OTI Program Manager - Outreach and Public Affairs, Wednesday 16, November 2011

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OTI-12-000004

            ISSUANCE DATE: November 14, 2011
            CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2011, 5:00 p.m. EST 

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for an OTI Program Manager – Outreach and Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as an OTI Program Manager – Outreach and Public Affairs under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1. Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed).

NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged. A submitted resume, however, is considered supplemental application material. Submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

1. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the four (4) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation.

NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.

Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: pmoutreach@globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941

Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Timothy Gonya or Caitlyn Shelley Telephone Number: (202) 706-6109 or (202) 706-6114 E-Mail Address: pmoutreach@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941

                Sincerely,

                Cristina Sylvia, 

Contracting Officer

Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Program Manager – Outreach and Public Affairs

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-12-000004
2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 14, 2011
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: December 6, 2011, 5:00 pm EST
4. POSITION TITLE: OTI Program Manager – Outreach and Public Affairs
5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a “tandem/ladder” position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-12 (salary range: $74,872 - $97,333) or GS-13 (salary range: $89,033 - $115,742) equivalent level, Washington, D.C. locality pay. If a candidate is selected at the GS-12 level, there is a possibility for advancement to GS-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-12 or GS-13 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

If an incumbent is selected at the GS-12 equivalent grade level, the candidate will have the opportunity for advancement up one equivalent grade to the GS-13 level, following at least one (1) year or two (2) years at the GS-12 level. To be eligible for promotion, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the position, and must also receive a performance rating of “Excellent” or higher in the annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee meets the minimum qualifications of the position, is performing successfully at the current grade, and is considered ready to perform at the higher grade level. Neither advancement nor extension of the contract is guaranteed.

NOTE: Applicants who submit an application for the GS-13 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEC) will not be considered for the GS-12 positions if they have not submitted separate applications for them. Similarly, applicants who apply for only the GS-12 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-13 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted separate applications for each of them. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications should submit a separate application for each grade level.

1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three one-year options
2. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.
3. STATEMENT OF WORK

POSITION DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local, indigenous partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries by providing fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs.

Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous local partners such as civil society groups (non-governmental organizations or informal community groups), local governments, private businesses, media groups, and others, through identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public understanding and participation in their country’s political process.

To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts (PSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the office’s programmatic goals and objectives.

For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiati...

INTRODUCTION

The Program Office provides both internal support to OTI and external outreach to the rest of the Agency, the U.S. Government, and other key stakeholders. Key functions of the Program Office are to: provide management and oversight for budgeting decisions and allocation of resources; set standards and provide guidance to country programs on strategic planning, decision-making, and implementation; manage core procurement mechanisms that support country programs; manage monitoring and evaluation; and facilitate the flow of information regarding OTI programs with internal and external audiences. The Program Office is responsible for outreach for OTI with counterparts within USAID as well as with other parts of the U.S. federal government, Capitol Hill, donors, and other interested partners and stakeholders. The Team is also responsible for new outreach product development.

The Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) Program Manager for Outreach and Public Affairs will manage all aspects of OTI’s outreach and strategic communications for a wide array of audiences within the U.S. government and for the general public. The incumbent will oversee the issuance of daily, weekly, monthly or annual country program updates that are posted on the OTI website, distributed within USAID, and are part of the formal reporting processes to Congress, Department of State, and OMB. S/he will work closely with OTI country team staff to ensure high quality and timely reporting products using a variety of communications tools, including hard copy publications, website postings, blogs, YouTube, and other media. The incumbent will also help guide office-wide efforts in planning and designing of events, publications, venues, and tools that support an improved strategic communication strategy. The vast majority of the workload for this position will be in direct support of OTI country programs and reporting on their work, challenges, and achievements.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this position is to provide management and support for outreach and public affairs for the OTI Program Office.

1. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The OTI Program Manager for Outreach and Public Affairs is a member of the DCHA/OTI Program Office, reports to the OTI Program Office Team Leader or his/her designee, and is based in Washington, D.C.

As part of OTI and the Program Office, the Program Manager for Outreach and Public Affairs has primary responsibility for developing and implementing a wide variety of outreach strategies for OTI and for designing and providing relevant technical assistance to the regional teams. As a member of the Program Office, the Program Manager for Outreach and Public Affairs participates in the development of new outreach products and conducts staff training pertaining to outreach and public affairs. The Program Manager is responsible for managing and maintaining the OTI website (through a contractor) and for the compilation, editing and dissemination of OTI reports and updates.

