SOL_OPS_OST_RRU_Specialists_DEADLINE_EXTENDED.pdf

Request for Personal Service Contractor

United States Agency for International Development

Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance

Position Title: Response Readiness Unit Specialist (Multiple Positions)

Solicitation Number: SOL-OFDA-16-000025

Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $92,145 - $119,794

Issuance Date: February 26, 2016

Closing Date: April 1, 2016 (Deadline Extended)

Closing Time: 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Dear Prospective Applicants:

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

Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Response Readiness

Unit Specialist (RRU Specialist) under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), 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/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.

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

(e) U.S. Citizenship

(f) Optional: Where you heard about this job (FedBizOps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.)

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

Solicitation for a USPSC Response Readiness Unit Specialist (Multiple Positions)

SOL-OFDA-16-000025

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3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

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. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the QRFs must be emailed to:

OFDA Recruitment Team

E-Mail Address: recruiter@ofda.gov

Website: www.OFDAjobs.net

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to OFDA Recruitment Team via the information provided above.

Sincerely, Renee Reed

Contracting Officer mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov mailto:recruiter@ofda.gov http://www.ofdajobs.net/ http://www.ofdajobs.net/

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Solicitation for USPSC Response Readiness Unit Specialist (Multiple Positions)

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-16-000025

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 26, 2016

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 1, 2016 at 12:00

P.M. Eastern Time (Deadline Extended)

4. POSITION TITLE: Response Readiness Unit Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 equivalent ($92,145 - $119,794 - 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: Two (2) years, with three (3) option years

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.

8. STATEMENT OF WORK

POSITION DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and

Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into six divisions.

The Africa and the Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East (ALE) Divisions are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs) including the

United Nations (UN) agencies and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. These Divisions also oversee OFDA’s non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction and resilience. Africa and ALE also coordinate with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. They devise, coordinate and implement program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. Both Divisions encompass groups of technical sector specialists who provide technical expert capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and risk reduction activities.

The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages logistical and operational support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), coordinating and supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams

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(DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division performs these functions through four teams, namely, the Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), Operations Support Team (OST), Overseas Administration Team (OAT), and the Military

Liaison Team (MLT). The OPS Division provides technical guidance and expertise in Disaster

Logistics, Search and Rescue, Operations Center Management, Military Liaison, and

Consequence Management. It also provides overseas support to OFDA offices and personnel and to other sectors necessary to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies.

The Program Support (PS) Division provides operational management support, including general administration, budget and financial services, procurement planning, information technology

(IT), human resources management including staff care, and contract and grant administration support to OFDA. The PS Division supports OFDA's mandate by providing innovative solutions for IT, staffing, funds control, budgeting, information and human resource management, and procurement to facilitate timely disaster responses.

The Preparation, Strategic Planning and Mitigation (PSPM) Division is responsible for the technical oversight of all OFDA response and mitigation programs, as well as preparation and strategic planning for response, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction activities. The PSPM

Division houses technical experts in all sectors potentially affected by disasters, and leads the

Agency in developing and promoting best practices for programming in these specific sectors. In addition, PSPM will be the focal point for technological innovations for humanitarian assistance in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, assessment, and information management.

The Humanitarian Policy and Global Engagement (HPGE) Division assists the DCHA front office, the OFDA Director and OFDA Deputy Director with tracking trends and policy developments in the humanitarian assistance field. It engages in policy dialogue with other parts of USAID, the USG interagency, other donors, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners;

recommends strategies for action to DCHA; initiates development of policy and internal guidance for OFDA; maintains global relationships with implementing partners, other donors, and the broader humanitarian architecture; engages with the U.N. to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and to promote humanitarian principles within the USG and internationally. HPGE Division leads OFDA's communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences; and serves as the office’s primary interlocutor on strategic issues with other federal partners to provide guidance to

OFDA on policy issues pertaining to the interagency, and to improve USG humanitarian coordination and response during large-scale crises. The HPGE Division staff manages global programs, policy and outreach, strategic communications, and interagency engagement. The

HPGE Division also includes Humanitarian Advisors located in Rome, Geneva, and United

States Mission to the UN in New York.

