DOC

ATTACHMENT 1                                                    Solicitation No: 72069622R00004

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.:  72069622R00004
2. ISSUANCE DATE:  March 29, 2022
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:  April 15, 2022 12:00 p.m. (Central Africa Time)
4. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resource Office, e-mail kigalihr@usaid.gov
5. POSITION TITLE:  Senior Development Outreach & Communications Advisor
6. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 - $124,764 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 June 06, 2022 to June 05, 2024.  Based on Agency need the Contracting Officer may exercise additional 3 option periods of 1-year for the dates estimated as follows:

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:   Kigali, Rwanda with 20% travel to Bujumbura, Burundi as stated in the Statement of Duties.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States Citizens (including Permanent Residents) per AIDAR 702 and Appendix D.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:  Facility Access
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. Basic Functions

The major duties and responsibilities of the Senior DOC include increasing understanding of U.S. government foreign assistance in Rwanda and Burundi, supporting targeted social and behavior change communications efforts, and encouraging dialogue with key stakeholders in Rwanda and Burundi and the U.S. in support of foreign assistance objectives in Rwanda and Burundi. The Senior DOC is responsible for providing oversight, advice, and guidance in developing and implementing the Mission’s communication strategy and budget. Close collaboration with the Mission’s Front Office, Embassy Front Office, USAID senior management team, USAID staff, implementing partners, and the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) will ensure that (1) outreach activities support the Embassy and USAID/Rwanda and Burundi’s strategic goals, (2) Embassy and Mission personnel are properly apprised of USAID public outreach activities; (3) policies and procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly followed; and, (4) U.S. government interests are protected. In addition to supervising USAID Rwanda and USAID Burundi’s two DOC CCNs, the Senior DOC is also responsible for building capacity within the Mission and with implementing partners to develop more effective communication plans and materials aligned with the DOC strategy.

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Communications Planning, Content Development, and Supervision (40% of time)

• Lead the development and implementation of the Mission’s communication strategy and outreach plan, which promotes public understanding of, and support for, USAID programs. Ensure public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and provide information to USAID/W and the U.S. Embassy.
• Maintain a list of key talking points across sectors and topics, to include social behavior change messaging to affect development change.
• Lead the development and dissemination of content, across all key platforms that tells the USAID/Rwanda and Burundi story in a compelling manner in order to achieve defined social behavior change communication goals and engage Rwanda and Burundi’s thought leaders and influencers in an ongoing conversation about USAID and development in Rwanda and Burundi.
• Monitor and evaluate progress toward communication objectives as outlined in the communication strategy. This includes establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the communication strategy, identifying indicators, and measuring progress to assess effectiveness and impact of outreach activities.
• Oversee the monitoring and analysis of local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Information gathered will inform ongoing activities and future programming.
• Formulate and implement innovative outreach activities that advance development objectives as outlined in the Mission’s CDCS.
• Coordinate with PAS and other USG agencies to ensure that USAID communications are in line with the broader Embassy goals.
• Adhere to the Embassy Media Policy and PAS issued guidance/standard operating procedures on communication and outreach processes.
• Serve as the primary liaison with PAS in the execution of USAID events, the dissemination of USAID publicity materials, and on any other issues that may arise.
• Represent USAID in planning relevant Embassy events and site visits by the Ambassador and other high-level visitors.
• Collaborate closely, and enable others from the DOC team to engage, with the Embassy’s PAS to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID’s programs and initiatives. Work in concert with PAS in developing activities designed to highlight U.S. assistance as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID/Rwanda Mission Director and Burundi Country Representative.
• Lead and supervise the Mission’s DOC team to ensure the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives. The team is composed of two Foreign Service National (FSN) staff.
• Advise, guide, and build the capacity of Mission and implementing partner staff to develop effective communication plans and materials aligned to the Mission’s DOC strategy.
• Formulate and manage the Mission’s communication and outreach budget. Given USG and Agency directives to reduce expenditures on publications, travel, and conferences, the             incumbent must identify cost-effective ways to achieve communication goals.

