SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA22R00067

 

ISSUANCE DATE: January 31, 2023

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: May 10, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

 

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

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,

Christie Savage

Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720BHA22R00067

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 31, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: May 10, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

This solicitation is open and continuous until May 10, 2023. The following are the closing dates for each review period:

February 2, 2023 , 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

May 10, 2023 , 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: HBMO Recruitment Team, BHA.HBMORecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Risk Management Advisor/Deputy Team Lead

6. MARKET VALUE: $132,368 - $172,075 equivalent to GS-14 includes 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.

If the position is for a Washington based PSC, offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment, but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Washington

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

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

Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce. BHA encourages qualified candidates of all races/ethnicities, genders, cultural backgrounds, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses to apply.

Office of Humanitarian Business and Management Operations (HBMO)develops, maintains, and coordinates the Bureau’s critical business functions and processes in areas of acquisition and assistance, administrative management services, talent management, internal training, programmatic risk management, and audit management. The office is organized into five divisions, namely: Acquisition and Assistance; Award, Risk, and Performance Management (ARPM); Human Resources and Administrative Management Services; Budget and Finance; and Information Technology Management.

The ARPM Division leads BHA’s strategic approach to risk management, ensures compliance with internal controls, coordinates internal and external audits, and serves as the primary liaison with the USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG). ARPM comprises three teams: Audit Management Team, Internal Controls and Risk Management Team, and the Risk Management Advisory Team (RMAT). The Division is responsible for the oversight, coordination, development of management decisions, and response actions related to OIG audits. ARPM is also responsible for monitoring compliance with USAID policy and USG rules and regulations; finalizing pre-award risk assessments; managing BHA’s response to annual USAID internal control exercises, such as the Enterprise Risk Management risk profile and Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act assessment; performing pre-award surveys; and managing partner-vetting of BHA recipients. Additionally, ARPM strengthens and reinforces internal controls and risk management processes across BHA by developing internal guidance and policies, and participating on intra- and interagency working groups.

The RMAT plays a central role in the USG’s disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and disaster risk reduction programs. Risk Management Advisors (RIMA) and Risk Management Officers (RIMO) comprise the RMAT, and provide assistance to BHA program teams in assessing and mitigating programmatic risk; liaising with OIG and coordinating responses to audits or investigations; and ensuring that USAID-funded humanitarian response programs adhere to policy guidelines and USG regulations. The RMAT further ensures program integrity by advising on USG’s grant regulations and procedures and supporting BHA program staff on monitoring and responding to issues of concern regarding misuse, divergence, fraud, and investigations and audits, as applicable to humanitarian programs.

To assist the BHA RMAT, the ARPM Division is recruiting a Senior Risk Management Advisor/Deputy Team Lead (DTL), reporting to the RMAT Team Leader or designee. Under the leadership of the RMAT Team Leader, the Senior Risk Management Advisor/DTL will ensure that BHA’s programs are in compliance with USG policies, procedures, and standards at headquarters, and in field operations. The Senior Risk Management Advisor/DTL will serve as Acting Team Leader as needed, engaging constructively and collaboratively with the RMAT and ARPM Division. The Senior Risk Management Advisor/DTL is responsible for providing mentorship to RMAT members; supporting recruitment and staffing efforts, including the onboarding and orientation of new team members; and will be responsible for providing risk management and mitigation expertise to a non-response and steady state program portfolio.

The position is based in Washington, D.C., with potential travel to the field to support field-level audit coordination as needed.

The BHA RMAT requires the services of a Senior Risk Management Advisor/DTL, to provide leadership support to RIMA/RIMOs to ensure that USAID’s humanitarian assistance programs incorporate risk assessment and mitigation processes and adhere to policy guidelines and USG regulations.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED

 

This position requires an individual to manage and represent the RMAT and ARPM Division. After the RMAT Team Leader, the Senior Risk Management Advisor/DTL will serve as the secondary contact and liaison for BHA’s risk management activities. The DTL will be responsible for providing leadership support and mentorship to RMAT members and ensuring that USAID’s humanitarian assistance programs are in compliance with policy guidelines and USG regulations.

At this grade level, the RMAT Senior Risk Management Advisor/DTL will demonstrate expert competence in the duties and responsibilities described below.

Leadership:

● Provide recommendations on current and future strategic direction of the RMAT to include budgetary and human resource requirements, and portfolio management and workload distribution.

● The Senior Risk Management Advisor/DTL 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.

● Support the professional development of team members through mentorship, coordination of technical advice, and professional development opportunities.

● Assist the RMAT Team Leader in the annual performance review and evaluation process, approval of leave and training plans, reimbursement vouchers, and travel authorizations.

● Serve as a RIMA on any new Response Management Teams, upon request by the RMAT Team Leader.

Internal Systems:

● Demonstrate an expert understanding of internal controls, risk assessments, risk management and compliance issues, advising on the implications of audits, criminal investigations, and USAID and USG policy or regulatory changes.

● Conduct and lead risk assessments of humanitarian programs adhering to USAID and USG risk mitigation policies and guidance and recommend appropriate corrective or risk mitigation measures.

● Exercise independent judgment and decision-making related to risk mitigation and internal control policies and best practices.

● Manage tracking and record-keeping systems on audit, risk, and compliance issues.

● Provide expert advice to senior management on the USG regulations related to the misuse, divergence and/or fraud, as applicable to programs funded by BHA.

● Provide expert guidance to program staff and office management on the potential for violations of USG laws and regulations.

● Serve as an expert in supporting USAID’s internal controls assessment and management processes.

● Support BHA’s efforts to assess and manage risk(s) in humanitarian programs through USAID’s enterprise risk management process.

