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FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF APRIL 26, 2018 FBO #5998
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- USPSC Regional Development Outreach & Communications Coordinator (DOC), USAID/Central Asia

Notice Date

4/24/2018
 

Notice Type

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
 

NAICS

541990 — All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
 

Contracting Office

Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
 

ZIP Code

20521-7030
 

Solicitation Number

06_2018
 

Point of Contact

Madina Bayedilova, Phone: 77272507612
 

E-Mail Address

mbayedilova@usaid.gov
(mbayedilova@usaid.gov)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 06/2018 ISSUANCE DATE: 04/23/2018 CLOSING DATE: 05/04/2018 (6:00 pm Almaty local time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 06-2018 USPSC Regional Development Outreach & Communications Coordinator, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, 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, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. 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 the attached information. Sincerely, Christopher Daly Supervisory EXO ATTACHMENT 1 SOLICITATION NO. 06/2018 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 06/2018 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 04/23/2018 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 05/04/2018 (6:00 PM Almaty local time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Regional Development Outreach & Communications Coordinator (DOC) 5. MARKET VALUE: $89,370-$116,181 per annum (equivalent to GS-14) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (with possibility for extension) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan (UTC/GMT +6). However, Eligible Family Members of USG USDH Foreign Service Officers assigned to countries within UTC/GMT +5 to UTC/GMT +7 time zone) could be considered as Resident Hire candidates for working remotely from the home in country of residence. In this case the place of performance shall be remote at the location of his/her primary place of residence, with routine travel to Almaty and within Central Asia region to perform duties. The contractor should be available and is expected to travel as much as is needed based on the needs of the USAID/CA Mission and as directed by the Contracting Officer. In general, travel requirements will be known and communicated at least four weeks in advance of the actual travel. At a minimum, monthly travel is required to the Mission. TDY duration will normally range between 1 - 2 weeks depending on the task at hand, but could be longer or shorter depending on requirements. The selected candidate is expected to work eight hours per day out of which the incumbent should ensure that s/he is available during the core working hours of USAID/Central Asia which is 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Almaty, Kazakhstan time) excluding an hour lunch time. 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES A) Basic Function of the Position USAID/CA manages one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. The current portfolio includes support for multi-million dollar bilateral and regional programs covering Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan across a range of technical fields. USAID/CA also works closely with neighboring Missions (primarily Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India) on regional connectivity programming. USAID works closely with interagency teams at the U.S. Embassies in each country, and is responsible for coordinating closely with these Embassies regarding press, media inquiries, and Embassy awareness of and engagement in public events. The Development Outreach & Communications (DOC) Coordinator is the final clearance on many public materials, including all social media. The DOC works closely with and coordinates these efforts with the USAID Country Offices in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and with USAID Mission in Kyrgyzstan. The Senior Development Outreach and Communications Coordinator reports directly to the USAID/CA Strategy and Program Office (SPO) Director and works with Mission and Embassy leadership and staff to implement development outreach and communications efforts to increase awareness of USAID assistance programs in Central Asia. S/he leads the development, outreach, and communications team, which at full strength comprises three staff including two Foreign Service National (FSN) professionals. The DOC liaises with U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other USG colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The DOC also liaises with USAID's Asia Bureau and Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) Bureau in Washington to ensure close coordination as required by USAID policy. The DOC also serves as a ‘translator' of complex USAID processes (e.g. branding and marking, USAID outreach policies and procedures, budget, procurement, project design, etc.) and the results of our work to the broader interagency audience to ensure the intricacies of those processes are conveyed to the final recipient whether it's a journalist, the Ambassador, or a visiting Congressional Delegation. The position will also coordinate with other interagency and implementing partners. B) Major Duties and Responsibilities: The DOC will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/CA's programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the US and local audiences, in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances. Specific duties include but are not limited to the following: Supervision and Coordination - Lead the Mission's Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team and supervise DOC staff to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives. - Lead the implementation of the Mission's communications strategy and outreach plan. - Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, host country governments, implementing partners, other donor agencies, and other groups or institutions. - Train USAID's technical staff in Almaty and the regional offices in support of their public speaking and media outreach roles. Oversee the integration of communications in the project design and implementation processes, including the approval of all branding and marking plans. - Serve as the senior advisor to Mission management regarding all public information, media relations, and outreach matters. - Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/CA activities and processes, as well as a keen awareness of political and policy issues. - Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives. - Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency's Graphic Standards Manual. - Oversee and provide regular trainings to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking; work closely with C/AORs to ensure adherence to branding in the field; and, seek guidance from Asia Bureau and LPA on any disputes or waiver requests. - Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives, implementing partners, and other USG agencies to collect information for public materials. Public Information and Publicity Materials - Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission's offices, units and technical staff; and with all non-USG organizations. - Oversee the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID/Central Asia' activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, and to the extent possible Russian and other local languages, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, power points, and web use. - Oversee the preparation of submissions for Embassy daily briefings, Administrator's Reports, and submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including the Agency's Blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other new or emerging social media sites. - Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach; a social media strategy complements the broader communications plan. - The DOC will manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the USAID program for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and for USAID/W, Asia Bureau, LPA, State, Congress; including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about each country in Central Asia. - S/He oversees the maintenance of the Mission's English-language web materials to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. - Oversee the writing and distribution of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, and other results. Follow up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Coordinate with technical offices, Embassy's PAS, Asia Bureau and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international media. Media and Public Relations - Promote separate, pro-active, targeted, information and media outreach activities. These activities are specifically designed to push accurate information about USAID programs deep into local, regional and national markets, through the selective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, and traditional communications. - Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets. - Advise and work with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/CA programs, including TV, radio and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc. - In collaboration with PAS, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners. - Coordinate with host government public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with local and international media. - Supervise the monitoring of the local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy. Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming. - As directed by Mission front office and in collaboration with PAS, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects. Publicity Events - Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the PAS, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, field visits, and other ceremonies. - Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for media; compile and disseminate press packets; deal with protocol issues, site selection, staging, and logistical issues; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BCLs), scene setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or his/her deputies when participation in events is warranted; write or edit BCLs and Scene Setters for USAID's Front Office when participation in events is warranted; provide on-site coordination of media. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events. Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website, USAID main website, and other social media platforms. - Review and edit press releases, speeches, and talking points drafted by implementing partners for USAID events; review and edit BCLs and Scene Setters drafted by implementing partners for USAID events. - Submit all press releases and interview requests - in-house and those drafted by implementing partners - to PAS (and Asia Bureau and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval. - Photograph and/or produce video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites and for USAID/CA's archives. - Serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities. Coordinate VIP site visits as necessary. Coordinate with Embassy on schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of CODEL, STAFFDEL, and other high-level visitors, coordinating closely with partners in advance. Perform other duties/activities that the US Ambassador, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, USAID/Washington and circumstances may dictate. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S Citizens 11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. 12. POINT OF CONTACT: For any additional questions you may contact Christopher Daly at cdaly@usaid.gov or USAID/CA Human resources section at almatyhr@usaid.gov II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION 1) GENERAL Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five countries in Central Asia; available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months. 2.) EDUCATION Bachelor's degree with significant coursework in relevant fields. Relevant fields include - but are not limited to - journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies. Master's degree in relevant field is preferred, but not required. 3) PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible hands-on experience in public affairs, outreach, or campaigns. The candidate must have at least five years' relevant experience in a developing country. Relevant experience is defined as work in public relations, communications, and/or public outreach. 4) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, media relations, social media and journalistic writing and reporting techniques. Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of televised programs. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy to understand narrative. Exceptional analytical and editing skills. Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, web design programs and social media, well-developed desktop publishing skills, and the capacity to present information creatively. Familiarity using a digital camera and videotaping equipment. Strong, working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Internet applications. Knowledge of administration of website content management systems and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies, as well as the political, social and economic conditions in Central Asia. Experience with local media is desirable. Knowledge of procedures and programming methods and approaches of USAID or other international donors is preferred. Superior project management skills and the ability to take initiative working with the direction of management; must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively problem solve and see through to completion. Demonstrated ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines while exercising sound independent professional judgment. Ability to maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult or dangerous environment. 5) INTERPERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability and willingness to function collaboratively and productively as both a leader and a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters and to influence relationships positively. Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation. Must exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy especially when dealing with politically sensitive issues, must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. Strong oral and written communication skills, and an ability to work with a range of senior and technical officials in collegial and productive way. Technical skills alone are not sufficient to be selected for this position. 6) LANGUAGE SKILLS Minimum Level IV (Fluent) English and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Education Experience Knowledge and Technical Skills Interpersonal and Leadership Skills Language Skills Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate. After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. As part of the selection process, the short listed candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID's discretion. Reference checks will be conducted only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain Secret Security Clearance level and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these requirements to the selected candidate). A substantial delay in obtaining either the medical clearance or background check may make the applicant ineligible for selection. PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner. In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/CA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. IV. APPLYING Submission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. All application packages are to be submitted via email to: centralasiajobs@usaid.gov, citing the Solicitation number and the Position title. Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following: 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit: • Offer form AID 302-3, "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. • Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing. • Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. 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, item 12. 3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position. Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. USAID/CA expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore or resident hire US Citizen for two-year period (extension optional) commencing o/a June 1, 2018, subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms will be provided. http://www.usaid.gov/forms 1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) 2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or 3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) *The above listed forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS (if applicable) (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave (g) Medevac insurance (h) Access to Embassy medical facilities when in Almaty, Kazakhstan 2. ALLOWANCES: (if Applicable) The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/: (a) Post Allowance (Section 220) (b) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (c) Education Allowance (Section 270) (d) Education Travel (Section 280) (e) Post Differential (Chapter 500), and (f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) VII. TAXES It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf. 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. [The CO must check http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply and insert the relevant text as required.] 4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the "Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch," available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/06_2018/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: 41 Kazybek Bi Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakstan
 

Record

SN04899911-W 20180426/180424230802-bc62363aa204e165ef39211f7050fd55 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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