FFPO__SOL-OAA-16-000035_FFPOSRG_GS-13-14.pdf

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Request for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor

Position Title: Surge Response Food for Peace Officer

Duty Office: DCHA/FFP

Solicitation Number: SOL-OAA-16-000035

Salary Level: GS-13/14 Equivalent: GS-13 ($73,115 - $95,048) or GS-14 ($86,399 -

$112,319)

Issuance Date: January 5, 2016

Closing Date: September 30, 2016

Closing Time: 12:00 P.M. EST

Breakdown of Closing Date and Time:

Review Period 1: March 31, 2016, 12:00 P.M. DST

Review Period 2: June 30, 2016, 12:00 P.M DST

Review Period 3: September 30, 2016, 12:00 P.M DST

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International

Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Food for Peace Officer under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. 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) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

Solicitation for a USPSC Surge Response Food for Peace Officer SOL-OAA-16-000035

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(e) U.S. Citizenship.

Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

2. Responses to the Quality Ranking Factors: Each applicant’s supplemental documentation must specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs must be emailed to: FFPPSC@usaid.gov.

Any questions on this solicitation should be directed to the Isidore Emmanuel at the email address notice above. Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Sincerely, /s/

Artaveya J. Carter

Contracting Officer

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1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OAA-16-000035

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 5, 2016

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

Review Period 1: March 31, 2016, 12:00 P.M. DST

Review Period 2: June 30, 2016, 12:00 P.M DST

Review Period 3: September 30, 2016, 12:00 P.M DST

4. POSITION TITLE: Surge Response Food for Peace Officer

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13/14 equivalent GS-13 ($73,115-$95,048) or GS-14 ($86,399-

$112,319) do not includes locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history 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.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with the option to renew for up to four additional years based on the following: (1) continuing need of services; (2) availability of funds;

and (3) satisfactory or better performance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide Availability.

8. STATEMENT OF WORK

BACKGROUND

The Office of Food for Peace (FFP) in the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau for

Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) is the largest provider of food assistance in the world. FFP annually provides close to $2 billion of food assistance, including some 1.5 million tons or more of in-kind Title II food assistance valued at more than $1.6 billion and reaching 46 million beneficiaries in 48 countries. Since 2010, FFP has complemented its provision of Title II in-kind food assistance with an Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP) utilizing at least $300 million in International Disaster Assistance (IDA) funds annually, which allows for local and regional purchase of food outside of the United States and closer to the emergency setting, as well as market based approaches such as cash transfer or food voucher programs that facilitate access to food.

In addition to emergency response, FFP provides support for development food assistance programs which aim to address the underlying causes of food security. Taken together, the in-kind and cash-based programs provide an impressive array of tools to combat hunger and malnutrition overseas.

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Programming is facilitated by state of the art early warning systems, a changing in-kind food assistance basket that includes more nutritious products, and a modern supply chain management system that allows for rapid movement of commodities. Programming approaches are evolving to focus increasingly on building the resilience of chronically vulnerable populations, especially those in arid lands who face increasing cycles of drought, and improving nutrition with a special focus on women and children under two.

Food for Peace works closely with many other parts of USAID, especially the Bureau for Food

Security, which plays a key role in implementing the President’s Feed the Future initiative, and the

Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, which leads on disaster response around the world. Food for Peace employs a staff of over 50 in Washington and also has officers posted abroad.

More Information on FFP is available at:

http://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/agriculture-and-food-security/food-assistance

The Surge Response Group (SRG) is a FFP program to satisfy FFP’s growing need for surge capacity to meet program requirements. In response to numerous emergencies worldwide, it became clear that FFP requires more staff to cover positions in the field and in FFP/W. FFP’s

SRG program will bring on board select candidates who can work on a part-time basis, for no more than 250 days per calendar year. Once hired and after initial orientation, SRG staff may be deployed within one week to facilitate FFP’s response to emergencies. In some cases, they may be called upon to meet short-term needs to monitor non-emergency programs in the field. SRG positions are contracted for an initial period of one year with the option to renew for four years.

FFPOSRG’s will be considered part of FFP/Washington’s resources.

9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Duties and Responsibilities

FFPOSRG’s respond to humanitarian emergencies as required, worldwide, and may be deployed to the field as a FFP Officer alone, as part of a Disaster Assistance Response Team, or to augment a regional office or mission. The incumbent may also serve in Washington to perform as an FFPO, or to provide FFPO backstop coverage for deploying Washington staff.

