SOLICITATION #:                           72061322R000007

                                                                              ISSUANCE DATE:                           November 17, 2021

                                                                               CLOSING DATE AND TIME:          December 16, 2021

                                                                                                                                       @ 12:00 Noon CAT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) PEPFAR Coordinator (GS-15 or equivalent), USAID/Zimbabwe.

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 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 Attachment 1.

Sincerely,

Priscilla Sampil

Contracting Officer

       ATTACHMENT 1                                                                    72061322R000007

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

        SOLICITATION NO.:                                               72061322R000007

        ISSUANCE DATE:                                                   November 17, 2021

         CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:  December 16, 2021, 1200 Noon CAT

         POINT OF CONTACT:                      Priscilla Sampil, Contracting Officer, by e-mail at  [email protected]  and/or [email protected]

​​​​​​​         POSITION TITLE:                             PEPFAR Coordinator            

​​​​​​​         MARKET VALUE:                             $110,460 - $143,598  equivalent to GS-15 Final compensation will be negotiated within                                                                        the listed market value.

​​​​​​​       PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:           5 years, estimated to start on/a March 2022.

“The base period will be 2 years, estimated to start on/about March 2022. Based on      Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for 3 periods for the date(s) estimated as follows:”

Base Period: 03/01/2022 to 02/28/2024

Option Period 1: 03/01/2024 to 02/28/2025

Option Period 2: 03/01/2025 to 02/28/2026

Option Period 3: 03/01/2026 to 02/28/2027

​​​​​​​PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:        Harare, Zimbabwe with possible travel as stated in

Statement of Duties.          

​​​​​​​ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:                  The applicant must have U.S. Citizenship and have

                                                         the ability to obtain Secret level security clearance, as provided by USAID.

​​​​​​​SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:    Secret

​​​​​​​STATEMENT OF DUTIES

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

   Launched in 2003, U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), holds a place

   in history as the largest effort by any nation to combat a single disease. PEPFAR-Zimbabwe

   currently manages a US$ 150 million-dollar (FY2019) program that supports HIV/AIDS

   treatment, prevention, and care activities in Zimbabwe.  It engages a number of partners in the

   public and private sectors, including government ministries and agencies, academic

   institutions, international and Zimbabwean non-governmental organizations, professional

   associations, faith-based organizations, international organizations, and other entities that

   provide HIV-related services.  The program is implemented in Zimbabwe in cooperation

   and coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe.  The Zimbabwe PEPFAR program is

   guided by the global PEPFAR goals under the framework of the PEPFAR Blueprint:

1. Transition from an emergency response to promotion of sustainable country programs.

2. Strengthen partner government capacity to lead the response to this epidemic and other

    health demands.

3. Expand prevention, care, and treatment in concentrated and generalized epidemics.

4. Integrate and coordinate HIV/AIDS programs with broader global health and development

    programs to maximize impact on health systems.

5. Invest in innovation and operations research to evaluate impact, improve service delivery and

    maximize outcomes.

PEPFAR activities in Zimbabwe fall under the overall authority of the US Ambassador, with

day-to-day responsibilities falling under the leadership of the PEPFAR Coordinator.  Principle

members of the PEPFAR/Zimbabwe team are the US Agency for International

Development (USAID/Zimbabwe), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention office (HHS/CDC/Zimbabwe), the US Embassy Public Affairs

Section (PAS), and US Embassy Political and Economic Office of Self-help Program.  Activities

managed by the Team include PEPFAR program implementation (program planning, budgeting,

oversight, and reporting), support and assistance to The Global Fund activities and coordination

with the Government of Zimbabwe and other health sector donors on HIV/AIDS and

health-related assistance. 

II.        BASIC FUNCTION:

The incumbent is the primary point of contact and leads the activities of the U.S. President’s

Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Zimbabwe.  The PEPFAR Coordinator plays a

critical role in the planning, implementation, and reporting of program performance of

inter-agency programs. The Ambassador heads the in-country PEPFAR program and is the final

decision-maker under PEPFAR Guidance to all program plans and activities submitted to the

U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator for approval. The Ambassador may delegate this decision-making

authority to the PEPFAR Coordinator. The Coordinator also provides advice and counsel

to the Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission on all matters related to HIV and AIDS in

Zimbabwe.