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OPERATIONS DIVISION VALUES

OPS Division team members ensure that the following division values are incorporated into all aspects of work:

1. Spiritus Operandi/Espirit De Ops

Demonstrating trust and openness among staff by assuming the best regarding our colleagues’ intentions and efforts.

Acting with eagerness and willingness to support one another and work together on tasks.

Maintaining top-down and bottom-up transparency while promoting a strong work ethic as paramount.

Demonstrating that optimism, humor, and perspective are powerful components of success, even in crisis-driven work.

2. Positive Interactions

Owning how the OPS Division is perceived by others to ensure people maintain a positive impression of the division by treating everyone, regardless of seniority or organizational affiliation, in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.

Building a reputation that when OPS is on an issue, it’s going to get addressed.

Doing our jobs consistently, competently, and effectively, with a focus on results.

Paying attention and listening mindfully to others, with the intent to really understand how they view a situation and what issue they are trying to address.

Exhibiting partnership and enthusiasm in helping others solve problems; including delivering hard messages with a smile.

3. Competency

Adopting flexible and creative solutions to provide partners and beneficiaries with quality, effective, consistent, and timely results.

Maintaining proficiency and leadership in our areas of expertise, through engagement, training, field deployments, and exposure to other communities of thought.

Holding a long-term strategic perspective in the face of current crises.

Maintaining a global and functional focus for the office.

4. Resourcefulness

Using innovating contracting, engagement, administrative, and programmatic approaches to meeting emerging requirements, while being flexible to changing needs.

Reaching out within the office, agency, interagency, and community beyond to seek innovative and creative solutions.

Proactively seeking and embracing positive change in order to provide and better service to our customers and stakeholders.

Viewing challenges as opportunities and focusing on finding a solution rather than just highlighting complications or issues.

5. Staff Depth and Sustainability

Cultivating a breadth of experience and expertise by hiring individuals from diverse professional, cultural, and experiential backgrounds.

Proactively developing relationships with other industries and communities in order to learn and innovate.

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Encouraging staff to service in a variety of roles, through staff rotations, shadowing, mentoring, and OPS liaison positions.

Continuing to support and staff responses through a variety of hiring mechanisms and resources.

Achieving response readiness while prioritizing personal life for both self and team members.

Bolstering staff wellness by incorporating flexible work schedules, leading to increased staff dedication, high-quality work, and flexibility.

6. Commitment to Safety and Security

Recognizing that staff safety and security is everyone’s responsibility and enables OFDA access in the field.

Holding as a hallmark an underlying orientation towards managing risk for staff.

Preparing staff through training, mentoring, standard operating procedures, and provision of contextual knowledge.

Displaying professional conduct and integrity during crisis response operations.

Advocating for professional assessments of security risks prior to deployment of staff.

INTRODUCTION

The Operations Support Team (OST) comprises the Logistics Unit, Operations Center Manager, the Response Readiness Unit (RRU), Safety and Security Unit, and Urban Search and Rescue

(U2) unit. Working together as a team, the OST supports the office’s readiness, resources, and operational capacity to deliver lifesaving assistance during a response. The RRU manages, coordinates, and maintains the office’s disaster response readiness with respect to staffing and deployment gear and the division’s readiness with respect to Operations Liaisons and planning. The RRU also manages OFDA’s participation in the International Assistance System

(IAS). In consultation with the Senior Management Team (SMT), Responsible Units (RUs), DASP, and other stakeholders, the RRU manages and monitors OFDA’s Multiple Response

Strategy (MRS); supports and tracks Position Task Book (PTB) implementation; supports RUs and reports as needed to SMT and others on availability of qualified staff for various DART and

RMT positions; tracks staff readiness, PTBs, training, skills, language, deployment history, for reporting and recommending staff for appropriate DART and RMT positions; and manages on-call DART and on-call RMT readiness per MRS requirements. In close consultation with SMT and RUs, the RRU develops and experiments with new / improved systems to ensure response readiness; supports planning for DART and RMT structures personnel identification and coordination; facilitates readiness drills and exercises; supports the Operations Center

Manager(s) with duty officer roster procedures and training; and manages the staffing alert process.

