Inactive

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA20R00014 ISSUANCE DATE: February 21, 2020 CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 24, 2020 12:00 PM Eastern Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Dear Pro... SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA20R00014 ISSUANCE DATE: February 21, 2020 CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 24, 2020 12:00 PM Eastern Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Applications must be submitted in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all submissions 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 application. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Sincerely, Mir Ershadullah Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 GENERAL INFORMATION SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA20R00014 ISSUANCE DATE: February 21, 2020 CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 24, 2020 CLOSING TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12:00PM Eastern Time POSITION TITLE: Senior Learning Advisor in the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance; Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DCHA/DRG), USAID/Washington MARKET VALUE: GS-15 Equivalent: $142,701 - $170,800 per annum Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value, based upon the selected candidate’s salary history, qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, and educational background as reported on AID-309-2. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. This position is for a Washington based PSC. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Year, with four one-year options PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C., with possible field assignments SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Background As the home base for USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) programs, the DRG Center focuses on advocating for democratic governance, driving important research, and supporting over 90 field missions worldwide to develop programs. USAID’s DRG sector includes support for good governance, rule of law, elections and political processes, civil society and media, human rights, and other DRG fields. USAID currently manages over $1.7 billion a year on a broad range of democracy programs covering justice, human rights, citizen security, civil society, media, local government, legislatures, constitutional reform, political parties, elections, anti-corruption, and anti-trafficking in persons. These efforts are critical to improve government effectiveness, accountability, transparency and legitimacy, and to ensure citizens are empowered to play a role in public affairs and the decisions that affect their daily lives. They also underpin the sustainability of the Agency’s socio-economic development sectors. The DRG Center leads the Agency in supporting overall efforts to advance democracy, human rights, and governance. The DRG Center's annual budget is over $146 million, with a staff of over 90, comprised of U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs), contractors, and Fellows. The DRG Center has nine technical divisions: Civil Society and Media (CSM), Cross-Sectoral Programs (CSP), Elections and Political Transitions (EPT), Global and Regional Policy (GRP), Governance & Rule of Law (GROL), Human Rights (HR), Empowerment and Inclusion (EI), Learning (L), and Strategic Planning (SP). The DRG Center's goal is to promote peace, prosperity and freedom around the globe through self-reliant, citizen-responsive governance that respects human dignity and the rule of law. The DRG Center achieves this through high quality support to USAID Missions, generating and disseminating knowledge on best practices, and providing leadership on DRG to the wider USG and the international development community. In collaboration with USAID practitioners and academic experts, L guides DRG learning initiatives, conducts impact and performance evaluations, advances measurement in the DRG sector, and commissions research to understand the most effective approaches to DRG assistance. To advance these efforts, the Learning Division provides technical assistance and training, and currently manages four contracts worth over $100 million. The Division also facilitates learning communities of practice inside and outside of USAID. With this emphasis on learning, DRG/L is the focal point for USAID’s implementation of the DRG Learning Agenda, a dynamic collection of research questions that serve to guide the DRG Center’s and USAID Field Missions’ analytical efforts. As part of DRG/L, the Senior Learning Advisor will leverage his/her considerable expertise in research methodologies in the democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) field to advise and support the development of appropriate and practical approaches to DRG learning, as well as individual research initiatives. The Senior Learning Advisor will lead and guide the development of annual DRG learning agendas and DRG learning communities of practice. The Senior Learning Advisor will also provide technical assistance and training in the development of learning questions, theories of change, and other learning agendas. The incumbent is expected to carry out work assignments using independent professional judgment to ensure the effective technical leadership and technical support for USAID’s DRG sector in Washington and overseas Missions. On TDY and in Washington, the Senior Learning Advisor will work closely with USAID and other U.S. Government colleagues, implementing partners, academics, and recognized experts in the DRG sector to advance DRG learning initiatives. The incumbent’s responsibilities will be geographically world-wide, varied, and dynamic to reflect changing circumstances facing USAID and the DRG Center. Duties and Responsibilities Serve as a senior Agency thought leader for the formulation, coordination, and execution of the DRG Learning Agenda, including identifying the overarching theories of change that underpin global DRG programs and guiding the development of learning questions and related research to better understand the most effective approaches for DRG assistance. This includes involving relevant stakeholders in agenda formulation, strategic planning to address evidence needs in the DRG sector, designing and overseeing research relevant to the learning agenda, and supporting the dissemination and utilization of related learning products. Serve as an expert advisor on applied social science research, learning, and evaluation methods as they relate practically to DRG programming in the field. This includes understanding a range of quantitative and qualitative learning methods and staying abreast of developments related to research methodologies, proactively introducing innovative methods to the USAID DRG sector, and supporting DRG officers to determine which learning methods and approaches are most suited to meet their needs. Ensure that research undertaken by the Learning Division has appropriately incorporated proven and rigorous research principles and techniques, and support other DRG Center divisions to improve the rigor in their analytical and learning processes. Coordinate