SOL-675-16-000004.pdf

~USAID ~ FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

GUINEA

ISSUANCE DATE: July 4, 2016 CLOSING DATE: July 15, 2016 16 : 30pm Guinea Local Time

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER 675-16-000004: ADVERTISE FOR A UNITED STATES/THIRD

COUNTRY NATIONAL CITIZEN PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR (U.S./TCN PSC) - SYSTEMS

MANAGER - USAID/GUINEA & SIERRA LEONE

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone, is seeking applications of qualified U.S./TCN individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submission shall be in accordance with this solicitation and at the place and time specified . In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. The Systems Manager position will be located in Conakry, Republic of Guinea with occasional travel to Sierra Leone.

Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation :

• Cover Letter;

• Curriculum Vitae or resume;

• Form AID 302-3 (available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ );

• Supplemental document addressing the evaluation factors;

• List of three professional references who are familiar with your work experience.

All application packages are to be submitted to:

Via email: conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov .

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email must be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped . Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB. Application letters and Form AID 302-3 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered.

USAID/Guinea anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Service Contract as a result of this solicitation. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application. Any questions on this solicitation should be sent to Priscilla Sampil at psampil@usaid.gov or the undersigned at sacarter@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, /signed/ ~w

Samuel Carter Jr.

Supervisory Regional Executive Officer

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

ISSUANCE DATE:

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

POSITION TITLE:

MARKET VALUE:

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

SECURITY /MEDICAL CLEARANCES:

6 7 5-1 6-000004

July 4, 2016

July 15, 2016 AT 16:30 pm, Guinea local Time

SYSTEMS MANAGER

($47, 158.00 - $61,306.00) the market value for this position is equivalent to GS-10 level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

Open to U.S. citizens and Third Country Nationals

A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

A Third Country National by definition is an individual who is neither a citizen of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and who is eligible for return travel to the TCN's home country or country from which recruited at U.S. Government expense.

Two (2) years with an option to extend.

be contingent on satisfactory continued need for the services and funds.

Extensions will performance, availability of

Conakry, Guinea, with frequent travel to Sierra Leone

Security Clearance:

US citizens - SECRET TCNPSCs - Employment authorization

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Executive Office, USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone, and will be based in Conakry with occasional travel to Sierra Leone. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an IT Systems Manager and to mentor and train the newly recruited USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone IT staff to manage USAID information technology resources.

USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone 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-10 level. Determining the actual salary of the successful candidate within the GS-10 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/ Guinea and Sierra Leone 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 Guinea and Sierra Leone (GOG and GSL).

The USAID Mission in Guinea and Sierra Leone is headquartered in Conakry. Conakry (Guinea) has approximately 40-50 Staff co-located on the US Embassy compound in Conakry. Conakry typically has 4-5 TOY personal per week. Freetown (Sierra Leone) has approximately 10-20 Staff co-located in the US Embassy in Freetown.

The Mission's electronic infrastructure is a complex collection of equipment/systems: VSAT systems, microwave links, CISCO routers and other advanced technologies. USAID/ Guinea and Sierra Leone 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, 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.

The incumbent will be responsible providing on the job training as well as mentoring and training permanent FSN staff. 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.

USAID programs in Guinea and in Sierra Leone are on a growth trajectory, and therefore, a key component of the SMEs roll will be to ensure proper management and planning for IT requirements to support the Mission's growth projected for the next 6-12 months.

2.0 DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

WLAN, LAN and WAN Operation and Administration 403 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 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) including management of a critical virtual server infrastructure and a complex collection of network aware devices and equipment that enables staff. The incumbent will be responsible for network equipment. The incumbent will install and maintain additional servers, network equipment, software and endpoint devices such as (PCs and Macs), 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 WLAN, 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 (VTC) technology that connects all USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone offices as well other remote sites. S/he will support video streams so USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone can participate in such events as Town Halls conducted from USAID/Washington.

To keep the computer services in a high availability status, WLAN, LAN and WAN operation and administration will include troubleshooting of servers, PCs, Macs,, 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 WLAN, LAN and WAN Operations and Administration, all networked devices must be monitored on a daily basis. The incumbent will be responsible to detect vulnerabilities in combination with M/CIO 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, maintaining IT standards with M/CIO, coordinating IT procurements 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 is responsible maintaining a close relationship with M/CIO, the in-country internet service providers, and the Information Management Officer (IMO) . It will be required for the incumbent to ensure communications and collaboration between all these groups and the Mission.

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

Perform other duties as may be assigned by Executive Officer or Mission Director.

