USAID ESC USPSC Program Assistant TyT GS 9.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER 72053822R0004

ISSUANCE DATE: 02/17/2022

CLOSING DATE: 03/07/2022

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident-Hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Program Assistant

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Karen Towers, Deputy Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT I

I. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72053822R0004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 17, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 7, 2022

4. Point of Contact: Soraya Morillo & Roxsana Soto USAID Dominican Republic Telephone Number: 809-368-7101 Cell Phone Number: 809-754-8570 E-mail: rosoto@usaid.gov E-mail: smorillo@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Program Management Assistant

2. MARKET VALUE: GS-9 equivalent ($47,097.00 - $61,227.00 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The US Personal Services Contract will be for a base period of one year with additional option periods of one year each, up to a total contract period of five (5) years. The exercise of option years is based on Agency needs, the availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. This is a full-time contract.

The base period will be for one year (1), estimated to start on March 1st, 2022. Based on Agency need, Performance and funding, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for four years (4) for the dates estimated as follows:”

Base Period June 1st, 2022- May 31, 2023

Option Period 1 June 1st, 2023- May 3, 2024

Option Period 2 June 1st, 2024- May 31, 2025

Option Period 3 June 1st, 2025- May 31, 2026

Option Period 4 June 1st, 2026- May 31, 2027

4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

5. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens only.

mailto:rosoto@usaid.gov mailto:smorillo@usaid.gov

6. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret clearance. The selected applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.as provided by USAID.

7. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BACKGROUND

USAID/ESC is a complex, multi-country Mission that designs, manages, and monitors projects that are implemented through two regional governmental bodies, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and numerous NGOs in Barbados and in ten non-presence countries. The Mission leads foreign assistance programming in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, advising and supporting five Ambassadors and U.S.

Embassies in Barbados, the Bahamas, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. In the past couple of years, there has been a steady increase in USAID/ESC’s program budget and management units with this trend likely to continue into the next five years. In 2020, the ESC Office developed and started implementing a new Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RCDS) which places emphasis on (1) strengthening national institutions and systems, supporting citizen interests, and improving citizen oversight and (2) strengthening citizen security and community resilience through targeted programming. The focus of this new development strategy underpins the national security framework and the importance placed on the region, particularly as programming increases to counter the adverse effects of climate change, energy efficiency, and economic recovery. Current and future program plans and collaboration in the region includes – countering trafficking in persons, building community resilience through climate change initiatives, and improving citizen security. With this, a USAID branch office is being established in Trinidad and Tobago to help to ensure proper oversight and delivery of regional programming.

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The primary focus of this position is administration, analysis and the support for implementation of activities of the USAID/Eastern and Southern Caribbean Office in Trinidad & Tobago. The incumbent will provide project management assistance to the projects under implementation and is expected to work with the technical officers throughout the USAID/ESC mission on a full range of consultative, reporting, monitoring, management, data collection and analysis and evaluative aspects within the various activities. The incumbent will assist with the preparation of financial and program documentation, support the development of communication products in conjunction with other staff, provide inputs to the portfolio review process, organize and support events and support the preparation of other reports and materials for programs managed, as required. The job holder will be required to perform work-related travel and will be based in the US Embassy in Port of Spain but reporting to the USAID/ESC regional mission in Barbados.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support for Project Management

a. Works closely with the General Development Office (GDO) team in Barbados, Suriname and Guyana to ensure that projects/activities meet objectives within agreed budgets and implementation timelines, ensuring that contractors and grantees are in compliance with all implementation agreement terms and U.S. government policies and procedures e.g. checking budgets, statements of work, program descriptions, terms of reference and work plans for any inconsistencies.

b. Assists with the development of required reports by compiling data relevant to the portfolio and its budget and reporting on progress in achieving results and objectives; These reports would include but are not limited to Operational Plans, Strategic Plans/Country Assistance Strategies, Congressional Notifications (CNs), briefs/talking points/speeches for the five Embassy Front Offices, the Regional Representative and other Mission staff; program summaries; responses to special requests from Congress, USAID/Washington, other United States Government (USG) agencies, and the host governments; and, other performance reports.

