uspsc_-_democracy_and_governance_advisor_usaid-caucasus.pdf

29 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue

Didi Dighomi, Tbilisi 0131, Georgia

Tel: (995 32) 254 4000

Fax: (995 32) 254 4145 www.usaid.gov/Georgia

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011420R00009

ISSUANCE DATE: July 10, 2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 07, 2020 (17:00 Georgian time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation #72011420R00009 for a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC), GS-14

Democracy and Governance Advisor

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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Rodney Stubina

Regional Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011420R00009

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 10, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 7, 2020 (17:00 Georgian time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions related to this solicitation should be sent via email to

HR-tbilisi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Democracy and Governance Advisor (DGA)

6. MARKET VALUE: USD 92,977 to USD 120,868 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The initial duration of the U.S. Personal Services Contract will be one year, with a total of four, one-year extensions possible. USAID/Caucasus will consider exercising option years up to the time when a Foreign Service Officer is assigned to and able to assume the position.

Base Period:

o/a 09/02/2020- o/a 09/01/2021

Option Period 1: o/a 09/02/2021- o/a 09/01/2022

Option Period 2: o/a 09/02/2022- o/a 09/01/2023

Option Period 3: o/a 09/02/2023- o/a 09/01/2024

Option Period 4: o/a 09/02/2024- o/a 09/01/2025

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tbilisi, Georgia. The DGA will be expected to travel regularly throughout Georgia to conduct site visits and consultations. S/he will be expected to conduct two site visits of two to three days per months.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: US Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: 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.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Democracy and Governance Advisor (DGA) provides technical advice in the formulation of overall DRG programs and strategies. The incumbent will support oversight of priority DRG elections and political processes (EPP) and local governance activities. The incumbent will engage in concept and program design and evaluation processes to support the DG unit in the design of new programming and measurement of existing activities in line with USAID/Georgia’s new Country

Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) strategy. The incumbent will help to determine the feasibility of various advanced EPP and local governance approaches, to define concepts and criteria for future programs and ensure results are achieved in a timely manner.

The work of the DGA varies significantly, requiring substantial depth of analysis of the interactions and dynamics of various levels of political processes and democratic accountability in Georgia. The

DGA will be responsible for working with members of the Democracy, Human Rights and

Governance (DRG) team to ensure that USAID’s support to EPP and local governance processes are well coordinated and socialized with stakeholders and government counterparts. The DGA will be called on to make decisions and recommendations in areas of programmatic uncertainty, and changing programmatic environment, particularly in regard to changes to the electoral system and an evolving decentralization policy, which is in the initial stages of implementation. The DGA will establish and maintain contacts with senior level professionals in the sector, professional level government staff, as well as donor partners to maximize impact of USG election and planned local governance assistance.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project and Activity Design (30%):

Advise closely on the design and procurement of one or more new democracy and governance related activities. Contribute to the finalization of the DRG team's Project Appraisal Document

(PAD).

• Project Management (50%):

Provide oversight of priority EPP and local governance activities, including engaging with project partners to maximize impact of USG EPP and local governance assistance. Communicate with key stakeholders in Georgia and support the Office Director and Deputy Director to transmit relevant information about USAID/Georgia’s DRG programming, political and electoral developments to interested parties. Ensure coordination among DRG various activities and its EPP project and make recommendations to improve performance of activities in meeting team, Mission, and

Agency targets and goals. Monitor the activities under the EPP project to ensure implementing partners are working together to meet the shared goals under the project’s monitoring and evaluation plan. Monitor project performance through field visits, meetings with implementing partners, and analysis of activity reports, and provide oversight when appropriate.

• Reporting (20%):

Seek out and maintain contact with key stakeholders in the democracy, human rights, and governance sector outside of USAID, including relevant Georgian experts and counterparts and peers from other donor organizations. Draft or edit written responses to requests from the USAID front office, Embassy front office, and USAID/Washington for information about the DRG

Office’s activities and strategy.

Position elements:

Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position:

To fully succeed in this position, the DGA must have obtained extensive training and experience so that they are able to exercise independent judgement, demonstrate leadership and exceptional performance. Furthermore, the position will have substantial input into policy development and implementation, informing decisions that affect current and future USAID programming priorities in highly sensitive portfolios including elections and political processes and governance. While the DGA will contribute and influence the Mission management’s policy making, s/he will not have policy making authority.

