SOL_72051422R0004_IT System Management Advisor.docx

ATTACHMENT 1 72051421R0004

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72051421R00004

ISSUANCE DATE: November 24, 2021 CLOSING DATE/TIME: December 8, 2021

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Offshore. - Single Vacancy

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. For further information about USAID/Colombia please visit https://www.usaid.gov/colombia.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment 1 or to BogotaUSAIDHRTeam@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Joseph Sidari Supervisory Executive Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development Cra 45 # 24B – 27 Gate 2 Bogotá

COLOMBIA

Tel: (571) 275 2000 Fax: (571) 275 2319 www.usaid.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

Third Country National (TCN): An individual (i) who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

This position is located in the Executive Office, USAID/Colombia, and will be based in Bogota, Colombia. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an IT Systems Management Advisor (SMA) and be part of and contribute to a strong IT staff in managing USAID information technology resources.

Within the Executive Office, the Information Technology section (EXO/IT) is responsible for providing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services and support, as well as overall management of USAID/Colombia computer systems. These services include the following: general systems administration; information security; organization of all data and vital records; computer advisory services; system integration between USAID systems and Department of State systems; and facilitation of the sharing of programmatic information with sister agencies, implementing partners and the Government of Colombia (GOC).

The Mission’s electronic infrastructure is a complex collection of equipment/systems: microwave links, CISCO routers and other advanced technologies. USAID/Colombia is seeking a self-motivated highly energetic individual who can work independently providing support to a diverse staff performing in a high stress environment amid constantly changing priorities.

The incumbent will provide all levels of IT systems support for USAID enterprise architecture, and customer service to include: Help-Desk response, user assistance and training, systems and application troubleshooting, systems administration, system engineering and deployment of new systems. USAID also maintains a wide array of enterprise software applications. These include Phoenix/Momentum financial data processing, ASIST/Documentum document management and archiving, online web portals and collaboration tools, various other corporate applications, Server and RSA security tokens for remote access.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

a. LAN and WAN Operation and Management 35% Install, monitor and maintain Mission systems and network infrastructure, provide end user support, and ensure high availability status of all components including Microsoft Windows servers (Domain Controllers, File and Print servers, Corporate Applications servers, Storage servers, etc.), Google Apps/messaging, remote access/SBC environment, mobile devices (GMail provisioned iPhones/iPads), approved wireless links, VDI, Windows and Apple desktops and laptops, printing devices, telecommunications and security devices, Voice/VOIP/Telephones and video teleconferencing services.

b. Customer service: user and applications support/training 30% Develop support systems to ensure most efficient customer service. Brief and update mission’s users upon entry and continuously as needed on USAID IT regulations and policies, in-house services, improvements including available new technologies. Regularly assess and survey mission users to gather information about provided IT support services.

Provide technical assistance and advice to USAID/Colombia’s technical offices and USAID funded Information Technology projects (ADS 548).

Establish and maintain strong M/CIO communication channels to coordinate troubleshooting and support with M/CIO teams when necessary.

Administer, maintain and troubleshoot USAID corporate applications (ASIST, E2, GLAAS, Websites, FACTS, etc.) and other approved applications and software packages. Manage users’ accounts (Active directory, Google Apps) and coordinate with M/CIO when necessary.

Development of training strategies to increase user’s job efficiency. Design in-house training courses on the use of Agency corporate applications and approved software packages.

c. IT Security and Contingency planning/Compliance 15% Create, develop, implement, enforce, and when necessary, update mission standard policies, guidelines and procedures pertaining to the Management of Information Resources (ADS 541, 545, 548, NIST, etc.). This includes mission orders, mission notices and relevant information technology guidelines relation to Information Systems operations

Prepare, update and enforce System Security and Contingency plans. Review, implement and test Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning procedures for recovery and continuation of USAID/Colombia’s Systems and networks operation. Ensure mission data is safeguarded and prevent accidental loss of data. Ensure readiness of contingency site(s) by testing the plan as required.

Review and monitor M/CIO/CISO IT security reports / guidance and take immediate actions to correct reported security vulnerabilities and ensure best security/grading results for the mission.

Design, improve and upgrade USAID/Colombia’s hardware and software support systems in compliance with Agency’s standards requirements and regulations.

Provide Information System Security Awareness Orientation training/refresher to mission users

d. IT Property, Procurement and Maintenance services 10% Develop mission IT procurement plans including the identification and evaluation of qualified sources of equipment and services and oversee vendors as necessary.

Manage and track all USAID IT equipment continuously. The incumbent is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all IT equipment whether in-house or through a service contract mechanism.

