Solicitation.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

SOL-267-14-000010

ISSUANCE DATE:

February 27, 2014

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

March 17, 2014 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Information Technology Specialist

MARKET VALUE:

GS-12 equivalent ($ 60,877 to $ 79,138)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: U.S. Citizen – Secret Security Clearance Third Country National – RSO Security Certificate

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens / Third Country National (TCN)

I. INTRODUCTION

USAID/IRAQ is recruiting for an Information Technology Specialist. This position is open to persons who meet the minimum qualifications. This position is graded at the GS-12 level. Determining the actual salary of the successful candidate within the GS-12 pay band will be based on qualifications and salary history. The employee will work 40 hours per week (as well as overtime as required) and will report to the Supervisory Executive Officer.

Within the Executive Office, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) is responsible for providing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services and support as well as overall management of USAID/IRAQ’s 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 Iraq (GOI).

The USAID Mission in Iraq is headquartered in Baghdad. The Mission’s electronic infrastructure is a complex collection of equipment/systems: VSAT systems, microwave links, CISCO routers and other advanced technologies. USAID/IRAQ 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 system architecture, which is constantly evolving, is a virtual MS Windows platform and consists of the following basic elements: Domain Controllers, SMS Servers, Exchange Servers, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems, File and Print Servers, SQL and Oracle Database Servers, and IIS WEB Servers. The virtual environment is supported by Vsphere and Netapp. A strong understanding of virtualization in general and VMware and Netapp in particular is required. In addition there are many peripherals, such as laser printers and scanners.

The incumbent will provide all levels of IT systems support for USAID enterprise architecture, to include: Help-Desk response, user assistance and training, systems and application troubleshooting, systems administration and backups, 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 intranet database applications built on ASP/SQL Server and RSA security tokens for remote access.

USAID/IRAQ faces some of the most complex challenges. It has been a leader in deploying new technologies in the field. It was the first USAID field mission to deploy a virtualized environment with a complete disaster recovery infrastructure.

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.

II. DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LAN and WAN Operation and Administration

65% of time

The primary objective of IT support work is ensuring the highest day-to-day network availability. The Information Technology Specialist will work with the Network Operations Center (NOC) in Washington to maintain the Mission critical Information Communication Technologies such as VSAT Internet connectivity which feeds the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone trunks and Mission e-Mail systems.

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 100% availability. The incumbent will be responsible for over $500,000 worth of network equipment. The incumbent will install and maintain 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 technology that connects all USAID/Iraq offices, including Basrah and Erbil to Baghdad. 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 detect vulnerabilities and 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 disposal. The incumbent will continually provide information technology solutions that best support a shrinking program and staff.

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

Application Support/User Training

35% of time

The incumbent 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. On a weekly basis, the incumbent will provide tips deemed useful to all staff. Incumbent issues IT equipment as approved by the Supervisory Executive Officer and maintains inventories.

The incumbent will provide advanced support of existing software applications includes 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 Ser 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.

III. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

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

Education (10 points): Bachelor’s degree in the fields of computer science, information systems management, or software engineering is required. Given the various titles of computer related degrees, other computer degrees may be considered.

Prior Work Experience (35 points): Minimum of five years of responsible experience in system administration, PC support, system development and programming is required. Experience with Windows 2003/2008 Servers, Exchange 2003/2008 Servers, and WEB Servers (IIS) is required. Database administration in MS SQL Server and/or Oracle, and the ability to create and customize SQL queries is required. Ability to administer laser printers, digital senders, scanners, and modems is required.

Knowledge (15 points): A basic 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.

Skills and Abilities (25 points): 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. Good interpersonal skills are required.

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

III.

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 one year.

The position has been classified at a GS-12 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-12 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-12 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-12 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 25% Post Differential, 35% Danger Pay, and 5% Sunday Differential.

The new USAID offices are located at the Annex II of the US Embassy Compound within the guarded and fortified International Zone in Baghdad. All USAID TDY employees are provided TDY furnished quarters. Unless policy at Post changes, meals are provided at no cost to the employee. Internet service is available for purchase.

IV.

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.

V.

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.

VI. APPLYING

Interested applicants MUST submit the following materials:

- Most current Curriculum vitae or resume

- Completed and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). The OF-612 can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/.

- Three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephones and e-mail contacts

- Brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria shown in the solicitation

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered.

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.

Points of Contact

PRIMARY: Mr. Francisco Santos, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, ext. 4659; Email: frsantos@usaid.gov

SECONDARY: Ms. Ellen Zehr, Supervisory Executive Officer, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, ext. 4631; Email: ezehr@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