USPSC Senior Tuberculosis Technical Advisor

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72065623R00003 ISSUANCE DATE: March 24, 2023 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 24 2023, 17:30 Maputo Time, Mozambique SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Tuberculosis Technical 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 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. Bayer Supervisory Executive Officer/Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72065623R00003 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 24, 2023 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 24, 2023, 17:30 Maputo Time, Mozambique 4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID HR, email at [email protected] 5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Tuberculosis Technical Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE: $99,908.00 - $129,878.00 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be 2 years, estimated to start o/a August 2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows: Base Period: o/a 08/2023-08/2025 Option Period 1: o/a 08/2025-08/2026 Option Period 2: o/a 08/2026-08/2027 Option Period 3: o/a 08/2027-08/2028 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Maputo, Mozambique, 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. 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USG Secret Clearance 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM AND ROLE OF THE POSITION: The 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 $550 million in FY 2022 covering health, education, agriculture, economic growth, humanitarian assistance, and democracy and governance sectors. Health is USAID’s largest and most expansive portfolio (over $300 million per year), which aims to improve health outcomes in country through support of the Government of Mozambique’s (GRM) Health Sector Strategic Plan. The plan seeks to improve access to and utilization of quality health services through a strengthened national health system. USAID is part of a unified and effective interagency team—including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Departments of State (DOS) and Defense (DOD), and Peace Corps—which aims to fulfill two overarching health goals in Mozambique: to control the HIV epidemic and prevent child and maternal deaths. To accomplish these goals, USAID’s Integrated Health Office (IHO) plans, implements, and monitors activities that include: HIV, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), family planning, maternal and child health, nutrition, and water/sanitation/hygiene. IHO, with a total of 69 staff, is comprised of four divisions whose activities are oriented around: HIV and infectious disease; preventing child and maternal deaths; strengthening health systems and commodities security; and providing efficient and effective operations within the office. For TB, USAID is the lead implementer of global TB programs for the US Government, utilizing the Global TB Accelerator to build capacity of National TB Programs and local partners to reduce morbidity and mortality due to TB in line with WHO’s END TB strategy and to achieve the ambitious case detection and treatment targets of the High Level Meeting, held in September 2018. The Global TB Accelerator represents a major shift in USAID’s business model for TB programming, with an emphasis on working directly with host governments and local partners to build capacity for an effective TB response. The components include direct technical assistance to NTPs through hiring and seconding senior technical advisers, awards to local organizations to support effective programming at all levels of the health system, G2G agreements and other activities articulated in county specific partnership statements and an annual TB Roadmap process to support planning and monitoring of activities. For neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), the U.S. Congress demonstrated support for the control and elimination of NTDs through a $15 million earmark, implemented by USAID. In Mozambique, USAID supports an integrated mass treatment delivery approach targeting communities affected by trachoma, using drugs that have been proven safe and effective and can be delivered by trained non-health personnel. USAID/ Mozambique’s implementing partner provides support to the national NTD program for mass drug administration implementation, drug forecasting, and supply chain management. For USAID’s Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), the agency aims to prevent avoidable epidemics, detect threats early, and respond rapidly and effectively to disease outbreaks. Mozambique was selected by the National Security Council as an “Intensive Support Country” in FY 2022. Based on the findings of the 2016 Joint External Evaluation report, Mozambique’s experience with the coronavirus response, and a rapid inventory of activities being implemented or planned by WHO and CDC, USAID/Mozambique has identified the GHSA Action Packages with the highest need for support and greatest opportunity to advance capacity in Mozambique. These include improved antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stewardship, a strengthened emergency supply chain system, and a capacitated sub-national laboratory system to detect priority diseases. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The Senior Tuberculosis (TB) Technical Advisor will provide strategy guidance and technical direction on all aspects of TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This includes, but is not limited to, diagnostic network strengthening, introduction of innovations such as shorter treatment regimens to support improved outcomes, community-based programming to expand reach of TB services such as contact investigation and TB preventive therapy (TPT), support for improved data systems needed to inform a robust response to the TB epidemic in Mozambique, and engagement with supply chain stakeholders at USAID and within the Ministry of Health. The incumbent also provides strategy and technical support to the TB portfolio that are funded by a combination of PEPFAR and non-PEPFAR resources, including key components of effective management of TB/HIV co-infection such as routine TB screening for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and TPT for all eligible PLHIV enrolled in care and treatment. The incumbent is expected to support and lead, as needed, on agency technical preparations related to TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment, including drug-resistant TB, pediatric TB, and TB among high-risk populations. This includes annual planning, implementation, analysis, and reporting while ensuring that monitoring and evaluation functions feed into continuous learning and application for the Infectious Disease Team, within the interagency, and with host country counterparts. The incumbent is also responsible for tracking progress on trachoma mass drug administration activities and liaising with the implementing partner and USAID/Washington to address any bottlenecks or challenges. The advisor will also support the GHSA portfolio, ensuring that implementing partners are advancing in accordance with their annual work plans, engaging with host government colleagues to ensure support of the One Health multisectoral collaborative, and providing timely and comprehensive feedback to USAID/Washington colleagues. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES a. Senior TB Technical Advisor Serve as USAID’s senior technical advisor to IHO on TB case detection and treatment. This includes working closely with national and expatriate staff to strengthen their ability to engage with the USG inter-agency team, headquarters colleagues, the GRM and National TB program, and TB implementing partners. S/he keeps current on new developments in clinical and community-based TB case detection and treatment strategies, TB diagnostic networks, care and support for drug sensitive and drug resistant TB, to advise and/or lead the Mission on technical priorities and implementation approaches. Lead the annual TB Roadmap process to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to TB programming in line with the technical guidance of the Global TB Accelerator. Facilitate routine monthly data analysis exercises among TB stakeholders, including the NTP, implementing partners, and USAID staff to more effectively identify positive and concerning trends, sharing lessons learned across stakeholders, and providing timely feedback to implementing partners to strengthen their ability to use data for timely course correction actions. Support PEPFAR planning and monitoring processes on all aspects of TB/HIV joint programming, including but not limited to, monthly data reviews, preparation of TB/HIV content for the annual COP process, and slide development for quarterly POART calls. Represent USAID/Mozambique at high-level meetings with government, USG agencies (Mozambique, HQ, and regional), implementing partners, donors, and international and local partners related to TB, TB/HIV, NTDs, and GHSA activities. Provide strategic guidance to the technical design, implementation and monitoring of TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment activities. Actively support quality project implementation, including but not limited to: monitoring and reporting on TB activities for USAID; semiannual reporting on the Global TB Accelerator; TB input for the PPR; and contributing to high quality portfolio analyses and presentations, and other key requirements, as directed by mission leadership and the Washington, DC based TB Team. Provide substantive technical contributions in technical working groups formed within USAID/Mozambique, the National TB Program, and among TB stakeholders and implementing partners. b. Program and Project Management Provide technical guidance and oversight to TB, NTD, and GHSA implementing partners. This includes careful review of annual work plans, quarterly reports, and progress towards targets. The incumbent may also participate in the planning, technical direction and analysis, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation stages. In close coordination with the Project Management Team, oversee implementation of new initiatives, including introduction of new diagnostic methods or technologies, alternative regimens for DR-TB treatment and TST, and finalization and scale up of DHIS2 TB reporting systems. Engage with supply chain team at USAID and Ministry of Health, as needed, to maintain up to date information on TB drug and supply issues. Identify and actively support opportunities for leveraging existing mechanisms for more strategic and cost-effective means for achieving results. Contribute to the development of activity budgets during annual planning processes in coordination with the IHO Operations Division and the AIDS-Free Generation (AFG) Division. Direct the preparation of analysis and documentation required under the USAID and Global TB Accelerator annual reporting process as well as ensure all reporting elements for GHSA and NTD activities are met. Provide detailed-oriented oversight over the TB budget, ensuring that funds are utilized according to USG policy/regulations, and that country programs are using TB resources effectively. Ensure a high degree of fiscal integrity in the program. c. Technical Leadership Serve as USAID/Mozambique’s senior technical advisor for TB prevention, case detection and treatment. This includes navigating sensitive discussions with GRM colleagues as well as dialoging with internal and external stakeholders to gain consensus on strategies for reaching the HLM targets. Develop and maintain ongoing support for TB activities to key GRM Ministerial counterparts, including non-Health ministries, to support multi-sectoral responses and inclusive country-led action plans. Provide technical guidance to USAID TB-, NTD-, and GHSA-funded implementing partners to ensure strict adherence to annual plan agreements. This includes regular and ad hoc meetings with partners as well as routine TB site visits to ensure implementation fidelity. d. Mentorship Mentor AFG and Infectious Disease Team colleagues on data use for assessing program performance, utilizing the Global TB Accelerator Performance-Based M&E Framework (PBMEF). Orient key USAID mission staff working on TB activities to the PBMEF and analysis of TB care cascades and analysis of core indicators. Coach AFG and Infectious Disease Team members on individually identified areas for improvement, ranging from data analysis to persuasive presentations and from project design to research and abstract writing. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervision Received: The work will be performed under the supervision of the Infectious Disease Team Leader. Substantial interaction and/or coordination from the Embassy/USAID Front Offices, the Health Office Chief, Deputy Health Office Chief, AIDS-Free Generation Division Chief, and the PEPFAR Coordination Office are anticipated. The incumbent 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 in the team. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will supervise one locally-employed Infectious Disease Specialist, who shares responsibilities for oversight of TB, NTD, and GHSA activities. Available Guidelines: Available guidelines establish a broad pattern of operations that requires frequent need to exercise judgment and interpretation and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation. Relevant guidelines include the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), Global TB Accelerator Roadmap Guidance, TB Technical Guidance issued by the USAID/Washington TB Division, USAID Global Health Security Technical Priorities, Country Operational Plans (for TB/HIV activities), Mission Orders, and other directives. Exercise of Judgment: A high degree of judgment will be required to provide guidance and assistance to a wide variety of high-level professionals in the USAID mission. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize and carry out specific activities to fulfill major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent 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. Authority to Make Commitments: As a personal services contractor, the incumbent cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and standing as a highly qualified professional in his/her field, great weight will be given to his/her conclusions and recommendations when commitments are made by those with the authority to do so. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will maintain contacts and work with USAID staff in Mozambique, with considerable interaction with USAID/Washington Office of Infectious Disease staff to provide policy and procedural guidance and to obtain information relative to programs and activities. The incumbent will also advise and collaborate with a wide range of senior management and technical counterparts within the GRM, implementing partners, and other development partners. Post Entry Training: The incumbent will complete applicable USAID, GH, Portuguese Language and/or other technical trainings as required to fulfill the duties of the position. Training to serve as an A/COR and to maintain professional capability in the field and other courses offered for professional USAID staff, as appropriate, and courses, seminars, conferences, and other activities in fields related to the functions and needed to maintain and update professional qualifications as they become available, subject to availability of funds. Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies. Travel Requirements: The Senior TB Technical Advisor will be required to travel throughout Mozambique. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. During occasional field visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking or driving over rough terrain II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION A. EDUCATION: A medical degree with clinical training in infectious disease and tuberculosis, or doctoral level degree in laboratory sciences or other health-related fields, and/or Master’s degree in international public health, social sciences, health care development or other applicable related field. B. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: At least seven (7) years of progressive professional experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring large scale public health programs. Experience related to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is required. Direct work experience with an international organization and/or donor agency, is also required as well as demonstrated experience working with high-level host country counterparts, in-country program managers, policy makers and a broad array of international health service providers and community leaders. C. JOB KNOWLEDGE: A thorough knowledge of the latest TB science and/or research related to both community- and facility-based TB case finding, diagnosis, treatment and dynamics of global and regional TB epidemiology as well as knowledge related to broader health systems issues. Strong practical knowledge of working with the private sector, contract management, and logistics demonstrated through relevant work experience. Must have technical expertise in infectious diseases with knowledge and understanding of laboratory diagnostic networks and familiarity with disease surveillance. D. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing. Basic working proficiency in a romance language, preferably Portuguese. Willingness and ability to quickly learn Portuguese is required. E. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Exceptionally strong interpersonal skills and abilities to work in a multi-cultural setting are required. Experience motivating and leading teams of professionals are required. Demonstrated ability to work across agencies, and with high level senior-ranking host country government officials, is required. Ability to work effectively on her/his own, as a member of an office management team, and as a mentor to junior staff, is required. Proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely in both speech and writing. Strong quantitative and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form. Strong skills in interpretation of targeted evaluation and operational research data and advanced numerical skills for data analysis are required. Strong computer (to include the ability to produce concise, clear reports, and utilize word processing, spreadsheet and database programs), verbal (to include the ability to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural context), and writing skills are also required. The incumbent must possess strong technical and management skills, complemented by outstanding cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills to be successful. 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. The following evaluation factors are established: Education: 05 points Prior Work Experience: 40 points Job Knowledge 25 points Skills and Abilities: 20 points Language Proficiency: 10 points Maximum Points: 100 points Per 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 offerors who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted offerors will be invited for an oral interview and may also be required to complete a written test as part of the interview process. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants. Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked offeror and will be utilized to supplement the selection committee’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked offeror. The Offeror's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate for relevant information concerning performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The selection committee 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. 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. 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 ([email protected] ) . 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. 3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. 4. Offerors are required to submit a signed and dated Cover letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV), specifically addressing how the offeror meets the selection criteria stated above. 5. Offerors must provide a minimum of three (3) references who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors to professional mentors or peers, 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. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. 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: 1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) 2. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 3. Fingerprint Card (FD-258) VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances. A. BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual and Sick Leave B. 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. Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) Post Allowance (Section 220) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education Allowance (Section 270) Education Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600). 3. Other Benefits (vary by hiring category): Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Maputo in accordance with the applicable 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. 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: 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 CLAUSES Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 52.223-99 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. 14042 USAID 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 ITEMS ITEM NO (A) SUPPLIES/SERVICES DESCRIPTION) (B) QUANTIT Y (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: R 497 Accounting Info: - 1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ 1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: PSC Product Service Code: R 497 Accounting Info: - 1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ 2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] Accounting Info: - 1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ 3001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] Accounting Info: - 1 LOT $ _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%20Regulations 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]. Contract for a USPSC hired under this solicitation will be in accordance with applicable AIDAR Appendix D contract clauses. [END OF SOLICITATION]