SOLICITATION NUMBER: 7200AA24R00086
ISSUANCE DATE: August 6, 2024
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 19, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor
(USPSC), Regional Humanitarian Program Officer/Senior Regional
Humanitarian Program Officer (RHPO/SRHPO)
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,
Patricia Steckler
Contracting Officer
Office of Acquisition & Assistance
(M/OAA/BHA-CPS/PSC)

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
   1. SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA24R00086
   2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 06, 2024
   3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 19, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
   This solicitation is open and continuous until November 19, 2024. The following are the closing dates for
   each review period:
   September 20, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
   November 19, 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: MENAE Recruitment Team, BHA.MENAERecruitment@usaid.gov
   5. POSITION TITLE: Regional Humanitarian Program Officer/Senior Regional Humanitarian Program Officer
   (RHPO/SRHPO)
   6. MARKET VALUE: $74,441.00 - $96,770.00 equivalent to GS-12 or $88,520.00 - $115,079.00 equivalent to GS-13 (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.
   This position can be filled at either the GS-12 ($74,441.00 - $96,770.00) or GS-13 ($88,520.00 -$115,079.00) equivalent level without locality.
   Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-12 will be considered for the GS-12 level positions. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications for a GS-13 will be considered for the GS-13
   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: Budapest, Hungary
   There may be an initial training program in Washington, D.C. for three months, which will include formal classroom training and on-the-job training; and may include security training. After completion of initial
   training, the RHPO/SRHPO will be assigned to the place of performance.
   Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of
   the contract.
   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
   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 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 (ER4) 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 Middle East, North Africa, and Europe (MENAE) assesses, designs, and provides humanitarian assistance with our partners, including assistance related to responding to, recovering from, and reducing the risk of man-made and natural disasters, while linking with other USAID investments that build resilience.MENAE retains humanitarian experts based overseas, who coordinate with local authorities, USAID Missions, United States (U.S.) Embassies, humanitarian donor groups, and regional and country level humanitarian architectures. Field experts also provide oversight of BHA’s humanitarian partners and programs and monitor contextual developments to inform BHA country strategies. MENAE humanitarian experts in Washington coordinate with USAID Regional and Pillar Bureaus, as well as manage funding and programmatic activities implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs); international organizations (IOs), including the United Nations (UN) agencies; and other partners in the region for natural disasters and complex emergencies. The MENAE Office represents humanitarian programs and interests within the U.S. Government (USG) interagency, as well as in interactions with beneficiary populations, host governments, implementing partners, UN agencies, and other donors.
   MENAE consists of three geographic divisions: Europe, Middle East and Levant, and North Africa and Arabian Peninsula. The MENAE Field structure comprises a Regional Office based in Budapest, Hungary. MENAE also maintains a staff presence in bilateral Missions and other platforms throughout the region.
   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
   RHPO/SRHPO will monitor BHA-funded programs, liaise with the UN and NGO community, provide assessments when appropriate, and make program recommendations. The RHPO/SRHPO will serve as a primary contact and liaison for on-going disaster activities related to disaster response, preparedness, mitigation, and training programs. The RHPO/SRHPO will work to increase the capability of the host governments, IOs, and NGOs to respond and prepare for disasters. The RHPO/SRHPO will be responsible for disaster analysis, program monitoring, overseeing NGO partner implementation, and liaising with BHA/Washington, USAID Missions and U.S. Embassies.
   BHA requires the services of a RHPO/SRHPO to ensure that BHA’s objectives for disaster assistance, disaster risk reduction (DRR), resilience programming, strategic reporting, and interagency coordination for the region are met. The location of service is Budapest, Hungary with extended travel elsewhere in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe and worldwide as needed. At the discretion of BHA/Washington, during the contract period the RHPO/SRHPO may be reassigned/relocated to a geographical location where the individual’s services are needed; post-specific allowances would be adjusted accordingly for any change in place of performance.
