SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00097
ISSUANCE DATE: September 5, 2024
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: December 27, 2024 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC), Markets Technical Advisor/Senior Markets Technical Advisor

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described
in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will
not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals,
including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any
cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely,
Joy Burriss
Contracting Officer
Office of Acquisition & Assistance
(M/OAA/BHA-CPS/PSC)

I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA24R00097
2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 5, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 27, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

This solicitation is open and continuous until December 27, 2024. The following are the closing dates
for each review period:

October 25, 2024 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
December 27, 2024 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Offerors not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for
positions available in subsequent review periods. A review period may be canceled at the Contracting
Officer’s discretion.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: TPQ Recruitment Team, BHA.TPQRecruitment@usaid.gov
5. POSITION TITLE: Markets Technical Advisor/Senior Markets Technical Advisor
6. MARKET VALUE: $88,520.00 - $115,079.00 equivalent to GS-13 or $104,604.00- $135,987.00 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for
domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative
worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

This position can be filled at either the GS-13 $88,520.00 - $115,079.00 or GS-14 $104,604.00 -
$135,987.00 equivalent level, with place of performance with locality.

Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-13 will be considered for the GS-13 level
positions. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-14 will be considered for the GS-14
level only unless designated otherwise per the guidance in IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER of this
solicitation.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Official USAID Worksite - Washington/BHA/TPQ. A Remote Alternative Worksite will be authorized at the time of award.

This position has been designated as suitable for remote work. The contractor will be authorized to
perform the services under this contract from an alternative worksite. For PSCs authorized to remote
work, the alternative worksite determines the locality pay for compensation purposes.

Personal Services Contractors must telework or remote work in the same country as the official USAID
worksite for which services are being provided. U.S.-based USPSCs are authorized to telework or remote work only within the United States. While Direct-Hires may be eligible for Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) arrangements under certain circumstances, PSCs are ineligible for DETO arrangements. For more information, please reference the following policies and procedures under
Telework and Remote Work Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (PSCs)
(https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/309man.pdf).

Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions. No costs will be reimbursed to
the contractor relating to the alternative worksite. Personal services contractors who are teleworking
or remote working continue to be subject to policies and procedures of the official USAID worksite,
including those related to attendance, timekeeping, conduct, performance management, and random
drug testing.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, tentatively 145 day estimated start date from closing

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens Only

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the
Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive
Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) https://www.usaid.gov/ Bureau for
Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) works to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the impact of
disasters by helping people in need become more self-reliant. BHA is responsible for planning, coordinating, developing, achieving, monitoring, and evaluating international humanitarian assistance
falling into two conceptual areas: 1) Humanitarian Response during emergencies and 2) Early Recovery,
Risk Reduction, and Resilience activities to address longer-term recovery after emergencies. You can
learn more about BHA on our website (https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance).
The Office of Technical and Program Quality (TPQ) leads BHA’s efforts to ensure high quality
programmatic and technical leadership, oversight, and guidance. TPQ captures, applies, and strengthens
capacity in technical best practices and contextually appropriate programmatic approaches focused on
all dimensions of BHA programming from humanitarian response and transition into longer-term
resilience programming, as well as risk analysis and early warning. TPQ is responsible for providing policy, normative guidance, tools, facilitation, and capacity building to assist the Bureau in achieving optimal humanitarian outcomes through strategic design, consistent and effective performance monitoring, comprehensive and appropriate evaluation, and purposeful learning across the full spectrum of BHA responses and programming. The Office promotes USAID’s humanitarian voice through active
participation and technical leadership in interagency and global fora, including leading the Bureau’s
technical engagement with academia and thought leaders. TPQ designs, supports, and coordinates
research to advance the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of BHA programming. TPQ leads BHA in
meeting the increasing demand for technical support and guidance in all facets of the Bureau’s work as
the geographic and topical areas of coverage expand, and as the Bureau seeks increased technical and programmatic standardization, integration, and oversight to meet Agency, Congressional, and other demands.

BHA’s DIVERSITY PHILOSOPHY

Your Uniqueness is Welcome Here!