The incumbent may also be assigned to serve as a Program Operations Specialist with FFP’s

Program Operations Division (POD), or a Program and Policy Coordination Officer with FFP’s

Policy and Technical Division (PTD, or serve on a Response Management Team or Disaster

Assistance Response Team as a FFPO, (Please see attachment 3 for core duties and responsibilities).

When in Washington, the FFPOSRG will work primarily on specific ongoing or FFP-funded emergency programs. The remainder of the FFPOSRG’s time may be spent on a variety of other

FFP-related activities.

The full range of specific duties, some of which are in direct support of specific programs and some in support of general FFP office responsibilities, may include the following:

http://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/agriculture-and-food-security/food-assistance

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Serve as primary point of contact for NGOs and Public International Organizations (PIO) such as the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) implementing FFP-funded programs, U.S. Government representatives, and others on FFP food assistance issues for the country assigned.

Analyze and assess data from a variety of sources – including field assessments, technical data, early warning information, and reporting from USAID field staff, NGOs, and PIOs – to recommend appropriate food assistance programs.

Review appeals and proposals for emergency programs.

Draft and assemble documentation for program approval and funding.

Produce information products (e.g., updates and memoranda) on food security situations and

FFP programs, provide briefings, and represent FFP in meetings and working groups with implementing agency staff, USAID colleagues, and representatives from other agencies.

Serve as FFP representative on Bureau Response Management Teams or other coordinating mechanisms.

Provide policy recommendations related to implementation of emergency programs carried out by PIOs such as WFP and non-governmental organizations.

When deployed to the field, activation will either be for emergency programs (in which case the

FFPOSRG will work primarily on specific ongoing FFP-funded emergency programs) or for non-emergency programs (in which case the FFP Officer will work primarily on program monitoring, assessments, and evaluations).

Specific activities may include the following:

Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to FFP-funded food assistance in the assigned country for the mission, embassy, USAID/Washington, the regional FFP office, other parts of the U.S. Government, NGOs, PIOs, host nation government ministries and agencies, and others in the country.

Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing FFP-funded programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.

Provide information and guidance to FFP-funded assistance award recipients on FFP-funded food assistance regulations, policies, and procedures.

Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements, government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, government food assistance programs, and donor pledges and programs.

Coordinate with the country team (consisting of the USAID mission, U.S. embassy, and/or other USG in-country staff), host government, NGOs, PIOs, donors, and others to address issues impacting food assistance.

Undertake and report on assessments to inform FFP food assistance funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs.

Work with NGOs on preparation of annual work-plans and program modifications, and with public international organizations such as the WFP on new appeals or revisions to existing ones.

Work with other parts of the U.S. Government and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.

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The basic duties and responsibilities do not change between the GS 13 and GS 14 levels. An employee meeting the qualifications for GS 14 and hired at that level, however, is expected to exercise a higher level of autonomy and require less supervision.

Additional Core Duties and Responsibilities

Program and Policy Coordination Officer (PTD):

Participate in developing recommendations on a wide range of policy questions relating to the use of FFP food aid resources for emergency food programs.

Perform review/analysis of PIOs policy and operational issues as they relate to the technical authority regarding the regulatory impact on sensitive or rapidly evolving programs related to emergency food assistance. As necessary and practicable, evaluate alternative agency strategies to make recommendations to ensure that the PIOs comply with USG accepted practices in delivering humanitarian assistance consistent with

Agency food aid policy guidance and other guidelines.

Advocate, interpret, and explain FFP emergency food program guidance and policy positions in formal and informal interactions with staff of PIOs, NGOs, Agency bureaus, departments and offices, USAID field missions, and other USG agencies and bilateral or multilateral donor offices. Work to ensure understanding by country-back stop officers and other USAID officials of key emergency food aid operational policy issues that will enable them to plan, manage, and evaluate FFP-funded food assistance programs.

Provide to FFP staff operational policy analysis for PIO proposal reviews to ensure that resources allocated for complex food assistance programs working in the areas of general relief meet program objectives.

Consolidate interagency comments and draft initial U.S. position papers in response to

PIO documents in preparation for formal sessions and informal consultations in close collaboration with USUN Missions.