Portfolio Management:

● Provide expert advice to program staff and management on monitoring and responding to issues of concern concerning the misuse of funds, alleged diversions, fraudulent activities, and/or external investigations and audits of humanitarian awards.

● Lead and serve as a technical advisor for risk management, internal controls, and compliance issues on the assigned portfolio.

● Draft, maintain, update, and revise written technical guidance based on new regulations and/or changes to existing USG and Agency risk management initiatives and policies.

● Provide expert guidance to program staff and management on audits and/or investigations of the assigned portfolio.

● Review applications for USAID humanitarian funding and provide expertise to determine whether risk management and compliance were appropriately integrated into the proposed program design, particularly in high-risk and non-permissive operating environments.

● Lead the compliance monitoring and evaluation process for the portfolio.

● Lead the development of appropriate strategies to identify and react to findings, allegations of deviations from the intended purpose(s) of grants, or other issues identified.

● Draft recommendations to program staff and office management for policy options to reduce risk of partner misuse, diversions, and fraud.

● Manage day-to-day assignments and workload for risk management specialist(s) assigned to the portfolio, and review their work products for quality and accuracy, as applicable.

● Support the RMAT Team Leader in portfolio management of the RMAT and assigning portfolios.

Agency and USG Liaison and Representation:

● Manage interactions and communications with General Council (GC), OIG, and the Department of Treasury that are related to risk and audit matters on the portfolio.

● Lead on responding to any data calls related to risk, compliance, audits, and/or investigations from GC, OIG, U.S. Congress, or senior USAID staff, and ensure a timely and appropriate response.

● Draft written and oral responses to requests for information on BHA’s risk mitigation activities in the area of responsibility, to include briefing papers, memorandum talking points, formal presentations, and informal briefings.

● Serve as a risk mitigation and assessment subject matter expert in meetings with the USG interagency and external stakeholders, as requested by office management.

● Independently serve as the team’s risk management representative in bureau and agency meetings related to risk, compliance, audit, or investigations.

General Duties:

● Coordinate and lead RIMA team meetings.

● Attend ARPM Division meetings and other BHA meetings.

● Sign up for and serve as needed on Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), which provide services and support to Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will vary.

● As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time. 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). Work is primarily performed in an office setting. 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. As needed, may serve on temporary detail within the bureau to meet operational needs during staff shortages. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the scope of work provided.

● Become certified and serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR), as assigned. The AOR/COR provides financial and programmatic oversight of all aspects of managing the agreement or contract; this includes but is not limited to reviewing invoices, requests for approvals, program/project deliverables (i.e. work plans, annual reports, month status reports), travel requests, key personnel requests, and financial/budget reports. They are responsible for drafting and submitting the annual contractor performance evaluation in Contract/Assistance Performance Assessment Review System (CPARS/APARS). They prepare and review contract/assistance modifications documentation and assist the Contracting/Agreement Officer to ensure performance is compliant with the terms and conditions of the contract/agreement, the FAR, and USAID policy. AOR/CORs are responsible for all related requirements in the COR designation letter and the AOR designation letter.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

 

The USPSC will take direction from and will report to the RMAT Team Leader or their designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

 

Supervisor provides administrative directions in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The USPSC independently plans, designs and carries out programs, projects, studies or other work. Results are considered authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

 

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.)

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including but not limited to international relations, political science, business administration, disaster management, public policy, or a related field, plus at least nine (9) years of experience working in government, a large organization, or a business setting, with responsibilities related to international development or emergency relief programming and management, internal control or enterprise risk management, or operations and administration management, including specific knowledge and experience of programming in high-risk operating environments.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including but not limited to international relations, political science, business administration, disaster management, public policy, or a related field, plus at least seven (7) years of experience working in government, a large organization, or a business setting, with responsibilities related to international development or emergency relief programming and management, internal control or enterprise risk management, or operations and administration management, including specific knowledge and experience of programming in high-risk operating environments.

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.

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.

● Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance throughout the contract.

● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

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 evaluation of writing tests will also take into consideration the quality of written responses. Aspects of written responses including, but not limited to typos, grammatical errors, spelling errors, and incomplete sentences will be factored into the evaluation process. The rating factors are as follows:

MATRIX (30 points)

 

Professional Experience (10 points)

● Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USG regulations relating to assistance or acquisition policies and compliance, including but not limited to (4 points):

● Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

● Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

● Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) internal controls

● Demonstrated experience analyzing and interpreting reporting data, performing risk assessments and analyses, identifying risk management and mitigation solutions to address any issues related to the misuse of funds, alleged diversions, fraudulent activities, or external investigations and audits (3 points)

● Demonstrated knowledge of the operations and practices of non-governmental organizations, public international organizations, or private sector entities implementing USG-funded international development or humanitarian assistance programs (3 points).

Skills and Abilities (7 points)

● Demonstrated ability to prepare and present analyses, based on the interpretation and practical application of legal sources, regulations, policies and procedures (2 points).

● Experience communicating or transferring knowledge on complex policy and programmatic issues to a multitude of non-specialist audiences at a variety of levels including junior staff, peers, or senior leadership (3 points).

● Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining relationships across different parts of an organization or different stakeholders (2 points).

Leading Teams Experience (13 points)

● Demonstrated experience creating a collaborative environment for a team of diverse staff in a fast-paced environment while meeting ongoing deadlines (3 points).

● Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring teams (5 points).

● Demonstrated experience with internal representation to senior leadership on program or policy issues (5 points).

Interview Performance (40 points)

 

Timed Writing Test (15 points)

 

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (15 points)

 

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) 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.).

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. Ensure Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - Please be advised that upon award, the contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor 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.* USPSCs/TCNPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

*See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.

 

6. 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.

7. 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.