FAR_5.201_Requirements_-_GEC_Information_and_Research_Analysis.docx

1. BACKGROUND

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandated the Global Engagement Center (GEC) to direct, lead, synchronize, and coordinate Government-wide efforts to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining United States national security interests.

2. SCOPE

The scope of this effort is to map and measure the behavior of state and non-state actors within data assets of traditional and social media. The data scope will include but not be limited to the following:

· Ingestion of traditional and social media from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

· Mapping and tagging of traditional and social media infrastructure in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to provide an operational analysis capability of media behavior at the sub-national level.

· Leverage proven and existing data related traditional and social media in order to enrich and curate ingested data with critical metadata such as sentiment, topic, and source type.

3. GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

The Global Engagement Center has an immediate need to expedite United States Government (USG) capacity to use a pattern based fusion of publicly available data from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to understand and influence state and non-state actor behavior in those countries. This effort will be broadly focused on ingestion, curation and analysis of traditional and social media based around entity centric methodology. The contractor shall collect and analyze pertinent data, and submit comprehensive reports to GEC.

4. OBJECTIVE 1: ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA

The contractor shall provide to GEC real time access to analysis of multiple streams of data on demand that includes automated outputs of complex data models significantly reducing USG reliance on contractor labor. This also will allow for customized fusion analysis on demand across multiple types of data not available in other platforms.

5. OBJECTIVE 2: SUB-REGIONAL DATA FEED

The contractor shall provide a three (3) country feed which includes the labeling of open source data into measurable objects through human coded and quality controlled meta-tagging of multiple types of open source data, which shall include but are not limited to radio, print, web, social media; and provide GEC the ability to perform hundreds of thousands of analysis routines on behavior, influence, sentiment parsed by individual, organization (media, government, civil society).

6. OBJECTIVE 3: OPERATIONAL AND TRAINING SUPPORT

In order to best attain and analyze the aforementioned data to meet the immediate needs of the Government, the contractor shall provide support that will include FIVE (5) Subject Matter experts to support on-site training and perform ad-hoc research and reporting.

6.1. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ANALYST

Subject Matter experts will work closely with the GEC’s staff to better integrate any provided analyses produced into the reporting conducted by the Client. Subject Matter experts will provide hands-on training to GEC personnel. Subject Matter experts will be required to work both on-site with GEC, and at Contractor’s location, as requested by GEC.

6.1.1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ANALYST

· Perform pattern based analysis using entity resolved analysis of traditional media and publicly available information from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

· Measure and map shifts in narrative, influence and rhetoric of specific state and non-state actors.

· Quantify the behavior of key indigenous journalists, media outlets and map relationships to better design and implement engagement.

· Execute and provide customized reports using software that performs on demand entity-centric analytics that includes but is not limited to the following:

· On demand geospatial and statistical analysis of individuals of interest as reflected in the scope of data collected.

· On demand geospatial and statistical analysis to map and measure the behavior and bias of specific indigenous media outlets on a near real time basis.

· On demand geospatial and statistical analysis that show statistical changes in rhetoric, influence, and behavior of people of interest.

· Custom map layers of operational interest (location and media infrastructure at the sub-national level from target countries of interest.

6.1.2. REQUIRED CAPABILITIES/EXPERIENCE FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ANALYST

· More than a decade of experience deploying open source software into operational environments

· Extensive operational experience in Europe, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Latin America with more than a decade of curated incident and media data models to inform strategic, operational and tactical analysis.

· A web-enabled federated system with ten years of deployment in support of USG with near real time temporal, geospatial and quantitative analysis derived from entity level analysis of state and non-state actors in native languages.

· The capacity to deliver entity centric influence analysis from Russian, Arabic, Pashtu, Spanish, Farsi, Dari, Serbian, Spanish, French, German, and local African dialects.

· The capacity to conduct hyper local ingestion and curation of publicly available information from target countries derived from native language sources curated for on demand pattern based analysis of specific state and not state actors.

6.1.3. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Full performance in this position requires a Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secrete clearance with SCI access.