Closely review annual and/or biennium agreements with the PIOs to ensure that USG views on PIO costs for emergency food programs are understood and agreed to, e.g., issues of nomenclature;.

Maintain close working relations with the PIOs, discuss regularly FFP commitments, priorities, and policies, and maintain status reports of all USG donations in cash and in-kind contributions related to PIO operations.

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Provide support to the PTD Policy Team Leader, such a strategic planning and evaluation, as well as attend office, inter-agency, PIO, and NGO meetings and consultations.

Program Operations Specialist (POD):

1) Cost Estimates

Provide financial analysis for food aid programs, recommending appropriate levels of commodities based on commodity and transport prices.

Develop, regularly update, and communicate commodity price estimates.

Review program budgets for appropriate use of FFP funding categories.

Provide financial management technical assistance to WFP and PVOs based on commodity price and transport estimates and appropriate use of FFP funding categories.

2) Food Aid Supply Chain Management

Manage the emergency food aid prepositioning process, to include overseeing facilities, allocating commodities from facilities to programs, and restocking facilities.

Coordinate with inter- and intra-agency colleagues to manage and oversee the procurement of emergency food aid, including expedited procurement and the diversion of vessels to meet emergency food aid needs. Uses web-based IT procurement system to procure commodities.

Ensure commodity procurements are accomplished and that commodity quality and safety problems are identified and resolved.

Advise managers on commodity procurement matters.

Serve as an expert in analyzing the impact of existing or proposed procurement standards, regulations, and policies. Develop and implement new policies and procedures relating to commodity procurement and quality assurance.

3) Additional Responsibilities

Prepares reports related to operational and logistics issues.

Travel to prepositioning facilities and elsewhere to address logistics and operational problems.

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Provide technical input on funding priorities, review specific appeals and proposals, and serve on proposal review panels.

Draft updates and memoranda, provide briefings on commodity procurement issues, and represent FFP in meetings and working groups with other USAID colleagues and representatives from other agencies.

Guidelines

At the GS-13 or GS-14 level, this PSC position, under the direction of his/her supervisor, will serve as a Surge Response Food for Peace Officer (also referred to generically as a Country

Backstop Officer (CBO) ), and will provide technical and grant management support to the

Geographic Division Chief and Team Leader. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for technical and grant issues for awardees implementing FFP-funded programs, as well as representatives from other U.S. Government agencies and organizations interested in the FFP-funded grant(s) in a specific country. She/he may also be assigned to serve as a Program

Operations Specialist with FFP’s Program Operations Division (POD), or a Program and Policy

Coordination Officer with FFP’s Policy and Technical Division (PTD), or serve on a Response

Management Team or Disaster Assistance Response Team as a FFPO.

At the GS-13 or GS-14 level, under the direction of his/her supervisor, this PSC position will provide analysis of available data from a variety of sources - including field assessments, technical data, early warning information, and reporting from USAID field staff, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), other U.S. government agencies, and Public International

Organizations such as the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) - to recommend appropriate FFP-funded predominately emergency food security programs when/where needed.

At the GS-13 or GS-14 level, under the direction of his/her supervisor, this PSC position will provide technical input on funding priorities, review specific appeals and proposals and serve on proposal review panels, monitor program implementation and budget, and recommend programs to be supported with FFP funding.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent performs under administrative direction, with latitude for exercise of independent judgment in areas such as program and project management.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent uses initiative and resourcefulness in developing new methods and proposed policy changes.

At the GS-14 level, judgment and ingenuity is required to interpret the intent of guidance and application to assigned responsibilities.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent performs under administrative direction, with formal decision making authority in broad program areas, and with latitude for exercise of independent judgment.

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Supervisory Controls:

At the GS-13 and GS-14 levels, the incumbent will take direction from and report to the Surge

Coordinator until activated, at which time she/he will be under the supervision of a

FFP/Washington Division Chief or Team Leader, or a designated USAID staff member in the field.

At the GS-14 level, the incumbent’s supervisor will provide direction in terms of broadly defined program goals and objectives. The employee is expected to act independently with little direction and will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment.

At the GS-13 level, the incumbent consults with supervisor to develop deadlines, projects and work to be completed. Incumbent is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments.

Complexity At the GS-13 and GS-14 level, duties vary that require different process, methods and substantial depth of analysis. The incumbent must work with a range of people from operations, technical, field staff, other bureaus within USAID and with the State Department and the Department of

Agriculture.

