SOL_SRG_Humanitarian_Protection_Advisor_Final.pdf

Request for Personal Service Contractor

United States Agency for International Development

Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance

Position Title: Support Relief Group Humanitarian Protection Advisor

(Multiple Positions) Solicitation Number: SOL-OFDA-17-000013 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $94,796- $123,234 GS- 14 Equivalent: $112,021- $145,629 Issuance Date: January 9, 2017 Closing Date: Open and continuous through January 29, 2018 with five Review Periods closing on:

February 8, 2017, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

March 01, 2017, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time July 31, 2017, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time October 30, 2017, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time January 29, 2018, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

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 Support Relief Group Humanitarian Protection Advisor 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

Solicitation for a USPSC Support Relief Group Humanitarian Protection Advisor (Multiple Positions) SOL-OFDA-17-000013

2 | Page

(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 for each grade levels for which you are applying. 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.

3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

NOTE ABOUT THE DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM/SYSTEM FOR

AWARD MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

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

3 | Page

Contracting Officer

Solicitation for USPSC Support Relief Group Humanitarian Protection Advisor (Multiple Positions)

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OFDA-17-000013 (Multiple Positions)

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 9, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

This solicitation is open and continuous until January 29, 2018. The following are the closing dates for each review period:

February 8, 2017 (12:00 P.M. Eastern Time)

March 01, 2017 (12:00 P.M. Eastern Time) July 31, 2017 (12:00 P.M. Eastern Time) October 30, 2017 (12:00 P.M. Eastern Time) January 29, 2018 (12:00 P.M. Eastern Time)

Candidates not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for positions available in subsequent review periods. A review period may be cancelled at OFDA’s discretion.

4. POSITION TITLE: Support Relief Group Humanitarian Protection Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a “tandem” position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-13 $94,796- $123,234 per annum) or GS-14 ($112,021- $145,629 per annum) equivalent level, including Washington, D.C. locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-13 or GS-14 level based upon the candidate’s qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-13 will be considered for the GS- 13 level positions. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-14 will be considered for the GS-14 level only.

The initial grade level of this position will be the equivalent of a GS-13 with the opportunity for advancement to the GS-14 equivalent after at least one year at the GS-13 level if the individual receives a recommendation from the supervisor for advancement along with an excellent performance evaluation. Advancement to the GS-14 level is not guaranteed.

GS-13/14 equivalent ($92,796- $123,234 / $112,021- $145,629) - 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

4 | Page 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 (1) year, with four (4) option years

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 part of the SRG. OFDA intends to contract for these services for a maximum of 250 days per calendar year. Activation days vary but will not exceed 250 days during each contract year.

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

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

2. Duration of Assignment

3. Place of Performance

The contractor will notify OFDA 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 days). The contractor shall notify OFDA at the time of commitment if their existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply assist OFDA 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 OFDA 10 days’ notice for release from the assignment.

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.

5 | Page

The Africa (AFD) Response Division and the Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East (ALE) Response Division are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations including 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. AFD and ALE Response Divisions 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 complex disaster situations. Both Divisions encompass groups of operations specialists who provide technical expert capability in assessing the quality and strategic function of disaster response and risk reduction activities. The AFD Response Division is divided into two teams: East and Central Africa (ECA), and Southern, West, and North Africa (SWAN). The ALE Response Division is divided into four teams: East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia (EMCA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and South Asia.

The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages operations for OFDA’s disaster responses by readying people and systems; projecting U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian capacity quickly into the field; and delivering material and technical assistance. The OPS Division maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Urban Search and Rescue Teams, coordinating, staffing, training, and equipping Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), and stockpiling emergency relief commodities in key locations around the globe to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division provides technical guidance and expertise in Disaster Logistics, Urban Search and Rescue, Operations Center management, activation/readiness, Civil-Military Liaison, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive 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 OPS Division is divided into four teams: the Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), Military Liaison Team (MLT), Operations Support Team (OST), and Overseas Administration Team (OAT).

The Program Support (PS) Division provides operational management support, including general administration, budget and financial services, procurement planning, information technology, 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 in the areas of Information Technology, staffing, funds control, budgeting, human resource management, and procurement to facilitate timely disaster responses. The PS Division is divided into four teams: the Award Change Control Group (ACCG), Human Resources Management Team (HRM), Budget, Finance, and Information Technology (BFIT) Team, and the Acquisition and Management (ACQ) Team.

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 for response, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction activities. The PSPM Division houses technical

6 | Page 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 PSPM Division is divided into four teams: Cross-Cutting Sectors Team, Natural Hazards Team, Health Team, and Livelihoods Team.

