Inactive

SOLICITATION NO: 72039119R00009 ISSUANCE DATE: May 2, 2019 CLOSING DATE: 5:00 PM ISLAMABAD TIME ON MAY 16, 2019 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS SUBJECT: USAID/ PAKISTAN - SOLICITATION FOR UNITED STATES PERSONA... SOLICITATION NO: 72039119R00009 ISSUANCE DATE: May 2, 2019 CLOSING DATE: 5:00 PM ISLAMABAD TIME ON MAY 16, 2019 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS SUBJECT: USAID/ PAKISTAN - SOLICITATION FOR UNITED STATES PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (USPSC), DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST, GS-13 EQUIVALENT Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing services as described in the attached solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer. The selected offeror must be able to undergo a thorough background check and obtain a United States Government (USG) security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Sincerely, /s/ Adonis Mello Contracting Officer, Office of Executive Management USAID/Pakistan U.S. Agency for International Development Embassy of the United States of America, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad Tel: [+92] 51 208 0000 Fax: [+92] 51 208 8061 www.usaid.gov/pk I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72039119R00009 2. ISSUING DATE: May 2, 2019 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 16, 2019 (5pm local time) 4. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communication Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $76,687 - $99,691 (equivalent to GS-13). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC contract will be for an initial two (2) years period, with three (3), one-year option years. Option years may be exercised based upon satisfactory contractor performance, mutual agreement between the Contractor and USG, continued Mission requirements and the continued availability of funds. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Islamabad, Pakistan - with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: SECRET 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens 10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: A. Basic Function of the Position: The Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications (Supervisory DOC) reports directly to the USAID/Pakistan Director for the Office of Program Management (OPM). S/he functions with a high degree of independence in the management and planning of the work of the DOC team, providing overall vision and leadership in the management of a Mission-wide communication strategy, planning work over several months, tracking day-to-day tasks, prioritizing and adapting work plans based on frequent high-level urgent tasks, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and of sufficient quality. The Supervisory DOC works with Mission and Embassy leadership and staff to implement development, outreach, and communications efforts to • increase the awareness of USAID/Pakistan civilian assistance programs implemented in Pakistan, • increase awareness of the benefits of USAID/Pakistan civilian assistance programs to communities and individuals across Pakistan, and • increase Pakistanis' knowledge of the fact that USAID/Pakistan is a USG entity. The Supervisory DOC is responsible for aligning Pakistan communication messages and activities with USAID-wide communication strategy and initiatives (for example the Journey to Self-Reliance). The Supervisory DOC liaises with the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other U.S. Government colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The Supervisory DOC also serves as a ‘translator' of complex USAID processes (e.g. budget, procurement, project design, etc.) to the broader audience to ensure the intricacies of those process are conveyed to the final recipient whether it's a journalist, the Ambassador, or a visiting Congressional Delegation. Washington-based offices requiring close contact and coordination include the USAID's Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs (OAPA), Asia Bureau, and Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), as well as State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. The position will also coordinate with other interagency and implementing partners. The Supervisory DOC is directly involved in all outreach events related to the Mission Director and the Ambassador. The Supervisory DOC provides technical input in the production and development of new materials and supports management of communication and outreach contracts. More specifically, the Supervisory DOC leads the production, creation, and smart use of innovative outreach tools such as social media, factsheets, video documentaries, radio shows, public relations, and press events, for the dissemination of information to multiple national and international audiences. A key function of this position will be to collaborate closely with the DOC team to provide oversight, advice and guidance to technical offices and implementing partners in developing and implementing the Mission's communication strategy. Furthermore, the DOC team, in collaboration with the Supervisory DOC, will seek to build capacity within the Mission and with implementing partners to develop more effective communication plans and materials. The Supervisory DOC supervises Mission DOC staff in the Islamabad mission (up to three Cooperating Country National (CCN) positions and one Eligible Family Member (EFM) American editor/communications specialist), and also works closely (although not as their direct supervisor) with the DOC CCNs in the U.S. consulates in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. B. Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Supervisory DOC will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Pakistan's programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Pakistan, in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances. The specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Strategic Communication Planning, Execution and Analysis 25% • Ensure communication resources (contracts, mission staff) are deployed strategically in support of key communication objectives in alignment with USAID/Pakistan priorities and strategy. • The Supervisory DOC is responsible for aligning Pakistan communication messages and activities with USAID-wide communication strategy and initiatives (for example the Journey to Self-Reliance). • Formulate and implement innovative outreach materials and engagements that advance mission development objectives as outlined in the Mission's CDCS. • Formulate and manage the communication and outreach budget for the Mission. • Plan for the procurement of additional DOC related services and products, receiving appropriate approvals, drafting specifications and requests for offers, and coordinating with the Executive Office or Contracting Office. • Collaborate with the DOC team and train technical office staff and implementing partners on developing effective communication plans and materials and ensure branding, marking, and messaging compliance and consistency by all implementing partners in their outreach and communications efforts. • Identify and execute metrics to measure effectiveness of communication materials and activities as outlined in the communication strategy. This includes establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the communication strategy, identifying indicators and measuring progress to assess effectiveness and impact of outreach activities. Also includes monitoring local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Information gathered will be used to inform ongoing activities and set direction for future programming, messaging, and outreach. • Work with the mission's collaborating, learning, and adapting specialist to capture and effectively share information related to USAID interventions, for example in developing materials such as infographics and social media campaigns to communicate USAID's collaborating, learning and adapting. • Use creative/ innovative approaches/fora to communicate messages to key stakeholders. • Perform other duties/activities that the U.S. ambassador, USAID mission director and USAID/Washington, and circumstances may dictate. Supervision and Coordination 20% • Supervise all staff members in the DOC team: up to three CCN positions and one EFM American editor/communications specialist. • In addition, the Supervisory DOC coordinates and advises on the work of the regional CCN DOCs within the U.S. consulates in Pakistan in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. Although not their direct supervisor, the Supervisory DOC reviews and clears on all outreach products produced by the regional CCN DOCs, provides overall strategic direction for their DOC work and coordinates their DOC work with outreach activities in Islamabad. • Represent USAID in planning Mission events for the Mission Director, the Ambassador and other high-level visitors. • Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities within USAID/Pakistan, other branches of the U.S. Government, the Government of Pakistan, implementing partners, other donors, the UN, World Bank and other stakeholders. • Serve as the senior advisor to Mission management regarding all public information, media relations, and outreach matters. • Collaborate and coordinate with PAS, which has the overall lead on media engagement and public messaging in country, to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development assistance efforts and initiatives in Pakistan. • Collaborate and coordinate with USAID's Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs, Asia Bureau, and State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in Washington, DC, as needed. • In collaboration with the relevant Agreement Officer Representative or Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/CORs) and the Office of Acquisition and Assistance, provide oversight on the management of the various procurements managed by the DOC team. This includes reviewing and approving all outreach plans developed by outreach and documentary implementing partners, for example, quarterly public relations plans and documentary production plans. • Maintain, cultivate, and utilize the network of implementing partner outreach professionals. Public Information and Publicity Materials 25% In collaboration with the DOC team: • Coordinate information dissemination within the Mission; with the Mission's Development Objective teams, offices, and technical staff; and with all relevant non-U.S. Government organizations. • Oversee the drafting, editing, organization and dissemination of timely and accurate public information materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses to requests for information and all other public information materials related to USAID activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, and as needed, in Urdu, and prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, power points, and web use. • Develop, implement and update USAID's social media strategy relevant to Pakistan to complement the broader communications strategy, this includes online outreach, including websites, social media, etc.. • Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach. • Oversee submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms, including the Administrator's blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media sites and ensure all public materials are updated on a regular basis. • Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency's Graphic Standards Manual. • Oversee and provide regular trainings to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking; work closely with AOR/CORs to ensure adherence to branding in the field; and, seek guidance from LPA on any disputes or waiver requests. • Manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package (for example talking points and data points) on the USAID program in Pakistan for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, and for USAID/Washington, LPA, Department of State, the U.S. Congress, etc.; including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about Pakistan. • Oversee the maintenance of the Mission's English-language web materials to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. • Seek opportunities to ensure public materials are translated into/prepared in Urdu or pertinent regional languages. • Serve as final editor on all outreach and publicity materials. Media and Public Relations 20% In collaboration with the DOC team: • Manage information and media outreach activities, in coordination with PAS, the Front Office and technical teams. Ensure strategic selection of events and optimal representation by USG personnel to more effectively and efficiently communicate USAID messaging. • Work with PAS to manage USAID/Pakistan's relationship with international, regional, and local press, including encouraging accurate reporting, equity, and troubleshooting as necessary. Process materials and address any necessary changes to ensure that items go to press on time. • Advise and work with PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID programs including TV, radio and other media. This may include preparing talking points, organizing briefings, and setting up media tours of USAID projects. • In collaboration