6.2. REQUIREMENTS FOR TECHNICAL DATA SCIENTIST/ENGINEER

The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer supports the Center’s efforts to assess and counter extremist group propaganda and radicalization efforts, and foreign state propaganda and disinformation, through the application, development or adaptation of technological measures. The technical strategy incorporates novel technology development, data fusion, and analytic technology integration, and utilizes TET’s Technology Demonstration Series, the GEC technology testbed, GEC accelerators, and other GEC technology programs

6.2.1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TECHNICAL DATA SCIENTIST/ENGINEER

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer supports the development and implementation of the GEC’s program to research, develop and operationalize the Center’s novel enterprise-wide technological solutions to counter foreign state propaganda and disinformation, and emerging extremist radicalization, recruitment and propaganda problems online and in traditional media, to potentially include the development of innovative bot detection systems, social media monitoring, bot response automation, information authentication technologies, hashing techniques, and more, and combinations or derivations thereof.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer identifies and advises on technological opportunities in support of the Center’s publicly visible technology accelerator effort (a.k.a. Tech Demo Series) to implement cutting-edge technologies against the problems of propaganda, disinformation, and radicalization to violence, and develops a strong network of government, industry and academic partners to advocate for, and potentially implement, technological solutions.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer transfers relevant technologies against propaganda and disinformation identified through the Tech Demo Series and other venues to the GEC’s technology Testbed, and monitors and supports the Testbed staff’s rapid operational testing of these technologies. The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer advises the Chief, TET, on the outcomes of these tests and advises on potential applications of each technology.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer may design, develop and execute comprehensive software test plans to identify and facilitate issue resolution, to analyze complex operational problems and assess how automated systems can be implemented to solve them; to gather data and analyze business and user needs; and to provide Information Technology support for operational activities.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer supports all software, web and database applications used by the TET and the Testbed, and assists with the installation and upgrades for these systems and provides ongoing support in their effective use.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer performs controlled resolution of incidents and problems including prioritization and escalation to relevant IT Specialists when appropriate; root cause analysis of all problems with follow-through resolution.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer contributes to the development of application requirements, designs and solutions using various programming languages and/or tools, tests, and quality assurance.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer designs, writes, tests, debugs, and maintains software applications to meet technical and functional requirements.

· The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer analyzes system capacity and modifies procedures to solve interface problems; provides technical expertise and assistance in designing, testing and developing applications.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

6.2.2. REQUIRED CAPABILITIES/EXPERIENCE FOR TECHNICAL DATA SCIENITST/ENGINEER

· Master of Science degree or higher in a related technical or quantitative field. General interdisciplinary academic background across STEM, social sciences, and/or liberal arts would also serve as a strong foundation for the Technical Data Scientist/Engineer.

· Mastery of modern languages used by applications software engineers such as Java, C, C++, PHP, Objective-C, Perl and/or Python.

· Certifications including Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Security Manager, CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and/or SANS GIAC Security Essentials.

· Six years or more of demonstrated leadership within technology-driven federal organizations with at least four years with organizations leveraging highly advanced analytic systems (e.g. machine learning, big data analysis), with demonstration of leadership and interpersonal skills.

· Five years or more of hands-on experience establishing, building or contributing to complex technical programs; demonstrated mastery of the theories and principles of rigorous research and evaluation, digital communications analysis, international economic and geopolitical affairs, historical events, and other related disciplines applied in analyzing and evaluating factors and conditions involved in the development of targeted information operations and evaluation of their impact.

· Experience fostering effective communities, especially comprised of analysts and/or scientists, to assist efforts including partner events, social media and traditional media outreach, growth of the cross-agency or cross-public/private sector ecosystem.

· Knowledge of the Federal and State Department budget and acquisition processes.

· Extensive knowledge of DoS’s mission, policies, priorities and processes, comprehensive knowledge of the priorities of the Secretary of State, the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R), the Center’s Coordinator, the J/CT Coordinator, and other senior Department officials.

· Knowledge of terrorism, counterterrorism, and countering violent extremism, including the radicalization process that leads to violent extremism and communications means, methods, strategies, and resonance of violent extremist communications efforts.

