USTCNPSC - RMNCH Advisor.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development B.P: 2848

KIGALI, RWANDA

Tel: +250 252 596 400 Fax +250 252 596 591 www.usaid.gov/rw

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72069522R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: March 14, 2022 CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 08, 2022

12:00 p.m. (Central Africa Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S./TCN Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Reproductive Maternal and Child Health Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors/Applicants:

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 a 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 personal services contract (PSC), 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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely, Molly Steinbauer Contracting Officer and Supervisory Executive Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72069522R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 14, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 08, 2022, 12:00 p.m. Central Africa Time (CAT)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resource Office, e-mail kigalihr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Reproductive Maternal and Child Health Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $81,216 - $105,579 equivalent to GS-13.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be 2 years, estimated to start on o/a June 13, 2022 to June 12, 2024. Based on Agency need the Contracting Officer may exercise additional 3 option periods of 1-year for the dates estimated as follows:

Base period June 13, 2022 to June 12, 2024 Option 1 June 13, 2024 to June 12, 2025 Option 2 June 13, 2025 to June 12, 2026 Option 3 June 13, 2026 to June 12, 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bujumbura, Burundi. With possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens (including Permanent Residents) per AIDAR 702 and Appendix D and Third Country (non-US, Nationals) per AIDAR Appendix J.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. Basic Functions

The Reproductive and Maternal and Child Health (RMCH) Advisor shall advise USAID/Burundi on the full range of MCH and Family Planning (FP) activities, including advising on strategic planning and oversight of activities to improve maternal, child and reproductive health outcomes across the USAID/Burundi portfolio. The RMCH Advisor shall explore opportunities to expand the portfolio to include nutrition. Further, the RMCH Advisor shall ensure integration of MCH and RH/FP activities with other USAID programs (including those outside of the health portfolio) and promote synergies where appropriate.

The incumbent shall contribute to the team’s ability to achieve results by providing programmatic and technical expertise for the MCH and RH components of the USAID/Burundi program. This position is cross-cutting and will serve as a subject matter expert on MCH and RH issues across several funding streams and programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and serve as the principal point of contact for MCH and FP/RH funding and activities. The RMCH Advisor will serve as an expert and provide inputs and oversight on programming including prevention of transmission of HIV between mothers and their infants, pediatric HIV programs, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, intermittent treatment of malaria in pregnancy, family planning, and the health of pregnant mothers and children under five. The RMCH Advisor is also a lead on supply chain management as it relates to FP commodities, and in general to the strengthening of the supply chain system in Burundi.

The RMCH Advisor interacts with the USAID health team as well as technical representatives of other USG agencies, Government of Burundi counterparts, international donors and other key development partners. He/she may serve as a Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) or Activity Manager for USAID/Burundi health activities.

The incumbent will work in a USG foreign assistance program that requires knowledge, experience, maturity, and an ability to function independently under a demanding and frequently changing environment. The position is located in the USAID Limited Presence Country Office located in Bujumbura, Burundi.

The RMCH Advisor will supervise other cross-cutting staff as required, and will advise other technical specialists on aspects of their portfolios related to MCH and FP.

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities

Burundi receives approximately $5M per year in MCH and FP funding, in addition to funding for malaria and HIV/AIDS which impacts the health of women and children.

The RMCH Advisor guides the programmatic and technical development and oversight of the USAID/Burundi maternal and child health and family planning activities. These activities include HIV prevention and treatment that impact maternal and child health outcomes and investments in OVC and GBV prevention and response. The RMCH Advisor shall explore opportunities to expand the portfolio to include nutrition.

Specific Responsibilities:

He/she will manage responsibilities including:

Programmatic Oversight and Coordination (20%)

● Serve as COR/AOR or Activity Manager for designated activities. In this context the incumbent is responsible for all aspects of project management for her/his assigned activities, including technical guidance, reviewing reports, and work plan approval.

● Monitor the performance of health activities through regular site visits, review of technical reports and regular interaction with implementing partners

● Undertake regular site visits of implementing partners and maintain regular communication to ensure that activity implementation proceeds in accordance with approved work plans; that planned inputs and outputs are produced on schedule; and that pipelines are monitored and reviewed with partners at least quarterly.

● Engage in coordination meetings with key counterparts and officials.

● Liaise with implementing partners to jointly identify solutions to program implementation challenges.

● Participate in evaluations of MCH and RH activities and ensure their inclusion in

Burundi’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning plan.

Technical Leadership (40%)

● Maintain state of the art knowledge on key MCH and RH interventions, including

PMTCT as a component of the health of both mother and infant.

● Provide technical assistance and inputs to USAID/Burundi, other USG staff, Government of Burundi counterparts, USG staff, implementing partners, and other institutions in the design, implementation, and evaluation of MCH and RH programs.

● Participate in and provide technical assistance to MCH and RH health-focused technical working groups, task teams, workshops and campaigns. Such groups may include serving as a key focal point for Family Planning 2020.

● Ensure that USG-supported programs focused on MCH and RH take into account the organizational, technical and human dimensions of sustainability.

● Ensure that the Mission is contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals related to women and girls.

● Interface within USAID/Burundi and with USAID/Washington on the mission’s MCH and RH portfolio.

