SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA23R00012

ISSUANCE DATE: February 17, 2023
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 20, 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,

JOY ANITA BURRISS

Joy Burriss Contracting Officer
U.S. Agency for International Development 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC
www.usaid.gov

Attachment 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720BHA23R00012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 17, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 20, 2023, 12:00 P.M.
Eastern Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: G3PC Recruitment Team, BHA.G3PCRecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: U.S. Mission to United Nations in Geneva (USUN) Humanitarian Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $84,546.00 - $109,908.00 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.

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

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Geneva, Switzerland
Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions.

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 USUN Humanitarian Advisor will be assigned to the place of
performance.
8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) 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 Office of Global Policy, Partnerships, Programs, and Communication (G3PC) directs the Bureau
for Humanitarian Assistance’s (BHA) leadership in global humanitarian policy, showcases BHA’s
life-saving work through strategic communication and information, and manages collaboration with
external stakeholders, including public and private partners, international and multilateral
organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, and the U.S.
Interagency. The G3PC office is organized into seven divisions, namely, Humanitarian Policy and
International Systems; Humanitarian Multilateral; Humanitarian Organizations and Partnerships;
Private Sector Engagement, Diaspora, and Innovation; Global Capacity and Leadership Development;
U.S. Engagement, Strategy, and Programs; and Strategic Communications and Humanitarian Information.

G3PC requires the services of a Humanitarian Advisor in order to meet its objectives of
programming, coordinating with other donors, and situational analysis on humanitarian policy issues
and developing policy guidance.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED

The primary responsibility of the Humanitarian Advisor will be to help manage a portfolio of BHA
programs, policy initiatives and practices related to BHA’s engagement with key institutional
partners, particularly as it relates to BHA’s equities within the international humanitarian
system. He/she serves as a key resource of information on humanitarian issues and policies as well
as humanitarian organizations and programs based in Geneva in support of United States Mission to
the United Nation (USUN) Geneva interests. He/she supports the Team Lead in planning USUN
strategies and responses to humanitarian crises, coordinating with other donors on U.S. Government
(USG) responses and policy positions, reporting within USUN Geneva and to Washington; and
organizing visits, meetings and events in support of USG humanitarian objectives.

The Humanitarian Advisor’s duties and responsibilities include the following:

External Relations:

● Provide support for BHA’s engagement in Public International Organization (PIO) executive board
or governance meetings, including event planning, agenda development, and note-taking.
● Assist with the organization of regular and ad hoc meetings with partner organizations,
humanitarian donors, and the U.S. Interagency.
● Under the guidance of the Team Lead, develop and maintain communications and relationships with
key stakeholders—partner organizations/offices within and outside of the U.S.—to facilitate
information exchange and coordination.
● Develop and maintain communications and relationships with partner organizations/offices,
both within and outside the USG, to ensure essential coordination of actions and information
exchanges.
● Respond to inquiries, perform outreach services, and facilitate access to BHA staff.

● Participate in discussions related to the work of the current emergency responses when requested
and produce meeting summaries to ensure program policy consistency.
● Provide support for BHA’s engagement in executive board or governance meetings of PIO and NGO
partners, including event planning, agenda development, and note-taking.
● Represent USG positions in a complex multilateral setting based on guidance from USAID
Washington, D.C. Headquarters.
● Lead organizational and execution efforts for assigned BHA events at USUN Geneva, such as
meetings and similar activities.
● Assist in representing USG at meetings with the UN, international organizations, and other
donors and other conferences sponsored by members of the international community, and provide
guidance and advice on USG positions, negotiating strategies, and, in consultation with
USAID/Washington, conduct negotiations with the donor community and make recommendations to the
appropriate officials in USAID.

Internal Coordination:

● Coordinate tasks and activities with G3PC colleagues as well as other BHA and USAID staff
related to PIO and NGO policy development, implementation, and practice.
● Assist with ensuring that all steps involved in managing humanitarian coordination files and
relationships are performed, i.e., data entry, file maintenance, and close communication
with relevant BHA or other USAID staff, as needed.
● Draft briefing materials for USUN Geneva as needed on key humanitarian and organizational
issues.
● Assist in monitoring overall performance of USAID/BHA-funded humanitarian agencies.
● Facilitate communications between BHA offices and with various offices within USAID for
Team-specific workstream development and activities through information products and engagements.
● Liaise with the USAID Office of General Counsel and the Office of Acquisition and Assistance,
under the general guidance of your supervisor, to ensure timely and consistent award processes.