· Mastery of the establishment and use of state-of-the-art monitoring systems and data analytics systems, with special emphasis on data correlation techniques.

· Knowledge of U.S. government executive branch interagency procedures, including the mandates, responsibilities, and limits of the various interagency participants (State Department, Department of Defense , National Counterterrorism Center, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Security Council, etc.) as well as the equities and concerns of the legislative branch of the U.S. Government.

· Ability to express ideas, concepts, methodologies and issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to provide senior officials with succinct, authoritative advice on complex policy issues; exercise tact and diplomacy in working with top-level national and international governmental and non-governmental officials; negotiate and reach agreement on controversial subjects of international importance; advance DoS's agenda; and develop sensitive position papers and reports.

6.2.3. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Full performance in this position requires a Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secrete clearance with SCI access.

6.3. REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATIONS PLANNER

The Operations Planner in TET is charged with researching, developing, and operationalizing new technologies against foreign extremist group propaganda, recruitment and radicalization dynamics, as well as foreign state propaganda and disinformation, for use by the Center and its partners to actively counter the propaganda executed by these organizations. The Operations Planner supports the Chief, TET’s, goals, initiatives, and operations. The Technical Data Scientist/Engineer must creatively leverage capabilities available within the Center, and oversee the coordination, integration and synchronization of ongoing and developmental technological efforts by U.S. Government partners, private industry, academia and foreign partners.

6.3.1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OPERATIONS PLANNER

· The Planner is responsible for conducting informed analysis of all relevant data and assessing adversarial information operations and relevant counter-operations.

· The Planner is entrusted with facilitating the collection, organization, and preparation of data aimed at achieving objectives targeting social influence, behavioral change, information operations, or exposing efforts conducted by adversaries.

· The Planner will communicate and explain their efforts in presentations, reports, panels, and other forums. The Planner is charged with empowering the wider operations community, culture, and competency within the GEC, across the USG interagency, and amongst partners around the world both inside and outside of government. In support of communicating findings, and fostering a data-driven environment, the Analyst’s duties.

6.3.2. REQUIRED CAPABILITIES/EXPERIENCE FOR OPERATIONS PLANNER

· Graduate degree preferred, preferably in Information Technology, Area, International, Media or Political Studies; Geography/GIS, Foreign Language/Linguistics or a related field; Library/Information Science.

· Certification preferred, such as Psychological Operations Officer Qualification Course, PSYOP Specialist Course, other Military Information Support Operations certifications or equivalent interagency certification.

· Certifications desired, including Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Security Manager, CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and/or SANS GIAC Security Essentials.

6.3.3. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Full performance in this position requires a Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secrete clearance with SCI access.

6.4. REQUIREMENTS FOR CYBER PLANNER

The Planner will be focused on cyber security and information operations, and may be focused on specific subfields in technology analysis, all-source analysis, cultural analysis, intelligence analysis, language analysis, reporting, a combination of these, or other related fields. Cyber Analysts, Open-Source Analysts, Cultural Analysts, Intelligence Analysts, Language Analysts, Reporters, or other analyst categories analyze information, provide judgements, and make recommendations to support decision makers to take action. Analysts will also apply foreign language, cultural knowledge, or subject matter expertise to review and assess foreign-based websites, social media, traditional press outlets, and intelligence reporting. These analysis efforts are an evolving set of operational tasks, reports, and products designed to leverage subject matter expertise against the GEC’s most challenging problems. The Planner works within the GEC focused specifically on addressing analytic problems of cyber operations, target development, language understanding, cultural analysis, media assessment, open & closed source information analysis, tipping and reporting, indicators of effectiveness, discovery, attribution, tracking, and assessment. This is done through diligent work using techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis across a variety of data sources including social media, traditional media, protected USG sources, as well as data derived from other sources available to industry, the interagency, or GEC partners. The Analyst will focus on the skills, expertise, nuance, knowledge, accuracy, and speed necessary to make these operational efforts effective and advance the study of messaging campaigns, effectiveness, and information operations in the context of GEC problems. Additional emphasis will be placed on flexibility and innovation, as the landscape of the Center’s mission and operations are constantly evolving.