Additionally, the RRU maintains the office’s disaster response readiness regarding DART uniforms and response resources including remote location (ROLO) kits and will coordinate overall OFDA policy and procedures concerning DART uniform supplies to support field operations, linking with key stakeholders to determine clothing specifications and operational requirements, and communicate intent onward for action.

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The RRU will also serve as the core secretariat for the Operations Liaisons group, soliciting and training other Liaisons from across the division and developing and maintaining a common approach and scope of work for the Liaisons; develop and or facilitate division-wide plans for

Operations support to regional teams for newly evolving disasters until and unless an RMT is established; and provide other planning resources to the division as required.

OBJECTIVE

The RRU requires the service of U.S. personal services contractors (multiple) to serve as RRU specialists to support effective coordination of OFDA’s efforts to maintain disaster preparedness and to coordinate the transition within OFDA to rapid-response activities during a disaster, especially related to deployment of field teams.

9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The RRU specialist(s) will support and undertake the following activities. He/she will be assisted with this portfolio by other RRU specialists, planning staff, and occasional additional part-time staff.

Regarding staffing, the RRU specialist(s), in consultation with the RRU Leader, SMT, RUs, DASP, and other stakeholders, will:

Support and monitor OFDA’s Multiple Response Strategy (MRS), including:

o Monitoring implementation and provide support to the RUs.

o Reporting on MRS readiness.

o Initiating and facilitating periodic discussions of MRS assumptions and conclusions with the goal of updating it to maintain ongoing relevance to OFDA’s current operating environment.

Support Position Task Book Implementation o Track completed PTBs.

o Support linkage between MRS and PTB processes.

o Support RUs and report as needed on availability of qualified staff for various

DART and RMT positions.

Track staff readiness, PTBs, training, skills, language, deployment history, etc for reporting and recommending staff for appropriate DART and RMT positions.

Coordinate on-call DART and on-call RMT readiness per MRS requirements. In close consultation with SMT and RUs, develop and experiment with new / improved systems to ensure response readiness.

Support planning for DART and RMT structures for actual or imminent activations, through o Facilitating planning efforts with regional teams o Identifying potential personnel to fill the positions identified o Coordinating with other Ops teams and units

Prior to the activation of an RMT, provide relevant support needed to successfully deploy a team to the field.

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Facilitate readiness drills and exercises, including practice drills for special activations such as USAR, IAS, CBRNE, and wildfire responses.

Support the Operations Center Manager(s) with duty officer roster procedures and training.

Manage the staffing alert process.

Serve as backstops to other teams within the Ops Division, including completing PTBs for the other RUs in the Division. A particular focus will be on serving in the DMO role, and/or backstopping other teams so that they can serve in that role.

Deployment Gear

Support coordination of overall OFDA policy and procedures concerning DART uniforms to support field operations.

Link with HPGE and other relevant office stakeholders, and determine clothing specifications and operational requirements.

Communicate intent to DASP, which will implement procurement, warehousing, dispatching, and inventory management.

Determine requirements, distribution guidelines, and specifications for field support kits, such as Remote Location Kits (RoLos) and communicate intent to DASP, which will implement procurement, warehousing, dispatching, and inventory management.

Ops Liaisons and Planning

Serve as the core secretariat for the Ops Liaisons group, soliciting and training other

Liaisons from across the Division and developing and maintaining a common approach and scope of work for the Liaisons.

Develop and or facilitate division-wide plans for Ops support to regional teams for newly evolving disasters until and unless an RMT is established.

Provide coordination of and support to division planning resources as required.

Perform DMO functions in support of regional teams for newly evolving disasters until and unless an RMT is established.

Interact with other USG agencies to manage effective coordination of response efforts, and interagency planning for operational contingencies.

Surge Capacity Resource

Serve as staffing resource to OFDA for operational and contingency requirements;

Maintain individual readiness for short-term assignments. Interact, as appropriate, with other OFDA units in order to build and sustain familiarity with their activities;

Sign-up for and serve as needed, on Washington-based RMTs, which provides services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will be varied but may include serving as the Deputy Manager for Operations.

