Project Development Specialist

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72065622R00004ISSUANCE DATE: 04/13/2022CLOSING DATE/TIME: 04/27/2022 – 5:30PM Maputo TimeSUBJECT:     Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) –                        Project Development SpecialistDear 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, 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.Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment.Sincerely,Thomas G. BayerSupervisory

Executive Officer/Contracting OfficerATTACHMENT 1GENERAL INFORMATIONSOLICITATION NO.: 72065622R00004ISSUANCE DATE: 04/13/2022CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 04/27/2022 - 5:30PM Maputo TimePOINT OF CONTACT: USAID HR, email at mzrecruiter1@usaid.gov  POSITION TITLE: Project Development SpecialistMARKET VALUE: $95,973.00 - $124,764.00 equivalent to GS-14Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.7.  PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be one (1) year, estimated to start o/a May 2022.  Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:Base Period:o/a 05/2022-05/2023Option Period 1:o/a 05/2023-05/20258. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Maputo, Mozambique with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens.10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USG Facility Access Clearance.11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:BACKGROUNDThe United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a leading development partner in Mozambique.  USAID manages a comprehensive humanitarian and development assistance program totaling over $350 million in FY 2021, covering the health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, environment, humanitarian assistance, and democracy and governance sectors.  The Mission has a total portfolio value of $1.8 billion with more than 100 active grants and contracts.USAID supports Mozambique's continued development by strengthening health and education service delivery and supporting reforms to stimulate broad private investment that benefits all Mozambicans.  The Mission maintains a proactive approach to co-creation with new, local organizations and, through G2G awards, provincial governments. USAID implements PEPFAR and the President's Malaria Initiative, as well as programs to address COVID-19, combat tuberculosis, improve maternal and child health and nutrition, and support family planning and reproductive health--while strengthening the health system at national and provincial levels. USAID works to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene; increase smallholder farmers' incomes and agribusiness opportunities; and strengthen laws and policies that improve the business enabling environment. USAID collaborates with the Interagency to counter wildlife trafficking and protect the country's rich and biodiverse ecosystems. The Mission also supports free and fair elections, and improved transparency and accountability through media and civil society strengthening. Mission programs seek to strengthen resilience to violent extremism, while significant Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) resources support those displaced by it as well as those affected by cyclones, drought, and flooding.USAID/Mozambique’s Program Office (PRO) has a staff of 23 (including two provincial advisors based in priority provinces), who lead/support the Mission’s project and activity design; budget management; infrastructure programming; youth and gender integration; environmental compliance; private sector engagement; monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL); and communications. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITIONThe Project Development Specialist (PDS) reports directly to the Program Office (PRO) Chief or his/her designate and is a member of the PRO Leadership Team.  The incumbent coordinates and guides the project and activity design processes for the Mission, from concept to GLAAS submission.  In general, this includes up to 15 designs at any given time.  S/he ensures compliance with all relevant sections of ADS 201 (Program Cycle), the Mission Order on Activity Design, and other ADS chapters and Mission Orders as applicable.  The incumbent provides project and activity design guidance and tools to technical office design teams and, as needed, facilitates problem analysis, theory of change development, creation of results frameworks, design presentations to Mission leadership, and drafting of solicitation documents.  S/he works closely with PRO colleagues, technical offices, and the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) to ensure that design milestones are completed on schedule, in alignment with the Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), and in compliance with relevant Agency and Mission policies.  S/he works with PRO colleagues to ensure proper inclusion of gender, environment, youth, private sector, and MEL considerations into each design.  S/he reviews the program descriptions or statements of work for all solicitations issued using Program funds. This role, and PRO’s role more broadly, comprises elements of customer service, quality assurance/quality control, and compliance with regulations.  All three elements are critical to success.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESAs the PDS, the incumbent will:(i) Serve as an advisor to all project and activity design teams, providing them with clear guidance, tools, templates, and technical assistance as needed to carry out their design responsibilities.For all new project and activity designs, ensure that a design team is formed with appropriate representation of relevant Mission stakeholders, in accordance with the Activity Design Mission Order.Once a design team is formed, ensure that its members understand key requirements of ADS 201 and the Activity Design Mission Order, including mandatory analyses and design milestones.As needed, assist design teams in creating a realistic design plan and timeline.Ensure that appropriate PRO colleagues are included as members of core or expanded design teams; assist PRO colleagues as needed to provide adequate support to design teams.Guide design teams in considering and implementing non-traditional designs and procurement types, including co-creation, as outlined in USAID’s Acquisition and Assistance Strategy.Conduct periodic check-ins with design teams to ensure that designs are progressing appropriately and to prepare them for milestone reviews.Facilitate design teams’ mid-course check-in presentations to the Front Office and Mission colleagues.Ensure that design teams understand pre-obligation/pre-GLAAS requirements.  