Level of complexity for work assignments:

The DGA duties are considerably varied among the multiple complex areas of political and diplomatic relations, technical expertise and USAID program management. The political landscape in Georgia is in constant flux with USAID program partners often operating at odds with one another. The DGA must have a thorough understanding of the sensitivities and the USG interests in supporting various partners. The DGA will also support USAID as it introduces a new decentralization program, which devolves a diverse array of responsibilities to local governments. S/he must thoroughly understand and be able to operate effectively among multiple complex, unrelated processes and methods that create a broad range of problems/situations requiring the DGA to demonstrate substantial technical expertise and program management ability. Furthermore, although best practices exist from other countries, these guidelines are not adapted to the Georgian context and are in near-constant state of change or revision. Under USAID’s new strategy, it embraces many experimental approaches that will add to the agency’s understanding of these sectors. Therefore, significant problems encountered will require thorough research, consultation and consideration to resolve.

Knowledge level required:

The DGA will exhibit mastery of specialized knowledge required for the position and a very broad field of expertise in electoral systems, political party development, leadership development, open governance principles, decentralization, legislative strengthening, and citizen engagement, advocacy, civil society strengthening, conflict mitigation, USAID policies related to the technical area, USAID contracting and program management policies. This knowledge is acquired through Education equivalent to the graduate or higher degree level with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, as distinguished from general education, or at least five years of progressive responsible experience equivalent.

The DGA will have thorough knowledge of the principles and best practices for project development, design, and implementation, as well as evaluation of democratic development projects and programs.

Excellent coordination, organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills within multi-cultural work environments are required. Strong professional computer skills, including full range of MS Office software, including spreadsheet, database, PowerPoint and graphics. S/he is required to exercise extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. Ability to effectively perform as a team member.

Supervisory Controls:

The DGA performs duties under the administrative direction of the DRG Office Director and Deputy

Director, but with significant latitude to proactively manage, with team colleagues, EPP programming and local governance program design.

Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements:

The guidelines for this position include USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS); Mission

Orders; Agency Directives; USAID technical policies related to Democracy and Governance; host government legislation; and other USAID/Foreign Affairs policies that relate to DG program management. The DGA should have master-level knowledge and understanding of the guidelines used in USAID overseas missions, including Agency Directives, Mission Orders, relevant reports, analysis, and host country protocol. However, in the performance of his/her responsibilities, the DGA will be required to demonstrate astute judgment and ingenuity to interpret and adapt to a rapidly changing context often complex (sometimes conflicting) regulations, policies, and other guidelines, and in-turn make appropriate decisions and provide recommendations and advice.

Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position’s responsibilities:

Georgia’s political landscape is in constant flux. Legislative and constitutional amendments instituting dramatic changes in Georgia’s democracy and governance are regular occurrences. USAID’s programs must be prepared to regularly adapt to accommodate and support these dramatic changes in the program’s operating environment.

Scope and effect of the work performed:

The DGA duties are considerably varied among the multiple complex areas of political and diplomatic relations, technical expertise and USAID program management. The political landscape in Georgia is in constant flux with USAID program partners often operating at odds with one another. The DGA must have a thorough understanding of the sensitivities and the USG interests in supporting various partners. S/he will also support USAID as it introduces a new decentralization program, which devolves a diverse array of responsibilities to local governments. The DGA must thoroughly understand and be able to operate effectively among multiple complex, unrelated processes and methods that create a broad range of problems/situations requiring the incumbent to demonstrate substantial technical expertise and program management ability. Furthermore, although best practices exist from other countries, these guidelines are not adapted to the Georgian context and are in near-constant state of change or revision. Under USAID’s new strategy, it embraces many experimental approaches that will add to the agency’s understanding of these sectors. Therefore, significant problems encountered will require thorough research, consultation and consideration to resolve.

Level and purpose of contacts:

The DGA will represent the organization in high-level conferences and meetings, explaining and interpreting policies and requirements to others, and negotiating important issues with other groups.

S/he will work closely with the Embassy’s leadership team, working closely with heads of other sections in addition to USAID’s senior staff. Furthermore, the DGA will liaise and coordinate with senior leaders from other Embassies. S/he will represent USAID to senior government of Georgia officials including the Chairman of the Central Election Commission and Speaker of Parliament and leaders of opposition parties. The DGA will also provide direction to implementing partners and local civil society partners. In consultation with the Office Director, s/he may be called upon to provide in-person briefings to members of Congress and Ambassadors from other countries.

