Solicitation 72026724R00005 - (PLSO) Partner Liaison Security Officer (Fully Signed).pdf

USAID MISSION/IRAQ

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72026724R00005

ISSUANCE DATE: September 30, 2024 CLOSING DATE AND TIME: October 29, 2024 5:00pm EST

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC).

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, Diego Marquez Contracting Officer

72026724R00005

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72026724R00005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 30, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 29, 2024 5:00pm EST

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Mustafa Al-Saffar, email at iraqrecruitment@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO)

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

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Iraq, Baghdad with possible travels to Erbil.

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: The base period will be two-years, estimated to start on February 23, 2025. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise

(an) additional option period(s) for three-years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period: February 23, 2025 - February 22, 2027 Option Period 1: February 23, 2027 - February 22, 2028 Option Period 2: February 23, 2028 - February 22, 2029 Option Period 3: February 23, 2029 - February 22, 2030

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens Only.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Top Secret clearance.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) serves as the primary security liaison for Implementing Partners (IPs) with USAID/Iraq, ensuring that IPs are mailto:iraqrecruitment@usaid.gov informed and equipped to manage security risks effectively. The PLSO plays a critical role in facilitating communication and information sharing between IPs and relevant in-country security entities, including the United Nations, international NGOs, host government bodies, and other international donors.

The PLSO provides non-prescriptive, holistic security advice, enabling IPs to enhance their security postures without directly managing or approving their security plans.

Working under the supervision of the Mission Director and EXO, the Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) serves as the Mission's principal advisor on security matters related to Implementing Partners (IPs).The PLSO is a critical liaison between all USAID-funded IPs located throughout Iraq, the USAID Mission, the RSO, and various in-country security entities, including the United Nations, international NGOs, the host government, and other international donors. The PLSO ensures that IPs are well-informed concerning security risks.

The PLSO facilitates communication, coordinates the sharing of security information, and provides non-prescriptive, holistic security advice to IPs, enabling IPs to independently edit their security postures.

The PLSO is responsible for establishing and managing security incident reporting systems, conducting trend analysis, and advising on security plan reviews. The PLSO ensures that security information disseminated to IPs is accurate, timely, and beneficial, while maintaining the confidentiality of information sources. Additionally, the PLSO plays a vital role in developing and maintaining emergency notification systems and security alerts, ensuring that IPs receive critical information during emergencies. The PLSO provides security training and briefings to Mission staff and IPs, fostering a culture of security awareness and preparedness.

The PLSO collaborates with the Mission's Executive Office (EXO), Regional Security Office (RSO), and other relevant stakeholders to support the overall security environment for IPs. A key resource for security-related guidance who provides proactive input on complex security issues, the PLSO ensures that IPs and the Mission adhere to established security policies and procedures. The PLSO serves as an integral part of the Mission's security framework, helping to safeguard personnel and assets while enabling effective program implementation in a challenging, evolving security environment.

2. Statement of Duties as assigned:

A. Security Liaison and Advisory Support The Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security and safety of Implementing Partners (IPs) operating in USAID/Iraq. The PLSO serves as the principal security liaison between the Mission and IPs, facilitating communication and information sharing with in-country security entities such as the United Nations, international NGOs, the host government, and other international donors. The PLSO provides non-prescriptive, holistic security advice and support to IPs, enabling them to independently enhance their security postures. The PLSO also coordinates with the Regional Security Office (RSO) and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) to provide IPs with access to critical security resources and information.

B. Security Information Management and Incident Reporting The PLSO is responsible for establishing and managing a comprehensive security incident reporting system that ensures timely dissemination of information to the Mission, RSO, SEC/ISP, IPs, and other relevant stakeholders.

The PLSO conducts trend analysis based on reported incidents, providing valuable insights to IPs for situational awareness and proactive security management. The PLSO also maintains a secure archive of incident reports and ensures that sensitive information is appropriately sanitized before dissemination.

C. Security Plan Review and Non-Prescriptive Guidance The PLSO reviews security plans submitted by IPs, providing feedback to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) while maintaining a non-prescriptive advisory role. The PLSO ensures that IPs retain full responsibility for their security plans and the safety of their staff. Additionally, the PLSO advises the COR/AOR on significant changes in the threat environment and offers non-prescriptive guidance on potential security upgrades, ensuring that any discussions involving increased costs include the Contracting Officer (CO)/Agreement Officer (AO).