c. Portfolio/Pipeline Review – Assists in the development of the required reports with Agreement/Contracting Officer's Representatives (AOR/CORs) by compiling data relevant to the portfolio and its budget and reporting on progress in achieving results and objectives. These reports would include but are not limited to Operational Plans, Strategic Plans, program summaries and other performance reports.

d. Supports the team in the development and modification of Mission project- related documents such as the Performance Management Plan, Performance Plan & Report, and Development Objective Agreement quarterly reports, as well as requesting information from different institutions for this purpose.

e. Performs a variety of research, reporting, briefing and analytical duties to provide programmatic and technical support of the regional mission.

f. Conducts site visits/on-site monitoring inspections and attends meetings with contractors, grantees, Host Government officials, other donors, other Mission staff, partners and visitors.

g. Manages project/s and/or discrete components of larger projects or activities, as required.

2. Administrative Support

a. Provides support to the GDO technical team in preparing presentations and reports, including such back-up materials as charts, tables and graphs. This will also include the preparation of memos, cables and letters.

b. Coordinates workshops, seminars, partner retreats and donors’ meetings along with providing daily administrative and operational support on a wide array of administrative tasks.

Their role will include reporting on any problem areas and making evaluative comments recommending procedural changes as appropriate.

c. Coordinates travel for the Trinidad based team, in conjunction with the Travel Lead and makes local arrangements (hotel and ground travel) for Temporary Duty (TDY) staff. This will include advising them on local matters relevant to their specific fields of activities and assists them in better carrying out their duties along with actions related to electronic country clearances (ECCs), Visitor Access Requests (VARs), Out of Town notifications, liaising with Motor Pool and matters related to security.

d. Serves as the Timekeeper for the Trinidad Office and works closely with the Lead Timekeeper in the Barbados Office on matters relevant to time and attendance. The incumbent will also be responsible for ordering and maintaining the inventory of office supplies and equipment. This will require the need to be familiar with the following Embassy/USAID systems: WebTA and ARIBA.

3. Communication and Coordination

a. Maintains close working relationships with the U.S Embassy (Trinidad and Tobago), USAID/ESC staff, and USAID regional support offices based in the Dominican Republic, including the Regional Financial Management Office (RFMO), Regional Executive Office (REXO), Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance (ROAA), and Regional Legal Officer

(RLO).

b. Maintains productive contacts and working relationships with both public and private institutions, such as partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), contractors, cooperating agencies and international donors.

c. Coordinates closely across the Mission, particularly with the GDO team, to support project synergies and accelerate development objectives.

d. Handles requests for information or clarification; either directly handles or refers the request to the appropriate party. This will include responding to time-sensitive taskers and other requests from the Embassy and USAID/Washington.

e. The incumbent consults and coordinates with all internal offices that plays a vital role in the implementation of the Mission technical office program, including RFMO, ROAA, and the RLO, and is involved with all mission-wide discussions regarding program implementation, pipeline review and portfolio meetings.

f. Externally, the incumbent liaises directly on behalf of the technical office or the Mission with technical level officials or representatives of the Host Governments, other donors, private institutions, non-governmental organizations, and professional associations who are involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of the relevant technical portfolio.

Position Elements

• Supervision Received/Exercised: This is a non-supervisory position which will report directly to the Governance Specialist in the Trinidad and Tobago Office and the USAID/ESC GDO office in Barbados.

• Available Guidelines: USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS), USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Documents (AAPDs), Agency Notices, Initiatives and Directives that emanate from regional or global USAID Offices, USAID Mission Orders, USAID/ESC’s Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) and other donor publications and sector analyses.