It takes talented people with unique experiences to provide the best humanitarian aid possible. We are
committed to having a workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. We strive to create an
inclusive workplace, where everyone brings their authentic selves to work. We invite you to join us in
providing humanitarian assistance to save lives and alleviate the suffering around the world.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED

This position is in TPQ, in the Food Security and Livelihoods Division, and the Food Assistance and
Markets (FAM) Team. The FAM team is responsible for technical review and leadership in the areas of
Food Assistance, Multipurpose Cash Assistance, and Economic Recovery and Market Systems (ERMS),
which together comprise well over half of BHA’s annual program budget. The team also serves as a focal
point for cross-cutting issues such as cash and voucher assistance; linkages between social protection
and humanitarian assistance; private sector engagement in programming; anticipatory action; and the
graduation approach.

BHA requires the services of a Markets Technical Advisor/Senior Markets Technical Advisor to provide
expert technical advice, assistance, and support for programs and policies that assist people and critical
market systems to meet basic needs during crises, and adapt, recover, and/or strengthen livelihoods
during protracted crises and following disasters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

At the GS-13 equivalent:
● Provide expert-level technical assistance throughout the BHA program cycle in one or more areas
of the FAM Team’s technical portfolio (food assistance, multipurpose cash assistance, or
economic recovery and market systems). This may include one or more of the following:
in-country assessments, program design, country strategy development, concept note and
application review, site visits and partner meetings, assisting in monitoring and evaluation, and
learning and training for future programming.
● Proactively and responsively provide responses to requests for information, recommendations,
or policies related to the FAM Team’s technical portfolio within BHA, USAID, and the rest of the
United States Government (USG), with the support of the FAM team lead and senior advisors.
● Manage team projects as assigned by the team lead or their designee, including planning,
organizing, and coordinating projects, setting goals and objectives, and conducting analysis.
● Exercise independent judgment and apply technical knowledge and expertise in carrying out
assigned FAM sector work.
● Coordinate with others to resolve problems in FAM sector programming through creative and
flexible thinking.
● Develop and grow collaborative and proactive working-level relationships across BHA, the USG,
and the broader humanitarian community, related to the FAM Team’s technical portfolio,
including actively participating in technical discussions and forums. These will take place in both
structured and unstructured settings.
● Influence and motivate people and groups towards achieving FAM team and BHA objectives and
reconciling challenges.
● Work as part of the dynamic FAM team, maintaining up-to-date, expert-level knowledge of one
or more of the team’s technical portfolio, including continuous learning and growth to further
improve BHA’s programming.
● Foster a collaborative, respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment by
demonstrating partnership and teamwork to accomplish team, office, and bureau objectives.
● This position is expected to be able to qualify, train for and routinely serve on
disaster/humanitarian responses in Washington DC or in the disaster area for 2–6-week (or
more) intervals. These can either be Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) and/or
Response Management Teams (RMTs). DARTs are deployed to the field in response to disasters
and operate in the field, providing staff an opportunity to deploy overseas for an extended
period of time (e.g., 6-8 weeks). RMTs are based in Washington, DC and provide services to
support DARTs, such as coordination and external engagement, communications, planning,
logistics, travel coordination, or other similar duties (depending on the RMT role).
● As needed, will serve on temporary short-term assignments (“detail”) on other teams within the
office or bureau to meet operational needs during staff shortages. Duties performed while on
detail will be aligned with existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the
position’s scope of work.
● As needed, staff is expected to support BHA’s hiring efforts and serve on PSC hiring committees.
Training will be provided.
● The PSC may be expected to obtain an Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) or Contracting
Officer's Representative (COR) certification. The AOR/COR performs delegated agreement and/or
contract administration functions. This includes but is not limited to reviewing invoices,
approvals, program/project deliverables (i.e. work plans, annual reports, month status reports),
travel requests, key personnel requests, financial/budget reports, contractor performance
evaluations, and compliance. More information about the AOR/COR responsibilities and related
requirements can be found in the COR designation letter
(https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/302mar) and the
AOR designation letter https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mai. In the event that this
role requires an AOR/COR certification, mandatory training will be provided.
● The Markets Technical Advisor/Senior Markets Technical Advisor does not have supervisory
responsibilities; however, the PSC may serve in an acting leadership role, with duties related to
this scope of work, within the bureau in order to meet short-term staffing needs, not to exceed
120 days in a 12-month contract year.