Application Support/User Training 253 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), mobile devices support (iPhones, iPads), 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. In addition, the incumbent will facilitate and coordinate training for USAID Enterprise system training (GLAAS, Phoenix, WebTA, E2, HR Connect, ASIST). 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.

IT /Systems Office Staff Mentoring and Training 403 of time

Provides mentorship and guidance to USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone IT staff including establishing work plans; (2) setting priorities; (3) monitoring progress and; (4) liaising with other office Including the M/CIO, Department of State, and in-country internet service providers.

Directly supervises, provides technical oversight, and evaluates each member of the IT Staff.

Reviews the work of all IT staff.

As the WLAN and (LAN) System Administrator, train Guinea IT staff to in providing optimal use of existing and new technology resources through a Local Area Network (LAN). Supervises day to day network operations and maximizes system performance; provides management advisory services, user support and training; developing, implementing, and monitoring LAN Network protection system; and other related Local Area Network (LAN) duties;

Train Guinea and Sierra Leone IT staff in the operation and maintenance of desktop and endpoint devices that run the operating systems of (Windows, Macintosh Operating Systems (MacOS), iPhone and iPad Operating Systems (iOS).

Support USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone IT staff to review, revise and update of Information Technology (IT) Mission Orders laying out policy and procedures relating to use of equipment within the Mission;

Provide training and support to USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone IT staff for best practices in management of the Mission's electronic telecommunication equipment (Internet Service provider (ISP) link, Diplomatic Telecommunications Service Program Office (DTSPO) link, Bandwidth usage, email traffic and Internet).

3.0 REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct telephone interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

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 (llS) 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 & 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/Guinea and Sierra Leone 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.

Language (15 points):

Fluency in English and French 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.

TOTAL: 100 POINTS

4.0 OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Supervision Received: Work is performed independently under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer, who outlines objectives and reviews accomplishments for conformance with policy and furtherance of Mission goals.

Supervision Exercised: Supervise staff in the USAID/Guinea/Sierra Leone IRM Division.

Exercise of Judgment: Considerable judgment is required in the analysis of hardware and software requirements, determinations as to procedures suitable for automation, advice and assistance to managers, etc. Judgment is also required to balance must have or nice to have applications and equipment against budget constraints and competing priorities.

Available Guidelines: 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.).

Authority to make commitments: None

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Frequent and continuing contact with all levels of Mission, Embassy and associated agency personnel, IT contractor representatives, and other IT service representatives in Senegal ( local electricians, Software and Hardware vendors, telecommunication services providers etc.), to ensure Mission requirements are met.

IT vendor representatives (Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, etc.) are concerned with installation and maintenance of equipment, and contacts with USAID/W IRM personnel allow obtaining and exchanging information that ensures to comply with USAID standards.

Time required to perform full range of duties: One Year.

Physical Demands/ Work Environment: The work is sedentary and performed in an office setting.

5.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested individuals are required to submit the following :

• Fully completed and hand-signed copy of Form a302-3 can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

(Note: All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the Form a302-3 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences.)

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) . The CV /resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria . Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria .

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant's professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

• Applicants also must address the above Section 3.0: Selection Criteria in a summary statement to be included in the application. This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page. Failure to provide this summary statement may result in the applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

• Application letters and Form a302-3 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered.

6.0 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1) Application for Application for Federal Employment (AID 302-3) ;.

2) Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62) . *

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

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

5) Finger Print Card (FD-258) . *

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

7.0 ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to locate relevant AAPDs.

8.0 CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSC CIBs and AAPDSs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. AIDAR Appendix D and J apply to USPSC and TCNPSC respectively and can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ default /files/documents/ 1868/aidar O.pdf

9.0 BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D and other relevant Agency and Mission polices. Third Country Nationals (TCNs) , as a matter of policy and as appropriate are authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and other relevant Agency and Mission polices.

BENEFITS:

Employee's FICA and Medicare (US Citizens only) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment (Annual across board salary increase) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (If applicable).

(A)Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(D)Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) .

(F) Education Allowance (Section 270) .

(G)Education Travel (Section 280) .

(H)Post Differential (Chapter 500) .

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

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal and State Income Taxes.

9.0 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

TCN PSC Contractors are compensated in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D titled "Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad, paragraphs 4(c) , (d) , (e) , (g) , (h) , and (i) and also according to the Compensation and Allowances Matrix approved by the Mission Director.

END OF SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMfLOYMENT OPPQRTUN/TY: The U.S. Mission in Guinea provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Guinea also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

US/TCN PSC SYSTEMS MANAGER

CLEARANCES:

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