USPSC Senior Laboratory Supply Chain Systems Specialist

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72065622R00011-0001 ISSUANCE DATE: October 18, 2022 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 17, 2022, 17:30 Maputo Time, Mozambique SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Laboratory Supply Chain Systems Specialist 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.: 72065622R00011-0001 2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 18, 2022 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 17, 2022, 17:30 Maputo Time, Mozambique 4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID HR, email at [email protected] 5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Laboratory Supply Chain Systems Specialist 6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973.00 - $124,764.00 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 February 2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows: Base Period: o/a 02/2023-02/2025 Option Period 1: o/a 02/2025-02/2026 Option Period 2: o/a 02/2026-02/2027 Option Period 3: o/a 02/2027-02/2028 8. 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 Secret Clearance 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM AND ROLE OF THE POSITION: For HIV, USAID is a leading implementer of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in harmony with CDC, DOD, Peace Corps, and the PEPFAR Coordination Office. The goal of the United States Government (USG) for PEPFAR in Mozambique is to control the HIV epidemic via rapid adoption and application of evidence-based policies and interventions to drive progress and save lives, implemented through a partnership between the USG and the GRM that best supports host country leadership, ownership, and sustainability. PEPFAR achieves this goal by working with the Ministry of Health’s National HIV Program, the National AIDS Council (Conselho Nacional de Combate ao HIV e SIDA, or CNCS), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), UNAIDS, civil society, and the private sector to target high impact interventions for populations at greatest risk in areas of highest HIV burden. PEPFAR support is focused on providing direct service delivery, technical assistance, training, mentoring, and supportive supervision together with essential commodities and supply chain support to ensure the National HIV Program can test, treat, and suppress viral load for Mozambicans living with HIV and prevent new infections to effectively achieve an AIDS-Free generation by 2030. To reach national HIV treatment targets, PEPFAR will support the National HIV Program to test for HIV using modalities that have been most successful at finding HIV-positive people. PEPFAR also prioritizes voluntary medical male circumcision as a critical prevention measure to be rapidly scaled in targeted geographic settings. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living in 32 high burden districts in Mozambique will benefit from the concentrated support of the PEPFAR Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) Initiative to help protect them and their male partners from acquiring or spreading HIV. PEPFAR will also continue to support orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and to target services to vulnerable key and priority populations, recognizing that to support these populations means continuous advocacy for human rights and an end to gender-based violence (GBV). Supply chain, human resources, and strategic information are critical systems that PEPFAR continues to support, with laboratory strengthening woven throughout. The GRM has made a commitment to evidence-based policies essential to achieving epidemic control, including nationwide implementation of Test and Treat in 2018, differentiated service delivery approaches, and routine viral load testing. Simultaneously, PEPFAR is committed to intensive management of implementing partners, with improved onsite monitoring, more frequent analysis of program data, and in-depth regular engagements with partners to discuss implementation progress and facilitate sharing of best practices. Health commodity security and laboratory services are critical to achieving USAID’s health goals in Mozambique. With an annual laboratory commodity investment of approximately $35 million to support the entirety of Mozambique’s HIV viral load and early infant diagnostic testing, the achievement of HIV epidemic control in Mozambique depends on the commodities being available at labs with functioning laboratory instruments when and where needed. After the introduction of viral load testing services in Mozambique in 2014, Mozambique experienced a 26-fold increase in the number of HIV viral load laboratory tests between 2016 to 2019. Viral load testing is expected to continue to grow as more patients enroll in HIV treatment. Accomplishing ambitious and required PEPFAR viral load testing goals requires a strong laboratory supply chain network. However, commodities and instruments aren’t enough. Laboratory specimens must reach laboratories in a timely fashion and with maintained quality. As laboratory services continue to grow and funding levels are limited, it is increasingly important that specimen transport systems are efficient, effective, and designed to support chronic disease management. The laboratory supply chain systems that ensure commodity availability, functional instruments, and specimen transport are being further stressed with the continued expansion of the HIV molecular biology laboratory network, increased demand for testing, and introduction of new and different technologies. This continued growth requires planning and coordination to align clinical, infrastructure, laboratory technical, supply chain, and logistics stakeholders and activities. Key to USAID/Mozambique’s strategy for effective laboratory support systems are joint efforts with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) who have significant laboratory technical expertise, collaboration with the MoH, engagement with the private sector, and a commitment to laboratory network and supply chain optimization. The USAID/Mozambique Integrated Health Office (IHO) provides leadership and technical assistance to the Government of the Republic of Mozambique’s Ministry of Health (MoH) in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Family Planning, Tuberculosis (TB), and other Neglected Tropical Diseases, as well as significant support to strengthening host-country health systems and enhancing private sector engagement in health supply chain. Supply chain management, health commodity security, and infrastructure are key components of the IHO’s health systems strengthening (HSS) portfolio, with significant