SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062025R00001 ISSUANCE DATE: October 29, 2024 CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 28, 2024 SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC)/Third Country National Personal Services Contractor (TCNPSC) Senior Public Health Advisor. 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 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 underrepresented 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 costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an offer. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in this solicitation. Sincerely, ____________________________________ Michael Teske Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO: 72062025R00001 2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 29, 2024 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 28, 2024 – 16:30 hrs. Nigeria Time 4. POINT OF CONTACT: AbujaEXO-HR, E-mail:
[email protected] 5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Public Health Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE: $123,041 - $159,950 equivalent to GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and salary history. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. 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. 8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years period, estimated to start o/a February 2025. The base period will be two (2) years, estimated to start on/about February 2025. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three (3) years for the date(s) estimated as follows.” Base Period: o/a 02/2025 to 02/2027 Option Period 1: o/a 02/2027 to 02/2028 Option Period 2: o/a 02/2028 to 02/2029 Option Period 3: o/a 02/2029 to 02/2030 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) or Third Country Nationals. Hiring Preference: References ADS 309.3.1.4 and 309.3.1.11 (c). In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) offers will be evaluated first. Only when it is determined that there is no qualified U.S. Citizen (including lawful permanent U.S. residents) will offers from Third Country Nationals (TCN) be considered. 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSCs – Secret; TCNPSCs – Facility Access. 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES 1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract USAID/Nigeria’s Health, Population and Nutrition (HPN) Office is responsible for one of USAID’s largest and most complex bilateral assistance health programs, with an annual budget of US$150M. USAID/Nigeria Health, Population and Nutrition Office (HPNO) strives to improve the efficiencies of existing projects through communications, operations and measurement, evaluation, research and learning; guiding the portfolio as it expands to include emerging areas of interest, facilitating new designs, and embracing new agency and administration priorities. Internal to USAID, s/he provides overall direction and technical support to the overall Health office team in incorporating cross-cutting priorities such as inclusive development, localization, women and girls’ empowerment, etc. as well as other USG/Agency priority areas such as climate change and impact on health, pandemic response, private sector engagement, innovative financing and digital solutions for health. S/he will be involved in developing systems, methodologies and instruments and strategies necessary to ensure proper funding, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, resolution, learning and diffuse results. External to USAID, and in close coordination with high- and mid-level officials of the Government of Nigeria (GON), international organizations, donors and other stakeholders, s/he contributes to the development of instruments, documents and other products that contribute to the collective effort of improving the health of the most vulnerable populations. The Senior Public Health Advisor serves as an advisor to the HPN Office on policy, programs, and issues pertaining to health systems, localization and/or other health priorities in Nigeria. S/he will report directly to the Health Office Director or his/her designee. 2. Statement of Duties to be Performed A. Strategic Policy, Programmatic, and Partnerships Leadership: (60%) ● Facilitate HPN team's ability to bring high-visibility to health portfolio activities by ensuring development gaps, proposed solutions, results, innovations, and learnings are well articulated in briefers, presentations and other collateral for a variety of internal and external audiences such as ministries, development partners, and agency leadership. ● Lead design and strategic planning for time-bound ‘special’ projects which could include rapid learning assessments, secondary analysis of literature, establishing new alliances, joint learning networks etc. to further USAID health goals. ● Lead efforts to position USAID health investments in Nigeria with ability to influence countries across the region and beyond in areas such as TB, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. ● Support the HPN team to efficiently respond to taskers in a timely manner and support various HO technical teams in project implementation, thought leadership etc. ● Support HPNO participation through larger mission-level products such as the Country Development Cooperation Strategy, Localization Strategy, and others as needed. ● Interact with the Global Health Bureau and its technical offices, mission colleagues and with other counterparts, identifying needs, and staying abreast of and applying the latest advances, technologies, innovations, and best practices that support strategic policy activities to further HPNO programming in priority areas. ● Periodically meet with USG inter-agency colleagues, other development partners, senior public and private sector officials to explore and forge new partnerships that bring new resources in support of USAID/Nigeria’s health activities. B. Management, Oversight and Program Support: (40%) ● Provide support to the HPNO portfolio to strategize, plan and design new activities and procurements. ● Serve as Activity Manager for the Health office projects or discrete learning activities, overseeing and guiding all aspects of project implementation, ensuring optimal results, ensuring activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, and in accordance with all applicable Mission, Agency, and GOI norms, directives, and regulations. ● Work collaboratively and provides backstop support in project management activities of Health office colleagues, as necessary, and supports such activities as scopes of work, action memos, and other essential coordination and documentation. ● Develop a plan for linking all components of HPN communications, operations, and monitoring and evaluation and establish appropriate tools/systems/processes to be able to manage pipelines, track budgets and realistic expenditures, fund allocations, ensure appropriate MERL indicators are in place to monitor progress and report out on results/successes/lessons learnt to specific audiences. ● Enable HPN’s ability to enhance data ecosystems, results management, routine monitoring, evaluations and opportunities for exchange learning by providing tactical support to Program Performance Report, Portfolio Reviews, Performance Monitoring Plans, and periodic reports. ● Strengthen USAID’s state engagement through establishing robust systems of reviews/learning meetings at state level, providing support to the Implementing Partner staff to report out on USAID’s health work across the country, including