D. Emergency Notification and Security Alerts In collaboration with the Executive Office (EXO), Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA), SEC, and M/CIO, the PLSO develops and maintains an emergency notification system to disseminate critical information to IPs during emergencies. The PLSO also manages real-time security alerts and establishes a Security Networking Group to facilitate the sharing of timely security information among USAID staff and partners, helping them to take appropriate actions during security incidents or emergencies.

E. Security Training and Capacity Building The PLSO provides security briefings and training to newly arrived USAID employees, IPs, and IP staff on temporary duty (TDY), fostering a culture of security awareness and preparedness. The PLSO ensures that all Mission personnel and IPs are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex security environment effectively.

F. Collaboration and Coordination with USG Security Entities The PLSO establishes and maintains relationships with key U.S. Government security counterparts in USAID/Iraq, including the National Police, military, and other relevant entities, to support security coordination during emergencies.

The PLSO also works closely with the RSO and other Mission security entities to ensure a unified approach to managing security risks and incidents affecting IPs.

G. Support to Mission Leadership and Security Policy Development The PLSO provides proactive input on a wide range of complex security issues to Mission Leadership, including the development and implementation of the Mission’s Continuity Plan. The PLSO assists the EXO in drafting and disseminating security-related Mission Notices and guidance, ensuring that all security policies and procedures align with USAID standards and are effectively communicated to IPs and Mission staff.

H. Vetting The PLSO USPSC will assist in conducting the classified aspects of the local staff onboarding process in coordination with RSO Vetting.

I. Additional Security Responsibilities The PLSO may be tasked with additional security-related duties as determined by the Mission Director or their designee, in consultation with SEC. This includes providing accurate and up-to-date security information for inclusion in solicitations, assisting with responses to security-related inquiries, and participating in technical evaluation committees (TECs) as needed.

These duties collectively ensure that the PLSO effectively supports the Mission's security objectives while enabling IPs to operate safely and securely within the challenging environment of USAID/Iraq.

3. Supervisory Relationship:

The Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) is expected to plan and implement work towards identified security goals, exercising significant initiative and judgment. The PLSO reports to the Supervisory Executive Officer (EXO) and independently coordinates with Mission staff, including the Regional Security Office (RSO), to provide policy guidance and support for security-related matters. The PLSO seeks advice from the Mission Director or EXO when faced with unanticipated challenges or complex issues. The PLSO keeps the Mission Director and EXO informed of progress, potential security concerns, or matters that may affect overall security policy. The Mission Director or EXO will review the final work products of the PLSO to ensure thorough analysis, sound judgment, and adequate justification have been applied. The PLSO has considerable latitude in addressing problems that arise in the course of their duties.

4. Supervisory Controls:

The PLSO may be expected to supervise other security-related staff, namely the FSN PLSS (FSN 10-12) or contractors as necessary, ensuring that all team members are effectively contributing to the Mission’s security objectives.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, the offeror must meet the minimum qualifications. Offers will be pre-screened and only those that meet the minimum qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:

Education: A Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college/university degree (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Organizational Security, Public Safety, Intelligence, or a related field is required.

Prior work experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in security management, preferably within an international development context, is required. This experience must include working with multiple stakeholders such as international organizations, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level (GS-13 or equivalent) of responsibility in this or an occupation that requires similar skills, within a government, non-government organization, private sector, or international or donor organization. Note: Additional experience will NOT be substituted for Education.

Knowledge: The Partner Liaison Security Officer (PLSO) must possess an in-depth understanding of security management principles, particularly within the context of international development and high-risk environments. This includes comprehensive knowledge of risk assessment, security planning, and incident management. The PLSO must have a thorough understanding of U.S.

Government security policies and procedures, as well as local security dynamics, including the legal and cultural frameworks that influence security operations in USAID/Iraq. The PLSO should be familiar with the principles of organizational security, including access control, threat analysis, and crisis management. Additionally, the PLSO must have the potential to acquire extensive knowledge of USAID and Department of State regulations governing security practices, as well as the procedures for liaising with various security entities such as the Regional Security Office (RSO), Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), and local law enforcement.

