SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72C0T122R00015
ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2022
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: January 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (Deadline Extended)
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)
Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Strategic Communications Specialist under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.
Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:
- Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, 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 overseas 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 and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
(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.
Note: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.
2. Supplemental document specifically addressing:
Each of the three (3) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.
NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.
3. USPSC Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete and sign the form. Due to COVID-19 and limited access to equipment, we are currently accepting electronic and typed signatures on the AID 309-2 form.
NOTE ABOUT THE DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM AND 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 offers will not be considered. Your complete resume and the AID 309-2 form must be mailed or emailed to OTIjobs@usaid.gov
Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers. 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.
Offeror resources are available at www.otijobs.net/guidance-for-applying. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:
OTI Recruitment Team
Telephone Number: (202) 836-7487
E-Mail Address: OTIjobs@usaid.gov
Website: www.OTIjobs.net
Sincerely,
Martina Wills
Contracting Officer
72C0T122R00015
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72C0T122R00015
2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 3, 2022
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 26, 2022, 1:00 pm Eastern Time (Deadline Extended)
4. POINT OF CONTACT: OTI Recruitment Team, (202)836-7487, e-mail at OTIjobs@usaid.gov.
5. POSITION TITLE: Strategic Communications Specialist
6. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated at a GS-13 ($106,823 - $138,868 per annum) equivalent level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-13 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for selection but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year option periods.
START DATE: Within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: SECRET
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES
POSITION DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local partners advance peace and democracy in politically-transitioning countries. In support of U.S. foreign policy, OTI seizes emerging windows of opportunity in the political landscape to promote stability, peace, and democracy by catalyzing local initiatives through adaptive and agile programming.
Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation.
To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under U.S. Personal Services Contracts (USPSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the office’s programmatic goals and objectives. There are several benefits that USPSCs may participate in, such as partial reimbursement for health and life insurance costs, as well as full coverage of workers’ compensation, among other benefits. For more complete information on USPSC benefits, please see Section VI of this solicitation.
OTI’s DEIA Vision Statement: OTI is a collaborative environment that represents the global community at all levels of our organization. Uniting diverse backgrounds and experiences, we value individual expertise to advance peace and democracy around the world.
Values and associated behaviors that will enable this vision are:
Trust
- Model open communication, active listening and candor.
- Believe others when they share their experiences.
Respect
- A respectful attitude should be shown to everyone.
- Allow for others to express complete opinion/thoughts without interruption, while recognizing that there are other perspectives and lived experiences.
Belonging (Accessibility)
- Serve as an ally to those who feel excluded (professionally, socially, personally, etc.).
- Promote togetherness and acceptance through equitable behavior.
Empathy
- Listen to understand, create space to be real/feel.
- Remind yourself to be conscious of how others may feel or receive your words
Self-awareness/accountability
- Supervisors hold their peers to account on their expectations and behaviors.
- Seek regular, constructive feedback to understand how your words and actions affect and influence others, and how they are being perceived and interpreted.
- Acknowledge unconscious bias and be willing to learn and change behavior when confronted/corrected.
For more information about OTI and its country programs please see:
https://www.usaid.gov/stabilization-and-transitions
INTRODUCTION
The OTI Strategic Communications Specialist is expected to be dedicated primarily to outreach activities. The initial supervisor for the position under this solicitation will be OTI’s Communications Team Leader or their designee. OTI’s Communications Team is within OTI’s Program, Learning, and Innovation (PLI) division.
The Strategic Communications Specialist has responsibility for developing and implementing a wide variety of outreach strategies for OTI and for designing and providing relevant technical assistance to the regional teams. The Strategic Communications Specialist participates in the development of new outreach products and conducts staff training pertaining to outreach and public affairs. The Strategic Communications Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining OTI’s information on the USAID website and for the compilation, editing and dissemination of OTI reports and updates.
While the Strategic Communications Specialist works under the direction of the Communications & Outreach Team Leader, they need to demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. The incumbent must be articulate and able to represent OTI in various forums, meetings and seminars, and have a sound understanding of USAID’s operational processes in Washington. The Strategic Communications Specialist must be an individual with excellent writing, editing, storytelling, and interpersonal skills with an understanding of U.S. policy interests and the role transition programming can play in the mitigation of conflict and the development of democracy. The Strategic Communications Specialist must be able to communicate effectively, in person and in writing, with diverse audiences and be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice.
CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The work of the Strategic Communications Specialist requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, you are willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. You have a high level of integrity and attention to detail to ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. You are highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remain professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. You place a premium on the building of positive relationships with your respective team both in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. You are able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. You are a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and are a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. You are also committed to upholding USAID/OTI’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Vision and Values as outlined in the background.