contributions in commodity procurement and technical assistance to the MoH to improve distribution, planning, supply chain, and stock management BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The Senior Laboratory Supply Chain Systems Specialist (Specialist) leads the agency’s planning, coordination, management, and implementation of laboratory supply chain services and initiatives and advises on all aspects of Lab Supply Logistics for the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Division to the broader Integrated Health Office, and the Mission as a whole, supporting IHO’s commodity security and laboratory services which are essential to achieving USAID’s health goals in Mozambique. Reporting to Supervisory Development Assistance Specialist, the Health System Strengthening and Commodities Security (HSS) Division Chief, and coordinating with Senior Health Commodities Advisor, the Specialist as a member of IHO’s HSS Division serves as a program manager and subject matter expert for laboratory services and laboratory supply chain serving all areas of health supported by the United States Government (USG) including HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal and child health, reproductive health, and tuberculosis. The Specialist’s primary responsibilities focus on laboratory network optimization and strategy, laboratory supply and coordination related to repairs, specimen transport, data analysis, and project management. The Specialist will lead USAID’s commodity portfolio as it relates to building, strengthening and ensuring a strong national laboratory network. The Specialist will also serve as IHO’s central focal point on COVID vaccines, coordinating vaccine supply chain, cold chain, transport, and storage. The Specialist will work very closely with USAID clinical colleagues, particularly in the AIDS Free Generation Division, and other USG agencies, including CDC. The Specialist will also work with MoH colleagues and USG implementing partners and actively participate in internal planning groups and MoH technical working groups. The Specialist will support laboratory commodities supply chain systems strengthening for HIV viral load and early infant diagnostic testing, to ensure commodities are available at labs and instruments are functioning, when and where needed. S/he will provide IHO and the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Team with expertise for Lab Supply Chain strategy development, management, leadership, and technical direction. The Specialist is responsible for ensuring that USG HIV lab supply activities are implemented in accordance with WHO, GRM, USAID, and PEPFAR guidelines. The Specialist will serve as A/COR and provide expert advice to strengthen the technical capacity of the HSS Team and USAID implementing partners in lab supply and management. S/he is expected to lead agency technical preparations and in-depth analysis for the Mission to plan, implement, monitor, track and coordinate lab supply chain activities and reporting and ensure monitoring and evaluation feeds into continuous learning. This includes a prominent role, along with key USG, Global Fund and MOH stakeholders in the development of the annual lab commodities and procurement planning. The Specialist will also represent USAID in direct engagements with implementing partners and identify areas for lab supply systems improvement and for scale-up of best practices. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES a. Laboratory Supply Chain System Strengthening, Network Optimization and Strategy Development 30% Provides technical expertise and leadership in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of laboratory strengthening and laboratory quality assurance and control activities. Leads USAID/Mozambique’s efforts to optimize the laboratory network and improve lab efficiency and management, coordinating with USAID clinical and interagency stakeholders in Mozambique and the United States, Conducts analyses of Mozambique’s laboratory capacity and supports and guides requisite data cleaning, documents results, recommends improvements to strengthen lab management, and implements recommendations Aligns, refines and updates programmatic optimization efforts with the needs of stakeholders from relevant technical areas, continuously incorporating state of art Laboratory Quality Improvement Program such as Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA), and a broader systems perspective approach. Utilizes optimization results to define, develop and manage USAID/Mozambique’s strategy for laboratory support services, including the laboratory supply chain, in close coordination with clinical and health systems colleagues. Coordinates and negotiates with other health partners and USG agencies, including the Global Fund and CDC, on technical aspects of USAID lab supply chain systems activities to ensure consolidated efforts across the Interagency PEPFAR Team. Determines the scope, gathers and leads gathering, manages, and utilizes available data to support the above work to track and improve performance and laboratory support services, and to guide decision-making about the distribution and/or re-distribution of laboratory instruments and equipment. Serves as an interagency focal point for laboratory support systems data, establish routine monitoring and evaluation for laboratory support services, and share results with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including the Government of Mozambique. Identifies additional data needs and guides spearheading efforts to establish them. Provides technical inputs, advice and guidance for GRM-led initiatives to improve the quality of lab supply chain systems in Mozambique, including the expansion of evidence based best practices in lab systems management. Advised IHO technical staff on specifics of lab supply chain projects/activities design, implementation and performance monitoring as it relates to USAID funded lab supply chain programming. Advises and guides USAID’s technical leads, implementing partners and technical working groups formed within PEPFAR Mozambique, GRM, the National HIV Program, and the Health Partners Group on all matters related to lab supply chain systems management to build capacity of GRM to manage this new outsourced system Supports USAID technical leads and liaise with USAID implementing partners on lab supply chain systems support, lab services challenges and reporting on status of lab performance. Ensures high-quality lab supply system interventions are successfully implemented in all USAID-funded geographic areas, maintaining up to date knowledge on global and regional lab supply chain systems. Serves as Mission lead in coordination within