Solicitation.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

SOL-267-16-000001

ISSUANCE DATE:

October 18, 2015

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

November 8, 2015 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Supervisory Information Technology Specialist

MARKET VALUE:

GS-13 equivalent ($ 73,115 to $ 95,048)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year (with possible extensions) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: U.S. Citizen – Secret Security Clearance Third Country National – Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) Certificate

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

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

I. INTRODUCTION

The USAID Mission in Iraq is headquartered in Baghdad, has one satellite office in Basrah 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, Intrusion Detection Systems, File and Print Servers, SQL and Oracle 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 Supervisory 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.

II. BASIC FUNCTION OF 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 Supervisory 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 Supervisory 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.

III. 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 Supervisory 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 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 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 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.

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. Manage the information technology infrastructure for USAID/Iraq. The Supervisory IT Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day management of the LAN/WAN installations at the new AIDNet location in Basrah.

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.

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

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. Maintain system images and antivirus software on both servers and users' side.

Control access to Mission devices by maintaining port security on access switches connecting the equipment in Baghdad and Basrah.

Application Support/User Training 20% 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. 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 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 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.

IV. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

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, 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 technical documentation is required. Proven ability to communicate effectively in cross-cultural settings is required.

V.

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-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-13 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-13 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-13 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 30% Post Differential, 35% Danger Pay, and 5% Sunday Differential.

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

VI.

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.

VII.

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.

VIII. 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. 4461; Email: frsantos@usaid.gov

SECONDARY: Mr. Leslie C. Petersen, Supervisory Executive Officer, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, ext. 4631; Email: lpetersen@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