The Strategic Communications Specialist priorities are expected to change and evolve in accordance with the requirements of OTI and will be determined in consultation with and under the direct supervision of the CPS/OTI Communications Team Leader or their designee, you will perform the following duties:
At the GS-13 Strategic Communications Specialist level:
Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position
- Spearhead the development and implementation of OTI’s office-level and country-specific strategic outreach plan, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, development of information products, and monitoring/supporting implementation of plans;
- Coordinate with and assist the three OTI divisions – in particular, the Field Programs Division and its regional teams - in the development of information products and improved business practices, as well as the development of mechanisms for the dissemination of such products to OTI field staff and implementing partners. Provide updated guidance and recommendations on current OTI outreach products, including annual reports, country program reporting, success stories, and web-based materials;
- Seek out and initiate new forums through which OTI can more effectively engage with key audiences based on the analysis of current outreach efforts and new outreach priorities and targets identified by OTI country teams and senior staff. Advise OTI country teams and senior staff on improving effectiveness of their outreach to target audiences within USAID and with key stakeholders;
- Manage, oversee the drafting and strategic use of content across OTI's social media accounts and the USAID.gov website, and assist with campaigns involving other USAID offices;
- Track, manage, and coordinate clearances across the office and agency in response to information requests (Taskers);
- Represent and articulate OTI’s mission and global programs to key players (select visitors, officials from international organizations, bilateral donors, and national and local foreign government officials);
- Identify, develop and maintain professional relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), implementers, international donors, USAID, U.S. government agencies and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field, serving as a liaison to coordinate outreach activities and assist in the preparation of presentations and briefings;
- Liaise with OTI and other U.S. government communicators to respond to media inquiries in a timely fashion;
- Manage production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI’s external and internal websites and for presentations to internal and external audiences;
- Manage generation of country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, OTI’s Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing the final products through the USAID external website and other outreach channels;
- Provide training and mentoring on OTI program implementation for OTI staff and implementing partners both in Washington and the field. Development and updating training materials as required;
- Conceptualize, produce and edit videography, photography and graphic design materials as needed;
- When required, provide support to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, DC;
- When required, act as Team Leader during their absence;
- When required, supervise staff as delegated by the Team Leader (e.g. Program Managers, Program Assistants, Administrative Program Assistants, etc.). Provide orientation, training, and mentoring to staff supervised; assign work, explain how duties are to be performed to meet expectations and communicate how the successful performance of those duties will be measured; evaluate staff performance; recognize good performance; communicate where performance needs to be improved; resolve complaints; and approve leave requests and timesheets as well as training, travel, program and operations requests; and,
- Serve on temporary details within OTI, other USAID bureaus/offices, or other USG agencies under this scope of work for a period not to exceed six months. Duties performed while on detail must be directly related to the scope of work. Contracting Officer (CO) approval is required for the temporary detail. Any extension past the six months requires CO approval.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The Strategic Communications Specialist will be supervised by the OTI Communications Team Leader or their designee, as a member of the Communications Team within the Program, Learning and Innovation Division (PLI).
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
At the GS-13 level, the incumbent’s supervisor sets overall objectives. The incumbent and supervisor together develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done. The incumbent independently plans, designs, and carries out projects, studies, and programs. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements, or expected results. Technical problems are generally resolved without reference to supervisors.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. If traveling overseas, the employee may be subject to some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
13. WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. If the employee travels overseas, the work may additionally involve safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under “Submitting an Offer”)
Education/Experience Required:
The successful offeror must be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. Since work often involves changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual must be someone who is highly flexible and able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. They must be able to work productively and effectively as a member of a team.
At a minimum, the offeror must have:
At the GS-13 Strategic Communications Specialist level:
- A Master's degree with five (5) years of work experience;
OR
Bachelor's degree with seven (7) years of work experience;
AND
- One (1) year of work experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating outreach activities, campaigns and strategies;
2. One (1) year of work experience writing and editing content such as 1-pagers, reports and other communications documents for a federal agency or international development programs for a variety of audiences;
3. One (1) year of work experience supporting the design and development of multimedia products such as videography and photography materials;
4. One (1) year of work experience managing social media accounts and conceptualizing, designing, and editing content across social media platforms.
III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.
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.
SELECTION FACTORS:
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
- Offeror 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;
- Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Evaluation Factors submitted;
- Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship);
- Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
A USAID Secret level security clearance is required prior to issuance of the contract for this position.
NOTE: If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months after the selected submits the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded.
EVALUATION FACTORS:
(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)
Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.
Factor #1 Please provide one (1) - two (2) examples of your experience working successfully in a variety of roles in the coordination and preparation of presentations, documents and briefings, including those that are time-sensitive and/or high-profile.
Factor #2 Please provide one (1) - two (2) examples of your experience identifying and cultivating strategic communications opportunities, development of information products, and/or creating, monitoring and/or supporting implementation of outreach or communications plans.
Factor #3 Please describe your experience representing international development and/or foreign affairs interventions of your organization, as well as coordinating strategic communications with other organizations and/or entities.
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
The Offeror Rating System is as Follows:
Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:
Factor #1 – 25
Factor #2 – 25
Factor #3 – 10
Total Possible – 60 Points
Examples of Materials – 10 points
Offerors selected for an interview will be asked to submit three examples of previously developed visual, multimedia, and/or written materials, and include a written description of the product/and their role in producing it. These examples should demonstrate experience editing and developing a range of visual and/or written materials for external and internal communications and strategies, including websites.