Supervision or oversight the position has over others:

Supervision is not envisioned for this position. The DGA will represent the agency with project partners, the interagency and Georgian government and nongovernmental counterparts. S/he will have staff development responsibilities, including organize and mentoring local hire staff working within the elections and political processes and governance portfolio. The DGA is considered technically authoritative in matters of elections and political processes and governance and will have wide latitude to make decisions with little to no day to day supervision.

Support Items:

The USPSC will be provided with adequate support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be eligible for consideration for this position, the offeror must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, business administration, public administration, political science, or another relevant subject is required.

• Minimum of ten years of progressive professional experience in designing, managing, and/or evaluating development programming, preferably programming to support democratic governance and human rights is required.

• Fluent in written and spoken English at the IV Level (fluent) is a requirement.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

Security and medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification. See section V.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR

52.215-1. The 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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Selection Process and Basis of Evaluation: All the offerors who clearly meet the aforementioned minimum requirements as set in the section II above, may be further evaluated through the review of the offeror’s submitted required documents (see section IV below) and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors. The additional evaluation may include technical tests, interviews, and reference checks to determine the most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Reference checks may be conducted for the highest-ranked offeror. Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations will be conducted with the most qualified/highest-ranked offeror at the conclusion of evaluations.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

To be considered for this position, offerors must meet the minimum qualifications noted above.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria/ranking factors to a maximum score of 100 points:

• Technical Skills and Experience (60 points):

a) Demonstrable expertise in one or more DG subsectors: governance, elections & political processes, civil society & media, citizen engagement, advocacy.

b) Experience designing and implementing Democracy and Governance programming.

c) Experience designing, implementing, and critiquing monitoring and evaluation systems.

d) Demonstrated skills in working effectively with personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds, negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, and ability to navigate and manage politically sensitive issues.

• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills (20 points):

a) Ability to work effectively in a team environment, and proactively work to achieve consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters.

b) Ability to work effectively with a broad range of personnel and partners.

c) Demonstrated ability to develop team member’s skills and abilities around USAID processes and procedures and/or DG technical issues.

• Communication Skills (20 points):

a) Ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely – both orally and in writing in

English. Demonstrated ability to make sensitive oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior USG and host-country officials and other donors.

b) Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy to support high-level working relationships within the Agency and interagency community. Demonstrable ability to prepare regular and ad hoc repots, briefing papers, and other documents as appropriate.

Total Possible Application Points: 100

Reference Verification (Pass/Fail)

USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicant(s) in person or by phone.

IV. APPLYING

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted via email to the Point of Contract in Section I: HR-tbilisi@usaid.gov

Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following documents:

1. Completed and signed form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services

Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

2. A cover letter and current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the minimum requirements of the position (education and experience)

3. Additionally applicants are required to submit a document addressing each of the selection criteria describing specifically what relevant experience, knowledge and skills the applicant has received relevant to each selection criteria described above, providing periods of performance where possible. Responses are limited to 300 words per selection criteria.

4. Additionally applicants are required to provide a one to two page writing sample as part of their application in order to demonstrate their written English language ability and writing skills.

The writing sample may be an excerpt of a larger work and need not be specifically written for this solicitation.

5. A minimum of three and a maximum of five professional references from the last five years.

Offerors must provide email addresses and current telephone numbers for all references provided.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

6. Statement of Availability: a written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

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

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-85)

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES:

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

1. BENEFITS:

a) Employer’s FICA Contribution

b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

f) Annual & Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations

(Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

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

d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

g) Education Travel (Section 280)

h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, Medicare and as applicable U.S. 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. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUAN

TIT Y

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRIC

E (E)

AMOUNT (F)

Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

Option Period 3– Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award with Contractor_

Option Period 4 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award with Contractor_

3. 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.

- AAPD 18-02 REVISED This AAPD extends and revises implementation of medevac regulations for USPSCs and TCNPSCs under AIDAR Appendix D and J, § 12, clauses #25 in Appendix D, and #21 in Appendix J. – December 18, 2019 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02

- AAPD 15-02-Revised 2 This AAPD extends implementation of the USAID policy for

Leave and Holidays, including family and medical leave, by deviation from AIDAR

Appendix D, § 12, clause (GP) #5. This policy is effective as indicated on page 2, section

II, of the AAPD

- AAPD 10-01 Changes in USG reimbursement amounts for health insurance and physical examination costs- 01/08/10

- AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility – October 30, 2006

- AAPD 06-08 AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts – June 23, 2006

- CIB 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations – 08/99

4. 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.

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-15-02-rev-2