Scope and Effect At the GS-14 level, work includes isolating and defining unknown conditions and resolving critical problems or developing new theories affecting the work of other experts. Work typically requires formal responsibility for leading teams, guiding the work of others, and coordinating with other professional and technical staff.

At the GS-13 level, work typically includes planning, organizing, directing, designing, and coordinating programs and/or projects, requiring creativity and support from others; or work entails conducting evaluations to determine the feasibility of various and advanced approaches to define concepts and criteria for future programs or to resolve major controversial problems in current programs. Work may require working as a team leader.

At the GS-13 and GS-14 level, the incumbent analyzes food assistance needs, recommends and implements strategies, and manages food assistance programs undertaken by NGOs and Public

International Organizations such as the WFP.

Personal Contacts

At the GS-14 level, contacts are with high-ranking officials outside USAID at national or international levels in highly unstructured settings.

At the GS-13 level, contacts are with individuals or groups outside of USAID in a moderately unstructured setting.

The incumbent is responsible for the coordination of food security related activities with awardees and other donors specific to FFP-funded interventions to ensure clear understanding of

USAID/FFP programs and priorities.

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10. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The requirement for field trip assignments to consult with cooperating sponsor managers of food assistance programs may expose the successful candidate to difficult working surroundings and security risks during the course of travel.

11. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

*Application Process: Applicants must indicate in their application which level(s) they want to be considered for in their initial base one-year contract. USAID/FFP reserves the right to place the applicant at the Grade/Step level for which he/she is found qualified during the application process.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Minimum Qualifications

At the GS-13 level the incumbent will have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S.

or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years’ experience must be related to food assistance. Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which three (3) years’ experience must be related to food assistance. Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

At the GS-14 level the incumbent will have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S.

or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian

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OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to, public health, agriculture, nutrition, food and agricultural economics, international development, humanitarian assistance, or other related field. The incumbent will have a total of at least nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance and/or international development, of which six (6) years’ experience must be related to food assistance. Two (2) years of overseas professional experience is required.

Intermediate level computer skills, to include knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and the internet;

B. Selection Factors: Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications for the position.

Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. Selection factors include:

Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;

A current resume, with complete contact information, submitted;

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

Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance as provided by USAID within six months following the job offer acceptance;

Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

Verification of academic credentials and/or job references upon request.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and selective factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

Knowledge of the key policy and technical issues related to emergency food security programming in developing countries. (40 points)

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Demonstrated ability to review proposals, analyze budgets, manage U.S. Government or other agency financial agreements, and work through the USAID grant award process.

(25 points)

Knowledge of the functioning of NGOs, PIOs, UN agencies, and U.S. Government agencies involved in humanitarian assistance, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel from these organizations on highly sensitive issues. (20 points)

Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively to non-specialists both orally and in writing. (15 points)

Total Possible Points: 100

(1) NOTE CONCERNING MARKET VALUE: The applicant chosen for the position will be recommended for hire at the GS level (GS-13 or GS-14) commensurate with his/her overall experience, training, and qualifications as determined by the FFP Selection

Committee.

(2) STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services on a temporary, on-call, basis as an SRG member. It is

FFP’s intent to contract for these services for a maximum of 250 working days per calendar year.

The level of effort anticipated under this contract will be provided within the terms of this contract at times mutually agreed to by FFP and the contractor. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, FFP will contact the contractor and provide the following information:

1. Date contractor is needed to report to FFP or assignment in the field;

2. Duration of Assignment

3. Place of Performance

The contractor will notify FFP within 24 hours of availability. At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a disaster may require the assignment to be extended (not to exceed 250 working days). The

Contractor shall notify FFP at the time of commitment if his/her existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply assist FFP in recruiting a replacement.

Subsequently, if the contractor agrees to an extension of the duration of a particular assignment, thereafter, the contractor will be required to give FFP a 10 day-notice for release from the assignment. An initial orientation period will be required prior to any overseas assignment, and that this orientation is expected to occur at/near the start of the contract.