• Exercise of Judgment: Must be able to prioritize work assignments and judge what tasks are urgent and require immediate follow-up and/or response. In case of uncertainty, the incumbent must know when to ask questions and when to seek further guidance and/or explanation from his/her Supervisor and to other co-workers. Uses initiative and sound judgment and exercises discretion in dealing with other professional personnel, counterparts and others in completing the assignment.

• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent has no authority to make commitments or commit U.S. Government funds on behalf of the USG.

• Scope and Effect: Provides support to the technical teams in Trinidad and to the other regional technical teams in USAID/ESC on projects/activities related to the Development Objectives.

• Personal Contacts: Personal contacts include USAID/ESC staff, U.S. Embassy personnel within the USAID/ESC Area of Responsibility, USAID/ESC implementing partners and other concerned stakeholders. S/he must have the ability to represent USG interests by communicating effectively in English, using a great deal of tact, diplomacy, and technical knowledge as it pertains to interacting with senior management levels.

• Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Frequently meet with internal and external contacts at the technical level and senior level Mission staff and/or government officials to coordinate on program scope and approaches. Other contacts include implementing partners, NGOs, donor agencies, the USAID regional platform in the Dominican Republic and USAID Washington.

• Physical Demands and Work Conditions: Physical Demands and Work Conditions: The incumbent will be physically located at the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain and will be expected to attend meetings and/or events. Travel to the field will be limited and, at times, can be physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads. However, the work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

• Complexity: There is a high degree of complexity in the work environment due to the complex political nature of the USAID/ESC portfolio.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

Security and Medical Clearance Requirements

The successful offeror must be able to obtain a U.S. Government “Secret” level clearance. If the clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide including a random drug test for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance could make the applicant ineligible for selection.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area such as law, political science, public policy or administration, economics, development studies, international affairs, or business management.

Prior Work Experience: Three years performing a range of program management or administrative duties related to international development, including two years of experience in at least one of the following areas: program implementation, program monitoring and evaluation, program budgeting, program operations support, project administration, and/or support of an international development project.

Language Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts of international development and the ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts related to USAID/ESC’s Regional Development Cooperation Strategy, and U.S. Government policies;

knowledge and understanding of the cultural and societal trends in the Caribbean and Latin America along with willingness to get up to date on current economic, political, social and cultural characteristics of the USAID/ESC areas of responsibility. Additionally, the incumbent must possess knowledge of the development prospects and priorities of the region;

knowledge, or the potential to quickly acquire such knowledge of USG legislation, policy and practices relating to key assets, community support agencies, and foundations that can enhance and complement USAID’s programming. Must be able to interpret and correctly apply instructions outlined in the Automated Directives System (ADS) and other USAID Mission Order policies, procedures and regulations. Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance is required and a sound background in project management. Strong teamwork, analytical, communications, interpersonal, leadership skills and computer management are essential. The incumbent must possess the ability to take the initiative to organize, prioritize and follow through on work assignments; ability to prepare independently and to contribute to reports and documents related to the programs, especially those related to financial and budgeting matters such as accrual, pipeline, budget variance, budgets and performance data.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The Contracting Officer (CO) reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. In addition, candidates who possess Spanish language skills and/or demonstrate a thorough understanding of development assistance concepts, economics, international relations, law, and/or public policy/administration will be awarded additional points under Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors listed below which pertain directly to the minimum qualifications listed above.

Education: 10 points Prior Work Experience: 30 points Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : 60 points

PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an email address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/ESC reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Submission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section.

Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered effectively addressing evaluation criteria.

2. Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

3. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD:

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

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

(1) AID 309-2

(2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)*

(3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)*

(4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*

(5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended* http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms

(6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974*

(7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*

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

Forms 2 through 8 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI .BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Resident-Hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractors are not eligible for expatriate fringe benefits including differentials and allowances, travel and transportation expenses, repatriation, rest and recuperation travel, or home leave of any kind. Such contractors may be eligible for certain differentials and allowances when in travel status for temporary duty (TDY).

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause -

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

4. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .

5. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

6. PSC Ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

END OF SOLICITATION

mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov