SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061224R00009

ISSUANCE DATE: October 9, 2024.

QUESTIONS DEADLINE: October 17, 2024, at 15:00 hours Malawi Time.
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: October 31, 2024, at 17:00 hours Malawi Time.

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S and Third Country National (Resident Hire) Personal Services
Contractor- Development Outreach and Communications Writer/Editor

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 the instructions in Attachments 1 and 2 of this solicitation.
Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer
materials for their own records.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the [email protected] address with the
subject line: “Questions Solicitation No. 72061224R00009 USPSC Resident hire- Development
Outreach and Communications Writer/Editor not later than October 17, 2024, at 15:00 hours,
Malawi time. We will post responses as soon as possible afterward.

Offers must be sent to [email protected] with the subject line: “Solicitation No.
72061224R00009 US Resident hire- Development Outreach and Communications
Writer/Editor.” To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that offers be sent as
email attachments.

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.

Sincerely,

Warren Digitally signed by

Warren Gray

Gray Date: 2024.10.07

15:20:16 +02'00'
Warren Gray
Supervisory Executive Officer
 72061224R00009
ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72061224R00009

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 9, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 31, 2024 – 17:00 hrs.
Malawi Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Martha Nanthoka, Supervisory Human Resources Specialist at

[email protected] with copy to Thokozani Chataika, HR Assistant at
[email protected]

5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Writer/Editor

6. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $88,520.00 to $115,079.00 per annum (GS-13
equivalent). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based
on the successful candidate’s qualifications and salary history. Salaries over and above
the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Lilongwe, Malawi (Southern Africa) with possible travel as

stated in the Statement of Duties.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) year base with a three one-year options to extend.
The extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the
services and availability of funds.

Base Period: o/a March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2027

Option Period 1: o/a March 1, 2027– February 28, 2028
Option Period 2: o/a March 1, 2028 – February 28, 2029
Option Period 3: o/a March 1, 2029 – February, 2030

9. SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL REQUIRED: USPSCs – Logical/Physical Access; TCNPSCs –

Employment Authorization

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: USPSC/TCNPSC

Resident Hire Personal Services Contractor (PSC) means a U.S. citizen/ Third Country
National who, at the time of hiring as a PSC, resides in the Cooperating Country:

(1) As a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen/Third Country National employed by a U.S.

Government Agency or under any U.S. Government-financed contract or agreement, or

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(2) For reasons other than for employment with a U.S. Government Agency or under any
U.S. Government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this
definition also includes a person who at the time of contracting is a lawfully admitted
permanent resident of the United States.

Third Country Nationals (TCN) – An individual who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal
resident alien of the U.S. nor of the country to which he/she is assigned for duty

U.S. citizen or permanent resident/registered alien (“green card holder”); offerors will be
evaluated in isolation first, and only when there is no USN and US Legal resident alien
qualified and "responsible" (including SAM and OFAC verifications), can the CO give the
technical evaluation committee (TEC) any TCN offers for review.

Offeror must:
● submit a complete and hand-signed copy of an offer as outlined in the
solicitation section titled “submitting an offer.”
● submit a supplemental document specifically addressing the evaluation factors.
● be able to obtain “Logical/Physical Access level security clearance.
● be able to obtain a department of state medical clearance.
● be willing to travel to work at sites and other locations as/when required.
● not appear as an excluded party in the system for award management.

11. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES: The final selected candidate must obtain both
the security and medical clearances required for the position. If such clearances are not
obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer
made may be rescinded.

12. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel to project sites and field offices in Malawi and within
Southern Africa may be required.

13. SUPPORT ITEMS: The Program Development Office (PRO) Malawi Office will provide the
US/TCNPSC with adequate support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to
perform the work.

II. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

I. BACKGROUND:

The USAID Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Writer position is a two-year
position, with the option to extend an additional three years. As a key member of
USAID/Malawi’s DOC Team within the Program (PRO) office, the DOC Writer/Editor will
primarily provide writing and editing services to produce and disseminate high-quality public
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information regarding USAID/Malawi’s development portfolio, while strengthening the capacity
of Mission staff to improve the quality of written products.

II. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:

The USAID Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Writer position is a two-year
position, with the option to extend an additional three years. As a key member of
USAID/Malawi’s DOC Team within the Program (PRO) office, the DOC Writer/Editor will
primarily provide writing and editing services to produce and disseminate high-quality public
information regarding USAID/Malawi’s development portfolio, while strengthening the capacity
of Mission staff to improve the quality of written products.