Where needed, develop and/or provide them with templates and examples.(ii) Ensure the quality of project and activity designs, serving as an expert advisor on problem analysis, theory of change, results frameworks, and other key design components.As requested by the PRO Chief, serve as a member or leader of prioritized project or activity design teams.As needed, facilitate and/or support design teams in identifying and/or conducting needed research and consultations.Facilitate, guide, and/or support design teams in conducting problem analyses and developing theories of change, results frameworks, logical frameworks, or other analytical products to underpin design work.As needed, assist or support design teams in drafting and/or reviewing key sections of solicitations.Review key sections of all project and activity designs (particularly the Statement of Work, Statement of Objectives, and/or Program Description) and ensure that they meet ADS 201, ADS 205, and the Activity Design Mission Order requirements and are aligned with the Mission’s CDCS in terms of objectives, approaches, geographic focus, and prioritization of gender and youth.Strengthen the project/activity design capacity of Mission staff—particularly in PRO—through one-on-one teaching/coaching and group learning sessions.(iii) Serve as Mission-wide coordinator for the design-to-procurement process.Maintain a Mission design-to-procurement tracker, working closely with technical offices, OAA, and design teams to map out and track design milestones and timelines.Facilitate monthly procurement planning meetings with technical offices, OAA, and the Front Office.Provide PRO and Mission Leadership with regular updates and recommendations on project and activity design planning and progress.On an ongoing basis, implement and/or recommend improvements to the Mission’s project and activity design process, tracker, tools, and/or templates, with the aim of continually improving efficiency and design quality.Serve as the Mission’s liaison with USAID’s Africa Bureau to facilitate approval of any pre-award requirements that require Washington approval.POSITION ELEMENTS:Degree of Responsibility for Decision-Making: The PDS defines his/her own work plan to accomplish specific agreed-upon objectives and is expected to work with a high degree of independence, professionalism, judgment, responsibility and resourcefulness. His/her conclusions and recommendations carry significant weight across the Mission.  Level of Complexity for Work Assignments: The PDS work assignments can be complex. The position requires original and unique thought to develop, oversee, and streamline Mission design processes, while meeting the diverse needs of multiple technical and support offices.Supervisory Controls:  The work will be performed under the general direction of the PRO Chief or his/her designate.  Substantial interaction and/or direction from the USAID Front Office is anticipated.Guidelines for Required Work/Reporting Requirements: Available guidelines establish a broad pattern of operations that require frequent need to exercise judgment and interpretation and provide an opportunity for initiative and innovation.  Relevant guidelines include the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), PEPFAR guidelines, Country Operational Plans, Mission Orders, and other directives.  Complexity of Work Environment: The Work Environment is complex. The Mission is led by a Front Office, and contains four technical offices: Health; Education; Democracy and Governance; and Agriculture, which engage in integrated programming around three complimentary development objectives. The Mission also has the following support offices: Program Office, Executive Office, Office of Financial Management; and Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The incumbent can expect to interact on a regular basis with most of these offices.Scope and Effect of Work Performed: The incumbent plays a critical role in ensuring that the Mission’s activities are designed in such a way to allow for excellent programming. Customer service, quality assurance/quality control, and compliance with regulations are elements that are critical to success in this position. The incumbent provides project and activity design guidance and tools to technical office design teams and, as needed, facilitates problem analysis, theory of change development, creation of results frameworks, design presentations to Mission leadership, and drafting of solicitation documents, resulting in strong Mission programming.Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will maintain contacts and work with USAID staff in Mozambique, including the Front Office and directors of all technical offices, OAA, and the Resident Legal Officer. S/he will have anticipated frequent interaction with USAID’s Africa Bureau, PPL, and relevant technical bureaus.  The incumbent will also advise and collaborate with a range of management and technical counterparts within the GRM (in the context of G2G designs), implementing partners, and other development partners.Supervision over Others: No supervisory role.12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.13. SUPPORT ITEMS: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies.14. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:  The incumbent should be prepared to travel up to one week on a quarterly basis.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITIONEDUCATIONA Master’s degree in international relations, international development, economics, public health, social sciences, environmental sciences, public policy, or other related field.PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE At least ten years of international development experience, designing, researching, implementing, managing and/or monitoring development programs.Direct international work experience with an international development organization and/or donor agency is required.  