● Coordinate the analysis and synthesis of key technical lessons learned and best practice recommendations to integrate across all health activities.

● Ensure that USAID’s MCH and RH health activities are adequately tailored to the Burundian context

Program Planning and Reporting (40%)

● Assist in developing annual planning documents including the Operational Plan, Country Operational Plan, and Malaria Operational Plan. Prepare analyses and estimates of annual funding needs for MCH and RH activities.

● The advisor will also be responsible for submitting the final draft of MCH and RH-related sections of the Mission's annual reports. The Advisor will liaise with USAID/W technical experts to inform them of Mission health activities and coordinate mutual activities accordingly.

● Monitor obligations, commitments, expenditures and results against targets for programs and activities aimed at improving MCH and RH.

● Participate in Mission Quarterly Financial Reviews and Portfolio Reviews representing the MCH and RH activities under his/her preview and providing recommendations for future investments.

● Coordinate and lead the activity design process for MCH and RH/FP funding opportunities

● Ensure integration of MCH and RH/FP activities with other USAID programs (including those outside of the health portfolio) and promote synergies where appropriate.

3. Supervisory Relationship: The RMCH Advisor is supervised by the Senior Health Team Leader.

4. Supervisory Controls: The RMCH Advisor will supervise other cross-cutting staff as required, and will advise other technical specialists on aspects of their portfolios related to MCH and FP.

“If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 8 hours weekly of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID.

The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.”

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education and work experience requirements must be met at time of application.

a. Education: An advance degree (masters or higher) in a field relevant to the duties described above as in international development, public health, reproductive health, MCH, medicine or other field that affords an understanding of public health initiatives is required.

b. Experience: Minimum five years of increasingly responsible experience in international public health programming or implementation. Experience working on technical oversight, design and implementation of MCH, FP, or HIV projects aimed at women and children. Relevant experience in working or collaborating with other donors, governments, international organizations or NGOs is desirable. Experience in Africa is desirable.

c. Language Proficiency: Applicant must demonstrate ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in English and French.

Fluent English speaking, reading and writing are required. French language professional proficiency based on the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) standards of level 3/3 (speaking/reading) is also required. Level 3 general professional proficiency is an ability to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations and the ability to read within a normal range of speed and with almost complete comprehension. The successful candidate is expected to be able to express her/herself comfortably in meetings and other forums in both English and French.

d. Job Knowledge: Demonstrated technical expertise in maternal, reproductive and/or child health programs in the developing world is required. the qualified person must have demonstrated technical leadership and experience designing, implementing, and monitoring and/or evaluating MCH and RH programs or activities.

e. Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and pertness in a multi-cultural context. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work constructively in a team setting. Diplomacy, tact, negotiation skills, cultural sensitivity, and team participation skills are required, in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships within USAID, and with the public and private sectors. Able to use word processing, spreadsheets and database programs.

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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The procedure for evaluating and ranking applications is outlined below.

Applicants will be scored based on the documentation provided with the application. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

1. Eligibility To meet the basic eligibility requirements for this position the offeror must:

- Be a U.S. citizen (including Permanent Residents) or Third Country National

- Submit a complete application as outlined in the section IV;

- Be eligible to attain clearance for Facility Access;

- Be cleared medically to work in Burundi;

- Be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek, including weekends, as may be required or necessary.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

2. Process and Evaluation Factor Values

After the closing date for receipt of applications, those that meet the minimum qualification requirements (see II. a. and b.) will be referred to a technical evaluation committee (TEC). Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be reviewed. The TEC will review and score the applications based on the following listed evaluation factors.

Application: 15 Points Extent to which the applicant has the education or training required to satisfy position elements, and quality of experience or skills necessary to successfully perform the work.

Skills Test: 25 Points

Interview: 60 Points

Total: 100 Points

References PASS / FAIL

References of the finalists will be checked prior to offering the position.

Applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities.

IV. SUBMITING AN OFFER

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.

2. 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.

3. Application package must include a cover letter with the curriculum vitae/resume specifically addressing each Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as outlined in the solicitation; and copies of academic qualifications.

4. Three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, peer and/or subordinate in current or previous employment) with current email address and telephone number;

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

6. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.* * See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer (CO)/Executive Officer (EXO) 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. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306);

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

4. Pre-Deployment Physical Exam Acknowledgement Form (DS-6570);

5. Security forms:

a. USPSC

i. Medical History & Examination Form (DS-6561)

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

Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85);

iii. Fingerprint Card (SF-87);

iv. Statement of Prior Service (SF-144A).

b. TCNPSC

i. Overseas Vetting Questionnaire – Authorization for release of information

ii. Security Acknowledgement Form

iii. Authorization for release of Information

iv. Emergency Contact Information

6. Statement of Prior Service (SF-144A).

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC 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 and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp

(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)

*Eligibilities for allowances are in accordance with Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) based on the type of appointment and Mission Policy.

VII. TAXES

USPSC’s are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State income taxes. TCNPSCs are subject to an individual’s country tax laws and should follow tax requirement of their country of origin.

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 Provision 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)

Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O.

14042 USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S.

state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the 7 Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTIT

Y

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

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

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

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: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

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

4. Acquisition & 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/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

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