At the GS-14 equivalent:
● Provide authoritative, senior-expert-level technical assistance throughout the BHA program
cycle in one or more areas of the FAM Team’s technical portfolio (food assistance, multipurpose
cash assistance, or economic recovery and market systems). This may include one or more of
the following: in-country assessments, program design, country strategy development, concept
note and application review, site visits and partner meetings, assisting in monitoring and evaluation, and learning and training for future programming.
● Proactively and responsively provide responses to requests for information, recommendations,
or policies related to the FAM Team’s technical portfolio from within BHA, within USAID, and from the rest of the USG, including providing skillful, expert guidance for senior decision makers.
● Lead the resolution of critical problems and development of new guidance or policy in or
related to FAM sector programming, as assigned by the team lead or their designee. This will
typically include guiding and coordinating the work of other program and technical staff.
● Lead other FAM team members and BHA staff in resolving challenges in FAM sector programs
and design through creative and flexible thinking.
● Develop and grow collaborative and proactive working-level relationships across BHA, the USG,
and the broader humanitarian community, related to the FAM Team’s technical portfolio,
including leading or playing a major role in technical discussions and forums, and serving as an
expert. These will take place in both structured and unstructured settings.
● Influence and motivate and direct people and groups towards achieving FAM team and BHA
objectives and reconciling challenges. The PSC must be skillful in determining the appropriate
approach to negotiate and persuade others.
● Work as part of the dynamic FAM team, helping guide and coordinate the technical work of
other advisors, and maintaining up-to-date, senior-expert-level knowledge of one or more of
the team’s technical portfolio, including continuous learning and growth to further improve
BHA’s programming.
● Foster a collaborative, respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment by
demonstrating partnership and teamwork to accomplish team, office, and bureau objectives.
● This position is expected to be able to qualify, train for and routinely serve on
disaster/humanitarian responses in Washington DC or in the disaster area for 2–6-week (or
more) intervals. These can either be DARTs and/or RMTs. DARTs are deployed to the field in
response to disasters and operate in the field, providing staff an opportunity to deploy overseas
for an extended period of time (e.g., 6-8 weeks). RMTs are based in Washington, DC and provide
services to support DARTs, such as coordination and external engagement, communications,
planning, logistics, travel coordination, or other similar duties (depending on the RMT role).
● As needed, will serve on temporary short-term assignments (“detail”) on other teams within the
office or bureau to meet operational needs during staff shortages. Duties performed while on
detail will be aligned with existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the
position’s scope of work.
● As needed, staff is expected to support BHA’s hiring efforts and serve on PSC hiring committees.
Training will be provided.
● The PSC may be expected to obtain an AOR or COR certification. The AOR/COR performs
delegated agreement and/or contract administration functions. This includes but is not limited
to reviewing invoices, approvals, program/project deliverables (i.e. work plans, annual reports,
month status reports), travel requests, key personnel requests, financial/budget reports,
contractor performance evaluations, and compliance. More information about the AOR/COR
responsibilities and related requirements can be found in the COR designation letter
(https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/302mar) and the
AOR designation letter (https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/303mai). In the event that this
role requires an AOR/COR certification, mandatory training will be provided.
● The Markets Technical Advisor/Senior Markets Technical Advisor does not have supervisory
responsibilities; however, the PSC may serve in an acting leadership role, with duties related to
this scope of work, within the bureau in order to meet short-term staffing needs, not to exceed
120 days in a 12-month contract year.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The USPSC will take direction from and will report to the FAM Team Lead or their designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

For GS-13 equivalent:
The supervisor sets overall objectives. USPSC and supervisor together develop deadlines, projects and
work to be done. The USPSC independently plans, designs, and carries out projects, studies, and
programs. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility,
compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements, or expected results. Technical
problems are generally resolved without reference to supervisors.

