Partner Security Liaison

I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72038818B00001 2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 25, 2018 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 10, 2018, 4:30 pm local time in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 4. POSITION TITLE: Partner Security Liaison 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 equivalent ($75,628.00 - $98,317.00 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is two years, with the possibility of extensions. The contract and extensions cannot exceed 5 years. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dhaka, Bangladesh with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work. 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful candidate shall be required to obtain a Facility Access clearance. 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES BACKGROUND The position is located in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, at the USAID Mission which is co-located within the U.S. Embassy. USAID/Bangladesh is a bilateral mission, and the incumbent will support programs only in Bangladesh. The incumbent's primary work location will be in the U.S. Embassy but the incumbent will also travel to USAID/Bangladesh program activity implementation sites throughout Bangladesh within the constraints imposed by Embassy security restrictions. The Partner Security Liaison (PSL) position is the primary staff member for the Partner Security Liaison Unit (PSLU). The PSL will supervise two PSLU local national staff. USAID/Bangladesh manages the U.S. Government's development program in Bangladesh with a roughly $200 million annual budget. The Mission portfolio includes a broad range of economic growth, democracy, education and health activities which require communications and outreach support. Security issues are of growing concern in Bangladesh. Travel within Bangladesh is subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office. The PSLU will enhance communication between USAID and its Implementing Partners on security matters and will provide information to help the Implementing Partners better manage and mitigate their own security concerns - which in turn will result in more effective delivery of U.S. Government funded assistance and attainment of U.S. development objectives under their respective agreements. The PSLU and USAID/Bangladesh will not provide specific threat information or intelligence to Implementing Partners (such information, where appropriate and necessary, will be provided by the Regional Security Office or Consular American Citizen Services section); nor will the PSLU require security or intelligence reporting from Implementing Partners. The PSLU will solicit information from Implementing Partners as necessary to prepare for USAID site visits. PSLU information provided to Implementing Partners will not be considered authoritative or prescriptive. Information provided by the PSLU should only be considered by Implementing Partners as one among many resources available to Implementing Partners in the formulation of their own risk management and decision making. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The PSL provides support to the Regional Security Office and USAID to facilitate field visits for USAID staff. Among other functions, the PSL researches 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 PSL assists Implementing Partners and USAID/Bangladesh by conducting route, site and facility surveys and planning movements and activities associated with field visits. The PSL assists USAID/Bangladesh in preparing and submitting movement requests to the RSO for field trips and other activities. The PSL 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 PSL manages the issuance and use of Personal Tracker and Locator (PTL) satellite beacons and other security and emergency equipment for field visits. The PSL participates in embassy-wide movement planning meetings as needed. The PSL 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 PSL advises USAID Implementing Partners on security best practices and prepares security briefings, particularly newcomer briefings regarding the security environment in Bangladesh. The PSL 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 PSL 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. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Partner Security Liaison is responsible for: Security: The duties and responsibilities of the PSL include but are not limited to the following: 1. Logistical support for USAID staff field trips including the facilitation and preparation of Regional Security Office Movement Requests. 2. Bangladesh-wide security planning for USAID operations and responding to USAID partner's security queries. 3. Attend Embassy wide travel planning meetings and coordinate USAID field trip needs with the Regional Security Office. 4. Liaise with police and host country officials to obtain and relay information pertaining to field trips. 5. Incumbent will maintain a list of USAID implementing partner contacts which may be used by USAID to account for partners during emergency situations. 6. Meet with and provide security briefing to new USAID/Bangladesh Implementing Partners. 7. 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. 8. The incumbent serves as USAID liaison to the Regional Security Office for implementing partner security matters. 9. The incumbent shall draft and distribute security communiqu's as needed to USAID SEC/W, USAID funded implementing partners, grantees and contractors with RSO and Consular clearance as needed. 10. Conducts travel to program sites, guesthouses and hotels near project sites to assess and recommend security measures for USAID implementing partners, as required. 11. The incumbent manages USAID/Bangladesh's submission of RSO Movement Requests. 12. The incumbent will be involved in the review of security plans provided by partners and grantees through the contracting office, if required. 13. Provide USAID/SEC/W with condensed weekly input for appropriate distribution. 14. Provide refresher training related to the USAID PREEMPT (Personnel Recovery Employee Education, Management, and Prevention Training) course and manage the associated equipment. 15. Formulate agendas, solicit topics of interest and arrange guest speakers for the facilitation of quarterly Implementing Partner meetings. 16. Assist IPs in identifying appropriate security training in the local area. 17. Provide guidance to Implementing Partners regarding the protection of electronic information and digital/online security. Operations: The Partner Security Liaison 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. 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. Personnel and Organization: Evaluate the security requirements, both current and projected, and develop personnel and organizational strategy options, with recommendations, to support USAID implementing partners. Technical Expertise: Provide technical expertise and skills for the implementation of USAID implementing partner operations. 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 strategies to enhance off-site operations for USAID/Bangladesh implementing partners, 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 Security Liaison 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 PSLU personnel as required. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This USPSC position is open to all U.S. Citizens. 11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. The work requested is generally sedentary and poses few physical demands. The selected candidate must obtain medical clearance from State/MED in order to deploy to post. 12. POINT OF CONTACT: Ismat Zerin, at izerin@usaid.gov. Please DO NOT send applications to this email address. For mailbox to send application, see section IV of this solicitation. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: To be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study (e.g. international development; administration, transportation logistics; security operations; crisis management; development planning, etc.). Work Experience: Five 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. Knowledge and Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft suite of products specifically including Word, Excel and PowerPoint required. . 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. Ability to work independently with little oversight as well as demonstrated ability to work closely and effectively with non-security 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 Language: Fluent English required. Other: Candidates must be US citizens and be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. Individual must be able to plan and operate in a field environment that is less structured than routine U.S. Embassy operations. Individual must be able to assess the operational environment, establish protocols, and manage in a fluid environment. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors (Section III). Please note that not all candidates will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are preauthorized. Reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The candidate's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS: 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. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed candidates. If the interview is conducted, the interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection. References will be asked to assess the candidate's technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (100 points): - Education (20 points): Bachelor's degree in relevant field. - Technical Knowledge (30 points): 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. - Relevant Experience (30 points): Five 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. - Work Skills (20 points): 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. Total possible points: 100 TERM OF PERFORMANCE The base term of the contract will be for a period of two years, which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to, continued need, satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-13 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees will be added. 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 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. APPLYING Interested candidates must submit the following: 1. A cover letter that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training has prepared you to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above, and a date of availability to begin the assignment in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2. A complete offer form AID 302-3, "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. 3. A resume must be attached to the AID 302-3. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. 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 and contact information for a minimum of three and a maximum of five professional references within the last five years of your professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can have knowledge of your ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation. Please provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. 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. 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. 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 FOR PSC HIRES Once the CO informs the successful Candidates about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Candidate instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms. 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/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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) Medevac insurance (i)* Shipment and storage of household effects (j)* Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle) (k)* Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service (l)* Transportation to Post (m)* Housing 2. ALLOWANCES* Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) (a)* Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (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 Resident Hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement. 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," including 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. 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. 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. 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-----