The work of the Program Manager for Outreach and Public Affairs requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. She or he places a premium on the building positive relationships with his or her respective team both in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is a team player, able to prioritize and follow up on their own actions without prompting, filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The incumbent is highly responsible, service-oriented, organized, pays close attention to detail, and is able to receive and respond to constructive criticism in a professional manner. The Program Manager is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. While the Program Manager works under the direction of the Program Office Team Leader, he or she needs to demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. The Program Manager must be an individual with excellent writing and interpersonal skills with an understanding of U.S. policy interests and the role transition programming can play in the mitigation of conflict and the development of democracy. The Program Manager must be able to communicate effectively, in person and in writing, with diverse audiences and be able accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice.

Under the direct supervision of the OTI Program Office Team Leader or his/her designee, the Program Manager for Outreach and Public Affairs will:

At the GS-12 equivalent level:

• Provide training and support to field teams as needed, which may include travel to OTI countries;

• Provide support, when needed, to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, D.C.;

• Perform other tasks as requested by the Program Office Team Leader or OTI senior leadership;

• Develop and implement OTI strategic outreach plan, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, development of information products, and monitor/support implementation of plan;

• Manage production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI’s external and internal websites and for presentations to internal and external audiences;

• Manage the process for generating country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, Frontlines (USAID-wide publication) contributions, and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing the final products through the OTI external website and other outreach channels;

• Manage internal OTI reporting needs, including but not limited to, the bi-weekly OTI Transition News (consisting of Program and Political/Security updates), and daily/weekly bullets to USAID senior staff;

• Assist in the preparation of OTI’s Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other Office, Bureau, and Agency documents;

• Serve as a liaison to others within USAID as well as with State Department and other USG agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors;

• Serve as primary point of contact for information requests, and coordinate outreach activities with the USAID Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs, DCHA Bureau, other USAID Bureaus, Capitol Hill, State Department, and assist OTI country teams in the preparation of Capitol Hill presentations and briefings;

• Collaborate with information technologies, media, best practices and other teams to maximize outreach opportunities;

• Review the outreach reporting functions and processes of the country teams, the applied best practices team, and the office more broadly, and provide recommendations on strategies, processes and personnel;

• Manage contracts, by serving as a Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR), that support the activities detailed above.

At the GS-13 equivalent level:

• Provide training and support to field teams as needed, which may include travel to OTI countries;

• Provide support, when needed, to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, D.C.;

• Provide updated guidance and recommendations on current OTI outreach products, including Annual Reports, country program reporting, success stories, and web-based materials;

• Perform other tasks as requested by the Program Office Team Leader or OTI senior leadership;

• Develop and implement OTI strategic outreach plan, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, development of information products, and monitor/support implementation of plan;

• Propose improvements and new initiatives based on the analysis of current outreach efforts and new outreach priorities and targets identified by OTI country teams and senior staff;

• Manage production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI’s external and internal websites and for presentations to internal and external audiences;

• Manage the process for generating country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, Frontlines (USAID-wide publication) contributions, and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing the final products through the OTI external website and other outreach channels;

• Manage internal OTI reporting needs, including but not limited to, the bi-weekly OTI Transition News (consisting of Program and Political/Security updates), and daily/weekly bullets to USAID senior staff;

• Assist in the preparation of OTI’s Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other Office, Bureau, and Agency documents;

• Serve as a liaison to others within USAID as well as with State Department and other USG agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors;

• Serve as primary point of contact for information requests, and coordinate outreach activities with the USAID Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs, DCHA Bureau, other USAID Bureaus, Capitol Hill, State Department, and assist OTI country teams in the preparation of Capitol Hill presentations and briefings;

• Collaborate with information technologies, media, best practices and other teams to maximize outreach opportunities;

• Identify and establish contacts with key stakeholders within USAID, the U.S. government, policy institutions, and the practitioner community;

• Seek out and initiate new fora through which OTI can more effectively engaged with key audiences;

• Review the outreach reporting functions and processes of the country teams, the applied best practices team, and the office more broadly, and provide recommendations on strategies, processes and personnel;