The DOC Writer/ Editor is an important contributor to the DOC strategy, the current goal of
which is to promote a better understanding and awareness of the impact of USAID' s
cooperation with Malawi and to demonstrate the benefits of USAID programs. The
communications strategy targets key audiences, such as Malawi government officials, other
donors, youth, the private sector, civil society, local and international media, and U.S. decision-
makers. The rationale for targeting these key audiences is to reach decision-makers and opinion
leaders on development issues, encourage goodwill, and foster productive partnerships in
support of our Country Development Cooperation Strategy's (CDCS) development objectives.

The DOC Writer/ Editor will report to the Sr. DOC Advisor or the Deputy Program Office Director
or his/her designee. The DOC Writer/Editor will work closely with staff from USAID/Malawi,
USAID/Washington, the U.S. Embassy in Malawi Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), local and
international news agencies, and USAID partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. EDITING: The DOC Writer/Editor reviews various communication products for style,
design, layout, and editorial considerations before the publication of the communication
products authored or sponsored by USAID/Malawi. Candidate edits or rewrites text for
clarity and accuracy, applying USAID's Style Guide requirements. Candidate ensures that
products for public dissemination are sensitive to American and Malawian audiences,
engaging local populations as appropriate for additional perspectives. On occasion,
candidate may be called upon to provide editing on select internal communications
documents. (30%)

2. DEVELOPING WRITTEN PRODUCTS FOR EXTERNAL AUDIENCES: In collaboration with

USAID/Malawi Front Office, Program Office, technical offices, USAID/Africa Bureau's
Outreach Team, USAID's Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau (LPA), USAID
implementing partners, and the U.S. Embassy in Malawi's Public Diplomacy Section, the
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DOC Writer produces written materials for public distribution that advance
USAID/Malawi's public outreach and communications objectives. Products include but
are not limited to stories, press releases, fact sheets, briefers, high-level speeches, and
video scripts. During high level events and delegations, the DOC Writer/Editor may be
called upon to assist in implementing public events. This includes being a point of
contact during a USAID project launch, site visit, or other public event to ensure proper
branding and media coverage of the event. (25%)

3. COMMUNICATIONS CAPACITY BUILDING: The DOC Writer/ Editor works in coordination

with other members of the USAID/Malawi DOC Team to strengthen the communications
capacity of USAID staff and implementing partners, namely in terms of producing high-
quality written products. Candidate serves as an advisor to the Mission staff and
implementing partners on the design, format, and content of reports, publications, and
other communications products. The DOC Writer provides guidance, training, and
coaching to technical office staff and implementing partners in developing effective
communication strategies and materials. (25%)

4. COMMUNICATION STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION: Candidate will work with DOC team

staff and technical teams to advance the implementation of the USAID/Malawi DOC
strategy by helping design publicly appealing social media content and maintain up-to-
date accurate content on USAID/Malawi’s websites and social media sites. Related to
this, Candidate also provides backstop support to at least one technical or support office
on communications, helping the office to formulate and implement a sector-specific
communications strategy that feeds into the broader Mission strategy. Candidate may
also support technical offices' behavior change communications efforts on an as-needed
basis. (20%)

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To be considered, the applicant MUST have:

The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field. Relevant fields include:
communications, journalism, public relations or affairs, international development, international
affairs, advertising, marketing or social studies.

The candidate must have a minimum of four years of relevant experience. Relevant experience
is defined as work in communications, journalism, international development, public relations
or public affairs, international relations, or social studies. Experience working in a developing
country context is preferred.

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The candidate must have a minimum of two years’ experience writing and editing in English,
including but not limited to: stories, press releases, speeches, fact sheets, briefers, social media
content, journals, and articles.

The candidate must be a native English speaker, with fluency in both written and spoken
English. Familiarity with American English is preferred. Proficiency in Malawian languages is a
plus.

AND

● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen or third Country National (TCN)

● Ability to obtain and maintain a “Logical/Physical Access Compartmented
Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
● Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A. Professional-level English speaking, presentation, reading and writing proficiency.

B. Demonstrated ability to work collegially and effectively communicate with team

members, internal clients, Mission personnel and external partners to successfully lead
and/or work with a multi-cultural team. Able to create positive working relations with
stakeholders of all levels.

IV. 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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at
https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Factor #1: Education, (10 points)

(i) A Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field is required. Relevant fields include:
communications, journalism, public relations or affairs, international development,
international affairs, advertising, or marketing (10 points);

Factor #2: Professional Work Experience (20 points)

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 72061224R00009
(i) A minimum of four years of relevant experience. Relevant experience is defined as
work in communications, journalism, international development, public relations or
public affairs, international relations, or social studies. Experience working in a
developing country context is preferred.
(ii) A minimum of two years’ experience writing and editing in English, including but not
limited to: stories, press releases, speeches, fact sheets, social media content, and
articles.

Factor #3: Technical Knowledge, skills and abilities (70 points)

(i) Writing and Editing Abilities (30 points)

⎯ Demonstrated excellence in writing abilities that are engaging for local contexts and
compelling to a wide range of audiences. Experience writing about development topics
preferred.

