Solicitation Escort Assistant September 2010.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

267-10-026

ISSUANCE DATE:

September 16, 2010

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

October 7, 2010 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Escort Assistant (two positions)

MARKET VALUE:

GS-07 ($ 33,979 to $ 44,176) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Thirteen Months with possible extension PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: None

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens / U.S. Green Card holders

(US Personal Services Contract)

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Escort Assistant, USAID/Iraq Executive Office

I. INTRODUCTION

The incumbent facilitates quick and effortless entry/exit and movement of Mission personnel, visitors, and cargo through the International Zone (IZ) in Baghdad, Iraq. He/she serves as escort to USAID Iraq employees, daily laborers, Mission visitors and job applicants from the points of entry to the International Zone to the USAID Compound, US Embassy or other locations within the International Zone, and back again their way out. He/she meets trucks and other cargo transports for USAID Iraq at the designated IZ gates, expedites them to/from the checkpoints and escorts them to/from the USAID Compound. The escort duties include driving the escorted persons from the point of entry to the destination within the IZ.

the incumbent is also responsible for driving U.S. Government-owned vehicles, as assigned, to provide the following services in support of USAID/Iraq development assistance programs: transports U.S. Direct-Hire (USDH), U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSC), Third Country National Personal Services Contractors (TCNPSC) and Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contractor staff (FSNPSC); other Mission employees (i.e. Fellows); and official visitors, as/when appropriate, to conduct official business; transports expendable and non-expendable supplies, equipment and furnishings, as/when necessary. As needed on special occasions and upon request (i.e., VIP visits), the incumbent may be called upon to provide back-up assistance to the Embassy Motor Pool. The position may be called up to drive the Mission Director as requested/required by the Supervisory Executive Officer.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The International Zone Baghdad is a large fortified area in Baghdad, Iraq where the US Embassy and USAID compound are located. It also houses numerous other embassies and international organizations. Points of entry in to IZ are guarded by the US military, which has established different procedures for permitting entry by various individuals and cargo. A system of badges controls access and movement in the International Zone.

Escort Services:

50%

Escort services will comprise of meeting the individuals and cargo at the checkpoints, facilitating their entry by processing and expediting them, driving or only escorting them to the destinations within the International Zone that is USAID Compound, US Embassy facilities or other locations within the Zone. It will also be the responsibility of the incumbent to escort the visitors and the cargo vehicles on their way out of the International Zone.

The incumbent will provide escort services to individuals associated with USAID/Baghdad mission: USAID visitors who do not have appropriate credentials to enter and move through the zone on their own. The visitors may be coming to USAID or Embassy facilities for meetings, providing services or to attend job or security interviews.

The incumbent will provide escort services to the cargo transporting furnishings, supplies, equipment, building materials and other official cargo.

Driver Services:

50%

Under the guidance of the Motor Pool Supervisor and in accordance with instructions and schedules provided by the Supervisory General Services Officer, the incumbent operates a Mission vehicle to provide transportation services to Mission employees and visitors, including Very Important Persons (VIPs); Assumes responsibility for his/her assigned Mission vehicle; Personally ensures that the vehicle is clean (both interior as well as exterior) and properly maintained in order to provide safe transportation services to passengers.

In coordination with the Motor Pool Supervisor ensures that preventive maintenance is performed on a regular basis; Reports all malfunctioning of the vehicle immediately to the Supervisor / Dispatcher along with any other problems that may arise in the performance of his/her function.

Maintains an accurate and legible daily record (Daily Log of Vehicle Usage) of vehicle usage which must include signatures of all passengers and assists in the preparation of vehicle reports and inventories, when/as requested.

Uses own initiative and knowledge of the country to provide orientation for incoming personnel – new arrivals and TDY personnel. Provides information of a general nature - points out or takes employees to places of interest, etc. so that they become familiar with the surrounding area.

Provides assistance to departing personnel and TDY Visitors: duties may include but are not limited to 1) confirmation/time of outgoing flight(s); 2) pick up of personnel and accompanying baggage from residences and/or pre-arranged location; and 3) transport to the departing station inside the IZ.

Reports vehicular accidents immediately to appropriate personnel in accordance with Mission procedures; completes all required paperwork to document the accident; and ensures that the RSO has all information required to complete the investigations/reports.

On an as-needed basis, as requested by the immediate supervisor and/or the Executive Officer, provides chauffeur services on weekends, holidays and after-hours. As required, s/he drives other Mission vehicles, such as a pickup truck or van, to transport furnishings, supplies, equipment, building materials and other official cargo.

May be asked to hand deliver or pickup mail and other USAID documentation within the International Zone.

Upon request, performs other duties as assigned in support of the Mission’s overall Goals.

III. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

a. Education (20 points): Completion of secondary school is required. College training related to travel coordination and logistics is desired.

b. Experience (25 points): Two years of progressively responsible experience in the field of security services, escorts/expediting, driving or in a closely related field is required. Position also requires the incumbent to have an international driver’s license. Defensive driving experience is desirable. Experience working in a war environment is desired.

c. Language (20 points): Level 4 English ability (fluency-excellent knowledge) is required. Some knowledge of Arabic language or speaking ability is desirable.

d. Knowledge (15 points): In depth knowledge of the different IZ entry/exit procedure and processes is required; Incumbent must be familiar with traffic law. Knowledge of privileges given by different kinds of badges/identification cards in Iraq and International Zone is desirable. A detailed knowledge of the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas), and of applicable agency (State, DOD, etc.) ancillary instructions is desired.

e. Skills and Abilities (20 points): Must be able to deal tactfully, yet effectively, with visitors, shippers, military and other security personnel. Must be an excellent communicator and pose exemplary interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to handle big volume of requests, prioritize them and execute in a logical, effective way. Must have ability to work independently and make decisions pertaining to the execution of escort tasks. Must be able to clearly judge the emergency situations and make quick decisions to take care of her/his own security and the security of the escorted individuals. The incumbent must be flexible and expect to work long hours beyond the established work-schedule.

Maximum Points Available: 100.

IV.

TERM OF PERFORMANCE / COMPENSATION

Within two weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances, including medical and security clearances, have been received, or unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the contractor shall proceed to the Washington, D.C. area for mandatory pre-deployment training and orientation, and then directly to Baghdad, Iraq, where s/he shall promptly commence performance of the duties specified above. The term of the contract will be for approximately thirteen months (including the mandatory training period in Washington, D.C.), with a period of service of one year at post.

The position has been classified at a GS-07 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-07 pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-07 level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be at less than the minimum salary in the GS-07 pay band.

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. Illustratively, these may include 35% Post Differential, 35% Danger Pay, 5% Sunday Differential, and a Separate Maintenance Allowance, if applicable (Iraq is a no-dependent post).

The employees serving in Iraq are authorized three short regional rest breaks and two Rest and Recuperation (R&R) breaks per year, or, alternatively, three R&R breaks and no regional rest breaks. Twenty days of administrative leave are provided per year in addition to annual leave and may be taken during these rest breaks.

USAID will provide furnished housing and three meals per day within the guarded and fortified International Zone in Baghdad.

V.

MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES

The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical clearance. The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. Details on how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

VI.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US/TCN PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident-Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)

A. BENEFITS:

Employer's FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

Post Allowance (Section 220)

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Education Allowance (Section 270)

Education Travel (Section 280)

Post Differential (Chapter 500)

Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

Danger Pay (Section 650)

C. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs and TCNPSC green card holders are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

VII. APPLYING

Qualified individuals must submit an Optional Form 612 which is available at the USAID websites, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal offices. Resumes and or curricula vitae must be attached to the OF-612. Applicants must submit a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria.

The application, summary statement, or cover letter must list at least three references and provide current contact information, both an e-mail address and a telephone number.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

iraquspscjobs@usaid.gov

All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. The selection will be based on the panel evaluation of the applicants vis-à-vis selection criteria mentioned previously. Applicants should also note that the salary history for the purpose of the OF-612 is the salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. The OF-612 applications must be signed.

Points of Contact

Ms. Maka Beradze, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1013; Email: mberadzetdy@usaid.gov or Francisco Santos, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1298; Email: frsantos@usaid.gov

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/

1. Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)**

3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)**

4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)**

5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 ach**

6. AID 610-14 (Authority for Release of Information)**

7. AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)**

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

9. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974**

** Forms 2 through 9 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a security clearance.

2. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING

TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC)

AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

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