USPSC - OTI Personnel and Operations Specialist

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-OTI-12-000013 ISSUANCE DATE: December 7, 2011 CLOSING DATE: December 20, 2011 5:00 p.m. EST SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Personnel and Operations Specialist 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 a Personnel and Operations Specialist under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must 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. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the five (5) 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 will 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: personnelops@globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (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: Adrianne Johnson or Caitlyn Shelley Telephone Number: (202) 706-6108 or (202) 706-6114 E-Mail Address: personnelops@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia, Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Personnel and Operations Specialist 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-12-000013 2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 7, 2011 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: December 20, 2011 5:00 pm EST 4. POSITION TITLE: Personnel and Operations Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "ladder" position. The highest level of this position is a GS-11 equivalent; however, USAID intends to fill this position at the entry GS-10 ($56,857 - $73,917), with Washington, D.C. locality pay. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-10 equivalent 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. Following at least one (1) year at the GS-10 equivalent grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to a GS-11 equivalent grade. In order to be advanced to the higher grade, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the higher grade, and receive an "Excellent" performance rating in the annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee 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. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three one-year options 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide 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, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. 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 organization's programmatic goals and objectives. The Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA)/OTI's Operations and Management Division in Washington provides OTI with an advanced level of operational and management support to help ensure ongoing and improved flexible, rapid response in political transition programming overseas. The Operations and Management Division is responsible for instituting and maintaining office-wide systems and processes, office practices and procedures, and the creation of an enhanced response capability through teamwork, responsiveness, fiscal responsibility, quality control, and customer service. Within the Operations and Management Division, the Procurement and Staffing Team (PS Team) is responsible for analyzing needs, developing solutions, and advising on issues related to contracts, recruitment, and staff management in direct support of OTI's numerous field programs. The PS Team regularly participates in core DCHA/OTI process design, development and training exercises. The goal of the PS Team is to create and maintain an enhanced response capability to support staff management and effective processes for OTI field and Washington teams. The team accomplishes this through working closely with regional teams in order to track staffing needs and support the overall mission of the office as well as address the needs of individual teams. Program and Operations staff work as a team to ensure country programs are started, managed, and closed efficiently and effectively. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/ INTRODUCTION The Personnel and Operations Specialist will provide administrative support for program funded U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) employees and program operations in OTI. The Personnel and Operations Specialist works closely with the Procurement and Staffing Team Lead and other members of the Operations and Management Division (OMD) as well as the OTI Country Program teams to ensure program-funded personnel are hired, tracked, and supported. This is a key position in an exciting and busy office which responds rapidly to crisis situations overseas. For DCHA/OTI to implement its rapid response strategy, it is essential that DCHA/OTI personnel receive prompt support. The Personnel and Operations Specialist has the ability to maintain flexibility in a fast-paced dynamic environment while managing competing priorities and meeting aggressive deadlines. Providing knowledgeable, rapid response using standard operating procedures and making recommendations for improvements or innovations to increase effectiveness and efficiency is critical to successful implementation of OTI's programs and fulfillment of OTI's mandate. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this solicitation is to hire a Personnel and Operations Specialist within OTI's Operations and Management Division (OMD). 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Personnel and Operations Specialist 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 building positive relationships with his or her respective team, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of OTI. 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 incumbent is able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The incumbent is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. The Personnel and Operations Specialist is responsible for assisting in management of OTI's PSC Portfolio and staffing resources, and providing information, administrative assistance and general office support for OTI program implementation staff. The Personnel and Operations Specialist is a member of OTI's Operations and Management Division's Procurement and Staffing Team. The Personnel and Operations Specialist is not permitted to award PSCs or purchase orders (POs) directly to individuals, firms, or organizations. Furthermore, the Personnel and Operations Specialist will work with the OTI Financial Management Specialist to process the timely de-obligation of excess funds in the PSCs or POs and prepare them for close-out. Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based DCHA/OTI Procurement and Staffing Team Leader or his or her designee, the Washington-based Personnel and Operations Specialist will perform the following duties: At the GS-10 Equivalent Level: - After an initial learning phase, have a working knowledge of the U.S. Personal Services Contractor policies and regulations and the OTI USPSC Handbook in order to field questions from USPSCs, keeping the supervisor in copy; - Assist with the management of a complex portfolio of PSCs, including initiating in GLAAS, tracking of expiration and funding of all of OTI's current PSC staff, comprised of 140 members; - Maintain electronic and hard copy working personnel filing systems, and assist the team in ensuring personnel files are accurate and up to date; - Manage or track all e-mail lists and communication listserv memberships for the office staff; - Provide Medical Clearance processing and tracking for all OTI non-direct hire employees; - Provide procurement tracking support systems for the other members of the Procurement and Staffing Team; - Assist with the management and development of the OTI Knowledge Management Website, including reviewing and uploading documents to assist staff with a variety of tasks and provide information and limited guidance; - Perform a range of administrative duties as required (such as photocopying, filing, mail services, etc.); - When required, provide backstopping support for various administrative functions such as Travel, Records Management, Finance, Training, and Human Resources; - Perform other administrative and personnel support duties as assigned; - When required, backstop the Personnel Specialist in his/her absence and take decisive steps on necessary follow-up actions and required tasks as determined by supervisor; - Perform routine duties independently such as: reviewing pre-employment documents for completeness and to ensure the presence of signatures, dates and attachments, verifying employment information according to Agency procedures, obtaining additional information as required; - Backstop the OTI Personnel Specialist in his/her absence, including but not limited to liaising with the Bureau Administrative Management Services (AMS) staff, providing Security Clearance processing and tracking for OTI non-direct hire employees; - Liaise with AMS and the Office of Security to ensure that necessary documentation is submitted for new USPSCs in bi-weekly security briefings, including tracking security clearance expiration dates of all USPSCs in OTI; - Work closely with the Procurement and Staffing Team, including the support contractor, to ensure staff hiring and support actions are completed in a timely manner; - Follow guidelines as determined by supervisor, and contribute regularly to the conception of new methods and policies; - Refer regularly to the PSC Handbook and Appendix D of the USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR); - Work with supervisor to develop assignments, deadlines, and methodologies, and carry out assignments independently after tasks are defined. At the GS-11 Equivalent Level: Utilizing a greater sense of responsibility and independence, but still under the supervision of the Washington-based DCHA/OTI Personnel and Procurement Team Lead or his/her designee, the Personnel and Operations Specialist will: - Have a superior level of knowledge and expertise of the U.S. Personal Services Contractor policies and regulations and the OTI USPSC Handbook in order to field questions from USPSCs, keeping the supervisor in copy; - Prepare documentation for processing all new hire security clearances investigations, as well as current employee revalidation and security clearance upgrades; - Manage or track all e-mail lists and communication list-serve memberships for the office staff; - Provide Medical Clearance processing and tracking for all OTI non-direct hire employees; - Provide and innovate procurement tracking support systems for other members of the Procurement and Staffing Team; - Perform a range of administrative duties as required (such as photocopying, filing, mail services, etc.); - When required, provides backstopping support for various administrative functions such as Travel, Records Management, Finance, Training, and Human Resources; - Perform other administrative and personnel support duties as assigned; - Take the lead and be fully on point for the management of a complex portfolio of PSCs, including initiating in GLAAS, tracking of expiration and funding of all of OTI's current PSC staff, comprised of 140 members; - Create and maintain new electronic and hard copy working personnel filing systems, and assist the team in ensuring personnel files are accurate and up to date; - When required, backstop the Personnel Specialist in his/her absence and take decisive steps on necessary follow-up actions and required tasks as determined by supervisor; - Act as the main point of contact for the management and development the OTI Knowledge Management Procurement and Staffing Website, including developing resources, providing guidance and reviewing and uploading documents to assist staff with a variety of tasks and provide information and office How To's; - Perform routine duties independently such as: reviewing pre-employment documents for completeness and to ensure the presence of signatures, dates and attachments, verifying employment information according to Agency procedures, obtaining additional information as required; - Backstop the OTI Personnel Specialist in his/her absence, including but not limited to liaising with the Bureau Administrative Management Services (AMS) staff, providing Security Clearance processing and tracking for OTI non-direct hire employees; - Liaise with AMS and the Office of Security to ensure that necessary documentation is submitted for new USPSCs in bi-weekly security briefings, including tracking security clearance expiration dates of all USPSCs in OTI; - Work closely with the Procurement and Staffing Team, including the support contractor, to ensure staff hiring and support actions are completed in a timely manner; - Follow guidelines as determined by supervisor, and contribute regularly to the conception of new methods and policies; - Refer regularly to the PSC Handbook and Appendix D of the USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR); - Work with supervisor to develop assignments, deadlines, and methodologies, and carry out assignments independently after tasks are defined. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Personnel and Operations Specialist will report to OTI's Washington-based Team Leader for the Procurement and Staffing Team, or his/her designee, as well as to the Chief, Operations and Management Division. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set specific work objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and manage his/her tasks effectively. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. If traveling overseas, the employee may be subject to some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. If the employee travels overseas, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. 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 incumbent must be an individual with sound judgment and excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills. The candidate must be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments, often on short notice, including performing a range of administrative functions, and be willing to step in to help with any team task large or small to help ensure programmatic success. At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-10 Equivalent Level: (1) A Bachelor's degree with three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience, of which one (1) year must consist of specialized experience in administrative personnel support, including a proven ability to independently liaise effectively with both personnel and senior level managers on issues; OR A Master's degree with one (1) year of progressively responsible work experience in administrative personnel support, including a proven ability to independently liaise effectively with both personnel and senior level managers on issues; (2) At least one (1) year experience related to personnel support services for a USG agency, an institutional contractor working for a USG agency, or a large international organization; (3) At least three (3) months experience with computerized systems used to support federal procurement. (4) Computer proficiency in mainstream software applications including use of database systems, and a strong operational knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook. At the GS-11 Equivalent Level: After at least one year at the GS-10 equivalent level, the incumbent may be considered for advancement to the GS-11 equivalent level based on an excellent performance review by the supervisor, and based on meeting the minimum qualifications listed below: (1) A Bachelor's degree with four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience, of which two (2) years must consist of specialized experience in administrative personnel support, including a proven ability to independently liaise effectively with both personnel and senior level managers on issues; OR A Master's degree with two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in administrative personnel support, including a proven ability to independently liaise effectively with both personnel and senior level managers on issues; (2) At least two (2) years experience related to personnel support services for a USG agency, an institutional contractor working for a USG agency, or a large international organization; (3) At least one (1) year experience with computerized systems used to support federal procurement. (4) Computer proficiency in mainstream software applications including use of database systems, and a strong operational knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook. 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 customer service ethic in more than one office/job, and skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with a variety of groups and individuals. Factor #2 Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, while still paying great attention to detail, often with extremely short deadlines. Factor #3 Experience with computerized systems used to support federal procurement, and previous experience in the application of government regulations. Factor #4 Excellent communication skills, including writing, speaking and organizational skills. Factor #5 An active or recent USG security clearance with a U.S. Government Agency. 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 - 15 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 10 Factor #5 - 10 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 at www.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. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the five (5) 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 facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: personnelops@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 at http://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...