IT Property Management: Detail tracking of all mission’s IT equipment. Management, review and update, of mission assigned equipment to enforce accountability, and verify annual inventories of all IT equipment.

e. Mentorship and Supervision 10% In the absence of the FSN Computer Management Specialist, the SMA will be asked to provide supervision over two Assistants (FSN-09). It is expected that the SMA will mentor all EXO/IT staff as needed, and help in creating a harmonious working environment where all members contribute equally in providing the highest level of customer service to the Mission writ-large..

3. Supervisory Relationship:

Work is performed independently under the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Officer, who outlines objectives and reviews accomplishments for conformance with policy and furtherance of Mission goals tasks independently. S/he will be expected to report on the progress of activities assigned.

4. Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent will not supervise staff. In the absence of the FSN Computer Management Specialist, the SMA will be asked to provide supervision over two Assistants (FSN-09).

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: Bachelor’s degree in the fields of computer science, information systems management, software engineering, or equivalent is required. Given the various titles of computer related degrees, other computer degrees may be considered.

b. Work Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of responsible experience with a US Government Agency in system administration, PC support, system development and programming are required. Experience with Windows 2019 Servers, Exchange 2012 Servers, and WEB Servers (IIS) is required. Ability to administer laser printers, digital senders, scanners, and modems is required.

c. Post Entry Training: Vendor and manufacturer hardware and software manuals; training and reference materials; and State Department and USAID Washington policies, regulations and guidelines on information resources management (FAM, FAH, ADS, etc.).

d. Job Knowledge: Understanding of government security policies, procedures, internal controls and reporting requirements is required. Thorough knowledge of the entire MS-Office suite, database applications and web applications is required,

e. Skills and Abilities: 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/Colombia 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/Guinea and Sierra Leone systems and programs are required. Good interpersonal skills are required as well as demonstrated experience as a trainer and mentor of IT staff.

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.

“USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers”.

“If a third country national (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN personal services contractor must provide at least two hours/week of training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the TCNPSC's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.”

A. Selection Process

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene 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 scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

B. Evaluation Factors:

Those applicants who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their application as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills. On a supplement document included with the application package, applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples to address each factor. Responses are limited to 500 words (approx. 1/2 type written page) per factor. Applicants should describe specifically and accurately experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the factor. Applicants should include their name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in the applicant not receiving full credit for pertinent experience.

FACTOR #1: Education.

FACTOR # 2: Prior Experience.

FACTOR # 3: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities.

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The Applicant Rating System is as follows:

Evaluation Factors:

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

All offers must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line: SOL: 72051421R00004 – IT Systems Management Advisor at bogotausaidhrteam@usaid.gov

Offerors must submit their application by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3 and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section 1.

Offers must be submitted in accordance with the instructions in the section titled “How to Apply”. Incomplete offer packages may be eliminated from further consideration. All documentation will be reviewed to ensure offerors meet the minimum requirements, and offerors who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored.

Offerors may be invited to take a written technical test. Final offerors may be interviewed. Reference checks may be requested. The offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the offeror’s concurrence.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified offerors must submit the following documents in English, or their application will not be considered for this position:

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 https://www.usaid.gov/forms

2. Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the requirements of the position (maximum 3 pages) – PDF format.

3. List (not a written letter of reference) of a minimum of three (3) professional references with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, and with working/accurate telephone and e-mail information. These professional references must not be family members or relatives. The offeror's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor (Three contacts in one page) – PDF format.

4. Supplemental Narrative with written responses to the evaluation criteria – education, prior work experience, job knowledge, skills and abilities stated in “Section II - Minimum Qualifications Required for this Position”, (Times New Roman 12 and maximum 2 pages) – PDF format.

1. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

At the time of the offer, candidates must fully meet the education requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified and must also meet in full the work experience requirement. There is no exception for these requirements.

USAID retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

USAID reserves the right to obtain information on finalists from any and all sources inside or outside the US Government.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the CO informs the successful candidate of being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide him/her instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306).

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17).

3. Medical clearance.

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

5. Fingerprint Card (FD-258) if it is needed for security.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

(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 Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

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

Allowances applicable for TCN PCSs per Mission Director approval

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. [COs may incorporate this requirement into new solicitations. See AAPD 21-04 EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 ON ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION) (FAR Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-FAR-22-01c) 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70:]

LINE ITEMS:

ITEM No.

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

Award Type: Fixed Product Service Code: R497 Agency/Bureau: 72/72 Funding Tupe: Unilateral Treasury Account Symbol: 72-1000 Accounting Template: Mission OE funds-BGA

BBFY:2022

Fund: OE OP: Colombia Team/Div: M/MPBP

BGA: 514

SOC: 1130008 -1210408

LOT

LC$TBD

LC$TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor

3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at https://www.usaid.v/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

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 image1.png