the interagency, CDC, USAID/W on all lab supply chain systems and equipment matters. Leads the preparation of analyses and documentation of lab supply chain systems, commodities and equipment as required for USAID and PEPFAR annual reporting process. b. Lab Supply Chain and Specimen & Equipment Transport Systems and Coordination 30% Leads USAID Mozambique’s support for laboratory specimen transport systems including the design and implementation management of the agency’s support. Coordinates with clinical colleagues, CDC, the interagency, Global Fund, Ministry of Health and implementing partners to contribute to financial planning and analysis, technical management, and provide strategic recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness of lab supply chain specimen transport systems. Advises on other health specimen lab transport systems across all health areas beyond HIV, analyses and based on analysis identifies opportunities to leverage existing systems for greater impact. Coordinates with clinical colleagues, CDC, implementing partners, and the procurement agent to ensure that laboratory reagents and consumables are available in the molecular biology laboratories in the right quantity, at the right time, and in good quality. Develops high-level tracking of molecular biology laboratory stock management capacity and needs to lead planning and financial forecasting for lab commodity supply. Tracks breakdowns of molecular biology instruments by monitoring key performance indicators and analyses the impact on laboratory services, recommends improvements and oversees initiatives to reduce breakdowns, and to increase maintenance of instruments by staff. Recommends and leads efforts to strengthen the lab commodity supply systems through incentive alignment to leverage the capacity, experience, and perspective of the private sector maximized engagement to ensure an effective and efficient supply chain of lab supplies and instruments. Coordinates with relevant MoH and donor colleagues to understand the footprint and status of other key laboratory networks such as GeneXpert, CD4, and other relevant systems. c. Program and Project Management 25% Serves as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR), Activity Manager, and/or Government Agreement Technical Representative (GATR) for the assigned instruments. Establishes appropriate monitoring and reporting systems; reviews, approves and monitors Implementing Partner annual work plans and budget to compliance and ensure achievement of results Conducts site visits to monitor activities and verify asset use; guides adherence to USAID and USG policies and procedures; reviews all written reports submitted by implementing partners and furnishes feedback; maintains program files; and other duties and responsibilities as outlined in USAID and relevant USG, PEPFAR and PMI rules, regulations, policies and other forms of appropriate guidance. Generates technical inputs for Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs) and leads in reporting to USAID/W IP lab performance, implementation bottlenecks and recommends solutions Advises USAID/Mozambique technical leads on HIV lab supply chain systems including planning, technical direction and analysis, monitoring, evaluation and reporting on PEPFAR funded lab activities. Actively contributes to the development of lab components activity budgets during annual planning processes, in coordination with the Supply Chain Team Lead and Operations Division Chief. d. COVID Vaccine technical advisor and coordinator 15% Serves as the IHO focal point to coordinate efforts on the COVID vaccine. Advises and coordinates with the supply chain team on cold chain, transport, storage, and government policy on the COVID vaccine. Produces weekly reports on the status of vaccination coverage in-country and the supply of COVID vaccines. Coordinates with other technical colleagues in IHO involved in the COVID vaccine effort and liaises with the MoH on policy, planning, logistics and implementation. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervision Received: The work will be performed under the general direction of the Supervisory Development Assistance Specialist, the Health System Strengthening and Commodities Security (HSS) Division Chief, with engagement across the Integrated Health Office (IHO) and general oversight by the IHO Office Director. Substantial interaction and/or direction from USAID/CDC Front Offices, the IHO Director, the HSS and AFG Division Chief, and the PEPFAR Coordinator’s Office are anticipated. The Senior Lab Supply Chain Systems Advisor defines his/her own work plan to accomplish specific upon agreed 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: No supervisory role anticipated. However, in the absence of the Senior Health Commodities Team Lead the incumbent may be asked to manage staff. Available Guidelines: Available guidelines include USG, PEPFAR, and PMI guidance, rules, and requirements; USAID Mission Orders, Mission strategy, and other relevant reports; the Automated Directives System (ADS); and USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, the FAR and AIDAR, directives, WHO’s International Health Regulations, and other published and unpublished guidelines. Exercise of Judgment: 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. A high degree of judgment will be required to provide guidance and assistance to a wide variety of professionals in PEPFAR/Mozambique and the USAID Mission. As a 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. Independent judgment is required for developing, implementing, and managing work, for reporting, and for other assignments. Judgment is required to make decisions, based on careful analysis of facts and variables, possible alternatives, and potential political and development implications and impact; exercises good judgment, and completes work independently; and, monitors implementation of activities and maintains accountability for results achieved. Authority to Make Commitments: As a personal services contractor, the incumbent cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent has a full range of contacts within the Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with contractors and grantees implementing USAID-funded activities or projects in the sector. Within the Embassy, the advisor may interact with the Ambassador or Mission Director on matters related to the COVID vaccines and broad PEPFAR Team in Mozambique, including other donor agencies and IPs, to guide and coordinate Laboratory Supply Chain Systems Management and Strengthening. Other contacts are with counterpart staff in CDC, and with senior staff as needed. Host-government, local, and other contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented, and may be at any level - including Ministerial, Deputy Minister, etc. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with senior-level officials of the Host Government, and with the private sector, are for the purpose of explaining, defending and persuading others related to PEPFAR and USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret Host-Government and private-sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials; to effectively ensure that USAID’s activities are collaborative, complementary and inclusive. The incumbent will also advise and collaborate with a wide range of senior-level management and technical counterparts within the GRM, implementing partners, and other development partners; facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural context The Advisor will ensure effective USG interagency coordination and work closely with USAID colleagues and other USG partners, particularly CDC, Department of Defense (DOD), Peace Corps, the PEPFAR Coordination Office and Department of State colleagues who also provide support for PEPFAR implementation. The Advisor will be expected to liaise with external stakeholders, including other donors and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GRM) to ensure an alignment of priorities and maximal impact of U.S. Government resources. Post Entry Training: The incumbent will complete applicable USAID, PEPFAR, and/or other technical trainings as required to fulfill the duties of the position. Candidate should be fully qualified to perform the job on a professional full performance level. Familiarization through on-the job training in USAID and PEPFAR-specific procedures, regulations, and methods. Orientation to working from a donor-agency perspective will be provided. 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. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in business, operations management, medical laboratory science, public health or related field. B. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: At least 7 years of professional-level experience in management/coordination/providing laboratory support services in an international context or supply chain required. At least 5 years international experience with laboratory supply chain required, with experience in a developing country context with specific experience working in Africa, preferred. Direct work experience with an international organization and/or donor agency is essential. Extensive experience required for planning, design, programming, and/or implementation; and involved in capacity-building, public health programming or management of logistics programs is essential. C. JOB KNOWLEDGE: Comprehensive professional knowledge of health support systems, including supply chain and network management, with a preference for laboratory specific supply chain and support systems. Strong practical knowledge of working with the private sector, contract management, and logistics demonstrated through relevant work experience. Familiarity with and understanding of developing country context with specific knowledge of the Africa context, and Mozambique in particular. A thorough knowledge of the latest laboratory supply chain systems, equipment, and management as well as knowledge related to broader health systems issues. A demonstrated understanding of operationalizing HIV lab supply systems, including frequently encountered field challenges and barriers in developing settings, is required. Must have technical expertise in infectious diseases with knowledge and understanding of laboratory diagnostic networks and familiarity with disease surveillance; able to produce concise, clear reports, and utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. The Job Holder must expert knowledge and understanding of PEPFAR, USG/USAID and WHO’s International Health Regulations, USAID/Mozambique portfolio across the board, as well as current country environment, legislation and government structure and personalities to be able to perform the job. D. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing. Proficiency in written and spoken Romance language; Portuguese and Spanish are preferred. Willingness and ability to quickly learn Portuguese is required. E. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The incumbent must possess strong technical skills, complemented by outstanding cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills to be successful to work in a larger complex , multicultural, highly demanding, and frequently changing environment inter-agency PEPFAR team. S/he must possess the ability to work with high level host country government officials as well as technical GoM counterparts, the private sector and implementing partners. . S/he must have the ability to diplomatically and effectively represent the agency in regular inter-agency and ministerial level meetings on lab supply planning, design, programming and implementation. The incumbent will also need to work closely with other areas within the HIV technical and program management team to ensure proper coordination among activities on all lab supply chain components and frequently communicate with interagency lab colleagues. Proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely in both speech and writing is also required. In addition, the incumbent must have the ability to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural context. Highly developed diplomatic negotiation and communication skills to work within the interagency to develop, justify, and present often controversial issues related to USAID lab supply chain program and priorities is a must. Ability to convincingly and accurately explain USAID/Mozambique COVID program and budget to internal and external audiences is required. Exceptionally strong skills in spreadsheets, PDF conversion, Google software and platforms, data processing and analysis, tracking and management are required. The incumbent will also serve in a capacity building role within the IHO team, particularly in lab supply data analysis and use. S/he must demonstrate significant data analysis skills, including use of Excel, as well as other data analysis and logistics software, such as Power BI, Basic Laboratory Information System (BLIS). 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: 10 points Prior Work Experience: 30 points Job Knowledge 30 points Skills and Abilities: 25 points Language Proficiency: 5 points Maximum Points: 100 points Per this scoring, prior work experience is the most important factor, followed by job knowledge, skills and abilities, education and language proficiency. 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]