with GON stakeholders and other development partners. C. Position Elements: Degree of responsibility : Serves as an authority and principal technical resource on public health policy and effective development for the Mission; provides analysis and recommendations to senior Mission management and staff regarding the formulation of Mission strategy for assistance in health systems and service delivery, and on the management and implementation of related activities in the Mission’s portfolio; identifies short and long-range achievable, sustainable strategies, and participates, as required, in the development of Mission results analysis, resource requests, and other strategic planning and reporting documentation. The Advisor engages in a broad range of high-level, integrated health activities, including the development of in-depth analyses of existing programs and potential opportunities. Guidelines for work : Guidelines include, but are not limited to, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); AID Acquisitions Regulations (AIDAR); AID Automated Directives System (ADS Series); Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs); Office of Procurement Acquisition Memorandum (OPAMS); US Department of State Standardized Regulations; Federal Travel Regulations; Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars and Controller General Decisions; USAID Mission Orders, Project Papers, Mission Strategy, and other documents available; and USAID policies and procedures, Technical Documents, and Policy Papers. Guidelines may sometimes require considerable interpretation. Complexity of the work environment: The work environment is complex, and a high degree of judgment is required to provide mentorship, guidance, and assistance to a wide variety of high-level professionals in USAID/Nigeria. The Senior Public Health Advisor will work independently and take initiative. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the Senior Public Health Advisor to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. S/he will be expected to resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; making independent judgments that can be defended as necessary in a complex and difficult program area with high political visibility. Scope and effect of the work: The Senior Public Health Advisor will facilitate the HPN team’s ability to improve efficiencies and expand and elevate the Health Portfolio including, but not limited to the stated major duties/responsibilities. The Advisor plays a pivotal role in achieving U.S. government-led initiatives by acting as the primary focal point for internal and external communications and coordination processes within HPN’s health systems strengthening portfolio. Level of contacts: The Senior Public Health Advisor will maintain contacts and work with staff at USAID/Nigeria and other USG agencies, development partners, institutional contractors, and consultants and other key stakeholders. Official contacts include the USAID Mission Director, senior US Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington staff, and other high-ranking USG representatives. GON contacts will include officials of Ministerial rank and high-level politicians in highly unstructured settings. Contacts will also include high-ranking officials of other donor countries and multilateral organizations, both within Nigeria and at international meetings, national or international firms, or the equivalent. Purpose of contacts: In this capacity the Advisor identifies and resolves program issues, ensures all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, and ensures that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. 3. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable): The selected candidate will be required to complete the one-week mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course prior to proceeding to USAID/Nigeria. FACT is a mandatory course for service in Nigeria. 4. Supervisory Relationship: The Senior Public Health Advisor will be supervised by the Health Office Director or designee. 5. Supervisory Controls: None. “If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.” 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. 13. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: In-country visits to field sites up to once a month will be expected, subject to security clearance. Occasional international travel, once or twice a year, for conferences or meetings may be required. 14. SUPPORT ITEMS: The USPSC will be provided with adequate support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION A. Education: A Masters in Public Health, Health Administration, Health Financing, Social Sciences, Medicine or in related fields is required. B. Professional Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in public health, public policy development, or in applied social sciences is required. Experience must have provided the opportunity for policy work, program direction and visioning, strategic planning and design, and/or program management. A significant portion of this work experience should have been in development work, or related fields, for donor agencies, GOI organizations, or private-sector institutions. C. Job Knowledge: The incumbent must have detailed knowledge about strategies, policies, objectives, development perspectives, research, innovations, best practices, and current trends in health systems, health development financing, monitoring and evaluation, donor coordination, global financing, reproductive health, malaria, maternal and child health, as well as program design, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation. D. Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have an ability to understand USAID's internal analysis and reporting requirements, particularly as they relate to activity design, management and evaluation requirements. Curious, self-motivated individual with excellent communications skills. S/he should have the following: • Demonstrated ability in performing at high levels, with minimal supervision and with initiative. • Excellent facilitation and communication skills, tact, and diplomacy to explain, interpret, negotiate, report on and otherwise establish sustainable working relations and trust with relevant level USAID and GON officials and other partners and stakeholders. • Ability to conceptualize, undertake analysis and understand complex programs and to be sensitive to USAID relationships with the GON, private organizations, donors and other stakeholders. • Excellent writing skills to develop projects, prepare reports, technical papers, briefing papers and other Mission documents. • Expertise to analyze and interpret policies, assist in policy revision and programming, develop strategies and programs, and develop and execute work plans. • Coordinating and organizational skills for application within multicultural work environments. • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, to work under pressure and produce results, and to work effectively in a collaborative team environment. • Capacity to manage a variety of awards and relationships, identifying and resolving program issues, and ensuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner. • Mastery of, or ability to use, diverse computer software to produce on-line and print communications materials, including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and a photo editor and graphic illustrator along with some understanding of a web content management application. E. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluency reading, speaking, and writing) in English Language. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. Offerors that meet the minimum requirements, as outlined in this solicitation, will be evaluated, and ranked based on the following adjectival evaluation criteria and characteristics: EVALUATION CRITERIA / ADJECTIVE DEFINITION Exceptional • A comprehensive and thorough application of exceptional merit. • Offeror meets and fully exceeds the Government expectations and presents a very low risk or no overall degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance. • Strengths significantly outweigh any weaknesses that may exist. Very Good • An offeror demonstrating a strong grasp of the requirements of the position. • Offeror meets position requirements and presents a low risk of unsuccessful contract performance. • Strengths significantly outweigh any weaknesses that exist. Satisfactory • An offeror demonstrating a reasonably sound application and a good grasp of the position requirements. • Offeror meets position requirements and presents a moderate risk of unsuccessful contract performance. • Strengths outweigh weaknesses. Marginal • The offeror shows a limited understanding of the requirements. • Offeror meets some or most of the position requirements but presents a significant risk of unsuccessful contract performance. • Weaknesses equal or outweigh any strengths that exist. Unsatisfactory • The offeror does not meet the position requirements. • Presents an unacceptable degree of risk of unsuccessful contract performance. • Deficiencies and significant weaknesses demonstrate a lack of understanding of the Government’s needs. • Weaknesses and or deficiencies significantly outweigh any strengths that exist. The Technical Evaluation Committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. Finalists will be invited for interviews during the selection process. No response will be sent to unsuccessful offerors. USAID/Nigeria reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked offerors and make the interview a deciding factor in selection. “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 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. 2. USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy at ADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct. By acceptance of the contract, the contractor acknowledges having read, and agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures. SELF CERTIFICATION Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award. • For the Apparently Successful Offeror: o If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor (RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror. o Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law. USE OF THE AGENCY’S MISCONDUCT PORTAL AND INQUIRIES MADE TO PREVIOUS COs FOR APPARENTLY SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR The Office of Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) operates USAID’s Misconduct Reporting Portal. Prior to award, the CO will email ELR at
[email protected] to identify whether Agency records include any prior disciplinary action related to sexual misconduct taken against the apparently successful offeror. If the apparently successful offeror has previously held a Personal Services Contract at USAID, the CO will attempt to contact the previous administrating CO to inquire about previous disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct against the apparently successful offeror. NEW ENTRANT ORIENTATION (NEO) For PSCs onboarded in Washington, the contractor must complete the information session on USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as part of NEO. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the contractor has completed NEO and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. For PSCs onboarded overseas, including CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, the PSC must complete an online module related to USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as administered by their cognizant CO as part of their onboarding process. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the PSC has completed the online module and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. 3. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Attachment 1. 4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. 5. A signed cover letter of no more than three (3) pages that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the evaluation factors of the position. 6. A Curriculum Vitae/Resume which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements. Electronic copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the CV/Resume. 7. Names, current and accurate phone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) professional references that have knowledge of the Offeror’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. USAID reserves the right to contact all references. 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/ 1. DS-1843 Medical History and Examination - for individuals aged 12 and older. 2. DS-1622 Medical History and Examination - for children aged 11 and younger. 3. DS-3057 Medical Clearance Update (MCU). 4. SF-85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions 5. OF-306, Declaration of Federal Employment. 6. SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions. 7. SF-87, Fingerprint Card. 8. AID 6-85, Foreign Activity Data *Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant 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 (as applicable): (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (depending on a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Leave and Holidays 2. ALLOWANCES (as applicable): 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 Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) (b) Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210) (c) Post Allowance (Section 220) (d) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (e) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) (f) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (g) Education Travel (Section 280) VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are required to pay income taxes of his/her country of origin. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs. USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions, and Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below: LINE ITEMS ITEM NO (A) SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) QUANTITY (C) UNIT (D) UNIT PRICE (E) AMOUNT (F) 0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: TBD 2 LOT $_ TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 1001 Option 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: TBD 1 LOT $_ TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 2001 Option 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: TBD 1 LOT $_ TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 3001 Option 3 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: TBD 1 LOT $_ TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 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/resources_standards-of-conduct. 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/work usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via:
[email protected]. 6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference 52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION JUN 2023 USAID is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We encourage all eligible applicants of any of the above-mentioned groups to apply. [END OF SOLICITATION]