PHL 72049224R00010 Mission Security Advisor.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72049224R00010

ISSUANCE DATE: August 12, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: September 11, 2024, 11:59 PM, Manila time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) - Mission Security Advisor

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.

Sincerely, Jennifer L. Crow Supervisory Contracting Officer

72049224R00010

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO: 72049224R00010

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 12, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

September 11, 2024 /11:59 PM, Manila time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resources Division, e-mail: aidmnlhr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Mission Security Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: $104,604 - $135,987 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Philippines

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.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, estimated to start o/a December 2024 or earlier if required clearances are obtained.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. General Statement of Purpose of Contract

The USAID/Philippines' Regional Executive Office serves as a regional support hub for itself and eleven (11) other countries, directly impacting the recruitment, onboarding, personnel maintenance, and general administrative support of over 246 personnel throughout the region. It provides administrative, Human Resources, Information Technology, procurement, general services and travel services to thirteen (13) Operating Units (OUs), namely: two regional Missions, Philippines (which includes Mongolia) and Pacific Islands (Fiji); one country office, Papua New Guinea; four Field Offices in the Pacific Islands, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, and Solomon Islands;

two Operating Units based in the Philippines, the Office of the Inspector General

Regional Sub-Office in Asia (OIG/Asia) and the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA);

and, three development cooperation offices in Japan, Korea, and Australia.

The Mission Security Advisor is a recognized professional in the field of safety and security and serves as the security representative for the USAID Executive Office. The incumbent develops and maintains professional relationships with the Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) and the USAID Office of Security (SEC) in Washington D.C. S/he provides updates to the USAID Mission Director on security related matters. S/he is responsible for advising on and supporting USAID field trips throughout the country to inform staff to better their safety. The Mission Security Advisor works under the direct supervision of the Regional Supervisory Executive Officer in USAID/Philippines. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out day-to-day Mission-related security activities in an efficient and independent manner with minimal supervision.

B. Statement of Duties to be performed:

The Mission Security Advisor carries out all security duties for the Executive Officer in the fields of personnel, technical, operational, and communications security. The duties and responsibilities include the following:

1. Serves as the Mission Unit Security Officer.

2. Monitors the security operations and physical/technical security systems within the Mission and other Operating Units managed by USAID/Philippines Regional Executive Office.

3. Serves at the Mission primary point of contact to the Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO).

4. Serves as the Mission subject matter expert (SME) on and the primary point of contact for the U.S. Embassy security policies and procedures.

5. Assists the RSO with physical security of USAID buildings or residences for Mission personnel.

6. Develops, maintains, and executes security and evacuation plans for Mission personnel.

7. Serves as the Senior floor warden for the Mission and maintains oversight of Mission participation in the Floor Warden Systems.

8. Oversees the proper execution of notification and accountability procedures for Mission personnel.

9. Oversees the Mission security communications program.

10. Disseminates critical security and threat information to Mission staff, as needed.

11. Develops, maintains, and exercises evacuation plans for USAID personnel.

12. Provides logistical support for USAID staff field trips and manages the Mission submission of RSO movement requests.

13. Manages the Mission Armored Vehicle Program.

14. Serves as the authorized requestor for investigations.

15. Serves as the Office of Security’s main point of contact for security incident reporting.

16. Provides technical security support to the Contracting Officer for security-related contract issues.

17. Oversees the disposition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

18. Administers the Mission Personnel Recovery (PR) Program.

19. Serves as the Personnel Recovery Officer (PRO) and updates the Mission Personnel

Recovery policies.

20. Assists in the establishment, oversight, and administration of the Partner

Liaison Security Office (PLSO) program.

21. Serves as the Mission point of contact for all badging-related matters.

22. Provides assistance and support to staff to ensure that Sensitive But

Unclassified (SBU) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) documents are handled appropriately on the AIDNET, the Department of State network.

23. Serves as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) on the regional Security contract that includes all of the Missions Implementing Partners’ security staff.

C. KEY POSITION ELEMENTS

a. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position:

The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying the United States Government (USG) and USAID-specific regulations and standard operating procedures while carrying out the assigned duties.

b. Level of complexity for work assignment:

The incumbent continually monitors and updates USAID safety and security policies and practices and ensures maximum safety and security for Mission staff and implementing partners operating in the field through operations tracking and information dissemination. The incumbent will be responsible for liaising with the Embassy RSO to support and carry out PLSO program responsibilities.

c. Knowledge level required:

The incumbent must have a demonstrated advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures within the specializations of physical, information, and/or operational security, thus allowing the incumbent to complete complex work assignments with little guidance. Knowledge of generic security protocols in high-risk environments is required. Seeks to expand pertinent knowledge at every opportunity and proactively adapts to new practices and procedures.

d. Supervisory Controls: The Mission Security Advisor works under the direct supervision of the Regional Supervisory Executive Officer in Manila, Philippines. The position will have significant autonomy and be expected to function with limited supervision.

e. Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements:

The Mission Security Advisor will draw primary guidance and direction from the Automated Directives System, specifically ADS 561, 562, 563, 564, 566, 568, 569, 572, and 573 in the performance and conduct of day-to-day responsibilities.

