Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC). Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, to respond to the solicitation. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an offer. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in this solicitation. GENERAL INFORMATION SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72026724R00005 ISSUANCE DATE: September 30, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 29, 2024 5:00pm EST POINT OF CONTACT: Mustafa Al-Saffar, email at iraqrecruitment@usaid.gov POSITION TITLE: Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) MARKET VALUE: $104,604 - $135,987, equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Iraq, Baghdad with possible travels to Erbil. 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 situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two-years, estimated to start on February 23, 2025. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three-years for the date(s) estimated as follows: Base Period: February 23, 2025 - February 22, 2027 Option Period 1: February 23, 2027 - February 22, 2028 Option Period 2: February 23, 2028 - February 22, 2029 Option Period 3: February 23, 2029 - February 22, 2030 ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens Only. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Top Secret clearance. STATEMENT OF DUTIES General Statement of Purpose of the Contract: The Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) serves as the primary security liaison for Implementing Partners (IPs) with USAID/Iraq, ensuring that IPs are informed and equipped to manage security risks effectively. The PLSO plays a critical role in facilitating communication and information sharing between IPs and relevant in-country security entities, including the United Nations, international NGOs, host government bodies, and other international donors. The PLSO provides non-prescriptive, holistic security advice, enabling IPs to enhance their security postures without directly managing or approving their security plans. Working under the supervision of the Mission Director and EXO, the Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) serves as the Mission's principal advisor on security matters related to Implementing Partners (IPs).The PLSO is a critical liaison between all USAID-funded IPs located throughout Iraq, the USAID Mission, the RSO, and various in-country security entities, including the United Nations, international NGOs, the host government, and other international donors. The PLSO ensures that IPs are well-informed concerning security risks. The PLSO facilitates communication, coordinates the sharing of security information, and provides non-prescriptive, holistic security advice to IPs, enabling IPs to independently edit their security postures. The PLSO is responsible for establishing and managing security incident reporting systems, conducting trend analysis, and advising on security plan reviews. The PLSO ensures that security information disseminated to IPs is accurate, timely, and beneficial, while maintaining the confidentiality of information sources. Additionally, the PLSO plays a vital role in developing and maintaining emergency notification systems and security alerts, ensuring that IPs receive critical information during emergencies. The PLSO provides security training and briefings to Mission staff and IPs, fostering a culture of security awareness and preparedness. The PLSO collaborates with the Mission's Executive Office (EXO), Regional Security Office (RSO), and other relevant stakeholders to support the overall security environment for IPs. A key resource for security-related guidance who provides proactive input on complex security issues, the PLSO ensures that IPs and the Mission adhere to established security policies and procedures. The PLSO serves as an integral part of the Mission's security framework, helping to safeguard personnel and assets while enabling effective program implementation in a challenging, evolving security environment. Statement of Duties as assigned: A. Security Liaison and Advisory Support The Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security and safety of Implementing Partners (IPs) operating in USAID/Iraq. The PLSO serves as the principal security liaison between the Mission and IPs, facilitating communication and information sharing with in-country security entities such as the United Nations, international NGOs, the host government, and other international donors. The PLSO provides non-prescriptive, holistic security advice and support to IPs, enabling them to independently enhance their security postures. The PLSO also coordinates with the Regional Security Office (RSO) and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) to provide IPs with access to critical security resources and information. B. Security Information Management and Incident Reporting The PLSO is responsible for establishing and managing a comprehensive security incident reporting system that ensures timely dissemination of information to the Mission, RSO, SEC/ISP, IPs, and other relevant stakeholders. The PLSO conducts trend analysis based on reported incidents, providing valuable insights to IPs for situational awareness and proactive security management. The PLSO also maintains a secure archive of incident reports and ensures that sensitive information is appropriately sanitized before dissemination. C. Security Plan Review and Non-Prescriptive Guidance The PLSO reviews security plans submitted by IPs, providing feedback to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)/Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) while maintaining a non-prescriptive advisory role. The PLSO ensures that IPs retain full responsibility for their security plans and the safety of their staff. Additionally, the PLSO advises the COR/AOR on significant changes in the threat environment and offers non-prescriptive guidance on potential security upgrades, ensuring that any discussions involving increased costs include the Contracting Officer (CO)/Agreement Officer (AO). D. Emergency Notification and Security Alerts In collaboration with the Executive Office (EXO), Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), SEC, and M/CIO, the PLSO develops and maintains an emergency notification system to disseminate critical information to IPs during emergencies. The PLSO also manages real-time security alerts and establishes a Security Networking Group to facilitate the sharing of timely security information among USAID staff and partners, helping them to take appropriate actions during security incidents or emergencies. E. Security Training and Capacity Building The PLSO provides security briefings and training to newly arrived USAID employees, IPs, and IP staff on temporary duty (TDY), fostering a culture of security awareness and preparedness. The PLSO ensures that all Mission personnel and IPs are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex security environment effectively. F. Collaboration and Coordination with USG Security Entities The PLSO establishes and maintains relationships with key U.S. Government security counterparts in USAID/Iraq, including the National Police, military, and other relevant entities, to support security coordination during emergencies. The PLSO also works closely with the RSO and other Mission security entities to ensure a unified approach to managing security risks and incidents affecting IPs. G. Support to Mission Leadership and Security Policy Development The PLSO provides proactive input on a wide range of complex security issues to Mission Leadership, including the development and implementation of the Mission's Continuity Plan. The PLSO assists the EXO in drafting and disseminating security-related Mission Notices and guidance, ensuring that all security policies and procedures align with USAID standards and are effectively communicated to IPs and Mission staff. H. Vetting The PLSO USPSC will assist in conducting the classified aspects of the local staff onboarding process in coordination with RSO Vetting. I. Additional Security Responsibilities The PLSO may be tasked with additional security-related duties as determined by the Mission Director or their designee, in consultation with SEC. This includes providing accurate and up-to-date security information for inclusion in solicitations, assisting with responses to security-related inquiries, and participating in technical evaluation committees (TECs) as needed. These duties collectively ensure that the PLSO effectively supports the Mission's security objectives while enabling IPs to operate safely and securely within the challenging environment of USAID/Iraq. Supervisory Relationship: The Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) is expected to plan and implement work towards identified security goals, exercising significant initiative and judgment. The PLSO reports to the Supervisory Executive Officer (EXO) and independently coordinates with Mission staff, including the Regional Security Office (RSO), to provide policy guidance and support for security-related matters. The PLSO seeks advice from the Mission Director or EXO when faced with unanticipated challenges or complex issues. The PLSO keeps the Mission Director and EXO informed of progress, potential security concerns, or matters that may affect overall security policy. The Mission Director or EXO will review the final work products of the PLSO to ensure thorough analysis, sound judgment, and adequate justification have been applied. The PLSO has considerable latitude in addressing problems that arise in the course of their duties. Supervisory Controls: The PLSO may be expected to supervise other security-related staff, namely the FSN PLSS (FSN 10-12) or contractors as necessary, ensuring that all team members are effectively contributing to the Mission's security objectives. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.