Solicitation 72026720R00001.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL 72026720R00001

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72026720R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 16, 2019.

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 6, 2020 no later than 17:00 Baghdad time.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Francisco Santos, Supervisory Executive Specialist, USAID/Iraq, frsantos@usaid.gov or David Hallengren, Supervisory Executive Officer, dhallengren@usaid.gov (inquiries only). Applications will NOT be accepted to these email addresses. Please see item IV for instructions on how and where to submit applications.

5. POSITION TITLE: Information Technology Specialist (multiple intermittent positions).

6. MARKET VALUE: USD 76,687 – USD 99,691 equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is one year, with the possibility of extensions. The intermittent contract and extensions cannot exceed 5 years. The Personal Services Contractors hired under intermittent contracts will provide up to a maximum of 180 workdays of service on an annual basis.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Baghdad, Iraq.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Resident Aliens and Third Country Nationals.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful applicant shall be required to obtain a Secret level security clearance (if U.S. Citizen) or Moderate Risk Public Trust certificate (if U.S. Resident Alien), as a pre-condition for employment.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1) BACKGROUND

The USAID Mission in Iraq is headquartered in Baghdad, has one satellite office in Erbil with AIDNet, and users working remotely. The Mission’s electronic infrastructure is a complex collection of equipment/systems: high availability data storage, server equipment, VSAT systems, microwave and VPN links, heterogeneous network equipment, and other advanced technologies.

The system architecture is a virtualized MS Windows platform and consists of the following basic elements: Domain Controllers, SCCM Servers, Firewalls, File and Print Servers, SQL and Oracle mailto:frsantos@usaid.gov mailto:dhallengren@usaid.gov

Database Servers, and IIS WEB Servers. The virtual environment is supported by VMware vSphere and NetApp HA data storage clusters. Due to the security environment, contingency planning, its implementation and regular testing is vital for business continuity of the Mission. In addition there are many peripherals and multi-functional devices supporting office operations.

USAID/IRAQ has been a leader in deploying new technologies in the field. Iraq was the first USAID field mission to deploy a virtualized environment with a complete disaster recovery infrastructure.

As the mission faces new and unpredictable security challenges, the IT Specialist is responsible to develop data protection concepts, custom solutions and procedures in order to support business continuity and data recoverability for the Mission.

2) STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

Within the Executive Office, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) is responsible for providing information and communication technology services and support as well as overall management of USAID/IRAQ’s computer systems. These services include the following: general systems administration; information security and data protection; organization of all data and vital records; computer advisory services; system integration between USAID systems and Department of State systems; facilitation of the sharing of programmatic information with sister agencies, implementing partners and the Government of Iraq (GOI);

The Intermittent IT Specialist provides all levels of IT systems management and support for USAID enterprise architecture, to include: Systems administration, systems engineering and coordination of deployment, user assistance and training, management of help-desk operations, systems and application troubleshooting. USAID also maintains a wide array of enterprise software applications.

These include: ASIST/Documentum document management and archiving, online web portals and collaboration tools, various intranet database applications built on ASP/SQL Server and security tokens for remote access.

The Intermittent IT Specialist develops the Mission's information technology strategy and provides necessary guidelines to the staff in the office of information technology. He/she manages activities of the FSN IT Assistant, intermittent IT contractor and directly supervises third party technical contractors who provide training, engineering enhancements, technical support, and systems development for the Mission. The incumbent provides expertise in the areas of information resources management and administration, research, design, development, and implementation.

The incumbent reports directly to the Supervisory Executive Officer but may receive technical guidance from the Chief Information Officer in USAID/Washington. The incumbent will be responsible providing on the job training to any temporary employees in the IT office. This training will cover all areas of operation of the Mission systems and telecommunications from physical maintenance and repair of the systems’ hardware to support for the various application systems. The training will also include advising on general data-hygiene, safeguarding of Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) data, providing routine hardware installation, troubleshooting advanced telecommunications, systems application development, script writing, and code debugging.

DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Information Resources Management and Administration (50% of time)

Plan and implement procedures for controlling the security of the Mission's information technology services and all related equipment in accordance with directives from USAID/Washington and the Mission's Supervisory Executive Officer (S/EXO). Implement and monitor security controls in coordination with IRM to prevent data loss and/or unauthorized access. Ensure that computer hardware systems and peripheral equipment are operated in accordance with Agency computer security policies, standards, and guidelines.

Complete and implement the Mission’s computer system disaster recovery/contingency plan procedures, to minimize loss of data and/or systems and ensure quick recovery from such disasters by implementing workable contingent system operation plan(s).