Additionally, the incumbent will rely on overarching Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Mission Orders/Notices, the Ambassador's Security Directives, RSO Security Notices and procedures and U.S.

Mission policies.

f. Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position’s responsibilities:

The work environment is highly complex. Work assignments are of great breadth and require a high degree of problem-solving skills to ensure resolution. The incumbent must be able to successfully navigate the complex and often evolving working environment and be responsive to high level political initiatives that may affect existing priorities.

g. Scope and effect of the work performed:

As the recognized expert and professional in the field of safety and security, the incumbent’s recommendations will be given substantial weight in final decisions with respect to a host of operational, administrative, management issues, and liaison with the Embassy Management relevant to Mission staff’s safety and security. The incumbent is expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of and apply the principles of physical, information, and/or operational security. The incumbent is expected to analyze and interpret pertinent policies for local application, to articulate these policies and their application to USAID safety and security operations, and to put into effective practice USAID regulation and directions.

h. Level and purpose of contacts:

The incumbent is in daily contact with staff throughout the USAID Mission and the U.S. Embassy such as the RSO, USAID Mission Senior leadership. S/he will be required to maintain close coordination with the individuals of various rank and level within the Office of Security (SEC) on security related incidents.

i. Supervision or oversight the position has over others:

The Mission Security Advisor has no supervisory responsibilities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Substantial regional temporary duty (TDY) travel to countries serviced by USAID/Philippines. TDY travel is anticipated as being predominantly to Suva, Fiji, and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

SUPPORT ITEMS: The PSC will be provided with the adequate support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in law enforcement, security operations and management, crisis management, law enforcement, counter-intelligence or related field is required. (PASS/FAIL)

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work in security operations, crisis management, law enforcement, or counter-intelligence or related fields is required. (PASS/FAIL)

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be evaluated and scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

Knowledge (50 points) The incumbent must have a demonstrated advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures within the specializations of physical, information, and/or operational security, thus allowing the incumbent to complete complex work assignments with little guidance. Knowledge of generic security protocols in high-risk environments is required.

Seeks to expand pertinent knowledge at every opportunity and proactively adapts to new practices and procedures.

Skills and Abilities (50 points)

● Must have the ability to build professional networks and work effectively with external entities, including RSO, SEC, and other U.S. Government agencies.

● Must have the ability to identify possible security concerns, develop new techniques and strategies, make sound decisions, and apply solutions to complex operating issues in high-stress and crisis situations.

● Must have the ability to communicate effectively, quickly, clearly, and concisely (orally and in writing) in a cross-cultural setting, including the ability to effectively collect, synthesize, and present technical information from diverse sources.

● Must have the ability to handle sensitive and complex matters in a highly professional manner, and the ability to routinely identify, analyze and solve problems effectively.

● Must have knowledge of U.S. Government resources and Diplomatic Security (DS) manuals which relate to the principles and techniques of security.

● Must have advanced computer and IT skills, including familiarity with the full range of MS Office software, including spreadsheets, database, PowerPoint, and graphics.

As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates may be requested to complete a writing test and be interviewed either in person, by telephone or videoconference at USAID’s discretion. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered for selection. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.

The security clearance and medical clearance are required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks at the conclusion of evaluations.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

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

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I item 3 and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I item 4;

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation Number on all offeror-submitted documents;

4. A type-written and signed cover letter of no more than two (2) pages specifically applying for this position and addressing the minimum requirements and evaluation factors of the position;

5. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (without photo), which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience, and career achievements;

6. Offers must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three (3) references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references;

7. Copies of diploma, certificates and relevant degrees should be included in the application package to corroborate the CV/Resume;

8. Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/email not larger than 5MB. Please submit attachments in PDF. Application packages must be submitted electronically to aidmnlhr@usaid.gov.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

1. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)

2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

5. Fingerprint Card (SF-87). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

VI. BENEFITS AND 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) Leave and Holidays

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 270)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

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/ads/policy/300/aidar http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and With a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar ]

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiatio ns with

Contractor

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/resources_standards-of-conduct.

5. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman about:blank

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference [Insert the applicable FAR date in the format 3-LETTER MONTH, 4-DIGIT YEAR]

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED

APPLICATION

June,

- End of solicitation -