with PAS, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners. • Respond to inquiries from the general public, media-in coordination with PAS-and other sources about USAID programs. • Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming, as well as the effectiveness of the communications strategy. • Oversee development of effective media outreach materials, ensuring accurate information and presentation of development topics and the impact of USAID programs in a format easily understood by the general public. Public Events 10% In collaboration with the DOC team: • Serve as the USAID's primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other U.S. Government agencies or entities. Serve as control officer or participate in teams planning VIP visits. Lead preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products to support these visits. Develop in advance a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of high-level visitors throughout the country. • Organize, coordinate, or oversee the coordination of press events for USAID projects in conjunction with PAS, Front Office, technical teams and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings and other ceremonies. Organize press packets, manage protocol issues, site selection, venue branding and marking, staging and logistical issues and identify USG representation. • Ensure adequate updating of event tracking calendar by the DOC team. • Review, edit and clear press releases, briefing checklists/scene setters, talking points and memorandums for the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Mission Directors, and USAID office directors and other high level staff. • Ensure press releases, speeches, talking points, BCLs and scene setters drafted by implementing partners for USAID events meet quality and formatting standards. Shepherd all press releases and interview requests from within the Mission and implementing partners through the approvals and clearance process, including PAS and LPA, ensuring all required edits or changes are addressed. • Manage documentation of USAID events, including video, documentaries, photos, and updates to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts. • Organize background briefings for media; compile and disseminate press packets; and provide on-site coordination of media. C. Direct Supervisor: The incumbent directly supervises the work of up to three CCN staff and one EFM American editor/communications specialist. In addition, the incumbent coordinates and advises on the work of the three regional CCN DOCs within the U.S. consulates in Pakistan in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. Although not their direct supervisor, the Supervisory DOC reviews and clears on outreach products produced by the regional CCN DOCs, provides overall strategic direction for their work and coordinates their work with outreach activities in Islamabad. D. Supervisory Control: The incumbent will report to the OPM Director, consulting and receiving direction as necessary. The majority of work will emerge through an understanding of on-going duties and responsibilities with specific assignments coming from the OPM Director and mission management. The incumbent must plan his/her work schedule independently and direct colleagues and subordinates to use skills and abilities effectively. 11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands 12. POINT OF CONTACT: Completed offers (including required documents - see section IV below) must be submitted electronically to: hrislamabad@usaid.gov. When submitting an application, the solicitation number and the title of the position must be mentioned in the subject line. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Zunnera Pervaiz, Human Resources Specialist, Pakistan, phone: 92-51- 201-5196, fax: 92-51-233-8061, and to Jamshaid Iqbal, Human Resources Assistant, Pakistan, phone: 92-51- 201-5086, fax: 92-51-233-8062, E-mail: hrislamabad@usaid.gov. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Education: A Bachelor's degree, preferably in the field of public relations, journalism, international development/relations, English, marketing, communications or related field, is required. Work Experience: The incumbent must have a minimum of five years of demonstrated successful experience in public relations, journalism, or related field. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. The incumbent must demonstrate a minimum of two years of supervisory experience and must be able to collaborate with, mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners. Strong preference will be given to candidates familiar with Pakistan. Experience in report writing, events planning, and execution, website design, and social networking media is strongly preferred. Previous work experience with an international development organization is strongly preferred. Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation. Visas, Security and Medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required visas and security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification. See Section V. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS Selection Process and Basis of Evaluation: Offerors who clearly meet the aforementioned minimum education and work experience qualification requirements may be further evaluated through review of the offeror's submitted required documents (see section IV below) and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors. A competitive range will be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who may be further evaluated through technical tests and interviews to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors. Reference checks will be conducted with the highest-ranked offerors. Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked offerors who have successfully passed the responsibility determination process. Education (15 Points): A Bachelor's degree, preferably in the field of public relations, journalism, international development/relations, English, marketing, communications or related field, is required. Work Experience (30 Points): The incumbent must have a minimum of five years of demonstrated successful experience in public relations, journalism, or related field. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. The incumbent must demonstrate a minimum of two years of supervisory experience and must be able to collaborate with, mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners. Strong preference will be given to candidates familiar with Pakistan. Experience in report writing, events planning, and execution, website design, and social networking media is strongly preferred. Previous work experience with an international development organization is strongly preferred. Knowledge (30 Points): The incumbent should have knowledge of messaging/marketing/social marketing. S/he must have the ability to create compelling messaging across a variety of media, including print, blogs, social media, video, and speeches. S/he must be capable of crafting strategic communication plans and information messages in various media formats, including print, blogs, social media, video, press releases, and speeches, targeting a variety of audiences. S/he must also have the ability to think creatively about other means to tell the USAID story and convey key messages through multi-faceted strategic communication campaigns. S/he must have experience knowledge and skill engaging with the private sector. S/he must have supervisory experience and the skill to manage competing high-profile priorities. Excellent leadership, coordination, and organizational skills within a multicultural work environment are required. Must have broad understanding of issues related to international development and be able to translate them to a general audience. Knowledge of local, regional and international press, and regional development issues, is desirable. Skills and Abilities (25 Points): Native level fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. Given the nature of the position, demonstrated effective written and oral communication is a requirement. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to lead and work in teams required. Familiarity with Urdu and other regional languages preferred. Excellent organizational, critical and strategic thinking skills required. Strong staff development and management skills preferred. Strong computer skills in the full range of MS software, including spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and graphics, is preferred. Experience with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, RSS feeds and other social media platforms strongly preferred. Applicants should provide at least two writing samples of communications products with their applications. The samples should include a writing sample of 750 to 1,000 words. They can be excerpts from longer articles or papers and do not have to be specifically written for this application. An additional sample could include social media posts, videos, infographics, or other graphic design products. The samples should demonstrate the applicant's ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. Co-written/co-designed samples will not be accepted - the applicant must be the sole author/designer. Total points = 100 Education 15 points Professional Experience 30 points Technical Knowledge 30 points Skills (includes writing samples) 25 points The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check. IV. APPLYING 1. Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit all the following documents and information in order to be considered for the position: a. Completed and signed form AID 302-3,"Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3. Only include base salary information in box 4 of sections B and C. Do not include bonuses, differentials, cost of living allowances, or other types of compensation. During negotiations, salary history may be verified through pay slips, earnings and leave statements, or other appropriate documentation. b. A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that demonstrates how the Offeror's qualifications meet the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation; c. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which, at a minimum, describes education, experience and career achievements relevant to the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation; d. Names of three professional references that have knowledge of the offeror's ability to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation, including current and accurate contact information. This information may be included in in cover letter, resume/CV, or in a separate document. Incomplete/un-signed offers will not be considered. 2. Offers containing all required documents must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to the email Point of Contact in Section I, item 12. 3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors should prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. V. PRE-AWARD DOCUMENTATION / LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms: 1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) 2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or 3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) 5. Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Visa application forms Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary Visas and Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Visas, Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the CO that all required Visas and clearances have been received, or unless another date is specified by the CO in writing, the selected offeror shall proceed to Islamabad, Pakistan to perform the services specified in section I, item 10. VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. 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 (g) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service per Post policy 2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable)*: (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Education Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Education Travel (Section 280) * Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) Islamabad currently has a 25% Post Differential allowance and 35% Danger Pay, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. U.S. Resident hire PSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances. Pakistan is a no-dependent post. VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms 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 AAPDs/CIBs specifically applicable to this position include: AAPD 16-03: Expanded Incentive Awards for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals AAPD 15-02 REVISED - Continuation of Deviation from the ‘Leave and Holidays' clause, including Family and Medical Leave, for U.S. Personal Services Contractors AAPD 10-03 Amendment 1: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs AAPD 10-03: AIDAR, Appendix D: Implementing Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners of USPSCs AAPD 10-01: Personal Services Contracts -- Changes in USG Reimbursement Amounts for Health Insurance and Physical Examination Costs AAPD 06-10: PSC Medical Expense Payment Responsibility 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