⎯ Strong English language editing skills, including familiarity with the Associated Press
Stylebook. Exceptional attention to detail and factual accuracy.

(ii) Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills (20 points)

⎯ Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the ability to work as a member of
a multidisciplinary, multi-cultural team and liaise with personnel of all levels.

(iii) Technical Knowledge and Expertise (20 points)

⎯ Experience designing, contributing to and/or implementing a communications strategy.

⎯ Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development and the

U.S. government.

⎯ Expertise in online media channels, including but not limited to: Facebook, “X” (Twitter),
YouTube, and Flickr.

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be further evaluated
according to the Evaluation and Selection Factors.

Offerors should address these factors in the offer package, describing specifically and
accurately what experience, education, training, knowledge of the job, skills, and/or awards
they have received as it pertains to the factors. Failure to address the Evaluation and Selection
Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training,
knowledge of the job, skills, and/or awards.

The highest-ranking offerors may be invited for an interview and writing test. Interviews
may be conducted either in person or by telephone/video call at USAID’s discretion. Final
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rating and ranking for the candidates will be based on the initial evaluation of the
applications, interview performance, and writing test. USAID/Malawi will not pay for any
expenses associated with interviews. Reference checks will be conducted for the highest-
ranking offerors.

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

Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in
in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. If a candidate does not wish USAID to contact a
current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the candidate’s cover letter,
and USAID will not contact those references without contacting the candidate.

V. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your offer to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Fully completed and signed copy of an “Offeror Information for Personal Services
Contracts with Individuals Form (AID 309-2), available at
https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/FORM_AID_309-
2_OMB_corrected_1.pdf. Offerors should note that the salary history for the purposes of the
AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel,
vehicle use, etc.
2. Letter of Application
3. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
4. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Evaluation and
Selection Factors)
5. A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references, including two references
which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the offeror’s job
knowledge.

Further Guidance:

Submission of Resume/Curriculum Vitae alone is not a complete offer. This offer must be
complete of all forms and supplemental materials as described in this section, V. Submitting an
Offer. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials may result in the offer not
being considered.

Offers must be sent to [email protected] with subject line “Solicitation No.

72061224R00009 US/TCNPSC Development Outreach and Communications Writer/Editor”. To
ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that offers be sent as email attachments.

Please do not submit more than one offer.

Late and incomplete applications may not be considered. Note all offers must be signed (hand
or digitally signed). Unsigned offers may not be considered.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 1]
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 72061224R00009
ATTACHMENT 2

1. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits
and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible
for those benefits listed under item A below.)

A. BENEFITS:

1. Employee's FICA Contribution

2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
3. Pay Comparability Adjustment
4. Annual Increase (depending on satisfactory performance evaluation)
5. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
6. Annual & Sick Leave
7. Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service
8. Paid Parental Leave
9. Relocation Expense

B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations
(Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at
https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101
1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
3. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 200)
4. Payments during Ordered/Authorized Departure (Section 600),
5. Post Differential (Chapter 500)
6. Education Allowance (Section 270)
7. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260), and,
8. Education Travel (Section 280)

2. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income
taxes.

3. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a
contract award, the Contracting Officer will provide the successful Offeror with instructions.
about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Form DS-1843)

2. Fingerprint Card (FD-258), and either

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 72061224R00009
3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or
4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85), whichever is applicable.

4. 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. Pricing by
line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS
ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT
(A) (DESCRIPTION) (C) (D) (E) (F)
0001 Base Period - 1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at
Compensation, Fringe Award after
Benefits and Other negotiations
Direct Costs (ODCs) with
- Award Type: Cost Contractor_
- Product Service Code:
[e.g., R497]
- Accounting Info:
[insert one or more
citation(s) from
Phoenix/GLAAS]

1001 Option Period 1 – 1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at

Compensation, Fringe Award after
Benefits and Other negotiations
Direct Costs (ODCs) with
- Award Type: Cost Contractor_
- Product Service Code:
[e.g., R497]
- Accounting Info:
[insert from
Phoenix/GLAAS]
2001 Option Period 2 – 1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at
Compensation, Fringe Award after
Benefits and Other negotiations
Direct Costs (ODCs) with
- Award Type: Cost Contractor_
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 72061224R00009
- Product Service Code:
[e.g., R497]
- Accounting Info:
[insert from
Phoenix/GLAAS]

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.

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 .

5. PSC Ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal
Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for
International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with
the agency. Please visit https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-
contractsombudsman
for additional information. The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted by email at
[email protected].

6. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Malawi provides equal

opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or
sexual orientation. USAID/Malawi also strives to achieve equal employment opportunities in all
personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied
equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such
complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for
prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 2]

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