and/or contribute to agency-wide initiatives on DRG data analysis, evidence utilization, learning agendas, research methodologies, and other areas of expertise. Provide expert advice and guidance to USAID staff in Washington and at Missions on refining research questions and choosing appropriate research methodologies to result in evidence that can be applied to improve DRG programmatic results. Convene or contribute to agency-wide and sectoral communities of practice in these areas. This includes serving as chair and/or senior advisor to the internal and external DRG learning communities of practice. Regular tasks will include ensuring regular meetings, proactively identifying agenda items, building and maintaining relationships with DRG learning champions inside and outside USAID, and ensuring that these communities of practice are regularly updated on the learning approaches employed and learning outcomes generated by the USAID DRG learning community, including the Learning Division and implementing partners. Support knowledge sharing between the academic community and USAID’s DRG cadre. Maintain strong relationships with core professional associations and groups of applied researchers in order to identify emerging research of interest to the USAID DRG sector and potential researchers to support DRG learning initiatives. Develop and provide technical assistance tools and training related to the development of learning questions, theories of change, and learning agendas, as well as the range of learning methodologies and products employed by the DRG Learning Division. This includes helping the DRG cadre to improve their ability to formulate learning questions and understand which learning methods are used under various circumstances. Promote the creation and utilization of DRG evidence generally by: a) supporting rigorous data collection and analysis that leads to the development of actionable findings and recommendations; b) advising on and overseeing the incorporation of evidence into DRG trainings and dissemination materials for the USAID DRG cadre; c) participating in the incorporation of evidence into strategic and program planning at USAID Missions; and d) providing technical assistance to USAID staff and partners in locating, interpreting, and acting on new evidence in the DRG sector. Backstop one or more of the DRG Center’s technical divisions or working groups, serving as a member of their extended team and their point of contact for all learning activities in their subsector. This may include serving on technical review committees or reviewing proposals related to learning, and incorporating partner activities into learning agendas, if appropriate. Backstop one or more USAID Regional Bureau (and related Missions) to advance DRG learning activities. This includes establishing contact with, learning their portfolio of related activities, and supporting the development and implementation of appropriate learning activities. Illustrative support activities include meetings and calls with field missions and/or evaluators, TDYs to participate in evaluations or other learning activities, support for other strategic learning processes, participation in evaluation or research design, and conducting training on DRG learning activities. This could include multiple-week visits to USAID partner countries, including critical restricted environment countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, South Sudan, and others to assist Missions in various stages of their learning agendas, to train USAID, host government or implementing partner staff, and to contribute to strategy development and project design. Knowledge Level Required by the Position The Senior Learning Advisor must demonstrate advanced mastery of a wide array of applied research methodologies accompanied by a doctoral level understanding of the social sciences, particularly those most closely related to the DRG sectors (such as political science, international development, international relations, anthropology, sociology). S/he will have at least seven (7) years of research and/or practical experience related to development, human rights, and democracy and governance, with particular expertise related to designing and implementing learning and research initiatives, designing and implementing rigorous monitoring and evaluation activities, and communicating complex research topics to practitioners. The incumbent must also possess knowledge of computer software, including Word, Excel, and Windows. Supervisory Controls The Senior Learning Advisor will report to the Chief of the Learning Division or her/his designee. The Division Chief and the Senior Learning Advisor will develop a work plan that includes responsibilities and deadlines. The Senior Learning Advisor will also work closely with other USAID operating units and leaders, including USAID Mission officials and contractors, and be accountable to them for the performance of high quality work. While the Senior Learning Advisor will exercise independent judgment while performing work and will receive minimal technical direction, the Government will maintain continuous supervision. Guidelines The Senior Learning Advisor will work with guidelines from the Bureau and Agency that are broadly stated and non-specific, requiring extensive interpretation. S/he will demonstrate sound judgement, technical expertise, ingenuity and innovation in the design, implementation and analysis of highly complex research activities. Complexity The Senior Learning Advisor’s duties will be significantly varied and will require a high degree of knowledge of multiple research methodologies and DRG sectors. S/he will be required to support USAID regional bureaus and missions in making decisions related to the design and implementation of research activities, the analysis of research findings, and the innovative incorporation of findings into the design of new programs. The Senior Learning Advisor will be expected to contribute new technologies and approaches or develop new information to address continuing changes in the related programmatic, technological, and political environments. The Senior Learning Advisor will develop and coordinate country-specific learning strategies with defined goals, guidelines, and benchmarks. Scope and Effect The Senior Learning advisor will be highly involved in all L responsibilities (impact and performance evaluations, assessments, studies, dissemination activities, and others). The Senior Learning Advisor will plan, organize, direct, design, and coordinate these activities as needed to meet the needs of USAID bureaus and missions. This work will require independent analysis, defining conditions and criteria, and resolving critical problems using creative approaches. The Senior Learning Advisor will lead interagency efforts to address critical DRG learning issues. Personal Contacts The Senior Learning Advisor will serve as an Agency lead technical expert in DRG Learning and will advise USAID and interagency counterparts on matters relating to the Agency Learning Agenda. The Senior Learning Advisor will represent the US Government in meetings with foreign governments and multilateral institutions. S/he will represent USAID to Congressional staff, the National Security Council, the Department of State, and other interagency counterparts, and will maintain professional contact with senior level professionals of academic institutions and independent DRG organizations. The Senior Learning Advisor will represent USAID to these organizations in different forums, including conferences, workshops, panels, and more. Communications that reflect a final policy, planning or budget decision of the agency must be cleared by a U.S. Direct Hire employee. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all U.S. Citizens PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. POINT OF CONTACT: Kyle Davis U.S. Agency for International Development Office of Acquisition and Assistance Email: kydavis@usaid.gov Tel: 202-916-2699 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Education/Experience Ph.D. in political science, international development, international relations, anthropology, sociology, or a related social science. Seven (7) years of applied research experience, or rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and learning experience, related to development, human rights, democracy or governance. Relevant field experience working with U.S. government, international organizations, donor development agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector, academic organizations, or other agencies and processes involved in DRG issues. Offeror is a U.S. Citizen; USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted; Satisfactory verification of academic credentials; Three (3) Professional references; Supplemental document specifically addressing the Evaluation Factors; Ability to obtain a Secret level clearance after offeror acceptance. If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected offeror within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded; and Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS Each sub-factor will be weighted equally within the rating factor. The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will select candidates to interview based on a preliminary review of applications. References will be checked only for those candidates interviewed. The TEC can request references from others who know the candidate’s work in addition to the references provided by the candidate. Upon completion of interviews and reference checks, TEC members will revise their scores for those candidates. The candidate with the highest overall score will be selected based on the criteria below. Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs): The Technical Review Panel will evaluate and select candidates for the Senior Learning Advisor position utilizing the following factors: 1. Technical Expertise (70 points) Demonstrated knowledge of principles, concepts, and methodologies involved in the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of applied research related to technical assistance programs related to development, human rights, democracy, or governance, including developing research questions and learning agendas, choosing appropriate methodologies to respond to research questions, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, and analyzing research findings to draw out relevant policy and programmatic recommendations. 2. Communications (15 points) Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex research and learning in clear, concise communication for ease of utilization by practitioners. Demonstrated capacity and experience communicating effectively orally and in writing with various audiences (including high-level officials, academics, and field practitioners), and ability to gather, analyze and synthesize information. The offeror's written communication ability will also be evaluated based on the written materials submitted in the offer. 3. Teamwork (15 points) Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to exhibit tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness while working in a variety of settings with high-level government officials, members of non-governmental organizations, and practitioners across cultures, and a track record of working effectively and collaboratively on diverse teams. The total possible points are as follows: Technical Expertise: 70 points Communication: 15 points Teamwork: 15 points Total possible points: 100 points The successful candidate will be selected based on a review of his/her qualifications, work experience, skills, and abilities; an interview; and the results of reference checks. The hiring panel may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted by the chairperson of the Technical Evaluation Committee. Security clearances will be required after selection of candidate and prior to the contract award. APPLYING Qualified individuals are required to submit: A USAID form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts) with hand-written signature (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/). This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted; A resume must be attached to the form AID 309-2. Resumes must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination of meeting experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine qualifications for the position will result in a loss of full consideration. In order to fully evaluate applications, resumes must include: Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. Upon request Transcripts and/or certifications must be submitted. A brief appendix or cover letter that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training address directly the evaluation criteria should be attached. Names and current contact information of three professional supervisory references that have knowledge of the applicant’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, and submitted to the Point of Contact identified in Section I. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the application submission. By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, and complete and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in your being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT 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. NOTE: Registration for a DUNS number is FREE. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html and FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html or www.sam.gov. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award. Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do Resume. USPSC Offeror Form (AID 309-2) 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). ** Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). ** ** Forms 3 through 7 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an offeror is the successful candidate for the job. 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 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?content_id=282&menu_id=101 (a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (c) Post Allowance (Section 220). (d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (f) Education Allowance (Section 270). (g) Education Travel (Section 280). (h) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (j) Danger Pay (Section 650). VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.