PSC-_SOL-OAA-15-000175.pdf

RFP # SOL-OAA-15-000175

Contents

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS

V. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

VI. TAXES

VII. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) AND CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCs

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OAA-15-000175

ISSUANCE DATE: September 9, 2015

CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 22, 2015, 9:00 a.m., EST

POSITION TITLE: Congressional Liaison Specialist

MARKET VALUE: This position is the equivalent of a GS-14.

The salary range of the GS-14 is $107,325 - $139,523, including locality pay, per annum.

The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the daily pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience, and educational background.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C., area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with four (4) option years subject to the needs for the services and availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.

SECURITY ACCESS: Secret

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all U.S. Citizens

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Background: New and emerging democracies, countries with authoritarian governments, and post-conflict states are more vulnerable to the devastation of natural disasters and have a greater potential for conflict to spiral into violence. Within USAID, the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) seeks to enable and protect development gains by promoting resiliency and tackling fragility through the cycle of prevention, response and recovery. With nine line offices and over $4 billion in annual funding, DCHA deploys the technical expertise, flexible funding and surge teams essential for working to prevent and respond to crisis, helping countries recover from and transition out of crises.

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The Policy and Program Division in DCHA’s Office of Program, Policy and Management (PPM), reports directly to the DCHA Assistant Administrator (DCHA/AA) and, with a staff of over 20 professionals, plays a crucial role creating coherence within the DCHA Bureau around shared goals, objectives and frameworks.

The Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) is responsible for all of the Agency’s external affairs including congressional relations and public relations. It serves as the central point of contact with the American people, Congress, and the media, as well as the Agency’s key constituencies, including but not limited to nongovernmental and private voluntary organizations, education, labor, ethnic and social organizations, diaspora groups, and the private business sector. LPA sets and directs the Agency’s communications strategy and policies.

The Congressional Liaison Division (LPA/CL) maintains continuous communication with members of Congress, congressional staff, and congressional committees to inform and educate this key constituency about USAID programs and policies and to obtain their views on issues related to USAID and communicate those views to relevant parts of the Agency. As the primary advisor regarding relations with Congress on programs, policies and issues, LPA/CL recommends response strategies, assists in the development of Bureau strategies on congressional relationships, and makes recommendations on the preparation of material representing the Agency’s position on issues before Congress and in congressional meetings. LPA/CL provides consultation as issues arise. LPA/CL negotiates USAID legislative issues with members of Congress, their committees, and staff.

Introduction: The Congressional Liaison Specialist is part of the Policy and Program Division in DCHA’s, Office of Program, Policy and Management (PPM). The PPM Office, reports directly to the DCHA Assistant Administrator (DCHA/AA) and, with a staff of over 20 professionals, plays a crucial role creating coherence within the DCHA Bureau around shared goals, objectives and frameworks.

Objective: DCHA requires a Congressional Liaison Specialist to communicate DCHA’s strategic messages, programs, work, themes and prepare both personnel and materials to members of the Congress, congressional staff and committees who can assist with or contribute to achieving DCHA’s and the Agency goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

The primary responsibility of the Congressional Liaison Specialist is to supporting the DCHA and LPA Offices of the Assistant Administrator (“Front Offices”) on matters relating to DCHA programs. Housed physically in LPA, s/he will work with LPA, the DCHA Front Office and the Office of Program, Policy, and Management (DCHA/PPM) to coordinate DCHA message and materials, and with individual offices on their meetings.

In this capacity, under the direction of the DCHA and LPA, the Congressional Liaison Specialist will:

• Serves as the primary working level point of contact on DCHA Bureau and maintains continuous personal contact with selected members of the Congress and their staffs, and with Agency oversight committees, for the purpose of gaining their acceptance of legislation proposed by USAID and assessing their interest in and attitudes towards these legislative requests.

• Prepares responses to frequent requests from members of Congress and their constituents for information or assistance relating to DCHA programs and respond in a timely fashion, and as necessary, refers the requests to others to research and prepare responses, follows through to see that accurate and responsive information is relayed to the congressional office or committee without delay.

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• Be responsible for representing the Bureau, and hence the Agency, in presenting to the various Members of Congress the Agency's policy, stance, reaction or other official position with respect to any of a wide variety of matters that may be under discussion or proposed.

• Through ongoing relationships with members of Congress, will understand, analyze, and evaluate the views of DCHA programs and work by Congress and individual members to report and recommend to the Assistant Administrators of DCHA and LPA and other senior agency officers new directions and approaches.

• Serve on or coordinates input for committees and task forces developing communication strategies for emerging national priority programs affecting DCHA's mission.

• Coordinate DCHA input to help determine the themes and develop the guidance for the production of budget documents, including materials for the DCHA/AA’s testimony on the annual Congressional Budget Justification.

• Prepare reports on congressional hearings, briefings, markups, and floor action as necessary and makes recommendations to the DCHA/AA on appropriate strategy and action.

• Prepare DCHA/AA for congressional hearing and briefings by participating in reviews of formal Agency notifications and presentations to Congress, and designs, develops, and recommends congressional outreach efforts to promote the Agency’s and Bureau’s mission, as appropriate.

• Coordinate with the DCHA/PPM Communications Specialist, helps prepare Agency officials for congressional hearings and briefings by assisting in the preparation of testimony, talking points and other related documents for use by Agency officials.

• Identifie, tracks, and summarizes proposed legislative actions having a direct impact on DCHA program activities and keeps DCHA and appropriate agency staff and others outside the agency informed on legislative actions.

• Coordinate the development of DCHA's annual Congressional Budget Justification and provide input to help determine the themes and develop the guidance for the production of budget documents.

• Attend the weekly DCHA communicators meetings and report on congressional meetings, share materials and material requests, and assist in ensuring that DCHA’s communications efforts are in line with broader legislative issues and efforts before Congress.