Demonstrated experience applying fundamental project/activity design principles, including problem analysis and theory of change/results framework development, to programs across at least two sectors in which USAID works.KNOWLEDGE A thorough knowledge of project and activity design requirements is required.  Knowledge of analytical frameworks, performance monitoring tools, and evaluation best practices used in international development is required.  Knowledge of  gender equality and female empowerment policies is required.SKILLS AND ABILITIESExceptionally strong interpersonal skills and abilities to work in a multi-cultural setting are required.  Knowledge of Mozambique is a plus. Demonstrated ability to facilitate multi-sectoral and multi-cultural task-oriented groups is required.  Ability to work effectively on her/his own, as a member of an office management team, is required.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google programs is required, as are excellent verbal and written communication skills.LANGUAGE PROFICIENCYMust be fluent in English (S-4/R-4) and must have basic working proficiency in a Romance language, preferably Portuguese.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.The following evaluation factors are established:Education                                10 pointsPrior Work Experience           40 pointsJob Knowledge                       20 pointsSkills and Abilities                  20 points    Language Proficiency             10 points          Maximum Points:                   100 PointsPer this scoring, prior work experience is the most important factor, followed by job knowledge, skills and abilities, language proficiency, and education.Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a short list of applicants will be developed for further consideration. USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate. After the closing date for receipt of applications, a selection committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria.  Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Applicants applying for the position will be evaluated initially on information presented in the application and reference checks. Successful applicants at this stage will be invited to move to the interview stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.  No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID reserves the right to contact references at any stage of the hiring process.Offerors are encouraged to provide a narrative for each selection criteria listed in this section. This information will be used for evaluating and scoring each criterion.The TEC will conduct interviews with all offerors in the competitive range and provide the final rating and ranking of the offerors based on professional references, academic credentials, and interview performance.SUBMITTING AN OFFEREligible 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 mzrecruiter1@usaid.gov.  Please note that attachments to e-mail applications in zip format cannot be received to this mailbox.  Please make sure that you do not send any attachments in zip format. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.Offerors are required to submit a signed and dated Cover letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV), specifically addressing the selection criteria stated above.Offerors must provide a minimum of three (3) references who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the offeror’s job knowledge and professional work experience. Offerors must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO.  If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.** See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARDThe CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following and any other required forms:1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)2. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)3. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCESAs 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 Leave2. 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(If Applicable):  As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:Post Differential (Section 500)Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220)Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)Education Allowance (Section 270)Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)Educational Travel (Section 280)3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Maputo in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children.TAXESUSPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCsUSAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: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/aidar.pdf.PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSESSubpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c)(a) Definition. As used in this clause -United States or its outlying areas means—(1) The fifty States;(2) The District of Columbia;(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees. (End of clause)Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, “Excluded State or Outlying Area”). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded State or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.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 ITEMSITEM NO (A)SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B)QUANTIT Y(C)UNIT (D)UNIT PRICE (E)AMOUNT (F)0001Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)Award Type: PSCProduct Service Code: R497Accounting Info:  -1LOT$ _TBD    $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_1001Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)Award Type: PSCProduct Service Code: R497Accounting Info: -1LOT$ _TBD    $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_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.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%20RegulationsPSC 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: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov. [END OF SOLICITATION]