• Improve effectiveness of OTI outreach products and activities and proposing and carrying out new outreach initiatives;

• Initiate new and/or update current outreach strategy documents that take into account multiple levels within OTI and within USAID in a variety of outreach and reporting formats and venues;

• Initiate new outreach activities that will increase target audience awareness of and support for OTI programming or establish new outreach products that better tell OTI’s story;

• Manage contracts, by serving as a Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR), that support the activities detailed above;

• Advise OTI senior staff on improving effectiveness of their outreach to target audiences within USAID and with key stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The OTI Program Manager will report to OTI’s Program Office Team Leader in Washington, D.C. or to his/her designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision.

1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams or 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).

1. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Assessments or during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

1. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.
2. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying")

The successful candidate must be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. Since work often involves changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual must be someone who is highly flexible and able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. He/she must be able to work productively and effectively as a member on a team.

At a minimum, the applicant must have:

At the GS-12 equivalent level:

(1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in international development, preferably working with a USG Agency, an international organization, or a non-governmental organization;

(2) A minimum of three (3) years professional experience in public affairs work including designing, implementing, and coordinating outreach activities or equivalent experience writing and editing articles and reports about international development programs for a variety of audiences;

(3) A minimum of two (2) years professional experience in political transitions, democracy building, or humanitarian assistance overseas;

(4) Demonstrated excellence in the skills of analysis, writing, and public speaking.

At the GS-13 equivalent level:

(1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in international development, preferably working with a USG Agency, an international organization, or a non-governmental organization;

OR

A Master's degree in international affairs, communications, or journalism with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in international development, preferably working with a USG Agency, an international organization, or a non-governmental organization;

(2) A minimum of five (5) years professional experience in public affairs work including designing, implementing, and coordinating outreach activities or equivalent experience writing and editing articles and reports about international development programs for a variety of audiences;

(3) A minimum of three (3) years professional experience in political transitions, democracy building, or humanitarian assistance overseas;

(4) Demonstrated excellence in the skills of analysis, writing, and public speaking.

SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) • Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; • Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted (see detailed instructions under "Applying"); • Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Education/Experience requirements, AND each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; • Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship); • Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)

Factor #1 Demonstrated experience designing and implementing outreach and strategic communication programs;

Factor #2 Demonstrated experience writing, editing, publishing, and distributing annual reports, press releases, and other public information;

Factor #3 Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and through oral presentations; and

Factor #4 Demonstrated experience managing and developing materials for external and/or internal websites.

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process.

Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 – 20 Factor #2 – 20 Factor #3 – 15 Factor #4 – 15 Total Possible – 70 Points

Interview Performance – 30 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Be sure to fully respond to each of the Evaluation Factors and include all relevant experience, training, and/or education in your responses. Sample Evaluation Factors are provided on the GlobalCorps website at www.globalcorps.com.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.

APPLYING:

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, or atwww.globalcorps.com).

NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged. A submitted resume, however, is considered supplemental application material. Submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 or on supplemental OF-612 continuation sheets to allow for adequate evaluation of your direct and related experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

Dates (months/years) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed.

1. A supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the four (4) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation.

NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20045 Via facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: pmoutreach@globalcorps.com

Please note in your document submittal where you heard about this position.

NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded.

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 application.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS

All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR.

For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003)https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. Optional Form 612.
2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). **
3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **
4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **
6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). **

** Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract.

AAPD 06-10 – PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

AAPD No. 06-10 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 1 to the solicitation.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).*

(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650).

• Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.

ATTACHMENT 1

ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPD) NO. 06-10 PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY

General Provision 22, MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY (OCTOBER 2006)

(a) Definitions. Terms used in this General Provision are defined in 16 FAM 116 available athttp://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam/c23002.htm.

Note: Personal services contractors are not eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Programs.

(b) The regulations in the Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 16, Chapter 520 (16 FAM 520), Responsibility for Payment of Medical Expenses, apply to this contract, except as stated below. The contractor and each eligible family member are strongly encouraged to obtain health insurance that covers this assignment. Nothing in this provision supersedes or contradicts any other term or provision in this contract that pertains to insurance or medical costs, except that section (e) supplements General Provision 25. “MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES.”

