Inactive 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8)

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72060524R00001 ISSUANCE DATE: February 12, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 11, 2024, 5:00 PM, Kinshasa Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) an... SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72060524R00001 ISSUANCE DATE: February 12, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 11, 2024, 5:00 PM, Kinshasa Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) and Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSC) – Private Sector Engagement Advisor, USAID/DRC. Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the 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. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attachment 1. GENERAL INFORMATION SOLICITATION NO.: 72060524R00001 ISSUANCE DATE: February 12, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 11, 2024 before and/or on 5:00 PM (Kinshasa local time) POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/DRC, Executive Office/Human Resources Unit, email at usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov POSITION TITLE: Private Sector Engagement Advisor MARKET VALUE: $99,908 – $129,878 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with possible regional and international travel. Due to the size of the country, location of project sites, and logistical challenges, field visits can take anywhere from three to seven days. Overseas USPSCs and TCNPSCs not subject to the local compensation plan may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be Two (2) years, estimated to start o/a August 2024 or earlier if required clearances are obtained. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise three (3) additional option periods for one (1) year for the dates estimated as follows: Base Period: o/a October 2024 - o/a October 2026 Option Period 1 o/a October 2026 - o/a October 2027 Option Period 2 o/a October 2027 - o/a October 2028 Option Period 3 o/a October 2028 - o/a October 2029 ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens (USNs) and Third Country Nationals (TCN). SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The final selected candidate must obtain both the appropriate security (HSPD-12/Facility Access authorization) and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. STATEMENT OF DUTIES BACKGROUND The Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) is a long-term, regional environment initiative started in 1995 with the objective to reduce the rate of forest degradation and loss of biodiversity through increased local, national, and regional natural resource management capacity in the Central Africa region. Phase I (1995-2002) was to coordinate work on identifying and establishing the conditions and practices required to reduce deforestation and loss of biological diversity in Central Africa. In its first phase, CARPE's partners focused on increasing the knowledge of Central African forests and biodiversity and building institutional and human resources capacity. In Phase II CARPE implemented sustainable natural resources management practices in 12 landscapes in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo (ROC), Gabon, Cameroon and Central African Republic (CAR) to conserve biodiversity, forest management, mitigate climate change effects through support to the Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) strategies and action plans, implementation of Low Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS) and improve overall environmental governance in the region, and strengthen natural resources monitoring capacity. CARPE III, implemented from 2013-2020, led Central Africa’s transition to climate-resilient, low emissions development accelerated through sustainable management of bio-diverse forests, with an overall objective of maintaining the ecological integrity of the humid forest ecosystem of the Congo Basin. CAPE III was comprised of four intermediate results (IRs) that supported this objective: (1) Targeted forest landscapes sustainably managed; 2) Threats to biodiversity in targeted forest landscapes mitigated; (3) Policy and regulatory environments supporting sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation established; and (4) Capacity to monitor forest resources, greenhouse gas emission and biodiversity strengthened. Now in its most recent phase, the activities pursued through CARPE IV support a common Vision: A Congo Basin with healthy ecosystems and dynamic local leadership that supports stability and prosperity in communities, through a people-centered approach. The CARPE IV program posits that this vision can be realized when the four key themes of inclusive markets, law enforcement, civil society, and land use management work together to support a vibrant and resilient environment. During 2016 and early 2017, the CARPE office and partners contributed to an external evaluation of the CARPE RDCS (Regional Development Cooperative Strategy) to assess areas of strength, weakness and to build consensus for areas of improvement. The findings of this evaluation and subsequent discussions and decisions within the Mission have led CARPE to place increased emphasis on private sector engagement, natural resource value chains and market linkages across the Program. CARPE has re-oriented its work and activities to align with this vast area of untapped potential on private sector engagement through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in protected areas and others. This position will require the incumbent to identify gaps in our knowledge around certain sectors or value-chains as well as models that can be applied to align those sectors with the CARPE Program goals. The employee will lead on these items and guide the CARPE team to update program approaches across all activities in the $150 million Program. General Statement of Purpose of Contract The incumbent of this position has a range of complex analytical, management, and program monitoring responsibilities within CARPE. The position is based in Kinshasa, DRC but is responsible for monitoring CARPE programs in three Central African countries. He/she serves as an expert on private sector engagement approaches in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and provides both advice and management on related issues in the CARPE team. The contract is for an initial two-year period with the possibility for an additional three years with satisfactory performance, a continuing need for the position and availability of funds. Statement of Duties to be Performed Programmatic (40%) Assist the CARPE Office Director to refine and apply private sector approaches: Collaborate with the CARPE Office Director and team members to articulate and refine the opportunities for working with private sector solutions in the context of the CARPE Program. Serve as CARPE’s senior policy, strategy and technical expert on private sector engagement, natural resources related value chains, market linkages, and investment issues. Identify opportunities for private sector to align with CARPE by making relevant contacts outside the U.S. Government, analyzing, and presenting options and guiding partnership opportunities to conclusion. Convince internal and external stakeholders of the benefits of private sector partnerships as well as defining and leading the practical steps needed to formalize specific partnerships. Advise the CARPE Director and CARPE Team members and the DRC Mission regarding economic governance and economic growth-related issues affecting natural resource related value