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BASIS OF RATING: Applications that meet the minimum requirements will be further evaluated based upon the information provided in the QRF documentation submitted at the time of application. Those applicants determined as competitively ranked may also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and the Review Period on your application, and as the subject line in any email.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Where and How to Apply

Via email: FFPPSC@usaid.gov

This solicitation is continuous beginning on January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016. A candidate can apply to the solicitation once during each of the following review periods but a new application must be submitted each time:

Review Period 1: March 31, 2016

Review Period 2: June 30, 2016

Review Period 3: September 30, 2016

A new TEC will be assembled at the beginning of each review period of the FY to review applications, the solicitation, and to amend it if necessary, etc.

To apply during any FY review period, qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. A current resume, with complete contact information

2. Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation.

3. Candidates should specify what grade level they are applying for

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. FFP will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials may be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.

FFP reserves the right to make additional selections from this solicitation.

NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

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NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit

USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS

All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. AID 302-3.

2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561).

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 1 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION &

ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc

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AAPD 15-02 LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS

AAPD No. 15-02 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

FAR 52.222-50 – COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

FAR Clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 3 to the solicitation.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

Employer's FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).*

(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(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

(J) Danger Pay (Section 650).

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE,

COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-

DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION,

AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT

FACTOR.

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ATTACHMENT 1

ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

(OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16

FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.

Note: Personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees

Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below.

The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC)

SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision

10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm

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Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical

Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for

Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses

USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the

USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the

Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

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ATTACHMENT 2

APPD 15-02 LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS

(a) Annual Leave

(1) The contractor is not entitled to annual leave if the period of performance of this contract is 90 days or less. If the contract period of performance is more than 90 days, the contractor shall earn annual leave as of the start date of the contract period of performance as specified in paragraph (a)(2) below.

(2) The contractor shall accrue annual leave based on the contractor’s time in service according to the following table:

Time in Service Annual Leave (AL) Accrual Calculation

0 to 3 years Four hours of leave for each two week period over 3, and up to

15 years

Six hours of AL for each two week period (including 10 hours AL for the final pay period of a calendar year) over 15 years Eight hours of AL for each two week period

USAID will calculate the contractor’s time in service based on all the previous service performed by the contractor as a: 1) USAID PSC (i.e., the contractor has served under any

USAID personal services contracts of any duration covered by Sec. 636(a)(3) of the FAA or other statutory provision applicable to USAID); and/or 2) former U.S. Government (USG) direct-hire, under either civilian and/or military service.

(3)

(i) AL is provided under this contract for the purposes of affording necessary rest and recreation during the period of performance. The contractor, in consultation with the

USAID Mission or USAID/Washington, as appropriate, shall develop an AL schedule early in the contractor's period of performance, taking into consideration project requirements, employee preference, and other factors. All AL earned by the contractor must be used during the contractor’s period of performance. All AL earned by the contractor, but not taken by the end of the contract, will be forfeited. However, to prevent forfeiture of AL, the Contracting Officer may approve the contractor taking AL during the concluding weeks of the contractor's period of performance.

(ii) As an exception to 3(i) above, the contractor may receive a lump-sum payment for leave not taken. To approve this exception, the contractor's supervisor must provide the

Contracting Officer with a signed, written Determination and Findings (D&F). The D&F must set out the facts and circumstances that prevented the contractor from taking AL, and the Contracting Officer must find that these facts and circumstances were not caused by, or were beyond the control of, the contractor. This leave payment must not exceed the number of days which could be earned by the contractor during a twelve-month period.

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(4) With the approval of the Mission Director or cognizant AA, as appropriate, and if the circumstances warrant, a Contracting Officer may grant the contractor advance AL in excess of the amount earned, but in no case may the Contracting Officer grant advance AL in excess of the amount earned in one year or over the life of the contract, whichever is less. The contractor agrees to reimburse USAID for any outstanding balance of advance AL provided during the contractor’s assignment under the contract.

(5) Applicants for PSC positions will provide evidence of their PSC and/or USG direct-hire service - civilian and/or military experience, as applicable, on their signed and dated application form required under USAID policy. By signing the appropriate form, the applicant attests to the accuracy of the information provided. Any applicant providing incorrect information is subject to the penalty provisions in the form. If required to satisfy due diligence requirements on behalf of the Contracting Officer, the contractor may be required to furnish evidence that verifies length of service, e.g., SF 50, DD Form 214, and/or signed contracts.

(b) Sick Leave. The contractor may use sick leave on the same basis and for the same purposes as USAID U.S. direct hire employees. Sick leave is earned at a rate not to exceed four (4) hours every two (2) weeks for a total of 13 work-days per year. Unused sick leave may be carried over under an extension or renewal of this contract with the same individual for the same work.