The Intermittent IT Specialist will work with the Network Operations Center (NOC) in Washington to maintain the Mission critical Information Communication Technologies such as VPN over ISP, DTSPO and VSAT connectivity which feeds the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone trunks and Mission hardware platform.

The incumbent will be responsible for the Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) including management of a medium sized virtual “server farm” and a complex collection of LAN devices and equipment that supports nearly 100% availability. The incumbent will be responsible for almost $1,000,000 worth of computer equipment. The incumbent will manage installation and maintenance of additional servers, network software and clients (PCs), upgrade new software releases, patch operating systems, optimize network performance, upgrade client software and maintain backed up copies of server data to prevent accidental loss. The incumbent will also monitor the network and perform traffic analysis; and test and evaluate computer operating systems.

Further, the incumbent will determine LAN and WAN effectiveness relative to systems in use and their support capability and compatibility with program applications.

The incumbent will provide support for video conferencing to USAID/Iraq. S/he will support video streams so USAID/Iraq can participate in such events as Town Halls conducted from USAID/Washington.

To keep the computer services in a high availability status, LAN and WAN operation and administration will include troubleshooting of servers, PCs, and LAN devices by replacing broken parts and performing preventive maintenance as required; maintaining system images and antivirus software on both servers’ and users' side; and controlling access to Mission devices by maintaining positive control of network devices.

To properly perform LAN and WAN Operations and Administration, all networked devices must be monitored on a daily basis. The incumbent will be responsible to ensure systems are in place which detect vulnerabilities and then take corrective action, such as monitoring and deploying security patches and anti-virus updates, and updating e-mail filtering tools to maintain USAID’s high standard of Information Systems Security. Information security is taken very seriously and assisting users to successfully navigate information security policy is also an important part of the job.

The incumbent is responsible for maintaining equipment inventories and proper disposal of equipment, including advising and assisting Implementing Partners with proper equipment disposal.

The incumbent will continually provide information technology solutions that best support the number of staff at the Mission.

The incumbent will present recommendations to the Supervisory Executive Officer regarding reconfiguration and procurement.

Computer / System engineering (30% of time)

The incumbent is responsible for assessing highly complex information and data requirements and devising computer hardware and software configurations to support specified requirements; improve systems capacity through designing, planning and managing hardware and/or software changes and through operating systems configuration; oversee all areas of information processing and equipment security, alerting senior management to problem areas; identify and take corrective/preventive action to improve system productivity and to mitigate risk of information loss.

S/he will oversee the telecommunications system such as Microsoft Active Directory networks, Agency WAN Link (VSAT & DTSPO), Internet Access through ISP, and troubleshoot the more highly complex and difficult data and voice communications problems with AID/W while managing the information technology infrastructure for USAID/Iraq. The Intermittent IT Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day management of the LAN/WAN installations at the new AIDNet location in Erbil.

S/he will perform the analysis, testing and evaluation of computer operating systems and utilities to determine their effectiveness relative to systems in use and their support capability and compatibility with program applications being run.

S/he will recommend necessary equipment and software upgrades and/or new information technology equipment procurement to the S/EXO.

S/he will keep servers, LAN equipment and PCs in high availability status. This includes troubleshooting of PCs, LAN equipment and servers, replacing parts that need replacement and preventive maintenance as requested by the equipment vendors. S/he will maintain system images and antivirus software on both servers and users' workstations.

The incumbent is responsible to set up a system to control access to Mission devices by maintaining port security on access switches connecting the equipment in Baghdad and Erbil.

Application Support / User Training (20% of time)

The incumbents will manage and provide support to all Mission staff on applications, such as: e-mail usage (including the sharing of calendars), spreadsheets, word processing, photo management, graphics, financial management, procurement, project administration, timekeeping, travel management and personnel records. The incumbent will also develop, implement and conduct in-house training courses on the above-mentioned software as needed. The incumbent issues IT equipment as approved by the Supervisory Executive Officer and maintains inventories.

The incumbent will provide advanced support of existing software applications including customization and further development of software applications, scripts, macros and queries.

USAID/IRAQ has several data-driven websites and online collaboration portals built using ORACLE, MS SQL Server and Active Server Pages (ASP), as well as MySQL and Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP). The incumbent will update and integrate these tools into a single tool or application suite. The incumbent will update and further develop macros and queries already in use by Mission staff to achieve better results and maximize efficiency. Additionally, when software applications are upgraded, it is the responsibility of the incumbent to rewrite existing database linkages, macros and queries.

3) SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP

Reports directly to the Supervisory Executive Officer who provides general administrative and policy direction and normally accepts work as technically authoritative. Routine, reoccurring work is reviewed on a periodic basis. Project results reviewed for potential impact to the Mission’s IT service level and business continuity.

4) SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Intermittent IT Specialists defines work priorities and provides guidelines for at least two CCN IT supporting staff. Oversees and accepts the work of external technicians, consultants and contractors when required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift and carry IT equipment up to 50 pounds of weight.

When deployed to Iraq (Baghdad/Erbil), the Intermittent IT Specialist will live on the Embassy/Consulate Compound and work principally inside the Embassy Compound otherwise will work remotely from home or when deemed necessary from another USG location. Incumbent may be required to deploy in country in excess of 45 consecutive days. The selected applicant must meet new fitness for duty standards for Iraq (stated in 15 State 11055) which includes: (1) a full medical evaluation, and (2) must obtain medical clearance from State/MED in order to deploy to post.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications.

Applications will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in the fields of computer science, information systems management, or software engineering is required.

2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of sever years of responsible experience in system development and programming, system administration, and PC support is required. Hands-on experience working with VMware vSphere, NetApp HA storage clusters, Windows 2008/2012 Servers, Exchange 2003/2010 Servers, and WEB Servers (IIS) is required. Database administration in MS SQL Server and/or Oracle is required. Experience must include significant analytical and judgmental responsibilities and the overall management and logistical operation support of the most complex computer systems and data-centers.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants must submit a summary statement of no more than one letter-size page, which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above. The Contracting Officer will establish a competitive range and only shortlisted candidate will be contacted for interview.

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

a. Education (10 points): Bachelor’s degree in the fields of computer science, information systems management, or software engineering is required.

b. Prior Work Experience (35 points): Minimum of seven years of responsible experience in system development and programming, system administration, and PC support is required. Hands-on experience working with VMware vSphere, NetApp HA storage clusters, Windows 2008/2012 Servers, Exchange 2003/2010 Servers, and WEB Servers (IIS) is required. Database administration in MS SQL Server and/or Oracle is required. Experience should include significant analytical and judgmental responsibilities and the overall management and logistical operation support of the most complex computer systems and data-centers.

c. Knowledge (15 points): Extensive knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methodologies involving computer systems (and information security) analysis, programming, operations, and related aspects of telecommunications is essential along with the ability to communicate, explain and to some extent instruct the application of these concepts to Mission personnel. Must have knowledge of the principles of personnel, financial, and information resource management with proven track record of successful implementation. A basic understanding of government security policies, procedures, internal controls and reporting requirements is required.

Thorough knowledge of virtualization and data storage technologies, database applications, web applications and the entire MS-Office suite is required. A strong understanding of virtualization in general and VMware and NetApp in particular is required.

d. Skills and Abilities (25 points): The incumbent must have excellent technical, organizational, administrative and communication skills to effectively supervise a subordinate work force and coordinate support services of vendor representatives and contractors. Good technical training skills, troubleshooting skills, ability to perform and interpret diagnostics, and hardware and software problem resolution skills to maximize the capabilities of USAID/IRAQ computer resources are required. Ability to work on a team, gather and analyze automation requirements, prioritize tasks, and make recommendations for applications that integrate smoothly into the USAID/IRAQ systems and programs are required. Exceptional interpersonal skills to achieve user acceptance of findings, recommendations, and decisions pertinent to computer systems management and support.

e. Language (15 points): Fluency in English and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including dealing with technical documentation is required. Proven ability to communicate effectively in cross-cultural settings is required.

Total possible points: 100

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented within the application. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to establish a competitive range. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will be invited to participate in an interview. Only those applicants in competitive range, if established, will be contacted. The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

Reference checks will be conducted with the highest-ranked offeror at the conclusion of evaluations and prior to negotiations to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Qualified applicants are requested to submit:

A. Most current Curriculum Vitae or resume;

B. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, (https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2) “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

C. Three professional references, which could be your current and former supervisors and be able to comment on your suitability for employment, with telephones and e-mail contacts to be provided on a separate sheet;

D. Brief appendix of no more than one letter-size page to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described in the solicitation.

2. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to: IraqUSPSCjobs@usaid.gov.

3. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, Applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the application submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Applicant 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 for National Security (SF-85),

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

5. OF-306

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Personal Service Contracting (PSC) employee is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 mailto:IraqUSPSCjobs@usaid.gov

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

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(b) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(c) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

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. 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 .

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations