USPSC - Strategic Communications Officer - Overseas

Request for Personal Service Contractor USAID Office of Crisis Surge Support Staff Position Title: Strategic Communications Officer (Multiple Positions) Solicitation Number: SOL-OCR-14-000007 Salary Level: GS-14 Equivalent Hourly Rate: $40.99 - $53.28 (Equivalent Daily Rate: $327.92-$426.24) Issuance Date: September 16, 2014 Closing Date: October 3, 2014 Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. EDT Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services overseas as a Strategic Communications Officer under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The Office of Crisis Surge Support Staff (CS3), formerly the Office of Civilian Response (OCR), is hiring a Strategic Communications Officer who will be U.S. Personal Services Contracts (USPSCs) on intermittent contracts providing support when changed circumstances in a country necessitate an increase in staffing or additional specialized skills. The USPSCs will be a part of CS3's "Firehouse" and those serving in the Firehouse must be prepared to work abroad in USAID missions and embassies, often with little time for preparations. Deployments can be for any period of time from 2 months to almost a full year. 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 resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) All full time paid positions, job title, location(s), and dates held (month/year), for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Please specify unpaid or part time work. Unless stated otherwise, part-time hours will be prorated at 20 hours worked per week. Unpaid, part-time and any experience that does not include dates (month/year) and locations will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) for all supervisors within the last 10 years. (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) Country of Citizenship. 2 A one page narrative demonstrating how you are qualified for the position. The narrative should take into consideration the selection criteria, describing your experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to the position. If the narrative exceeds one page the additional pages will NOT be reviewed or evaluated. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your complete resume and one page narrative addressing the selection criteria must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 807 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Facs'mile: +1 (555) 000-0000 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: Kyndra Short Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Website: www.globalcorps.com Facs'mile: +1 (555) 000-0000 Sincerely, St'phane Bright Contracting Officer ? Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Strategic Communications Officer (Multiple Positions) 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OCR-14-000007 2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 16, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: October 3, 2014, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Strategic Communications Officer 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent hourly/daily rate ($40.99 - $53.28/$327.92 - $426.24 - not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with four (4) option years STATEMENTS OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD/PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND BENEFITS: The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services overseas on a temporary, on-call basis as part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) / Office of Crisis Surge Support Staff (CS3), formerly the Office of Civilian Response (OCR), "Firehouse." The Personal Services Contractor(s) hired under this contract will provide up to a maximum of 250 workdays of services on an annual basis. The specific projects, as well as dates, number of days and locations to be worked will be determined by mutual agreement between the contractor and his/her CS3 supervisor according to requests made to CS3 by USAID overseas missions. This is an intermittent USPSC. There is no obligation by CS3 to provide assignments for a minimum number of days, and the contractor will be free to provide "blackout" dates during which he/she will not be available to accept assignments. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, CS3 will contact the contractor and provide the following information: 1. Date contractor is needed to report to CS3 or assignment in the field 2. Duration of Assignment 3. Place of Performance The contractor will notify CS3 whether he/she is available for the assignment within two business days. At the time the contractor accepts the assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a crisis may require the assignment to be curtailed or extended (not to exceed 250 days per year). The contractor shall notify CS3 at the time of commitment if his or her existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment, but will simply assist CS3 in recruiting a replacement. Subsequently, if unforeseen circumstances arise, and the contractor needs to curtail the assignment and leave post, the contractor must receive approval from CS3 and the Mission prior to departure. As services provided by the contractor are on a temporary, on-call basis, health and life insurance reimbursements will be provided on a prorated basis based on the number of days during which the contractor actually provides services. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Overseas There may be an initial orientation and training program in Washington, D.C. This may include formal classroom training, online training, on-the-job training and security training. After completion of appropriate training, the Strategic Communications Officer will be considered available for overseas assignment. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND USAID's Office of Crisis Surge Support Staff (CS3), formerly the Office of Civilian Response (OCR), is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support USAID missions abroad when faced with a natural disaster, political crisis, internal conflict or otherwise in need of surge staff support due to some unforeseen circumstance. Created in 2008, CS3 provides crisis staffing to USAID missions throughout the world with a full range of specialized expertise. Since then this office has provided over 20,000 days of mission support in deployments to countries such as Libya, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Honduras, Somalia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and many other countries. As a member of CS3's team of crisis responders, you would be available at short notice to bring to USAID missions your specialized skills in support of a mission's response to a crisis. USAID is striving to become an even more nimble and agile organization when responding to crises. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a crisis or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot always be fully addressed by a traditional USAID mission staffing. Yet timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed state. CS3 plays a unique role in USAID by ensuring the USAID mission has sufficient staff with the right skills during those critical golden hours. To respond quickly and effectively and meet USAID mission needs, CS3 retains a group of high level professionals and experts under (USPSCs intermittent contracts) as part of a "Firehouse". These knowledgeable and skilled professionals are rapidly available to missions to expand their capacity, augment their existing capability, fill in gaps, replace evacuated staff, or in some cases project USAID presence to field sites or non-presence countries. CS3 staff provide specialized skills in a range of areas from contracting to communications, program design, election monitoring, project management, development outreach, reporting, strategic planning, and others. As a member of the "Firehouse" you would play a crucial role in supporting USAID programs at a time when their success is most critical. USPSCs are considered employees of USAID for all purposes except programs administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - such as federally sponsored health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. However, there are several other similar benefits that USPSCs may participate in, such as partial reimbursement for health and life insurance costs, as well as full coverage of workers' compensation, among other benefits. For more complete information on USPSC benefits, please see page 14 of this solicitation. INTRODUCTION This senior level position calls for an experienced communications professional with the presence, knowledge and the leadership skills to serve for the Office of Crisis Surge Support Staff, DCHA, and USAID/Washington. While each deployment is different the Strategic Communication Officer is responsible for the following types of activities and/or programs at USAID missions abroad: developing and/or implementing a clear, consistent, proactive public information and messaging strategy that promotes the USAID Mission program to both internal and external audiences, facilitates information access and sharing within the Mission, and strengthens the Mission's reporting to USAID Washington, Embassy, Congressional committees, etc. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating USG and USAID strategic communications and ensuring that USG and USAID communications policy is properly and consistently implemented. The incumbent may manage external and internal communications and be responsible for developing guidelines and policies for reporting, advising and assisting with development of reports and other communications, training of mission staff, and oversight of external communications. The incumbent will likely be a principal liaison with local and international media and will be expected to advise and assist the mission in monitoring the output of the print, online and broadcast media, managing mission interaction with media and assisting in the design and implementation of media development activities. Leadership, oversight, administrative duties and backstopping of other Mission portfolios may be encountered. The incumbent will also be responsible to liaise with senior management officials of the State Department, the US Regional Missions and with the U.S. Ambassador or his/her Representative, other agencies of the US Government, international organizations, and the non-government community abroad. The incumbent may be responsible to visit program sites, outside the primary office setting and to act according to USG protocol and regulations. The Strategic Communications Officer must be prepared to work or collaborate with senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors, and non-governmental organization as well as local government entities who may be important to the Mission's programs and objectives. The incumbent must be able to make sound, independent judgments with little supervision once given the general framework within which to work. Incumbent will have formal decision making authority and independently plans, develops and manages activities or changes to existing activities. The incumbent will provide authoritative advice and guidance to resolve, implement and manage policy issues within his/her area of development expertise and oversee local and international technical experts in a broad range of technical areas outside of his/her direct expertise. He/she will advise the agency, Mission, and other development collaborators about the range and relative effectiveness of Mission programs and contribute to overall mission planning. She/he must have the ability to quickly assimilate to different working environments and will typically take on formal responsibility for leading teams, guiding the work of other professional or technical staff. The Strategic Communications Officer may be required to: - Promote the USAID Mission program to both internal and external audiences, facilitate information access and sharing within the Mission, and strengthen the Mission's reporting to USAID Washington, Embassy, Congressional committees, etc. - Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives. - Serve as resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in the USAID ADS 320 and the Agency's Graphic Standards Manual. - Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives, implementing partners and other USG agencies. - Oversee the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, talking points, press releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID activities in the country of deployment. These must be written in clear, concise English, and to the extent possible, other local languages; prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind; and designed for print, PowerPoint, social media, and web use. - Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach; a social media plan (strategy) will be developed to complement the broader communications plan. Enhance the use of technology tools (GPS mapping, digital photography, video production and computer graphics). - Maintain a good working relationship with USAID Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau, Embassy Public Diplomacy staff, and outside NGOs and external partners. - Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the Embassy Public Affairs Section, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners. This could include conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings. - Create visual communications, in particular photography, infographics, and video production. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Strategic Communications Officer will take direction from and will report to the Deputy Director of CS3 or his/her designee, and while on assignment, to a mission-based supervisor designated by the CS3 Deputy Director. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: During deployment, the supervisor at the USAID mission will set overall objectives and provide technical direction and day-to-day supervision. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished subject to mission approval and consistent with mission objectives, policies, and protocols. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision while remaining in line with agreed upon work plans and overall mission objectives. For the purpose of contract, personnel, training or general administrative matters, the CS3 Deputy Director (Washington, DC) or his/her designee will provide direction and oversight. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Firehouse members must obtain a Class 1 State Department medical clearance. CS3 Firehouse members may be in positions overseas that lead to unusual mental stress, and may require arduous physical exertion, by prolonged standing, by riding in and getting out of vehicles, and by operating manual or stick-shift motor vehicles. The duties may require: entering and maneuvering in facilities accessible only by stairs, long flight times, and carrying heavy baggage and items (over 30 pounds). The incumbent must be able to operate in an environment that requires endurance and ability to evaluate surroundings. Applicants must be physically and mentally capable of performing these functions efficiently and safely. 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting, though the contractor is likely to be assigned to areas where site visits and extraordinary travel time is involved and that may entail working out of temporary duty residences or hotel rooms. The contractor will travel as a U.S. government employee and is subject to Chief of Mission authority. As such, the contractor will be expected to conform to all embassy and/or USAID mission policies and procedures at his or her assignment location regarding housing, work hours, diplomatic protocols, and security. The contractor may be required to staff field offices or other locations off-site of the USAID mission or embassy. Many of the overseas environments in which the contractor may be required to work present a health risk such as: extreme air pollution, lack of potable water, or presence of waterborne and other communicable diseases. Special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, exposure to severe weather conditions, working in non-permissive environments, restrictions on movement and/or evacuations of a USAID mission or embassy may occur. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. 14. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the below requirements, including education and experience factors, are considered NOT qualified for the position. This position requires ability to work independently and autonomously dependent on Mission needs. Superior organizational skills, journalism skills, and the ability to understand and describe international development programs are desired. It is expected that the incumbent will have broad experience in the job requirements and will not need further training in any aspect of the position. Knowledge of the objectives and operations of the US government and the program activities of other international donor organizations. At a minimum, the applicant must have: - U.S. Citizen; - English Fluency; - Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance provided by USAID and a TOP SECRET clearance as designated and provided by USAID. A Top Secret clearance may be required for certain activations based on programmatic needs; - Ability to obtain a Department of State Class 1 worldwide medical clearance; Education & Experience Requirements (1) Bachelor's degree in Communications, Media, Journalism or related field with at least nine (9) years of proven journalism or communications experience, four (4) of which with an international development organization. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant overseas experience, preferably in developing or conflict prone countries. Exceptional command of English with regional expertise and fluency in Arabic, French, Spanish, or Russian is preferred but not required OR (2) Graduate degree in the field of Communications, Media, Journalism or a related field with seven (7) years of proven journalism or communications experience, three (3) of which with an international development organization. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant overseas experience, preferably in developing or conflict prone countries. Exceptional command of English with regional expertise and fluency in Arabic, French, Spanish, or Russian is preferred but not required Other Requirements ? Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements; ? A one page narrative submitted. See cover page for narrative requirements; ? Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. 