   Working under the guidance and supervision of the Regional Director (RD), Deputy Regional Director (DRD), or designated Regional Humanitarian Advisor (RHA), the RHPO/SRHPO supports the Regional Office through the management of humanitarian assistance, resilience, and DRR activities in the region, assisting with program analysis, monitoring, strategy development, and coordinating with partners in the humanitarian community. The RHPO/SRHPO will work closely with a programs team that may include the RD, DRD, RHAs, other RHPOs/SRHPOs, and Administrative Assistants.
   At the GS-12 equivalent level, the RHPO will perform the following duties:
   Contextual Specialty:
   ● Develop an understanding of the humanitarian context within the region and monitor changes to thecontext, including political, social, and operational issues impacting humanitarian efforts.
   ● Develop and maintain knowledge of USG foreign policy priorities within the region and USAID’shumanitarian and development strategies and objectives, including priority sectors, geographic areas of focus, and key humanitarian stakeholders.
   ● Provide regular reporting, through cables and other means, on issues related to the humanitarian situations within the region.
   ● Provide regular reports on site visits, meetings, relevant current events, and other issues that impact humanitarian relief efforts.
   ● Develop fluency in BHA program systems and guidelines across sectors and streams of funding within the region.
   Portfolio Management:
   ● Work with BHA’s Washington-based programs teams in the development of program strategies for emergency response, resilience, and DRR activities across the region, overseeing day-to-day management of the regional portfolio and its budgets.
   ● Provide field-based insights, knowledge, and perspectives to support and inform award management.
   ● Support team members in assessing emergency response and ER4 needs within the region in order to ensure BHA’s programs are appropriately responsive.
   ● Assist Agreement Officer’s Representatives (AORs) in managing and monitoring humanitarian awards by providing field-based insights, knowledge, and perspectives.
   ● Travel as permitted, to assess, evaluate, and monitor humanitarian conditions in the region, and
   make strategic recommendations for appropriate and relevant interventions.
   ● Assist in humanitarian award management and response activities outside of immediate areas of responsibility, as needed.

Representation:
● Engage in and report on joint donor humanitarian evaluations and UN-led assessments, and participate actively in the international community response structures.
● Prepare briefing papers, notes, and presentations on BHA programming for official USG visitors interested in humanitarian issues.
● Attend meetings on behalf of the Regional Office, USAID, or U.S. Embassy and report back to the Office on relevant issues and updates.
● Represent BHA with various audiences, including–but not limited to–humanitarian partners, clusters, International NGO Forum, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and donor working groups.
Responsibility and Decision Making:
● In close coordination with program team members in the Regional Office, and Washington, D.C., work with NGOs, IOs, and UN agencies that are developing applications for BHA (including grant amendments and extensions) to ensure compliance with BHA’s guidelines.
● Conduct field monitoring of USG-funded humanitarian assistance projects and assessments of affected areas, as required.
● Participate in office-wide discussions on initiatives that impact program implementation to provide field-based perspectives, as assigned.
● Consistently model behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to fostering a non-hostile work environment free of discrimination, bias, unfairness, exclusion, offensive behaviors, and harassment of any kind.
● Lead/foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional work environment by demonstrating partnership and teamwork to accomplish team, office, and bureau objectives.
General Duties:
● Work effectively in a challenging and restrictive work environment and strictly adhere to U.S.Embassy security guidelines, and comply with BHA and Embassy policies regarding in-office presence and telework.
● Serve in planning or program positions on response teams, assessment teams, or to provide coverage for field offices within the region.
● Engage in at least one workforce diversity initiative or activity focused on helping to improve the organizational culture.
● As needed, staff is expected to support BHA’s hiring efforts and serve on PSC hiring committees.
Training will be provided.
● 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 4 to 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, 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 in detail
will be aligned with existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the position’s
scope of work.
● The PSC may be expected to obtain an 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/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/references-chapter/302mar) and the AOR designation letter (https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-300/referenceschapter/
303mai). In the event that this role requires an AOR/COR certification, mandatory training will be provided.
At the GS-13 equivalent level, the SRHPO will perform all of the GS-12 level responsibilities described above, in addition to the following duties:
Contextual Specialty:
● Develop an expert understanding of the humanitarian context within the region and monitor changes to the context, including political, social, and operational issues impacting humanitarian efforts.