2)Event Planning and Management (25% of time)

• Provide customer-focused support to technical teams to facilitate the planning and execution of events that successfully meet identified communication goals to specific audiences.
• Plan and schedule a calendar of events with the DOC team and technical team staff, including project managers, host country officials, NGOs, and implementing partners.
• Serve as DOC advisor on the outreach component of events, in coordination with PAS, Front Office, technical teams, and implementing partners. Directs and coordinates all USAID/Rwanda and Burundi public events, including conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Supervises drafting, editing, and distribution of all fact sheets, reports, and public documents. Organize press packets, address protocol issues, participate in site selection and staging, manage logistics, and recommend appropriate USG representation.
• Review and edit press releases, scene setters, and talking points drafted by USAID staff and implementing partners for USAID events.
• Manage documentation of USAID events, including video, documentaries, photos, updates to USAID website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Serve as a lead point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the Embassy, USAID, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities.
• Serve as control officer or participate in teams planning VIP visits. Lead preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products to support these visits.
• Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of high-level visitors throughout the country.

3)Public Information and Publicity Materials (20% of time)

• Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission with technical offices and outside the Mission with implementing partners.
• Build the capacity of implementing partners to develop timely, accurate, effective, and well- written media materials through regularly scheduled in-house workshops.
• Oversee the drafting, editing, organization, and dissemination of a standard information package of publicity materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, project briefs, country profile, development objective summary, presentations, responses to requests for information, and all other public information materials related to USAID/Tanzania activities. Materials must be tailored for both internal audiences (incoming staff, high-level visitors, LPA, Congress) and external audience (general public and media).
• Present development topics in clear, concise English and translate sometimes complex or highly technical language into a format easily understood by the general public.
• Generate and maintain a standard set of narrative data related to the Mission’s development portfolio for general use in briefers, outreach materials, communications, etc.
• Develop and maintain online outreach content, including websites, social media, etc.
• Oversee preparation of a weekly summary of events and submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media sites.
• Coordinate and oversee USAID/Rwanda and Burundi’s branding and marking efforts. Serve as brand expert and advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events. Design and conduct workshops on the implementation of branding guidelines. Serve as technical point of contact on waivers to branding requirements in relationship to media.

4)Media and Public Relations (15% of time)

• Manage information and media outreach activities in coordination with the Front Office, PAS, and technical teams. Ensure strategic selection of events and optimal representation by USG personnel to more effectively and efficiently communicate USAID messaging.
• Work with PAS to manage USAID/Rwanda and Burundi’s relationship with international, regional, and local press, including encouraging accurate reporting, equity, and troubleshooting as necessary. Interact with local media contacts. Process materials and address any necessary changes to ensure that items go to press on time. Provide advice to the Mission and to USAID/LPA regarding appropriate press contacts.
• Advise and work with PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/Rwanda and Burundi programs, including TV, radio, and other media. This may include arranging interviews, preparing talking points, organizing briefings, and media tours of USAID projects.
• Work closely with the Front Office and USAID staff on press and media relations to ensure targeted and coherent messages consistent with the Communication Strategy from all USAID staff and implementing partners.
• Respond to inquiries from the general public, media (in coordination with PAS), and other sources about USAID programs and projects.
• Oversee development of effective media outreach materials, ensuring accurate information and presentation of development topics and the impact of USAID programs in a format easily understood by the general public.

3. Supervisory Relationship: The Senior DOC will supervise and lead the Mission’s DOC team to ensure the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives.  The team is composed of two Foreign Service National (FSN) employees.  In addition, the Senior DOC will provide advice, guidance, and capacity-building services to USAID staff and implementing partner communication professionals to implement the Mission’s DOC strategy.
4. Supervisory Controls: The Senior DOC will be supervised by the Deputy Mission Director or his/her designee.  Work products and recommendations submitted by the incumbent are expected to be of a high technical quality, consistently aligned with the DOC strategy and the Mission’s Media Policy.  The incumbent will be expected to work independently, taking initiative in determining, planning, and executing assignments.  The position maintains wide latitude to exercise independent judgment.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education and work experience requirements must be met at time of application.