The Coordinator is a facilitator, a communicator, negotiator and decision maker. While not

a technical specialist, the Coordinator may be expected to ensure follow-up on implementation

of technical recommendations based on the Country Operational Plan (COP) and other performance

review information.  When delegated this authority by the Ambassador, the Coordinator may

represent PEPFAR with external partners including government, implementing partners, press,

and others. 

PEPFAR/Zimbabwe has established an interagency PEPFAR Management Team (PMT),

which the Coordinator chairs and convenes. The PMT has also established Technical Working

Groups (TWGs) that provide technical recommendations to guide implementation of the PEPFAR

program.  The TWGs report to the PMT, and the Coordinator, in collaboration with Agency

leads, is responsible for making sure these groups are established and achieving their objectives.

The Coordinator is accountable for ensuring that the PMT appropriately manages PEPFAR

processes in-country. The Coordinator should develop agendas, facilitate information sharing and

decision-making processes, and ensure implementation of PEPFAR guidance in Zimbabwe.

The Coordinator is ultimately responsible for adherence to PEPFAR instructions and will make

decisions for the entire PEPFAR team when required. 

The Coordinator leads the development of the Country Operational Plan (COP), Semi-Annual

Performance Review (SAPR), and Annual Performance Review (APR) development.  The

Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that reports are submitted to Washington on time, for

organizing the logistical arrangements for inter-agency work, and for keeping agencies on task

for inter-agency efforts.

Agency leads should be copied on communications between the Coordinator and program staff

as well as on substantive communications between the Coordinator and the Country Support Team

Lead in headquarters.  This procedure is essential to retain trust and respect between agency leads

and the Coordinator.  In addition, it is critical that the Coordinator be copied on internal

agency communication related to matters of PEPFAR program strategy, implementation, and

management and staffing. The Coordinator may represent the agencies at official meetings if so

delegated by the Ambassador and/or Agencies.  When a Coordinator meets with host country

Government (“host Government”) counterparts, s/he should include agency leads or, if not possible,

consult with agency leads.

III.    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Principal Responsibilities include:

• Direct the U.S. government PEPFAR country team (PCT) in the conception,

            formulation and recommendation of initiatives in response to the epidemic profile in Zimbabwe.

• Lead the PEPFAR investment in Zimbabwe within the U.S. mission in Harare as well as

            externally among national and international stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health

            and Child Care, the National AIDS Council, multilateral institutions, bilateral partners,

            faith-based organizations, traditional authorities, private sector entities and civil society

            organizations.

• Manage PEPFAR’s investment in Zimbabwe to ensure compliance with congressional

            earmarks and that they are consistent with U.S. government laws and policies, especially

            legislation pertaining specifically to PEPFAR.

• Coordinate closely with the implementing agencies to ensure resources are allocated to high

            performing implementing mechanisms that demonstrate impact through the use of efficient

            HIV case finding care and treatment modalities as well as those interventions that prevent

            onward transmission of the disease.

• Coordinate with interested/affected units at the Embassy to ensure that the Ambassador and

            others are well informed of key PEPFAR accomplishments, challenges, and timelines.

• Support representational activities, such as:

• With agency input, prepare speeches for delivery by the Ambassador and requested

            background materials for public as well as sensitive diplomatic events,

• With agency input, prepare written materials in collaboration with the PAS,

            including press releases and Op-Ed materials for local and international media,

• With agency input, support Congressional visits, PEPFAR Deputy Principal visits,

            and visits by international dignitaries.

• Manage the development of the annual country operational plans (COPs) and quarterly

            PEPFAR Oversight and Accountability Review Team (POART) through an on-going

            interagency process that is data driven and informed by consistent review of site level

            impact, expenditure and quality data for epidemic control.

• Coordinate closely with the interagency team on weekly monitoring of key indicators

            in high impact sites.

• Develop systems for sharing good practices across agencies, implementers and stakeholders.
• Ensure data is shared externally for mutual accountability of programmatic success.