chains, from the small scale to commercial scale. Critically analyze relevant value chains and identify strategic areas for USAID engagement to achieve biodiversity and forestry related outcomes through strategic partnerships. Technical (40%) Activity management and representation with stakeholders and partners: Manage activities and act as the Contract/Agreement Officer Technical Representative (COR/AOR) for at least two CARPE Activities with an annual budget of approximately $5.0 million. Through a wide range of contacts, identify natural resources policy, legislative and implementation issues constraining the expansion of private sector approaches to natural resource management in several Central Africa countries and help shape appropriate responses to bring about reforms. Conduct research, refine strategies, establish counterparts, and articulate feasible private sector solutions. Assess technical content of work plans, grant applications, proposals, and a variety of program documentation. Participate on technical evaluation committees as appropriate. Conduct monitoring missions throughout the CARPE participating countries. Establish and maintain technical relationships with USAID staff, Embassy officials, senior host government officials, international donors, the private sector (DRC, ROC, CAR, U.S., international), industry associations, partners, and grantees. Define and shape CARPE monitoring and evaluation data collection and analysis related to the impact of private sector approaches. Administrative (20%): Conduct pipeline and other financial analysis of CARPE grant recipients, including local NGO small grant recipients. Prepare independent government budget estimates for USAID grant programs. Serve as the Mission point of contact with senior host Government officials for various projects and activities. Supervisory Relationship The Private Sector Advisor works directly under the supervision of the CARPE Office Director. The incumbent is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in executing all duties responsibilities, and work with minimal direct supervision. Supervisory Controls The Private Sector Advisor will be a direct supervisor of one CCN CARPE staff member. The incumbent assists the Office Director in providing management assistance and supervision oversight in the implementation of the entire CARPE program and all its activities. “If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least 10 hours/week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable”. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION The education, experience and language factors below determine basic eligibility qualifications for the position. Applicants who do not meet all the education and work experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. Education: A graduate degree equivalent to a U.S. Master of Sciences (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) in environmental sectors such as science, natural resource management, and agricultural science, forestry, or private sector subjects such as economics, business, finance or other technical field closely related to private sector engagement with natural resource management is required. Prior Work Experience: The candidate must have a minimum of eight (8) years prior experience in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, forestry/agro forestry, and sustainable agriculture, preferably in Central Africa. Within those eight (8) years, the applicant must have a minimum six (6) years professional experience working on private sector engagement issues and managing related activities. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) Applicants who meet the Education, Work Experience and Language requirements will be further evaluated based on the three (3) Quality Ranking Factors listed below. The applicant will address each factor on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education they have that is relevant to each factor. Please provide a word count after each response. EXPERIENCE (50 points): Demonstrated successful experience in the management of donor programs. Clearly demonstrated successful experience addressing the reform of environmental and natural resources policy. At least six years of professional experience working on private sector engagement issues, and managing these activities. A professional record of addressing private sector strategies through technical and policy approaches related to sustainable forest management and biodiversity in Africa, and preferably in Central Africa. Demonstrated professional success in addressing the technical and policy elements of natural resources and conservation issues being targeted by the USAID/CARPE program in Central Africa. Experience with USAID management systems, and familiarity with USG/USAID acquisition and assistance regulations, preferably through direct management of similar USAID projects and experience as a COR/AOR--with the demonstrated capability to manage programs for results and implement policies and procedures in accordance with established regulations is highly preferred. TEAM WORK AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS (30 points): Must be able to demonstrate the ability to work effectively with the private sector, a broad range of USG personnel and partners and have demonstrated skills in donor coordination and collaboration. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program, and administrative matters is required. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical information related to private sector partnerships, functioning of markets, and value chains of relevance to conservation of biodiversity and tropical forests to a wide range of audiences to achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters. LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION, AND COMPUTER SKILLS (20 points): Demonstrated strong English writing and speaking skills are necessary. Competency in English language is required. Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet applications are required. Demonstrated French language skills are required. Demonstrated computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook, Access, GIS and other statistical and other relevant software) are required for effectively operating in this position. Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks-Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 SELECTION PROCESS: After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be evaluated and scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates may be requested to complete a writing test and be interviewed either in person, by telephone or videoconference at USAID’s discretion. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered for selection. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. The security clearance and medical clearance are required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks at the conclusion of evaluations. “USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers”. IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. Letter of application/cover letter. Current resume/CV. Supplemental document specifically addressing the three QRFs (Prior Work Experience, Skills & Abilities and Knowledge). List of minimum three (3) professional references with contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses). The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Application must be submitted ONLY via usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –: 72060524R00001 Private Sector Engagement Advisor Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date.