15. SELECTION CRITERIA (100 Total) (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants.) Criteria 1: Education (10 Points) Points will be scored proportionally to relevance and level. Desired degree specialization is ranked in order of preference. - A Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, International Affairs, Political Science, History, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology. - A Graduate Degree in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing. Criteria 2: Experience (30 Points) - Demonstrated experience in overseeing the development and execution of a strategic communication plan for an international organization, including the use of social media and other forms of digital outreach using the full range of current technology tools. - Demonstrated ability to manage internal and external communications for an international organization, including, but not limited to, reporting, information sharing and briefings. - Demonstrated ability in overseeing the production of fact sheets, talking points, press releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations and similar activities. - Demonstrated experience in managing media relations, including media monitoring, building relationships with media outlets, organizing and coordinating press events, drafting responses to press inquiries and similar activities. - Demonstrated experience in managing or advising on the design and execution of media development projects. Criteria 3: General Skills and Abilities (15 Points) - Demonstrated ability to function with minimal supervision and to exercise leadership in the development and execution of strategic communication plans. - Demonstrated ability to engage with senior United States and foreign government officials, as well as senior officials of international organizations, diplomatic missions, the private sector and NGOs. - Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a demanding, fast paced and rapidly changing environment. - Demonstrated ability to live and work in sometimes austere, conflict prone environments. - Demonstrated analytical and independent decision making skills. - Demonstrated ability to lead diverse multi-disciplinary teams. Criteria 4: Regional, Cross-Cultural and Language Abilities (15 Points) - Familiarity with the politics, economics, history and cultural mores of at least one region of the developing world gained through education and/or experience. Demonstrated ability to utilize a major foreign language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian) in the course of conducting business with local partners (FSI 3 equivalent or better). Interview and writing test: (30 Points) Applicants may be asked to perform one writing task during the application period. Internet access for at least an hour may be required. The applicant must be the sole author. Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail Total Possible Points: 100 BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Minimum Requirements for the position (Education/Experiences and Other Requirements) will be further evaluated by applying the selection criteria to the submitted resume and narrative. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to submit a one page narrative demonstrating how they are qualified for the position. The narrative should take into consideration the selection criteria describing your experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each criteria. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of the page. The applicants determined to be competitively ranked will be interviewed and may be required to provide a writing sample. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted in Washington D.C. CS3 will not pay for expenses associated with the interviews but will conduct telephone or videoconference interviews for those not available in Washington D.C. 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. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) All full time paid positions, job title, location(s), and dates held (month/year), for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Please specify unpaid or part time work. Unless stated otherwise, part-time hours will be prorated at 20 hours worked per week. Unpaid, part-time and any experience that does not include dates (month/year) and locations will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) for all supervisors within the last 10 years. (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) Country of Citizenship. 2. A one page narrative demonstrating how you are qualified for the position. The narrative should take into consideration the selection criteria, describing your experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to the position. If the narrative exceeds one page the additional pages will NOT be reviewed or evaluated. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application 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 applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 807, Washington, DC 20045 Via facs'mile: +1 (555) 000-0000 Via email: contact@example.gov NOTE: If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret clearance is not obtained within nine months after receipt of the Secret security clearance and award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within 30 days after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Class 1 Department of State medical clearance is not obtained within six 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 USPSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. In this instance, USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number, and USPSCs 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). Forms 1 through 5 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/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#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. FAR 52.222-50 - COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS FAR clause 52.222-50 is hereby incorporated as Attachment 2 to the solicitation. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (F) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (G) Danger Pay (Section 650). * Department of State 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 DISABILITY, 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 st...