Otherwise, sick leave will not be carried over from one post to another or from one contract to another. The contractor will not be compensated for unused sick leave upon completion of this contract.

(c) Home Leave.

(1) Home leave is leave earned for service abroad for use only in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions and territories.

(2) A USPSC who has served at least two years overseas at the same USAID Mission, under the same contract, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) below, and has not taken more than 30 work days leave (annual, sick or LWOP) in the U.S. may be granted home leave in accordance with the following:

(i) if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for an additional two (2) years under the same contract, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days; or if the USPSC returns to the same overseas post upon completion of home leave for such shorter period of not less than one year, as approved in writing by the Mission Director prior to the USPSCs departure on home leave, the USPSC will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of 30 work days.

(ii) if the USPSC is returning to a different USAID Mission under a USAID personal services contract immediately following completion of the USPSC's home leave, for an additional two (2) years under contract, or for such shorter period of not less than one (1) year, as approved by the Mission Directors of the "losing" and "gaining" Missions, the contractor will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of not more than

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20 work days. When the PSC is returning to a different USAID Mission, the former

Mission will pay for the home leave regardless of what country the PSC will be working in following the home leave;

(iii) if home leave eligibility is based on (c)(2)(ii) above, the USPSC must submit written verification to the losing Mission at the time home leave is requested that the USPSC has accepted a USAID personal services contract at another USAID Mission following completion of the home leave;

(iv) travel time by the most direct route is authorized in addition to the number of work days authorized for home leave;

(v) home leave must be taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories, and any days spent elsewhere will be charged to annual leave (AL.) If the PSC does not have accrued AL, the PSC will be placed on LWOP.

(vi) if the PSC does not complete the additional service required under (c)(2)(i) or (ii)

(that the Contracting Officer finds are other than for reasons beyond the PSC's control), the cost of home leave, travel and transportation and any other related costs must be repaid by the PSC to the Government.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (c)(2) above, that the USPSC must have served two (2) years overseas under personal services contract with the same Mission to be eligible for home leave, the USPSC may be granted advance home leave subject to all of the following conditions:

(i) Granting of advanced home leave would in each case serve to advance the attainment of the objectives of this contract; and

(ii) The USPSC has served a minimum of 18 months in the Cooperating Country under this contract; and

(iii) The USPSC agrees to return to the Cooperating Country to serve out the remaining time necessary to meet two (2) years of service overseas, plus an additional two (2) years under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission. If approved in advance by the Mission Director, the USPSC may return to serve out any remainder of the two (2) year requirement for service overseas, plus an additional period of not less than one (1) year under the current contract or under a new contract for the same or similar services at the same Mission.

(4) The period of service overseas required under paragraph (c)(2), or paragraph (c)(3) above, will include the actual days in orientation in the U.S. (less language training). The actual days overseas begin on the date of arrival in the cooperating country inclusive of authorized delays enroute. Allowable annual and sick leave taken while overseas, but not

LWOP, shall be included in the required period of service overseas. An amount equal to the number of days of annual and sick leave taken in the U.S., its commonwealths, possessions or territories will be added to the required period of service overseas.

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(5) Salary during the travel to and from the U.S., for home leave will be limited to the time required for travel by the most expeditious air route. Except for reasons beyond the USPSC's control as determined by the Contracting Officer, the USPSC must return to duty after home leave and complete the additional required service or be responsible for reimbursing USAID for payments made during home leave. Unused home leave is not reimbursable under this contract, nor can it be taken incrementally in separate time periods.

(6) Home leave must be taken at one time, and to the extent deemed necessary by the

Contracting Officer, an USPSC in the U.S., on home leave may be authorized to spend not more than five (5) days in work status for consultation at USAID/Washington before returning to post. Consultation at locations other than USAID/Washington as well as any time in excess of five (5) days spent for consultation must be approved by the Mission

Director or the Contracting Officer.

(d) Home Leave for Qualifying Posts (HLQP). USPSCs who ordinarily qualify for home leave and have completed a 12-month assignment at one of the USAID qualifying posts

(currently Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan) are entitled to take ten (10) workdays of leave in addition to the home leave an USPSCs is normally entitled to under the contract in accordance with sub-paragraphs (c)(1) - (6) above.