USPSC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA22R00004

ISSUANCE DATE: December 2, 2021

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 22, 2022, 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) Office of Humanitarian and Management Operations (HBMO), is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal service as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the solicitation.

Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Offerors interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1. 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 for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. 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.

2. USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

NOTE REGARDING ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

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.

NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

**

All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.

NOTE: As of March 28, 2018, all new SAM.gov entity registrations will now require a signed notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity administrator for the entity associated with the DUNS number. Additional information on the format of the notarized letter and where to submit can be found via the below Federal Service Desk link:

https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257d321f96194b&

sysparm_search=kb0013183

Offerors can expect to receive a confirmation email when offer materials have been received. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their offers. Your complete resume must be emailed to:

HBMO Recruitment Team

E-Mail Address: BHA.HBMORecruitment@usaid.gov

Website: www.BHAjobs.net

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to the HMBO Recruitment Team via the information provided above.

Sincerely,

Sonja Stroud-Gooden

Contracting Officer

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

At the GS-12 Equivalent Level:

● Assist in the implementation of revisions of all HR processes and functions to ensure DEI is integrated throughout, including the areas of recruitment, retention, training, performance management, awards, and workforce planning.

● Support and advance the development of a comprehensive DEI strategy, objectives, metrics, and multi-pronged implementation plan for BHA that spans all offices and addresses all hiring mechanisms and staff levels.

● Advance and support the DEI strategy for BHA intended to increase workforce diversity and foster a more inclusive and equitable work culture through recruitment, retention, and professional development opportunities for under-represented groups.

● Support the advancement of the implementation of DEI initiatives for BHA by working with BHA and HBMO leadership and staff at all levels and across all hiring mechanisms within the organization, including by sharing best practices, tools, training, and open conversations.

● Participate in and contribute to a BHA DEI Advisory Council with representation from across all BHA offices to ensure all DEI solutions, policies, and strategies are applied corporately across BHA; and to ensure cross-Bureau engagement and input on DEI matters.

● Support BHA staff to understand USAID’s policies, laws, and executive orders that prohibit Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and non-EEO infringements as well as the agency’s zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, including harassment, exploitation, and abuse of any kind, including coordination with USAID offices and units regarding these policies.

● In conjunction with and in support of relevant HBMO HRAMS Division teams, support the advancement and implementation of strategies and policies on DEI matters including but not limited to the areas of recruitment, retention, training, performance management, and workforce planning.

● Support leadership across BHA to ensure that DEI principles, policies, and strategies are embedded in and inform every aspect of the organization, including human resource management processes.

● Work with BHA leadership and the DEI team to identify and address structural barriers to DEI in the organization.

● Work with HBO and BHA leadership to identify and address equity issues across hiring mechanisms.

● Monitor and track DEI metrics to transparently measure BHA’s progress towards DEI goals.

● Engage with external experts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to continually identify, learn, evolve, and institutionalize learning and best practices.

● Promote a culture of everyday inclusion throughout the Bureau by helping identify and develop change agents and champion DEI initiatives at all levels of BHA staff.

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

● 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 as the BHA after-hours duty officer on a rotational basis for approximately one week every six months.

● As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.

● As needed, may serve on temporary detail within the bureau to meet operational needs during staff shortages. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the scope of work provided.

At the GS-13 Equivalent Level:

● Leads the coordination with BHA DEI stakeholders and all staff during the development and implementation of BHA HR DEI deliverables to obtain broad input, engagement, and buy-in.

● Proposes the implementation of revisions of all HR processes and functions to ensure DEI is integrated throughout, including the areas of recruitment, retention, training, performance management, awards, and workforce planning.

● Develops a comprehensive DEI strategy, objectives, meaningful metrics, and multi-pronged implementation plan for BHA that spans all offices and addresses all hiring mechanisms and staff levels.

● Represents BHA’s HR DEI program to BHA senior leadership and to relevant groups across USAID, including preparation of memos, presentations, written policies, and advocacy documents.

● Engage with the Agency via participation in DEI groups across USAID, in order to integrate the Agency’s guidance and efforts back within BHA’s DEI work.

● Research, share, and recommend best practices for the Agency’s DEI programs and policies to BHA, or vice versa, when and how appropriate.

● Work with BHA leadership and the DEI team to identify and address structural barriers to DEI in the organization and propose strategies and solutions.

● Support BHA leadership to ensure the Agency’s anti-discriminatory policies are implemented.

● Serve as a BHA liaison and representative with relevant USAID groups, including relevant Employee Resource Groups, USAID’s Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, Executive Diversity Council, Staff Care, Employee and Labor Relations and Action Alliance for Preventing Sexual Misconduct.

● Engage with the DEI community, policy groups, and other external experts on diversity, equity, and inclusion to remain at the technical forefront and to continually identify, evolve, and institutionalize learning, emerging themes, and best practices. Work with these entities to identify opportunities for BHA leadership to engage on these topics.

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

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

● Serve as the BHA after-hours duty officer on a rotational basis for approximately one week every six months.

● As needed, serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.

● As needed, may serve on temporary detail within the bureau to meet operational needs during staff shortages. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities and will be directly related to the scope of work provided.

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.)

For GS-12 Equivalent Level:

High School Diploma plus a minimum of nine (9) years of experience working in government, a large organization, or a business setting with responsibilities related to DEI, EEO, HR, communications, training, or learning delivery.

OR

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, human resources, social sciences, psychology) plus a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience working in DEI, EEO, HR, communications, training, or learning delivery, including experience which focuses on DEI and accessibility work.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to: international relations, human resources, social sciences, psychology) plus a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience working in DEI, EEO, HR, communications, training, or learning delivery, including experience which focuses on DEI and accessibility work.

For GS-13 Equivalent Level:

High School Diploma plus a minimum of eleven (11) years of experience working in government, a large organization, or a business setting with responsibilities related to DEI, EEO, HR, communications, training, or learning delivery, including experience which focuses on DEI and accessibility work.

OR

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to: international relations, human resources, social sciences, psychology) plus a minimum of seven (7) years progressively responsible experience working in DEI, EEO, HR, communications, training, or learning delivery, including experience which focuses on DEI and accessibility work.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to: international relations, human resources, social sciences, psychology) plus a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in DEI, EEO, HR, communications, training, or learning delivery, including experience which focuses on DEI and accessibility work.

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 cover page 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 will not be accepted.

● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.

● 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 rating factors are as follows:

MATRIX (40 points)

Professional Experience:

● Demonstrated experience coordinating, executing, and/or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at an organizational level.

● Demonstrated experience leading efforts on HR-related DEI solutions.

● Demonstrated experience in networking and partnering within organizations to achieve DEI related milestones or collaboration.

● Demonstrated experience coordinating internal and/or external public events.

● Demonstrated experience at cross-organizational coordination.

● Demonstrated experience creating communication plans or products.

● Experience delivering training on complex topics.

● Experience creating a social media presence and communications.

● Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and other applications in the Microsoft Office Suite.

Interview Performance (50 points)

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (10 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 future phase of the selection process.

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

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. 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 for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. 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.

2. USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. AID 309-2 is available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

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.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALSVia email**: BHA.HBMORecruitment@usaid.gov