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; and engages with the UN to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and promote humanitarian principles within the USG and internationally. The HPGE Division leads OFDA's communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences. It 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 training and engagement. HPGE is divided into seven teams: Policy Team, Global Programs Team, Strategic Interagency Team, Strategic Communications Team, Interagency Training Team, Public-Private Engagement Team, and the United States Mission to the UN (USUN).

INTRODUCTION

The Support Relief Group (SRG) is a program developed by OFDA to satisfy its growing need for surge capacity. The primary roles of SRG contractors include intermittent backfill for permanent staff to cover vacancies domestically or in overseas offices, and to respond to numerous disasters worldwide in a timely manner. Currently, about half of all SRG activations are domestic and half overseas in various capacities.

The SRG program brings on board select candidates who work on an intermittent basis for no more than 250 days per calendar year, and can be deployed within hours to facilitate OFDA’s response to disasters, or to backfill staff in Washington and other locations. SRG staff can be used for as little as a day or up to several months at a time. SRG positions are contracted for an initial period of one year with four one-year options. The SRG program is managed by the Overseas Administration Team (OAT) in the Operations Division. This team maintains a database for all contracted SRG personnel, providing information to the rest of OFDA on their availability, skills and previous OFDA experience. OAT assists the program offices within OFDA in choosing the best qualified

SRG for any specific task, and provides administrative and personnel support to existing SRG.

Each SRG USPSC will provide enhancement to the OFDA team according to his/her skills.

7 | Page

They will be considered part of OFDA/Washington resources that can be deployed worldwide.

At times they may also be a resource for the DCHA Bureau. Foreign language ability in one or more major world languages are preferred.

When activated, the SRG Protection Advisor will be part of the PSPM Division’s Protection, Gender and Disability Team. OFDA defines protection as humanitarian assistance activities designed to mitigate risks and address the effects of harm, exploitation, and abuse on disaster-affected populations. OFDA supports stand-alone protection activities by working with implementing partners to incorporate protection principles into all other relief activities through protection mainstreaming. These programs include efforts focused on child protection, psychosocial support, prevention and response to gender-based violence, and protection coordination and advocacy.

OBJECTIVE

OFDA requires a SRG Humanitarian Protection Advisor to provide technical advice and assistance for the analysis and appropriate integration of Child protection, Gender-Based Violence, Psychosocial Support and other protection considerations into all phases of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. OFDA needs to maintain a roster of SRG personnel to meet its surge capacity objectives.

9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The SRG Humanitarian Protection Advisor's responsibilities will include the following:

At the GS-13 level:

• Contribute to the formulation and articulation of appropriate strategies, recommendations and policies, and provide timely information and responses to protection-related inquiries from within OFDA, within USAID, and from the rest of the USG.

• Conduct technical review of proposals, concept papers and other documents submitted by various partners, including NGOs, UN agencies, and other organizations.

• Assist in monitoring the effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness of OFDA-funded protection programs and provide guidance for improving outcomes.

• Assist with the preparation of background documents, briefing papers, talking points, information memos, and other relevant protection-specific documents as necessary

• Represent OFDA within protection-focused coordination fora external to the USG.

• Liaise with protection-focused groups within USAID and others as needed, to ensure

OFDA’s protection programming and approaches are adequately represented within the Agency.

• Deliver protection training modules for OFDA and partner staff.

• Provide expert technical support to OFDA field offices, other offices within USAID, and to

PSPM as they relate to protection issues.

8 | Page

• Develop collaborative working-level relationships with OFDA field and Washington staff;

• As needed, travel to ongoing or developing disaster contexts to conduct assessments, identify, monitor, and evaluate projects, provide technical assistance in gender analysis, gender equality, and gender integration.

• Plan and carry out assignments and determine planning approach or methodology to be used in carrying out assignments.

• May 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.

• May serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.

At the GS-14 level:

• Provide expert technical advice and assistance for the analysis of protection, gender, diversity, and inclusion issues as they relate to humanitarian planning and programming.

• Conduct technical review of proposals, concept papers and other documents submitted by partners, including NGOs, UN agencies, and other organizations.

• Coordinate protection activities for DCHA/OFDA, collaborating with OFDA regional teams, USAID bureaus and missions, other US federal agencies, IOs, universities and research institutes, NGOs and private voluntary organizations (PVOs), and the private sector.

Represent OFDA’s activities and policies to the same entities.

• Liaise with protection-focused groups within USAID and others as needed, to ensure OFDA’s protection programming and approaches are adequately represented within the Agency.