Policy Engagement:

● Track key issues, trends, and developments relating to PIO and NGO performance, the humanitarian
system, and U.S. policy priorities. Track and analyze policy developments across Geneva-based
partners, particularly around humanitarian and crisis issues.
● Support the review and analysis of PIO, NGO, U.S. Interagency, policies, guidance, and related
documents.
● Support preparation for PIO executive board or governance meetings or principal level meetings,
informal consultations with NGO, donor meetings or consultations, interagency policy coordination
meetings, and U.S. Interagency or Congressional points of contact, and other key meetings.
● Assist in conducting background research and drafting memoranda for BHA and other parts of USAID
on humanitarian workstreams.

Administrative and Other General Duties and Responsibilities:

● Assist in promoting and cultivating team morale and workplace collaboration in a diverse,
equitable, and inclusive work environment.
● Support the development of a variety of correspondence, documentation, and reports, including
memoranda and briefing papers on humanitarian issues for meetings and events.
● Assist in managing Team files, including data entry and file maintenance.
● Assist in responding to inquiries, perform outreach services and facilitate access to BHA staff
with external parties. Prepare background information to address requests for information on BHA
programs from internal and external sources.
● Review daily cable traffic; identify those marked for USAID action and assist with appropriate
follow-up;
● Provide support to the Team Lead and the Senior Development Advisor on a range of administrative
functions, including travel, Living Quarters Allowance/Cost of Living Adjustment, and accessing
support within USUN Geneva;
● Develop and track annual USAID/BHA Geneva budget, to include providing quarterly updates to the
Team Lead;
● Coordinate with USAID/BHA Washington and USAID/Sarajevo on budget matters and prepare necessary
financial vouchers and documentation;
● Function as International Cooperative Administrative Support Services representative to budget
committee under the direction of the USAID Team Lead.
● 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.
● 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. May serve on temporary detail within the office 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.
● The Humanitarian 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.
● 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 or 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 or assistance modification documentation and assist the
Contracting/Agreement Officer to ensure performance is compliant with the terms and conditions of
the contract/agreement, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and USAID policy. AOR/CORs are
responsible for all related requirements set forth in the COR designation letter and the AOR
designation letter.
● May serve on temporary detail within the office 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.
● In times of emergency humanitarian assistance, the PSC will serve on temporary details within
the bureau. Duties performed while on detail will correspond to the level and market value for the
position and the work specified to be performed in the Statement of Duties.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP
The USPSC will take direction from and report to the Team Leader/Senior Humanitarian Advisor at
USUN Geneva and from the USAID/BHA G3PC Office in Washington.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Supervisor sets overall objectives and resources available; the USPSC consults with their
supervisor to develop deadlines, projects and work to be done. The USPSC is responsible for
planning and carrying out assignments. The USPSC is responsible for planning approaches or
methodology to be used in carrying out assignments.

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.)

High school diploma or equivalent plus seven (7) years of work experience in emergency relief,
humanitarian assistance, development, or a related field, including one (1) year working on
humanitarian policy issues.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in any field plus four (4) years of work experience in emergency relief,
humanitarian assistance, development, or a related field, including one (1) year working on
humanitarian policy issues.

OR

Master’s degree in any field plus three (3) years of work experience in emergency relief,
humanitarian assistance, development, or a related field, including one (1) year working on
humanitarian policy issues.

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):

Policy Analysis Experience (10 points)
● Experience working on international humanitarian policy issues (4 points)
● Experience supporting the development and implementation of international policy recommendations
(2 points)
● Experience working with multiple stakeholders on policy issues (4 points)

External engagement experience (12 points)
● Experience working with USG stakeholders (2 points)
● Experience working with NGO or PIO stakeholders. (2 points)
● Experience in communicating through written materials (2 points)
● Experience in communicating through oral presentations (2 points)
● Experience supporting high-level meetings or events (4 points)

Award management and compliance experience (8 points)
● Experience managing or supporting the management of humanitarian awards (3 points)
● Experience managing, or supporting management of, organization budgets (3 points)
● Experience ensuring compliance with organizational policies or awards (2 points)

Interview Performance (50 points) Timed Writing Test (15 points)
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (5 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. 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.

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: 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.

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.