6.4.1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CYBER PLANNER

· The Planner is responsible for conducting informed analysis of all relevant data and assessing adversarial information operations and relevant counter-operations.

· The Planner is entrusted with facilitating the collection, organization, and preparation of data aimed at achieving objectives targeting social influence, behavioral change, information operations, or exposing efforts conducted by adversaries.

· The Planner will communicate and explain their efforts in presentations, reports, panels, and other forums. The Planner is charged with empowering the wider operations community, culture, and competency within the GEC, across the USG interagency, and amongst partners around the world both inside and outside of government. In support of communicating findings, and fostering a data-driven environment, the Analyst’s duties.

6.4.2. REQUIRED CAPABILITIES/EXPERIENCE FOR CYBER PLANNER

· Graduate degree preferred, preferably in Information Technology, Area, International, Media or Political Studies; Geography/GIS, Foreign Language/Linguistics or a related field; Library/Information Science.

· Preferred Certifications including Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Security Manager, CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and/or SANS GIAC Security Essentials.

6.4.3. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Full performance in this position requires a Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secrete clearance with SCI access.

6.5. REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR

The Senior Technology Advisor in the Center’s Office of Science & Technology is charged with researching, developing, and operationalizing new technologies for use by the Center’s Office of Science & Technology to quantitatively and qualitatively assess foreign extremist group propaganda, recruitment and radicalization dynamics, as well as foreign state propaganda and disinformation, for use by the Center and its partners to actively counter the propaganda executed by these organizations. The Senior Technology Advisor supports the Chief Technology Officer’s goals, initiatives, and operations. The Senior Technology Advisor must creatively leverage capabilities available within the Center, and advise on the coordination, integration and synchronization of ongoing and developmental technological efforts by U.S. Government partners, private industry, and foreign partners.

6.5.1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR

The Senior Technology Advisor is responsible for strategizing and implementing the Center’s efforts to assess and counter extremist group propaganda and radicalization efforts, and foreign state propaganda and disinformation, through the application of technical measures. This position includes communicating and staffing the strategy to ensure effective execution. The technical strategy should incorporate novel technology development, data fusion, and analytic technology integration.

· Analytic systems: The Senior Technology Advisor, in support of the Chief Technology Officer, advises on the implementation of analytic systems including Government-off-the-Shelf (e.g. DARPA/Quantitative Crisis Response, others), Commercial-off-the-Shelf (e.g. Crimson Hexagon, Scraawl, Newswhip, others), open source software, or custom developed tools within the Office of Analytics to characterize extremist groups’ propaganda, radicalization and recruitment efforts, and foreign state propaganda and disinformation, in social media and traditional media, and derives new narrative frames from emerging data.

· Novel technology development: The Senior Technology Advisor coordinates the development and implementation of a comprehensive program to research, develop and operationalize the Center’s novel enterprise-wide technological solutions to counter foreign state propaganda and disinformation, and emerging extremist radicalization, recruitment and propaganda problems online and in traditional media, to potentially include the development of innovative bot detection systems, social media monitoring, bot response automation, information authentication technologies, hashing techniques, and more, and combinations or derivations thereof. This includes the development and administration of the Center’s technology Testbed program.

· Technology acceleration: The Senior Technology Advisor coordinates the development and implementation of the Center’s publicly visible technology accelerator effort (a.k.a. Tech Demo Series) to attract cutting-edge technologies against the problems of propaganda, disinformation, and radicalization to violence, and develops a strong network of government, industry and academic partners to advocate for, and potentially implement, technological solutions.

· Operational support: The Senior Technology Advisor coordinates implementation of technological solutions in support of the Center’s strategic, operational and tactical activities, including but not limited to the implementation of technologies for counter-propaganda and counter-disinformation messaging purposes.

· Academic/NGO/interagency support: The Senior Technology Advisor develops academic/NGO community support frameworks to ensure the Center is receiving tailored tactical analysis and empowering strategic long-term research and development from leading institutions and talent.

· The Senior Technology Advisor represents the Center’s enterprise-wide technological initiatives to senior policymakers, interagency partners, foreign partners, and private industry at the direction of the Coordinator and the CTO.

· The Senior Technology Advisor coordinates the development of overarching programmatic planning for the Office of Science & Technology, in collaboration with subject matter experts from the Interagency, the domestic private sector, foreign governments, and non-governmental entities.

6.5.2. REQUIRED CAPABILITIES/EXPERIENCE FOR SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR

· Master of Science degree or higher in a related technical or quantitative field. General interdisciplinary academic background across STEM, social sciences, and/or liberal arts would also serve as a strong foundation for the Senior Technology Advisor.

· Fifteen years or more of demonstrated leadership within technology-driven federal organizations with at least four years leading organizations leveraging highly advanced analytic systems (e.g. machine learning, big data analysis), with demonstration of exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.

· Five years or more of hands-on experience establishing, building or contributing to complex technical programs; demonstrated mastery of the theories and principles of rigorous research and evaluation, digital communications analysis, international economic and geopolitical affairs, historical events, and other related disciplines applied in analyzing and evaluating factors and conditions involved in the development of targeted information operations and evaluation of their impact.

· Experience fostering effective communities, especially comprised of analysts and/or scientists, to assist efforts including partner events, social media and traditional media outreach, growth of the cross-agency or cross-public/private sector ecosystem.

6.5.3. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Full performance in this position requires a Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secrete clearance with SCI access.

7 DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide, at a minimum, those deliverables listed below.

Kick-off Meeting

Within 7 days of TO award

7.1 Acceptance Criteria:

Work performed will be evaluated for quality, timeliness, and professionalism each day. If the performance is unacceptable, feedback will be provided in a timely fashion. Approval of finalized documents will be in accordance with the Department’s established Quality Assurance Plan.

8 OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC)

The Government may require product licensing, software, or other materials or services to support the work in this task order. All ODCs must be approved by the COR in advance.

9 PERSONNEL

All personnel shall possess the skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully complete the required tasks.

10 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI is required for onsite personnel. A Top Secret facilities clearance is required for the contractor.

11 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The work under this task will take place in one of the following Department of State locations, or at a designated location in the metropolitan Washington DC area:

Harry S Truman 2201 C St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20520

State Annex 4 2430 E Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20520-0000 At the Contractor’s off-site location.

Telework may be required for this position and an alternate worksite may be established upon agreement with the COR, Contractor, and Department.

12 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This contract shall be for a one year base period with two (2) one year option periods.

13 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Department of State will provide the professional service employee with a computer workstation and access to existing applications (e.g., e-mail, MS Office Suite, etc.), adequate office space, and telephone service. The Department will also provide printers, faxes, and copiers. Telephones may only be used in accordance with Federal Guidelines and Standards to conduct DoS related business. Government furnished computer equipment and use of office equipment (such as faxes, copiers) will be provided.

The Department will provide computer storage space on the Department’s unclassified network to host the professional service employee deliverables. All deliverables (e.g., documented procedures, customized software, applications and enhancements) are the property of the Department of State and will be returned to the Department of State upon completion of the support services.

14 TRAVEL

Domestic and/or international travel may be required of the contractor personnel assigned to this task order. For example, contractor personnel may travel for on-site inspections, data collection, professional consultations, and/or to attend professional training courses, conferences or workshops. All travel will be on an as needed basis, and must be authorized and coordinated, in advance, by the Government PM, with approval by the COR, and pending availability of funds. No more than a few days of travel per year are expected not to exceed $100,000.00.

The contractor shall be responsible for handling all administrative and logistical responsibilities related to travel opportunities for all contractor personnel assigned to this task order. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, making all travel arrangements (lodging and transportation) and payment thereof. All travel is receipt reimbursable in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations. All travel arrangements must comply with the GSA allowances for per diem and lodging rates.

15 OWNERSHIP RIGHTS

GEC shall have perpetual rights to all raw data and deliverables resulting from work performed under this content