• Coordinate with Department of State, particularly the Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration, and provide technical input to strategic initiatives and policy discussions.

• Represent OFDA within protection-focused coordination fora external to the USG.

• In collaboration with other OFDA personnel, draft protection-focused guidelines, funding documents, position papers, and promotional materials on behalf of OFDA.

• Develop and participate in protection training modules for OFDA and partner staff.

• Provide technical review of OFDA or bureau policy documents, annual program statements, strategies, and planning documents as they relate to protection issues.

• Prepare background documents, briefing papers, talking points, information memos, and other relevant protection-specific documents as necessary

• In collaboration with other OFDA personnel, prepare briefing materials for senior OFDA management and USAID staff.

• Travel to ongoing or developing disaster contexts to conduct assessments, identify, monitor, and evaluate projects, provide technical assistance in gender analysis, gender equality, and gender integration.

• Independently plans, designs and carries out programs, projects, studies or other work.

• May 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.

• May serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.

9 | Page

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The Support Relief Group Humanitarian Protection Advisor will take direction from and will report to the OAT Leader or his/her designee. When activated, the USPSC will be part of PSPM Division’s Protection, Gender and Disability Team, receiving day to day guidance and on-site management from the Protection, Gender and Disability Team Lead or his/her designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

Supervisor provides administrative directions in terms of broadly defined missions or functions.

The USPSC independently plans, designs and carries out programs, projects, studies or other work. Results are considered authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change.

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.

10 | Page

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.)

At the GS-13 level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to: international law, economics, international relations, and anthropology) plus a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in USG foreign affairs agencies, international organizations, or NGOs specializing in one or more of the following: human rights protection, internally displaced persons and refugee issues, humanitarian relief, transitional justice/rule of law, conflict resolution or a closely related field. At least three

(3) years must have been spent working specifically on conflict-affected populations, two (2) years of which must include assessing, designing, monitoring, managing, implementing, and/or evaluating protection programming in disaster-affected or fragile contexts overseas.

OR

Master’s with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to: international law, economics, international relations, and anthropology) plus a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in USG foreign affairs agencies, international organizations, or NGOs specializing in one or more of the following: human rights protection, internally displaced persons and refugee issues, humanitarian relief, transitional justice/rule of law, conflict resolution or a closely related field. At least two (2) years must have been spent working specifically on conflict-affected populations and two (2) years must include assessing, designing, monitoring, managing, implementing, and/or evaluating protection programming in disaster-affected or fragile contexts overseas.

At the GS-14 level:

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to: international law, economics, international relations, and anthropology) plus a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience working in USG foreign affairs agencies, international organizations, or NGOs specializing in one or more of the following: human rights protection, internally displaced persons and refugee issues, humanitarian relief, transitional justice/rule of law, conflict resolution or a closely related field. At least four

(4) years must have been spent working specifically on conflict-affected populations, two (2) years of which must include assessing, designing, monitoring, managing, implementing, and/or evaluating protection programming in disaster-affected or fragile contexts overseas.

OR

Master’s with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to: international law, economics, international relations, and anthropology) plus a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in USG foreign affairs agencies, 11 | Page international organizations, or NGOs specializing in one or more of the following: human rights protection, internally displaced persons and refugee issues, humanitarian relief, transitional justice/rule of law, conflict resolution or a closely related field. At least three (3) years must have been spent working specifically on conflict-affected populations, two (2) years of which must include assessing, designing, monitoring, managing, implementing, and/or evaluating protection programming in disaster-affected or fragile contexts overseas.

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 sections A through I. 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/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

• Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

• Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• 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 Describe your relevant training, skills and experience specific to either child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) or psychosocial support (PSS) as they relate to disaster planning, response and mitigation, particularly in support of or direct field-level experience.

QRF #2 Discuss your view on the top two most significant needs, gaps, or challenges within either the child protection in emergencies or GBV in emergencies sectors, and what actions OFDA, as a donor and part of the USG, could take to address these 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

12 | Page 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 – 20 points QRF #2 – 20 points

Interview Performance – 40 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:

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 for each grade level(s) for

13 | Page which you are applying. 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 sections A through I. 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. If Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, 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

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

AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

14 | Page

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html and FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html or www.sam.gov.

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 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

AIDAR Appendix D can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

ADS 309 – Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html http://www.sam.gov/ 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== https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf

15 | Page

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.

16 | Page

ATTACHMENT 1

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 http://www.foia.state.gov/REGS/fams.asp?level=2&id=59&fam=0

17 | Page

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 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

18 | Page

ATTACHMENT 2

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.

19 | 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…