Skills and Abilities: The PLSO must demonstrate the ability to independently oversee and manage all aspects of the Mission’s security liaison portfolio. This role requires a high level of proficiency in security risk analysis, crisis management, and incident reporting. The PLSO must possess strong analytical skills to conduct trend analysis and provide strategic security advice that is both timely and actionable. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, with the ability to draft high-quality security reports, briefing materials, and advisories tailored to different audiences, including senior Mission leadership, Implementing Partners, and external stakeholders.

The PLSO must be adept at building and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including international organizations, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. The ability to communicate complex security concepts clearly and persuasively is crucial, as is the capacity to navigate sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. The PLSO must be detail-oriented, able to handle multiple priorities, and capable of working under pressure in a high-risk environment. Strong time management skills are required to meet tight deadlines and manage urgent security issues effectively.

The PLSO must also possess advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement practical solutions to complex security challenges.

The role requires a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards, particularly when handling sensitive security information.

Proficiency in the use of security information systems, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), is essential for success in this position.

The PLSO should also be capable of providing expert-level advice to peers and Mission management, and must be able to lead, mentor, and supervise diverse teams in the execution of security-related tasks.

Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including international organizations, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated experience in conducting trend analysis and providing strategic security advice. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports tailored to various audiences. Ability to work in high-risk environments and adapt to rapidly changing security conditions.

Language Proficiency: Level 4 English and Level 4 (Arabic or Kurdish) is required. (Both English, Arabic or Kurdish will be tested and verified fluency in speaking/reading/writing).

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 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Basis of Evaluation: Offerors who clearly meet the minimum/required education, experience, and language requirements may be further evaluated and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors and through review of the offeror’s submitted written application materials (see section IV below).

Those highest-ranked offerors will be considered within the competitive range, and may be further evaluated through Language, Technical tests and Interviews to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offeror.

Reference checks will be conducted with the highest-ranked offeror at the conclusion of evaluations and as part of the responsibility determination process.

Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations will be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked offeror who has successfully passed the responsibility determination process.

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

1. Education and Experience (Pass or Fail)

2. Specialized Experience (30 points)

3. Offeror Interview, Language and Technical test (70 points)

Total points = 100

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.

USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUALMISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy at ADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

By acceptance of the contract, the contractor acknowledges having read, and https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far http://www.usaid.gov/forms https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113 https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/100/113 agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures.

SELF CERTIFICATION

Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink] related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award.

● For the Apparently Successful Offeror:

○ If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor (RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror.

○ Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

USE OF THE AGENCY’S MISCONDUCT PORTAL AND INQUIRIES MADE TO

PREVIOUS COs FOR APPARENTLY SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR

The Office of Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) operates USAID’s Misconduct Reporting Portal. Prior to award, the CO will email ELR at HCTM.ELR@usaid.gov to identify whether Agency records include any prior disciplinary action related to sexual misconduct taken against the apparently successful offeror.

If the apparently successful offeror has previously held a Personal Services Contract at USAID, the CO will attempt to contact the previous administrating CO to inquire about previous disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct against the apparently successful offeror.

NEW ENTRANT ORIENTATION (NEO)

For PSCs onboarded overseas, including CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, the PSC must complete an online module related to USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as administered by their cognizant CO as part of their onboarding process. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the PSC has completed the online module and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

3. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SoLv-MWLAh_LjzScO5mqm965DdTqE3lCPpIZVPis0JQ/edit mailto:HCTM.ELR@usaid.gov and submitted via email to iraqrecruitment@usaid.gov.

4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all submitted documents and the subject line of the application email. In addition to the offer form AID 309-2, offerors must submit the following:

-Three professional references (including names, telephone numbers and email addresses), which could be the offeror’s current and/or former supervisors who are able to comment on the offeror’s suitability for employment.

-A brief written appendix of no more than one letter-size page to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training have prepared the offeror to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described in the solicitation.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

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

3. Questionnaire for non-Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-85),

4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258),

5. OF-306.

VI. BENEFITS/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:

mailto:iraqrecruitment@usaid.gov

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(c) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

(d) Sunday Differential

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

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:

ITEM

NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTIT

Y (C)

UNI

T (D)

UNI

T

PRI

CE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) -Award Type: Cost -Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

267-IRAQ-OE-2025

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

Contractor https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/aidar https://www.usaid.gov/forms

1001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) -Award Type: Cost -Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD $ _TBD

2001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) -Award Type: Cost -Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD $ _TBD

3001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) -Award Type: Cost -Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ _TBD $ _TBD

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/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 http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION JUN, 2023