SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA23R00056
ISSUANCE DATE: August 28, 2023
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: July 10, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)
Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government (USG), 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 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 Attachment 1.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720BHA23R00056
2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 28, 2023
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 10, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
This solicitation is open and continuous until July 10, 2024. The following are the closing dates for each review period:
October 12, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
January 10, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
April 10, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
July 10, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
Offerors not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for positions available in subsequent review periods. A review period may be canceled at the Contracting Officer’s discretion.
4. POINT OF CONTACT: OA, ALAC, and MENAE Recruitment Team, [email protected]
5. POSITION TITLE: Humanitarian Assistance Officer (Multiple Positions)
6. MARKET VALUE: Depending on the qualifications of the offeror, this position can be filled at either the GS-9 ($64,957 - 84,441), GS-11 ($78,592 - 102,166), GS-12 ($94,199 - $122,459) or GS-13 ($112,015 - $145,617) equivalent level, including Washington, D.C. locality pay.
Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.
Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-9 will be considered for the GS-9 level positions. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-11 will be considered for the GS-11 level only. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-12 will be considered for the GS-12 level only. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-13 will be considered for the GS-13 level only.
Candidates selected at the GS-9 may have an opportunity for advancement to the GS-11 equivalent after at least two years at the GS-9 level, if the individual receives a recommendation from the supervisor for advancement along with an Exceeds Fully Successful performance evaluation. Advancement to the GS-11 level is not guaranteed. Candidates selected at the GS-11 may have an opportunity for advancement to the GS-12 equivalent after at least two years at the GS-11 level, if the individual receives a recommendation from the supervisor for advancement along with an Exceeds Fully Successful performance evaluation. Advancement to the GS-12 level is not guaranteed. Candidates selected at the GS-12 may have an opportunity for advancement to the GS-13 equivalent after at least two years at the GS-12 level, if the individual receives a recommendation from the supervisor for advancement along with an Exceeds Fully Successful performance evaluation. Advancement to the GS-13 level is not guaranteed.
Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.; Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions.
8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, tentatively 145 day estimated start date from closing.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens Only
BHA’s DIVERSITY PHILOSOPHY
Your Uniqueness is Welcome Here!
It takes talented people with unique experiences to provide the best humanitarian aid possible. We are committed to having a workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. We strive to create an inclusive workplace, where everyone brings their authentic selves to work. We invite you to join us in providing humanitarian assistance to save lives and alleviate the suffering around the world.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES
GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) works to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the impact of disasters by helping people in need become more self-reliant. BHA is responsible for planning, coordinating, developing, achieving, monitoring, and evaluating international humanitarian assistance falling into two conceptual areas: 1) Humanitarian Response during emergencies and 2) Early Recovery, Risk Reduction, and Resilience activities to address longer-term recovery after emergencies. You can learn more about BHA on our website.
The Humanitarian Assistance Officer (HAO) supports the work of BHA and works closely with program, technical, and policy units in BHA/Washington and overseas to plan, implement, oversee, and analyze BHA humanitarian programs. As an HAO, you will be based in Washington, D.C. and may occasionally travel to other assigned regions.
This position is located within one of BHA’s three geographical offices: the Office of Africa (OA), the Office of Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean (ALAC), or the Office of the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe (MENAE). Each Office manages the programming done in those regions of the world. You will be placed on a regional team based on experience and BHA needs.
The Offices respond to humanitarian needs, build resilience, mitigate disasters, and help communities transition from crisis through grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts with non-governmental organizations (NGOs); international organizations including United Nations (UN) agencies; and other partners.
STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED
At the GS-9 equivalent level
Contextual Knowledge and Learning
Manage and administer emergency and/or early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience-related grants:
Award problem solving:
Coordinate portfolio activities:
Frequently used written and oral communication:
Financial management:
Attend required trainings:
Responsibility and decision-making:
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
At the GS-11 equivalent level (If the PSC is promoted during contract performance).
The GS-11 level includes all responsibilities in the GS-9 level (above), with the addition of:
Contextual Knowledge and Learning:
Manage and administer emergency and/or early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience-related grants:
Award problem solving:
Coordinate portfolio activities:
Frequently use written and oral communication:
Financial management:
Responsibility and decision-making:
At the GS-12 equivalent level (If the PSC is promoted during contract performance).
The GS-12 level includes everything in the GS-11 level (above), with the addition of:
Contextual Knowledge and Learning
Manage and administer emergency and/or early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience-related grants and/or contracts:
Coordinate portfolio activities:
Frequently use written and oral communication:
Financial management:
Responsibility and decision-making:
At the GS-13 equivalent level (If the PSC is promoted during contract performance).
The GS-13 level includes everything in the GS-12 level (above), with the addition of:
Contextual Knowledge and Learning
Manage and administer emergency and/or early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience-related grants and/or contracts:
Coordinate portfolio activities:
Frequently use written and oral communication:
Financial management:
Responsibility and decision-making:
In times of emergency humanitarian assistance, the PSC will serve on temporary details within the bureau. Duties performed while on detail will correspond to the level and market value for the position and the work specified to be performed in the Statement of Duties.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The USPSC will take direction from and will report to the Team Lead or Deputy Team Lead or their designee.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
GS-11 equivalent and below:
The supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available, and works with the USPSC to develop deadlines, work to be done and methodology; the USPSC is responsible for carrying out assignments, consulting with the supervisor on policy interpretations, work is evaluated for technical soundness and effectiveness in meeting work objectives.
GS-12 equivalent:
The supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available and works with the USPSC to develop deadlines, work to be done; the USPSC is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, coordinating with others and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. May also determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used, keeping supervisor informed of progress.
GS-13 equivalent:
The supervisor sets overall objectives. USPSC and supervisor together develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done. The USPSC independently plans, designs, and carries out project, studies, and programs. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements, or expected results. Technical problems are generally resolved without reference to supervisors.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requested is primarily sedentary and does not involve undue physical demands. Work is primarily performed in an office setting.
During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
At the GS-9 level:
At the GS-11 level:
At the GS-12 level:
At the GS-13 level:
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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.
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.
SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM
The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:
Education and General Experience
Required years of general experience and education
Pass or Fail
Specialized Experience
Experience in required specialized skills, industry knowledge to complete the duties/tasks
30 points
Offeror Interview
Validation of required skills and knowledge for suitability for the position.
50 points
Professional Reference Checks
Written confirmation of current or previous professional colleagues or supervisor.
20 points
Total Possible Points: 100
Offerors are required to complete the Specialized Experience Requirement Verification form in order to be considered. Please download, complete, and submit the application package.
SCORING OF OFFERORS
Specialized Experience: (30 points)
Interview Performance: (50 points)
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: (20 points)
Total Possible Points: 100
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.
Offerors are required to address each factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Offeror Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. BHA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection.
Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. BHA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies become available during the future phase of the selection process.
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.
(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
(c) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification.
(d) U.S. Citizenship
(e) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (SAM.gov, BHA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).
Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for which you are applying. This information must be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.
Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.
By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.
To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your offer, and as the subject line in any email.
NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret is required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. If Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.
NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained; the offer may be rescinded.
NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION: This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.