Serve as the OFDA after-hours phone duty officer on a rotational basis, for approximately one week every six months; and As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.

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The USPSC is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments. The USPSC is responsible for planning approach or methodology to be used in carrying out assignments.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The USPSC will take direction from and report to the RRU

Leader or his/her designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

Supervisor sets overall objectives and resource available; The USPSC consults with supervisor to develop deadlines, projects and work to be done. The USPSC is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments. The USPSC is responsible for planning approach or methodology to be used in carrying out assignments.

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).

11. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

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

13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

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EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, disaster management, contingency planning, or a related field) plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance or related field.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, disaster management, contingency planning, or a related field), and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance or related field.

SELECTION FACTORS

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

Applicant is a U.S. Citizen.

Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

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

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret level clearance.

Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

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 Experience working on a team focused on addressing time-limited, personnel-sensitive issues with high-stake results. Demonstrated ability to manage several tasks at once and meet goals

QRF #2 Experience with response team staffing; including planning, systems development and management, identification of required skills, training, staff enhancement, and mentoring.

QRF #3 Demonstrated knowledge of operations, methodologies, systems, and structures of other US Government agencies involved with disaster response, in particular U.S.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), or Federal

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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QRF #4 Demonstrated knowledge of the humanitarian assistance and disaster response community, culture, and objectives, and sensitivity to the associated technical and political issues. Demonstrated experience operating effectively in this community, at both the field and headquarters levels.

QRF #5 Experience in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and systems for liaising with trainers, technical experts, planners, stakeholders, and other agencies of the U.S. Government, on response-related issues.

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and

Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the QRF responses. Those 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 in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, and/or education they have received as it pertains 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 factors and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, and/or training.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample.

OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process.

The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:

QRFs have been assigned the following points:

QRF #1 – 15 points

QRF #2 – 10 points

QRF #3 – 10 points

QRF #4 – 10 points

QRF #5 – 5 points

Interview Performance – 30 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points

Total Possible Points: 100

APPLYING:

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

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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. 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) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.

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

(e) U.S. Citizenship

(f) Optional: Where you heard about this job (FedBizOps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.)

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. Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs shown in the solicitation.

3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form.

This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

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.

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

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Via email: recruiter@ofda.gov

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 nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret is required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.

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.

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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 be found at:

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

1. Resume.

2. USPSC Application Form, (AID 302-3)

3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **

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

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

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

7. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **

** Forms 3 through 7 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.

AAPD 15-02 – Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services

Contractors (USPSCs)

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

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001zobGIB-8t9z7dWWzLRFbKSgO4uH4rjhAZgSs_0q5-ZVdEY9eWaZLuLLX9HxvTHnk0JSTmclQOZDXn1Wr2DYRTk99vmeenofGuK44ANsvtVbf5vlWUi1SWPnQ1gesqKA3i7P3doWaDEo1hLA1FV4u0X0mLUyYfuVp1LuWGX-HSA9oVDHge_CvlvhqXLy7tJsOuv-09OkAueyPYOSKkyt-jA==&c=YCVuuynWS_dfweLNigbgxL9_f1Sggbr4E5Um3aAYC8zOEwzaLV9GoQ==&ch=oa2Epnv4dkpgdOJ4PiG3SWGm0My-145IGpz7U7zYnE5mvJvJFfSbhA== http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc

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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.

ATTACHMENT 1

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USPSC PROVISION “MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

(OCTOBER 2006)

MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 (available at http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0). 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 AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 6

Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and 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 http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0

16 | Page 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 AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 7

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).

End of Provision

ATTACHMENT 2

17 | Page

GP 5. LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS (DEC 2015)

(Pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-16-1c)

(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.

18 | Page

(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

19 | Page contractor will receive home leave, to be taken at one time, for a period of not more than

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

20 | Page 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.

(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 no 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. This additional home leave is provided pursuant to an amendment to the Foreign Service Act of 1980 signed by the President on June 15, 2006.

There is no requirement that an eligible USPSC take this additional leave; it is for optional use by the USPSC. If an eligible USPSC elects to take HLQP, the USPSC must take ten (10) workdays of home leave.