For GS-14 equivalent:
The supervisor provides administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions.
USPSC independently plans, designs and carries out projects, studies, and programs. Results of the work
are considered technically authoritative. There is no higher-level official technically responsible for
administering the program/project.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical
exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy
items (less than 50 pounds). During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work
may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment,
and exposure to severe weather conditions.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and
experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

At the GS-13 equivalent level:
● A High School Diploma or its equivalent with at least nine (9) years of experience in domestic or
international humanitarian or development assistance.
OR
● A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least five (5) years of experience in domestic or
international humanitarian or development assistance.
OR
● A Master's in any discipline with at least three (3) years of experience in domestic or
international humanitarian or development assistance.
AND
● Specialized experience:
(1) providing technical advice in food assistance, multipurpose cash assistance, or economic
recovery/market systems to an international humanitarian or development project
(2) experience working on an international humanitarian assistance program (from any location)
(3) experience applying technical policies, guidelines, or standards related to food assistance,
economic recovery/livelihoods, or cash programming

At the GS-14 equivalent level:
● A High School Diploma or its equivalent with at least ten (10) years of experience in domestic or
international humanitarian or development assistance.
OR
● A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least six (6) years of experience in domestic or
international humanitarian or development assistance.
OR
● A Master's in any discipline with at least four (4) years of experience in domestic or international
humanitarian or development assistance.
AND
● Specialized experience:
(1) providing technical advice in food assistance, multipurpose cash assistance, or economic
recovery/market systems to an international humanitarian or development assistance project
(2) experience working on an international humanitarian assistance program (from any location)
(3) experience developing technical policies, guidelines, or standards related to food assistance,
economic recovery/livelihoods, or cash programming

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR
52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive
range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance
with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the
competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may
limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient
competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at
https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals
who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is
interviewed.

III.A SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are
considered NOT qualified for the position.)

● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.
● Complete resume submitted. See section IV for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be
quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
● USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form
must be physically signed. Electronic signatures may be accepted.
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. If there is a change in circumstances requiring
access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be
asked to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information
level clearance as provided by USAID. Failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of an offer or
removal.
● Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance and maintain it throughout the life of
the contract. More information on medical clearance classifications can be found in 16 FAM
211.2 Clearance Classifications or the Department of State webpage on medical clearances.
● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

III.B OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM
The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in
comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their
resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.

The rating factors are as follows:
Education and General: Pass or Fail
Specialized Experience: 30 points
Interview: 60 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks: 10 points

III.C Interview (60 points)
During the interview process, a selection panel will assess the candidate’s suitability for the position.

III.D Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (10 points)
Offerors must provide their references to USAID upon request no later than seven (7) days from the
initial request. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the offeror being removed from
consideration for this solicitation. In addition, the Agency has the right to seek any additional feedback
on the offeror as needed.

Total Possible Points: 100

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. Those offerors determined to be
competitively ranked will also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional
reference checks.

Offerors are required to address each factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume, describing
specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it
pertains to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each
additional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Offeror Rating System factors may result
in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

Professional references will be evaluated and academic credentials will be verified for offerors being
considered for selection.

Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition
to the ones provided by an offeror. BHA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies
become available during the future phase of the selection process.

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.
3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted
documents.
4. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include:
(a) Offerors must notate on their resume what GS level equivalent is being applied for. Applicants
may list more than one GS level on their resume.
(b) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked
per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
(c) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or
job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result
in disqualification.
(e) U.S. Citizenship
(f) Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (SAM.gov, BHA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet
the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation [for each grade level(s) for which you are
applying]. This information must be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information
sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the offer is
true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to
the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may result in
you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be
punishable by fine or imprisonment.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on
your offer, and as the subject line in any email.

5. NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of
Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not
obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret is
required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate
the contract at the convenience of the government. If Sensitive Compartmented Information
(SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, USAID may
terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.

6. NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained; the offer may be rescinded.
7. NOTE: All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to register in the
System for Award Management (SAM) database and must have an active Unique Entity ID (UEI)
number prior to receiving an award. If the SAM registration is not active by the selectee within
three months of acceptance of this offer, the offer may be rescinded. The selectee will be
disqualified if they either fail to comply with this requirement or if their name appears on the
excluded party list.
8. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION: This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.