1. Education: Bachelor’s Degree in the field of public relations, journalism, international development/relations, public administration, English, marketing, communications, or a related field, is required
2. Experience: A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience with at least two years in a supervisory capacity, in public relations, strategic communications and outreach, diplomacy, journalism, or a related field is required. Previous work experience with an international development organization is strongly preferred. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. The incumbent must have successful demonstrated experience in using social media; organizing and conducting events; producing web content, videos, podcasts; planning and delivering training; and working productively with journalists and other key influencers within the community. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable. Experience in report writing, events planning, and execution, website management, and social media is required.
3. Language:  Level IV English and French (Fluent) is required.  Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrates skills and hands-on-experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications.

3. 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 procedure for evaluating and ranking applications is outlined below. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation provided with the application.  Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

1. Eligibility

To meet the basic eligibility requirements for this position the offeror must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Submit a complete application submitted as outlined in the section IV;
• Be eligible to attain clearance for Facility Access;
• Be cleared medically to work in Rwanda;
• Be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek, including weekends, as may be required or necessary.

2.   Process and Evaluation Factor Values

After the closing date for receipt of applications, those that meet the minimum qualification requirements (see II. a. and b.) will be referred to a technical evaluation committee (TEC).  Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be reviewed.

The TEC will review and score the applications to create a list of applicants be interviewed.  Short-listed candidates will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and interview and obtained through reference checks.  References of short-listed candidates will be checked; applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities. (If an applicant does not want a current employer contacted, please highlight such a request in the application cover letter.  USAID will delay reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence).

The TEC will review and score the applications based on the following listed evaluation factors.

            Application:                15 Points 

Extent to which the applicant has the education or training required to satisfy position elements, and quality of experience or skills necessary to successfully perform the work.

Interview and Test:                 85 Points

Interview questions will revolve around the candidate’s:

• Knowledge in planning and executing media campaigns and programs;
• Demonstrated ability in successfully crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, fact sheets, success stories, talking points, scene setters, etc.) that target a variety of audiences;
• Demonstrated ability in extensive writing and editing experience; and
• Demonstrated ability in successfully establishing and maintaining collegial relations with press and media contacts.

Total:                          100 Points

References                              PASS / FAIL

References of the finalists will be checked prior to offering the position.  Applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities.

4. 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.
3. Application package must include a cover letter with the Curriculum vitae/resume specifically addressing how the applicant meets the required qualifications as outlined in the solicitation;
4. Copies of degrees earned and other documents (certificates, awards etc) that address the qualification requirements of the position.
5. Three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, peer and/or subordinate in current or previous employment) with current email address and telephone number;
6. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.
7. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.* * See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

5. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO)/Executive Officer (EXO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet
2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306);
3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561);
4. Pre-Deployment Physical Exam Acknowledgement Form (DS-6570);
5. Security forms:

a. USPSC

1. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85);
2. Fingerprint Card (SF-87);
3. Statement of Prior Service (SF-144A).

6. Statement of Prior Service (SF-144A).

6. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1. 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

2. 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

(a) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

*Eligibilities for allowances are in accordance with Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) based on the type of appointment and Mission Policy.

7. TAXES

USPSC’s are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State income taxes. TCNPSCs are subject to an individual’s country tax laws and should follow tax requirements of their country of origin.

8. 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. 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

3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

• AAPD 21-01 Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the AIDAR Appendices D and J
• AAPD 20-08 Leave and Holidays for CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, including country leave for qualifying posts for eligible TCNPSCs
• AAPD 18-02 REVISED Revisions to Medevac Policies for USPSCs and TCNPSCs
• AAPD 10-01 PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS -- CHANGES IN USG REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS
• AAPD 06-10 PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
• AAPD 06-08 AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: USING THE OPTIONAL

SCHEDULE TO INCREMENTALLY FUND CONTRACTS

4. 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.
    
5. 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: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.