National, but must be able to supervise a larger team including additional senior FSNs and PSCs as the Mission expands or portfolio shifts;

Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief Mission, Embassy, Washington, and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact;

Independently manage and provide day-to-day programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to Mission implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees), including an existing $46 million contract (and any follow-on or complementary activities) ensuring that activities are contributing to the Integrated Country Strategy, future Mission-specific strategies and are within the partner’s scope;

Serve and maintain accreditation to as a Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative

(C/AOR), providing recommendations to the Office, Mission, and Embassy on the implementing partner’s performance, budget, and appropriateness of scope in achieving Embassy and Mission objectives, presenting modifications thereto;

Ensure that Mission programs and activities within the purview of the Advisor are monitored and evaluated, and that lessons learned feed into ongoing or future activities, including new procurement actions;

Analyze and report on current political developments, security concerns, and other pertinent information required to achieve Mission development objectives and advise Burma and U.S.

based policy-makers;

Serve as the Mission’s technical specialist and advisor on governance, conflict, and crisis related issues including, but not limited to, the military coup d'etat and ensuing political crisis, the Rohingya crisis, and conflicts in Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan states. The Advisor will be responsible for reporting and developing appropriate programming related to conflicts and peace processes across Burma. The Advisor will be the Mission’s primary liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, ambassadors, local government officials, UN organizations, indigenous and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other pertinent agencies and organizations on the country’s conflicts and their ramifications for development.

The Advisor must develop and maintain collaborative relationships to ensure close coordination at the field level inside Burma, and between operational platforms in Rangoon and Bangkok, and identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities with other programs;

Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for staff supervised; assign work, explain how duties are to be performed to meet expectations, and communicate how the successful performance of those duties will be measured; evaluate staff performance; recognize good performance; communicate where performance needs to be improved; resolve complaints; and approve leave requests and timesheets as well as training, travel and program and operations requests.

Travel as appropriate from Bangkok to Rangoon and other locations inside Burma to provide support, supervision, project and partner management, oversight, monitoring, and other duties as assigned.

3. Supervision Received: The Senior Conflict and Governance Advisor will be supervised with respect to work responsibilities by the DGHA Office Director based in Rangoon or his or her designee in Bangkok. The incumbent’s work objectives will be jointly developed between the incumbent and the supervisor.

4. Supervision Exercised: Supervisory authority is included in this position; directly supervises one Foreign Service National, but must be able to supervise a larger team including additional senior FSNs and PSCs as the Mission expands or portfolio shifts.

5. Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

A Master’s Degree with seven (7) years of work experience;

(OR)

A Bachelor’s Degree with nine (9) years of work experience;

Of the work experience, six (6) years must be of project management experience with a U.S.

Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in political transition, stabilization, community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis;

Of the work experience, four (4) years must be of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries undergoing political transition or conflict;

Of the work experience, four (4) years must be of supervisory experience (including mentoring, training, and guiding staff).

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.

Technical Evaluation Factors:

The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will review each of the below listed factors. Each of the factors will be weighted equally on a qualitative scale (Non-Responsive, Unsatisfactory, Marginal, Satisfactory, Exceptional). The TEC will review each factor as a whole, taking into account information provided in the resume/CV including educational background, writing sample, interview, and feedback from references.

1. Technical Experience/Background: Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience to carry out the responsibilities as described in the solicitation. This includes, but is not limited to, knowledge and understanding of principles of conflict in international development and their application to, and adaptation in dynamic contexts; demonstrated understanding of governance principles, particularly local governance, and the interaction of conflict and governance; and experience in the design, implementation, coordination, and management of conflict and governance activities.

2. Independence and Initiative: Demonstrated experience and willingness to work independently and take initiative in a dynamic political and conflict environment towards programmatic, Mission, and Foreign Policy objectives. This includes, but is not limited, the ability to understand and balance the need for creativity and initiative while respecting and adhering to Mission and Embassy processes and lines of authority.

3. Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to clearly articulate complex events and translate them into actionable programmatic and policy responses. This includes, but is not limited to, effective written and verbal communications with senior leaders, government officials, civil society, and local interlocutors.

4. Teamwork: While the position will retain significant independence in executing day-to-day duties, the offeror must demonstrate experience and willingness to work as part of a team and a commitment towards Mission goals. This includes, but is not limited to demonstrated professionalism, mentorship of subordinates and peers, and supervisory experience.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. Cover letters, resumes or curricula vitae (CVs).

3. Writing sample not to exceed two (2) pages on a substantive technical issue, for which the offeror is the primary author and can demonstrate minimal outside editing. This may include a portion of a longer professional or academic work, or a hypothetical example drafted for this solicitation.

4. Five (5) professional references, with names, and most recently known telephone number and email, to include at least one supervisor, one subordinate, and one peer for which the offeror has worked in the last five years.

5. 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.

6. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. Interested candidates should send the above information electronically:

usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov Subject of email must be as follows: “U.S. PSC Offshore Senior Conflict & Governance Advisor, GS-14”. (Be certain to sign form AID 309-2). Unsigned or incomplete applications will not be considered. Uploaded file may not exceed 25 MB. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic submission. USAID will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to e-mails. The applicant assumes all risk related to an electronic submission.

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:

1. Security Eligibility/Facility Access: AID 6-1 (REQUEST FOR SECURITY ACTION)

2. Medical Clearances and Certifications:

DS-6561 Pre-Assignment for Overseas Duty for Non-Foreign Service Personnel physical exam. (OR) DS-3057 Medical Clearance Update (MCU)

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 (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

3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. Some benefits may be adjusted according to the applicant's residency status.

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. 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

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: ES 482-M 2021-2022

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: R497

- Accounting Info: ES 482-M 2021-2022

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

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: ES 482-M 2021-2022

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: ES 482-M 2021-2022

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.

AAPD 18-02

REVISED

(PDF 96K)

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

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 15-02-

Revised 2

AAPD 15-02 REVISED 2 - This AAPD extends implementation of the USAID policy for Leave and Holidays, including family and medical leave, by deviation from AIDAR Appendix D, § 12, clause (GP) #5. This policy is effective as indicated on page 2, section II, of the AAPD

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 10-01

(PDF 47 kb)

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS -- CHANGES IN USG

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS – 01/08/10

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 06-10

(PDF 80 kb)

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY –

October 30, 2006

Personal Services Contracts

AAPD 06-08

(PDF 35 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: USING THE OPTIONAL

SCHEDULE TO INCREMENTALLY FUND CONTRACTS –

JUNE 23, 2006

Personal Services Contracts

CIB 99-15

(PDF 51 kb)

Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations – 08/99

Personal Services Contracts

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 .

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