● Develop and maintain advanced knowledge of USG foreign policy priorities within the region and USAID’s humanitarian and development strategies and objectives, including priority sectors, geographic areas of focus, and key humanitarian stakeholders.
● Provide input in the preparation of regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated
emergencies and comprehensive preparedness documentation on regional portfolios.
Portfolio Management:
● Develop and maintain a detailed working knowledge of BHA’s humanitarian portfolio within the MENAE region.
● Guide implementing partners in developing applications based on BHA’s Emergency Application Guidelines. Review concept papers and applications and provide timely recommendations to BHA/Washington D.C. Provide guidance on USAID award regulations and policies to partners.
● Provide guidance on USAID and USG regulations and policies.

Representation:
● Support the Regional Office in maintaining relations with senior leadership in the humanitarian
community, including but not limited to UN agencies, IOs, NGOs, USG personnel, donors, hostcountry
authorities, and others.
● Assist the Regional Office in coordinating with the donor community on policy issues affecting humanitarian operations, and develop integrated, non-duplicative programs, as needed.

Responsibility and Decision Making:
● Leverage advanced understanding of BHA grant guidelines and USAID business practices to advise implementing partners and the BHA AORs of the field team’s preferred course of action on concept notes, new applications, and decision points that arise during award implementation and management.
● Contribute to the response program strategy design for the office.
● Serve as a peer mentor to team members on grants and portfolio management, to include BHA’s business process, portfolio-specific budget and workload management, and post-award monitoring and management.
● Maintains contact with relief organizations conducting humanitarian operations, particularly with USG current and potential partners, obtaining information on in-country response activities and sharing BHA’s strategic approach and priorities.
● The SRHPO 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 RD or their designee.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
At the GS-12 equivalent level:
The supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available and works with the USPSC to develop deadlines, work to be done; the USPSC is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, coordinating with others and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. May also determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used, keeping supervisor informed of progress.
At the GS-13 equivalent level:
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.
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.)
At the GS-12 equivalent level:
● A High School Diploma or its equivalent with at least eight (8) years of experience in any combination of general experience with international relations, economics, food policy, emergency relief, DRR, or disaster preparedness programming and management.
OR
● A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least four (4) years of experience in any combination of general experience with international relations, economics, food policy, emergency relief, DRR, or disaster preparedness programming and management.
OR
● A Master's in any discipline with at least two (2) years of experience in any combination of general experience with international relations, economics, food policy, emergency relief, DRR, or disaster preparedness programming and management.
AND
Specialized experience:
● Experience managing, supporting, or directly implementing humanitarian assistance, emergency management, relief, DRR, post-emergency rehabilitation, recovery, or resilience activities.
● Overseas experience in humanitarian assistance, early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience activities.
At the GS-13 equivalent level:
● A High School Diploma or its equivalent with at least nine (9) years of experience in any combination of general experience with international relations, economics, food policy, emergency relief, DRR, or disaster preparedness programming and management.
OR
● A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least five (5) years of experience in any combination of general experience with international relations, economics, food policy, emergency relief, DRR, or disaster preparedness programming and management.
OR
● A Master's in any discipline with at least three (3) years of experience in any combination of general experience with international relations, economics, food policy, emergency relief, DRR, or disaster preparedness programming and management.
AND
Specialized experience:
● Experience managing, supporting, or directly implementing humanitarian assistance, emergency management, relief, DRR, post-emergency rehabilitation, recovery, or resilience activities.
● Experience representing, or coordinating humanitarian interests with representatives in USAID, other USG agencies, the U.S. military, other donors, or UN or NGO officials.
● Overseas experience in humanitarian assistance, early recovery, risk reduction, or resilience
activities.
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
Experience
See Section II Pass or Fail
Specialized Experience See Section II 30 points
Interview See Section III.C
60 points
Satisfactory Professional
Reference Checks
See Section III.D. 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 may 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.
The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. BHA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.
Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated 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 jobrelated
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.