(c) When the contractor or eligible family member is covered by health insurance, that insurance is the primary payer for medical services provided to that contractor or eligible family member(s) both in the United States and abroad. The primary insurer’s liability is determined by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the insurance policy. When the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred and the U.S. Government has no payment obligation (see paragraph (f) of this provision).

(d) USAID serves as a secondary payer for medical expenses of the contractor and eligible family members who are covered by health insurance, where the following conditions are met:

(1) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense is incurred, caused, or materially aggravated while the eligible individual is stationed or assigned abroad;

(2) The illness, injury, or medical condition giving rise to the expense required or requires hospitalization and the expense is directly related to the treatment of such illness, injury, or medical condition, including obstetrical care; and

(3) The Office of Medical Services (M/MED) or a Foreign Service medical provider (FSMP) determines that the treatment is appropriate for, and directly related to, the illness, injury, or medical condition.

(e) The Mission Director may, on the advice of M/MED or an FSMP at post, authorize medical travel for the contractor or an eligible family member in accordance with the General Provision 10, Travel and Transportation Expenses (July 1993), section (i) entitled “Emergency and Irregular Travel and Transportation.” In the event of a medical emergency, when time does not permit consultation, the Mission Director may issue a Travel Authorization Form or Medical Services Authorization Form DS-3067, provided that the FSMP or Post Medical Advisor (PMA) is notified as soon as possible following such an issuance. The contractor must promptly file a claim with his or her medevac insurance provider and repay to USAID any amount the medevac insurer pays for medical travel, up to the amount USAID paid under this section. The contractor must repay USAID for medical costs paid by the medevac insurer in accordance with sections (f) and (g) below. In order for medical travel to be an allowable cost under General Provision 10, the contractor must provide USAID written evidence that medevac insurance does not cover these medical travel costs.

(f) If the contractor or eligible family member is not covered by primary health insurance, the contractor is the primary payer for the total amount of medical costs incurred. In the event of a medical emergency, the Medical and Health Program may authorize issuance of Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents, to secure admission to a hospital located abroad for the uninsured contractor or eligible family member. In that case, the contractor will be required to reimburse USAID in full for funds advanced by USAID pursuant to the issuance of the authorization. The contractor may reimburse USAID directly or USAID may offset the cost from the contractor’s invoice payments under this contract, any other contract the individual has with the U.S. Government, or through any other available debt collection mechanism.

(g) When USAID pays medical expenses (e.g., pursuant to Form DS-3067, Authorization for Medical Services for Employees and/or Dependents), repayment must be made to USAID either by insurance payment or directly by the contractor, except for the amount of such expenses USAID is obligated to pay under this provision. The Contracting Officer will determine the repayment amount in accordance with the terms of this provision and the policies and procedures for employees contained in 16 FAM 521. When USAID pays the medical expenses, including medical travel costs (see section (e) above), of an individual (either the contractor or an eligible family member) who is covered by insurance, that individual promptly must claim his or her benefits under any applicable insurance policy or policies. As soon as the individual receives the insurance payment, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the full amount that USAID paid on the individual’s behalf or the repayment amount determined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with this paragraph, whichever is less. If an individual is not covered by insurance, the contractor must reimburse USAID for the entire amount of all medical expenses and any travel costs the contractor receives from his/her medevac provider.

(h) In the event that the contractor or eligible family member fails to recover insurance payments or transfer the amount of such payments to USAID within 90 days, USAID will take appropriate action to collect the payments due, unless such failure is for reasons beyond the control of the USPSC/dependent.

(i) Before departing post or terminating the contract, the contractor must settle all medical expense and medical travel costs. If the contractor is insured, he or she must provide proof to the Contracting Officer that those insurance claims have been submitted to the insurance carrier(s) and sign a repayment agreement to repay to USAID any amounts paid by the insurance carrier(s).

How to apply: 

APPLYING:

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms, or atwww.globalcorps.com).

NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged. A submitted resume, however, is considered supplemental application material. Submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 or on supplemental OF-612 continuation sheets to allow for adequate evaluation of your direct and related experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

Dates (months/years) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed.

1. A supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the four (4) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation.

NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20045 Via facsímile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: pmoutreach@globalcorps.com

Please note in your document submittal where you heard about this position.