Partner Liaison Security Advisor, GS-14

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72038822R00010 ISSUANCE DATE: July 31, 2022 CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 21, 2022; 4:30PM SUBJECT: Solicitation for (Offshore Hire) U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) - Partner Liaison Security Advisor, GS-14 Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all solicitation material for their records. This solicitation does not obligate USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer. Questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information. Sincerely, Andrew Holland Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 [72038822R00010] I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72038822R00010 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 31, 2022 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 21, 2022, 4:30 PM local time in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 4. POINT OF CONTACT: Dominic Gomes, e-mail at dgomes@usaid.gov. Please DO NOT send applications to this email address. For mailbox to send application, see section IV of this solicitation. 5. POSITION TITLE: Partner Liaison Security Advisor, GS-14 6. NUMBER OF VACANCIES: One (1) 7. MARKET VALUE: $95,973 - $124,764 per annum; equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: This is a two year contract with possibility of three, one year extensions based on need of the USG and availability of funds. The contract and extensions cannot exceed 5 years. 9. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dhaka, Bangladesh with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work. Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situation in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. 10. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: This USPSC position is open to all U.S. Citizens only. 11. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful candidate will be required to obtain a - Facility Access level clearance. 12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT: The Partner Liaison Security Advisor will provide a full range of security, safety, and logistical services, including life support services for a robust and diverse portfolio. The core Bangladesh operating yearly budget (OYB) was over $200 million in Fiscal Year 2020, one of the largest in the Asia Bureau. This position will support and further development the Mission's PLSO, which manages the Mission's implementing partners security plans, including security protocols, awareness of security conditions, safety of personnel and equipment, and life support systems. Accordingly, this position will oversee the entire range of USAID's security, safety and logistical concerns for all USAID/Bangladesh projects and administrative matters. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor will provide services and advice across the spectrum of USAID's assistance programs in Bangladesh. The position will engage with USAID Mission Management, including all offices within the USAID Mission; such as, technical, executive and procurement offices; State Regional Security Office, including other sections with the greater US Embassy community; host government counterparts, particularly at the local level; and the Mission's implementing partners on issues related to security, safety (including life support) and logistics (includes things, such as movement, lodging) related to all of the Mission's implementation programs. The position requires versatility, a strong understanding of security and safety policies, procedures, laws, and overall security and logistical management and best practices, including an ability to manage a high volume of work tasks simultaneously, customer focus, and strong interpersonal skills. The position will provide essential support to all Technical Offices and support offices within the Mission and work closely with the Embassy's Regional Security Office. The position will provide security, safety, and logistical counsel on a host of operational, administrative, and management issues, and liaises with Embassy Management regarding relevant policy guidance concerning USDH and local staff. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor provides support to the Regional Security Office and USAID to facilitate field visits for USAID staff. Among other functions, the Partner Liaison Security Advisor conducts research and compiles information regarding security threats in the field where USAID operates in order to assist the Regional Security Office assess the threats to proposed field visits. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor assists Implementing Partners and USAID/Bangladesh by conducting route, site and facility surveys, and planning movements and activities associated with field visits. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor assists USAID/Bangladesh in preparing and submitting movement requests to the RSO for field trips and other activities. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor collects incident reports and threat data from Implementing Partners and other sources and maintains the data, including in the form of GIS products, to be used for planning and risk assessment. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor manages the issuance and use of Personal Tracker and Locator (PTL) satellite beacons and other security and emergency equipment for field visits. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor participates in embassy-wide movement planning meetings, as needed. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor may also be used within the embassy to assist the Regional Security Office with security awareness and training for embassy staff, including participation in the conduct of training and drills. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor advises USAID Implementing Partners on security best practices and prepares security briefings, particularly newcomer briefings regarding the security environment in Bangladesh. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor may advise Implementing Partners on security protocols and procedures; however, this advice should not be considered prescriptive and is only an additional source of information that they may utilize in decision making. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor may assist USAID Implementing Partners by coordinating with the Bangladesh police for routine protection and assistance matters but is not used for emergency notification or response and does not participate in criminal investigations. STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED: The Partner Liaison Security Advisor duties and responsibilities include the following: Logistical support includes security, safety, movement, lodging for USAID staff field trips, including the facilitation and preparation of Regional Security Office Movement Requests. Bangladesh-wide security planning for USAID operations and responding to USAID partner's security queries. Attend Embassy wide travel planning meetings and coordinate USAID field trip needs with the Regional Security Office. Liaise with police and host country officials to obtain and relay information pertaining to field trips. Incumbent will maintain a list of USAID implementing partner contacts which may be used by USAID to account for partners during emergency situations. Meet with and provide security and safety briefing to new USAID/Bangladesh Implementing Partners. Incumbent will participate in the Embassy Floor Warden System for USAID and will be expected to help train USAID floor wardens and ensure robust participation from USAID in the System. The incumbent serves as USAID liaison to the Regional Security Office for implementing partner security matters and USAID liaison for all travel and temporary duty (TDY). The incumbent shall draft and distribute security communiqu's as needed to USAID SEC/W, USAID funded implementing partners, recipients, and contractors with RSO and Consular clearance, as needed. Conducts travel to program sites, guesthouses, and hotels near project sites to assess and recommend security measures for USAID implementing partners and USAID (and USG personnel), as required. The incumbent manages USAID/Bangladesh's submission of RSO Movement Requests. The incumbent will be involved in the review of security plans provided by implementing partners, as necessary. Provide USAID/SEC/W with condensed weekly input for appropriate distribution. Provide refresher training related to the USAID PREEMPT (Personnel Recovery Employee Education, Management, and Prevention Training) course and manage the associated equipment. Formulate agendas, solicit topics of interest and arrange guest speakers for the facilitation of quarterly Implementing Partner meetings. Assist IPs in identifying appropriate security training in the local area. Provide guidance to Implementing Partners regarding the protection of electronic information and digital/online security. Lead the drafting and design of USAID/Bangladesh's planned Logistical Support Contract as part of the Mission's Development Objective team and participate and lead in the source selection. Perform the duties of Activity Manager for the new proposed contract. Supervise and manage the COR and AOR of the new proposed contract. Operations: The Partner Liaison Security Advisor serves as the primary USAID point-of-contact to the Regional Security Office for USAID implementing partner security issues. Oversees administrative responsibilities for security related office procurement, equipment, inventory, and record-keeping. The Partner Liaison Security Advisor serves as the primary USAID point-of-contact for all logistical movement and visits to USAID programs or anticipated programs by USG personnel. Training: Assess needs and develop training programs for field operations in an evolving security environment for the staff of USAID-funded implementing partners and contactors, as directed. Research, organize and provide references and guidelines for effective standard operating procedures for USAID implementing partners operating throughout Bangladesh. Develop policy and training program for all logistical movement for USAID personnel. Personnel and Organization: Evaluate the security and safety requirements, both current and projected, and develop personnel and organizational strategy options, including property and equipment, with recommendations, to support USAID implementing partners. Develop a security, safety, and logistics plan for site visits of USG personnel. Technical Expertise: Provide and enhance technical expertise and skills for the implementation of USAID implementing partner operations, and expert guidance and policy on logistical travel for site visits, monitoring, and evaluation. Integrate elements of risk assessment and other approaches into program operations in high-risk areas in Bangladesh consistent with the Ambassador's Security Directives, Regional Security Office Notices and Procedures. Strategy: Develop security, safety, and logistical strategies, including life support systems to enhance off-site operations for USAID/Bangladesh implementing partners, and site and monitoring visits of USG personnel, while still maintaining acceptable risk levels consistent with the Ambassador's Security Directives and Regional Security Office Notices and Procedures. Participate in contingency planning groups as required. Supervisory Relationship The Partner Liaison Security Advisor reports to the Supervisory Executive Officer or his/her designee. Supervisory Controls Incumbent supervises the Partner Security Liaison Assistant who serves as the primary liaison with the Bangladeshi military and police outside of Dhaka on USAID implementing partner security matters. Additionally, incumbent supervises additional PLSO personnel as required. 13. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. The work requested is generally sedentary and poses few physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION To be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Education & Work Experience: Relevant field of study in international development; administration, transportation logistics; security operations; crisis management; or development planning at a minimum educational level of: A Master's degree with five (5) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor's degree with seven (7) years of work experience; OR An Associate's Degree with nine (9) years of work experience; OR A High School diploma/equivalent with ten (10) years of work experience; AND A minimum of four years of experience managing an established security operation in a developing country/non-permissive environment context. Previous experience as a team member or leader of security operations of a USG agency, bilateral or multilateral organization, international non-governmental organization or private company. Job Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge regarding what a comprehensive security operations plan should contain and how it should be managed on a day-to-day basis. Knowledge of generic security protocols in high-risk environments. Familiarity with the political situation and security risks particular to Bangladesh or other non-permissive environments. Ability to assess security issues and address needs. Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to work independently with little oversight as well as demonstrated ability to work closely and effectively with USAID and Embassy personnel. Be able to work effectively and make sound decisions in high-stress and crisis situations. Be able to effectively collect, synthesize and present information from diverse sources. Be able to build networks with external entities, including other USG agencies, host governments, NGOs, and local officials, as well as the host population. Be able to manage team members personal and sensitive information in a professional manner. Possess strong oral and written communication skills. Display excellent customer focus and attention to detail. III. EVALUATION & 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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated. Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application. After meeting the minimum qualifications, consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Criteria. Additionally, USAID may request writing samples and an interview from the top-scoring candidates. Top-scoring candidates will also be asked to provide three professional references. Please note that not all applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless the expenses are pre-authorized. To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications noted above. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the Selection Criteria listed below. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria to a maximum score of 100 points: Work Experience and Job Knowledge: 50 Points The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience and knowledge meets or exceeds the requirements, as described above. Skills and Abilities: 50 Points The extent to which the applicant's skills and abilities meet or exceed the requirements, as described above. Total = 100 points SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE The USPSC will be required to complete a full physical examination (including relevant immunizations) from his/her own physician and then obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to service overseas. Also, USAID/Bangladesh must initiate a security clearance prior to the Contractor's travel to post of duty. Until a temporary or final adjudication of a security clearance is received, the contract shall not be signed. If candidate fails to obtain a medical clearance and a security clearance (temporary or full) within six months, the offer may be retracted. Candidate must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, - Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts, available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form MUST be signed. 2. A cover letter of no more than one (1) page that demonstrates how the candidates' qualifications meet the work requirements and a statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. 3. A curriculum vitae (CV) which describes education and career experiences and achievements. In order to fully evaluate your application, your CV must include: a. Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. 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. 4. Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the email address listed in Section IV. 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 offers for the intended position, candidates must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. 5. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - Please be advised that upon award, 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. USPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements. SUBMIT APPLICATION PACKET ELECTRONICALLY: Interested candidates should send above electronically to dhakajobs@usaid.gov, to the attention of the addresses indicated below. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. E-mail applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation. Attention: Supervisory Executive Officer USAID HR Section/Executive Office USAID/Bangladesh Only qualified and shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Additionally, only candidates that are interviewed will be notified if the position is filled. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award: 1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) 2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or 3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) Forms 1 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that a candidate is the successful candidate for the job. Do not submit forms 1 through 4 with your application. VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave (g) Sunday pay (h)* Shipment and storage of household effects (i)* Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle) (j)* Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service (k)* Transportation to Post (l)* Housing 2. ALLOWANCES* USPSCS will be eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below - if applicable. Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas): (a)* Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220): Currently not applicable for USAID\Bangladesh Mission (b)* Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (c)* Education Allowance (Section 270) (d)* Education Travel (Section 280) (e)* Post Differential (Chapter 500) (f)* Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) * Note: Resident Hire USPSCs are not eligible to receive these benefits and allowances. A U.S. citizen or resident alien who, at the time of contract award, resides in the cooperating country for reasons other than U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement, that provides repatriation to the U.S.; or is a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident alien who resides, or will reside, in the cooperating country for the purpose of U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. 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, includes 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: Basic Salary Medicare FICA - Social Security Tax Sunday Pay Post Differential Allowance COLA: Currently not applicable for USAID\Bangladesh Mission Pre-employment Medical Examinations Fees Life Insurance Premium Health Insurance Premium (Contractor + Family) Miscellaneous (Ex. Visa, Dip Passport) Pay increase 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. CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to the following link to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 5. ADS 309 - Personal Services Contracts can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/309 6. 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. 8. Part 52-SOLICITATION PROVISION AND CONTRACT CLAUSES Subpart 52.2-Text of Provision and Clauses 52.223-99 ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c) (a) Definition. As used in this clause - United States or its outlying areas means (1) The fifty States; (2) The District of Columbia; (3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands; (4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and (5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll. (b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985). (c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID's guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees. (End of clause) Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 USAID will take no action to enforce the clause (FAR 52.223-99) implementing the requirements of the Executive Order 14042, absent further written notice from USAID, where the place of performance identified in the contract is in a U.S. state or outlying area subject to a court order prohibiting the application of requirements pursuant to the Executive Order (hereinafter, - Excluded State or Outlying Area). In all other circumstances, USAID will enforce the clause, except for contractor employees who perform substantial work on or in connection with a covered contract in an Excluded State or Outlying Area, or in a covered contractor workplace located in an Excluded state or Outlying Area. A current list of such Excluded States and Outlying Areas is maintained at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/. 8. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the Unite States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All qualified candidates 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. Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status. -----x-----