• Lead and facilitate external PEPFAR engagement with the Ministry of Health and Child Care

            and the National AIDS Council.  Outward facing and regular interaction with other

            bilateral, multilateral, public and private organizations as well as civil society is also led

            by the Coordinator. Other external engagement responsibilities include:

• Engage regularly with the Global Fund, specifically the Fund Portfolio Manager.
• Meet regularly with in-country stakeholders such as Civil Society Leadership,

            UNAIDS Country Director, WHO Representative and other private and nonprofit entities.

• • Serve as a regular member of the Health Donor Partner Group (HDPG) on behalf of

            PEPFAR. 

• Serve as a member of the Embassy Leadership:
  • Participate in and contribute to weekly Country Team meetings.
  • Act in leadership positions, including control officer for high level delegations,

            when delegated by the Ambassador or Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM).

• • Lead weekly PEPFAR Management Team (PMT) meetings with all agency leadership
• Lead and Manage the PEPFAR Coordination Office (PCO):
  • Supervise two (2) direct reports
  • Manage office strategy and division of duties.

​​​​​​​PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Selection factors determine basic eligibility for the position.  Applicants who do not meet

all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

The applicant must have:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain Secret level security clearance, as provided by USAID
• An advanced degree (Masters or higher) in a relevant professional discipline such as

     public policy, public health, administration;

• At least 10 years of progressively more senior experience managing HIV/AIDS,

     health or other development programs

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.

Education: (10 points)

• Advanced degree(s) in public health, public policy, public administration or other relevant

       training in international health.

   Working Experience: (40 points) 

• Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work

       plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are

       dependent on contributions from multiple agencies and numerous individuals.

• Familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms.
• Proven track-record of managing teams and/or complex inter-agency processes.

   Skills and Abilities: (50 points)

• Management, coordination, interpersonal and teamwork skills;
• Demonstrated judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret technical

                             and political opportunities and constraints;

• Quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills and ability to communicate technical

                             information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues;

• Familiarity with, or ability to learn, USG systems and implementation mechanisms;
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills;
• Ability to operate effectively in cross-cultural environment and working within inter-agency

                             setting;

• Ability to work and reside in Zimbabwe.

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on

information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. 

USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers for relevant information

concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always

necessary. 

Probationary Period:  Within two months of entry into the position, the employee will demonstrate:

• A good working knowledge of PEPFAR policy and overall objectives in Zimbabwe as

      well as a thorough understanding of the country program, its overall design, and structure. 

• An excellent working relationship with all USG personnel and local partner representatives

      engaged in PEPFAR implementation so that information can be gathered and shared

      openly and expeditiously.  An excellent working relationship with the PEPFAR Strategic

      Information Team is essential. 

• Familiarity with the USG budgeting process, in particular the PEPFAR budgeting cycle that includes reprogramming and knowledge of accountability for USG spending.  Ease in interacting with a range of representatives from many levels, from high-level US and Zimbabwean colleagues to local implementing partners.

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 [email protected].

3.   A resume must be attached to the AID 309-2. Resumes must contain sufficient information

 to make a valid determination of meeting experience requirements as stated in this solicitation.

This information should be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide information

 sufficient to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

4.   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.

5.   Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

6.   Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related

skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

7.   A recent writing sample of not more than two pages.

8.   A brief appendix or cover letter that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training

address directly the evaluation criteria should be attached.

9.    A scanned or emailed copy of transcripts or diploma for the highest degree attained.

10.  Names and current contact information of three professional references that have knowledge

of the applicant’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation.

11.  Proof of U.S. Citizenship.

12.   Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror

submitted documents.  The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected

for an interview. The Government will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

​​​​​​​13.  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.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON- DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL

ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.

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 as appropriate (See ADS 309.3.1.14.)

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

   BENEFITS:

1. Employer's FICA Contribution
2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
3. Pay Comparability Adjustment
4. Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)
5. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
6. Annual and Sick Leave

    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

THE FOLLOWING ALLOWANCES ARE NOT PAYABLE TO A RESIDENT HIRE US PSC:

1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).
3. Post Allowance (Section 220).
4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).
5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).
6. Education Allowance (Section 270).
7. Education Travel (Section 280).
8. Post Differential (Chapter 500).
9. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and
10. Danger Pay (Section 650).

TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

       2.  AAPD 21-04 EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 ON ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19

SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION) (FAR Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c) 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.

​​​​​​​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:

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].