Interview Performance – 30 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)
Total Possible Points: 100
The most qualified offerors may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, offers (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the offerors writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an offeror has fully demonstrated their qualifications and there are no other competitive offerors OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. Offerors must submit at least three (3) professional references, one (1) of which must be a current or former supervisor. OTI reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history. If the offeror had a previous position with USAID, the TEC and/or CO are encouraged to obtain reference checks from the previous supervisor(s) or CO(s). See ADS 309.3.1.11.a.4
IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER
Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 4.
Qualified offerors are required to submit:
- Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, 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 overseas 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 and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
(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.
Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.
2. Supplemental document specifically addressing:
Each of the three (3) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.
NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.
3. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete and sign the form. Due to COVID-19 and limited access to equipment, we are currently accepting electronic and typed signatures on the AID 309-2 form.
4. 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.
Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.
To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position offers must prominently reference the solicitation number in the offer submission.
Offeror resources are available at www.otijobs.net/guidance-for-applying.
DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS
Via email: OTIjobs@usaid.gov
Please note in your document submittal where you heard about this position.
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 offer.
NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
All individuals contracted as USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a DUNS Number and be registered in the SAM database. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number for USPSC’s with a place of performance outside the United States.
The selected offeror will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.
For general information about DUNS Numbers and SAM, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Unique Entity Identifier and FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management.
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_7 or www.sam.gov.
ALL QUALIFIED OFFERORS 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.
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
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. Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/
- Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306).
- Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561).
- Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).
- Finger Print Card (FD-258).
The contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor 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.
VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following
benefits and allowances:
1. 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 and Sick Leave
- Paid Parental 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?content_id=282&menu_id=101
(a) Post Differential Chapter 500 and Tables in Chapter 900.
(b) Living Quarters Allowance Section 130.
(c) Temporary Lodging Allowance Section 120.
(d) Post Allowance Section 220.
(e) Supplemental Post Allowance Section 230.
(f) Payments During Evacuation Section 600.
(g) Education Allowance Section 270.
(h) Separate Maintenance Allowance Section 260.
(i) Danger Pay Allowance Section 650.
(j) Education Travel Section 280.
VII. TAXES
USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State income taxes.
- 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.acquisition.gov/aidar/aidar-appendix-d-direct-usaid-contracts-us-citizen-or-us-resident-alien-personal-services-abroad .
2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.
One Base Year Table – Strategic Communications Specialist
Item
No
(A)
Services (Description)
(B)
Qty
(C)
Unit
(D)
Unit Price
(E)
Amount
(F)
0001
Base Year 1 - Compensation
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
1
LOT
$____
$____
Fringe Benefits/Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
Total Estimated Cost
$____
Four Option Years Table- Strategic Communications Specialist
Item
No
(A)
Services (Description)
(B)
Qty
(C)
Unit
(D)
Unit Price
(E)
Amount
(F)
1001
Option Period (OP) 1 - Compensation
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
1
LOT
$____
$____
OP 1 - ODCs
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
2001
OP 2 - Compensation
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
1
LOT
$____
$____
OP 2 - ODCs
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
3001
Option Period (OP) 3 - Compensation
Award Type:Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
1
LOT
$____
$____
OP 3 - ODCs
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
4001
Option Period (OP) 4 - Compensation
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
1
LOT
$____
$____
OP 4 - ODCs
Award Type: Cost
Product Service Code: R497
Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix]
Total Estimated Cost [base + options]
$____
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.
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
AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract.
5. 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-ombudsman7 The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.
AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
General Provision 28, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
(OCTOBER 2006)
(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/16fam/index.htm. Note: Personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.
(b) MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES – Please see Attachment 2 to this solicitation for information on AAPD No. 18-02.
(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 Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible 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 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).
ATTACHMENT II
Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 7.
USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR)
APPENDIX D – DIRECT USAID CONTRACTS WITH A U.S. CITIZEN OR A U.S. RESIDENT ALIEN FOR PERSONAL SERVICES ABROAD
GP 25. MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (DEC 2019)
A contractor who is required to relocate abroad and accompanying eligible family members; or a contractor on official travel status abroad on temporary duty or training, will be provided Medevac services through the Department of State, Bureau of Medical Services, similar to that provided to U.S. Government employees in 16 FAM 300 Medical Travel. Medevac costs that will be covered by USAID include travel and per diem, but do not include medical care costs.
To be eligible for Medevac services covered by the Department of State Medevac program, the contractor and accompanying eligible family members must obtain and maintain international health insurance coverage in accordance with the clause of the contract entitled, “Insurance.”
GP 29. INCENTIVE AWARDS (DEC 2019)
The contractor is eligible to receive certain monetary and non-monetary USAID incentive awards in accordance with the AIDAR and USAID internal policy.
ATTACHMENT III
PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS
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)
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 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/.
[END OF PROVISION]
