SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00098
ISSUANCE DATE: September 3, 2024
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: October 18, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor

(USPSC), Support Relief Group (SRG) Agriculture Sector 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,

Maria N. Munoz
Contracting Officer
Office of Acquisition & Assistance

(M/OAA/BHA-CPS/PSC)

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA24R00098

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 3, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 18, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: FARO Recruitment Team, BHA.FARORecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Support Relief Group (SRG) Agriculture Sector Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $104,604.00 - $135,987.00 equivalent to GS-14 (not eligible for Locality Pay)
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.

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

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Worldwide. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.- based positions.

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

STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services on a temporary, on-call, basis as part of the SRG. BHA intends to contract for these
services for a maximum of 250 days per calendar year. Activation days vary but will not exceed 250 days during each contract year.

The level of effort anticipated under this contract will be provided within the terms of this contract at times mutually agreed to by BHA and the contractor. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, BHA will contact the contractor and provide the following information:

1. Date contractor is needed to report to BHA or assignment in the field
2. Duration of Assignment
3. Place of Performance

The contractor will notify BHA within 24 hours of availability. At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a disaster
may require the assignment to be extended (not to exceed 250 days). The contractor shall notify BHA at the time of commitment if their existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply
assist BHA in recruiting a replacement. Subsequently, if the contractor agrees to an extension of the duration of a particular assignment, thereafter, the contractor will be required to give BHA 10 days
notice for release from the assignment.

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 (https://www.usaid.gov/) (USAID) 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 resilient to future crises. 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).

As global crises have grown more complex and protracted, the Support Relief Group (SRG) program was developed by BHA to meet growing humanitarian needs through surge staffing capacity. The SRG program
is managed by the Surge Staffing Team in BHA's Response Resources Division in the Office of Field and Response Operations (FARO). The SRG program brings on board candidates who work for discrete periods of time, but on an intermittent basis for no more than 2007 hours (approximately 250 days) per contract year. SRG can be deployed within hours to fill urgent, high priority positions on response teams at both headquarters and in the field, backfill necessary Washington positions, be assigned to field offices for
short term staff enhancement, and to assess critical situations as warranted based on specialty. SRG staff can be used for activities as short as one day or for up to several months at a time.

The Office of Technical and Program Quality (TPQ) leads the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance's (BHA) 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

The SRG Agriculture Sector Advisor's responsibilities will include the following, assigned as appropriate based on their area of technical expertise and on the priorities and needs of the Agriculture Team as determined by the Agriculture Team Lead:
● Conduct sector-specific assessments and make expert technical recommendations for appropriate activities, both for the initial disaster response phase and for longer-term disaster risk reduction or rebuilding of livelihoods. Assessments may be conducted at the regional, sub-regional, or national level, and may be related to disaster response or to comprehensive strategy development.
● Apply assessment information to programming decisions based on a thorough understanding of best practices in either the livestock and animal health subsector (particularly those outlined in the Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards), or of the seed security framework, seed system security assessments and how both the framework and assessment information inform emergency programming in this sector.
● On trips to the field level, provide assessments of the agricultural situation as it relates to food security and livelihoods. Assess crop, seed, pests, livestock, and animal health, and relevant agricultural infrastructure needs and the parameters of the problem, and make expert recommendations to regional teams and Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) on how to best respond to those needs programmatically.
● Actively represent USAID/BHA in emergency discussions and activities pertaining to crop agriculture, pests, food security, livestock and animal health. Serve as a U.S. Government (USG) emergency agriculture and food security sector resource person. Display expert technical and organizational leadership in sectoral activity commensurate with the role as a primary resource person for emergency agriculture, food security, and livestock activities.
● Guide BHA rationale and thinking on agriculture, food security, livestock, and animal health activities.
Formulate sector strategies and recommendations for response and disaster risk reduction and provide expert technical support for BHA field offices, other offices within USAID, and to BHA’s Agriculture Team.
● Coordinate agriculture sector response and recovery activities across a wide range of actors, including United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other governments, to ensure consistency of programming.
● Facilitate and coordinate actual USG emergency response activities within the agriculture sector with the USAID Mission, other donor agencies, and the U.S. Embassy.

● Provide coordination and managerial oversight of BHA-funded agricultural activities to ensure the proper use of BHA program funds.
● Provide technical review of submitted proposals/applications concept notes to ensure that proposed activities and programs align with best practice in the agriculture sector. Apply new developments in the sector to BHA programming.
● Provide expert technical support in developing disaster risk reduction programs that mitigate the effects of disasters on populations and communities. Identify disaster mitigation measures that could be linked to disaster response activities. Review disaster risk reduction principles and make expert recommendations on course(s) of action.
● Demonstrate consistent accountability for adherence to and knowledge of laws, executive orders, and USAID’s policies which prohibit Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and non-EEO infringements as well as the Agency’s zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, including harassment, exploitation and abuse of any kind.
● Assists staff in understanding the value of differing perspectives, cultural norms, and gender in the work environment.
● 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 to 6 weeks (or more) intervals. These can either be 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, may 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 oversees agreements and/or contracts.
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/ads/policy/300/302mar) 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 SRG Agriculture Sector Advisor does not have supervisory responsibilities; however, the PSC may serve in an acting leadership role 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 Response Resources Division (R2D) Director or their designee. When activated, the SRG Agriculture Sector Advisor will be a part of TPQ’s Food Security and Livelihood Division’s Agriculture Team, receiving day to day guidance and onsite management from the Agriculture Team Lead or their designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

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 is primarily sedentary and does not involve undue physical demands. Work is primarily performed in an office setting.

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.)

● A High School Diploma or its equivalent with at least ten (10) years of any combination of emergency experience in agriculture, agro-ecology, agronomy, animal sciences, horticulture, fisheries/aquaculture, irrigation, livestock, pest management, plant pathology, veterinary, or
smallholder farming.
OR
● A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least six (6) years of any combination of emergency experience in agriculture, agro-ecology, agronomy, animal sciences, horticulture, fisheries/aquaculture, irrigation, livestock, pest management, plant pathology, veterinary, or smallholder farming.
OR
● A Master's in any discipline with at least four (4) years of any combination of emergency experience in agriculture, agro-ecology, agronomy, animal sciences, horticulture, fisheries/aquaculture, irrigation, livestock, pest management, plant pathology, veterinary, or smallholder farming.

OR
● A Ph.D. in any discipline with at least two (2) years of any combination of emergency experience in agriculture, agro-ecology, agronomy, animal sciences, horticulture, fisheries/aquaculture, irrigation, livestock, pest management, plant pathology, veterinary, or smallholder farming.
AND
● Specialized experience:
○ Experience in program design, implementation and technical advisement of humanitarian emergency agriculture activities in fragile or disaster-affected contexts overseas;
○ Experience in representation and coordination with stakeholders involved in implementation of emergency agriculture activities;
○ Experience implementing, managing, and monitoring emergency agriculture awards, either in a donor or implementer role.

1. SUBMITTING AN OFFER
2. 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) 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.
(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
(c) 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.
(d) U.S. Citizenship
(e) 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. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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