• Work closely with the DCHA/PPM Communications Specialist and the appropriate LPA Public Liaison Officer to ensure consistency of message and unity of purpose with DCHA outreach to Congress and external groups.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP

The Congressional Liaison Specialist reports to the Policy and Program Division Chief, and (AA, DAA, or Office Director within DCHA and LPA).

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The supervisor provides direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The employee independently plans, designs and carries out coordination of the strategic engagement with the Congress on programs, policies, and issues. The Congressional Liaison Specialist will perform duties under general direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment while undertaking work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary, although some slight physical efforts may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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The work is generally performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. However, the position may also require occasional travel.

START DATE

Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the position, including, but not limited to, international relations or development, and at least five (5) years of experience working on issues related to the position, two (2) of which must be working in government (as a direct hire or under a contract) in Washington D.C.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS FOR THIS POSITION

• Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;

• Complete and hand-signed federal form AID 302-3 submitted;

• All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 302-3 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the experience requirements.

• Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted;

• Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID.

• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)

QRF #1 Knowledge of the laws, policies, and regulations of an administrative field sufficient to apply new theories and developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods, and make decisions or recommendations that significantly change, interpret, or develop major public policies or programs.

QRF #2 Knowledge of the of the foreign assistance programs funded in the 150 Account and the organization and legislative processes of the Congress as well as the organization and processes of the Executive Branch with respect to congressional relations.

QRF #3 Demonstrated ability to function effectively in fast-paced environment, including working collaboratively and drafting/editing documents for senior policymakers under significant time constraints.

QRF #4 Knowledge of DCHA and LPA and how its offices, to include operational capabilities and policy issues confronted by the offices during Congressional inquiries.

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those

6 | P a g e applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:

QRFs have been assigned the following points:

QRF #1 – 15 points QRF #2 – 15 points QRF #3 – 15 points QRF #4 – 15 points

Interview Performance – 30 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 10 points

Total Possible Points: 100

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

1) A USAID form AID 302-3 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts) with hand-written signature (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/);

2) A resume must be attached to the AID 302-3. Resumes must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination of meeting experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

In order to fully evaluate applications, resumes must include:

a. Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

b. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

c. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. Transcripts and/or certifications must be attached.

3) A brief appendix or cover letter that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training address directly the evaluation criteria should be attached.

4) Names and current contact information of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation.

7 | P a g e http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

5) Professional writing sample, of no more than five pages, preferably on a subject relevant to the position.

6) Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified on the cover page of this solicitation and submitted to the Point of Contact identified on the cover page of this solicitation.

7) To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, Applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the application submission.

By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS

Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/.

1. USAID form AID 302-3 (To be submitted with application).

2. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)**

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or **

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)**

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258)**

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

V. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

2. ALLOWANCES:

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

a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

g) Education Travel (Section 280)

h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

8 | P a g e http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VI. TAXES

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

VII. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) AND CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and the PSC General Provisions in accordance with USAID regulations and contracts. See http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12) (SEPTEMBER 2006)

In response to the general threat of unauthorized access to federal facilities and information systems, the President issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12. HSPD-12 requires all Federal agencies to use a common Personal Identity Verification (PIV) standard when identifying and issuing access rights to users of Federally-controlled facilities and/or Federal Information Systems.

USAID will begin issuing HSPD-12 “smart card” IDs to applicable contracts, using a phased approach.

Effective October 27, 2006, USAID will begin issuing new “smart card” IDs to new contractors (and new contractor employees) requiring routine access to USAID controlled facilities and/or access to USAID’s information systems. USAID will begin issuance of the new smart card IDs to existing contractors (and existing contractor employees) on October 27, 2007. (Exceptions would include those situations where an existing contractor (or contractor employee) loses or damages his/her existing ID and would need a replacement ID prior to Oct 27, 2007. In those situations, the existing contractor (or contractor employee) would need to follow the PIV processes described below, and be issued one of the new smart cards.)

Accordingly, before a contractor (including a PSC* or a contractor employee) may obtain a USAID ID (new or replacement) authorizing him/her routine access to USAID facilities, or logical access to USAID’s information systems, the individual must provide two forms of identity source documents in original form and a passport size photo. One identity source document must be a valid Federal or state government-issued picture ID. (Overseas foreign nationals must comply with the requirements of the Regional Security Office.) USAID/W contractors must contact the USAID Security Office to obtain the list of acceptable forms of documentation, and contractors working in overseas Missions must obtain the acceptable documentation list from the Regional Security Officer. Submission of these documents, and related background checks, are mandatory in order for the contractor to receive a building access ID, and before access will be granted to any of USAID’s information systems. All contractors must physically present these two source documents for identity proofing at their USAID/W or Mission Security Briefing.

The contractor or his/her Facilities Security Officer must return any issued building access ID and remote authentication token to USAID custody upon termination of the individual’s employment with the contractor or completion of the contract, whichever occurs first.

The contractor must comply with all applicable HSPD-12 and PIV procedures, as described above, and any subsequent USAID or government-wide HSPD-12 and PIV procedures/policies, including any subsequent related USAID General Notices, Office of Security Directives and/or Automated Directives System (ADS) policy directives and required procedures. This includes HSPD-12 procedures established in USAID/Washington and those procedures established by the overseas Regional Security Office. In the event of inconsistencies between this clause and later issued Agency or government-wide HSPD-12 guidance, the most recent issued guidance should take precedence, unless otherwise instructed by the Contracting Officer.

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The contractor is required to include this clause in any subcontracts that require the subcontractor or subcontractor employee to have routine physical access to USAID space or logical access to USAID’s information systems.

(End of Provision)

(End of RFP # SOL-OAA-15-000175)

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