Solicitation_Senior Digital_Cyber Advisor.pdf

PDF 424 KB Posted Oct 16, 2021

Attached to: Senior Digital / Cyber Advisor Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number: 72011422R00002
Issued by: US Agency for International Development Caucuses Georgia

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Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 28, 2023

This document is a solicitation from the US Agency for International Development seeking offers for a Senior Digital/Cyber Advisor personal services contractor position located in Tbilisi, Georgia. The solicitation requests offers by November 15, 2021 for a base period beginning January 30, 2022 compensated between $93,907 to $122,077 equivalent to a GS-14 grade level. The solicitation describes the position's duties coordinating USAID's digital strategy and cybersecurity priorities including leadership, technical advising, and capacity building. Offerors must have at least seven years of relevant international development experience in areas such as digital development, cybersecurity, and interface design. The selected candidate will advise USAID/Georgia teams, establish partnerships, and build workforce capacity in digital practices and cybersecurity.

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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011422R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: 10/15/2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 11/15/2021 (17:00 Georgia time)

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 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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attachment 1.

Sincerely, David Strine Regional Executive Officer USAID/Caucasus

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72011422R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 10/15/2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 11/15/2021 (17:00 Georgia time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions related to this solicitation should be sent via email to HR-tbilisi@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Digital / Cyber Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: USD 93,907 to USD 122,077 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The base period will be one year, estimated to start o/a January 30, 2022.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period o/a January 30, 2022- o/a January 29, 2023 Option Period 1 o/a January 30, 2023- o/a January 29, 2024 Option Period 2 o/a January 30, 2024- o/a January 29, 2025 Option Period 3 o/a January 30, 2025- o/a January 29, 2026 Option Period 4 o/a January 30, 2026- o/a January 29, 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tbilisi, Georgia.

The position will be located in Tbilisi, but frequent travel is expected, on average one-two days per month to visit potential or existing partners.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All interested U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful offeror must be able to obtain a Secret level U.S. Government Security Clearance. If the clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Senior Digital / Cyber Advisor will be responsible for leading USAID/Georgia’s efforts to implement the Digital Strategy and advance the Mission’s cybersecurity priorities. The incumbent will have three main areas of responsibility: leadership and coordination, technical advice, and organizational capacity building.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Digital / Cyber Advisor duties are as follows:

Leadership and Coordination

- Serves as the Mission’s point of contact (POC) for all matters related to digital development and cybersecurity, serving as a subject matter expert and information clearinghouse, helping to coordinate across offices and agencies, and overseeing all related reporting.

- Serves as USAID’s representative and the technical lead within the interagency on cyber issues. Provide expert advice to the Mission on the cybersecurity aspects of its digital programs and policies. Monitor the U.S. Government’s cybersecurity policies that affect development and help develop short- and long-term strategic goals for the Mission’s approach to cybersecurity programming.

- Establishes partnerships with the relevant Georgian Government agencies, other donors, private sector, and civil society as they relate to digital development and cybersecurity.

- Facilitates coordination between Mission staff and digital experts in headquarters and Agency communities of practice.

- Facilitates cooperation and mutual learning between USAID Missions in Georgia, Armenia and

Azerbaijan on issues related to digital development and cyber, consistent with the trilateral MOU between the Missions.

Technical Advisor

- Serves as a senior advisor to the Mission to identify opportunities for investments in impactful technology that advances each of the Mission’s DOs and helps the Mission implement digital best practices as outlined in the Principles for Digital Development. The incumbent will support 15 awards with approximately $15 million in programming for digital development and cybersecurity components.

- Serves as Mission lead for relevant analytical exercises and reporting, including (as an example) the Mission’s Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA), as well as Congressional and Executive branch-required reporting, and other initiatives as needed. This includes regular updating of the content of the DECA and providing recommendations to technical offices on areas of opportunity for the integration of digital tools and approaches for programming.

- As applicable, the incumbent may be required to carry out additional analyses, manage ad hoc tasks, and contribute to program design efforts related to digital development and cybersecurity.

- Guides Mission programming in the responsible use of digital tools and approaches and support the growth of an open, inclusive, and secure local digital ecosystem. This requires considering the Mission’s portfolio as a whole and providing broad and strategic support as well as detailed, technical support in response to Mission needs.

- As applicable, supports the development of policies related to cybersecurity for USAID and partners.

- Ensures synergies/complementarity with the Mission’s ongoing GIS activities.

- Tracks USAID’s work in digital development and cybersecurity through annual reporting requirements.

Organizational Capacity Building

- Provides organizational capacity building for the Mission workforce to understand and operationalize best practices in digital development and cybersecurity, incorporate these practices into the program cycle, and provide cross-Mission mentorship on digital development and cybersecurity.

- Builds the capacity of Mission staff, especially FSNs, to sustain the activities/investments related to digital development and cyber beyond the incumbent’s tenure.

OTHER POSITION FACTORS:

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The incumbent reports to the SPO Director. The incumbent will receive overall direction from the supervisor, but will be expected to work independently, with limited supervision, and exhibit proactive planning and decision-making regarding daily activities. Reporting is expected on a weekly basis as part of SPO meetings – other reporting as necessary. Work is expected to be conducted in line with general Agency guidelines and Mission Orders for attendance, work quality, etc. Work will primarily take place in a standard office environment, but will require meeting with potential partners across Georgia. Some overnight travel is expected.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision is not envisioned for this position, however the establishment and leadership of task-based teams is expected.

SCOPE AND EFFECT, AND COMPLEXITY OF THE WORK PERFORMED

The Senior Digital / Cyber Advisor will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and strengthening relationships between the Mission at all levels and in all sectors related to digital development and cybersecurity. The incumbent will lead Mission efforts to implement the Digital Strategy and advance the Mission’s cybersecurity priorities. Work assignments will be complex, requiring multiple skill sets including critical thinking, relationship management, and technical knowledge. The position will be expected to advise all teams at the USAID/Georgia Mission, not only SPO. This will require skillful relationship management. Due to Georgia’s political and geographic environment, there is a significant chance that external changes will impact the position’s responsibilities.

LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The incumbent will have daily contact across the Mission, at all levels including the Front Office.

The incumbent will have frequent contact with the Embassy and will be the technical lead within the interagency on cyber issues. The incumbent will have close, frequent contact with individual members of the government, nongovernmental, donor, and private sector entities, and others as they relate to matters concerning digital development and cybersecurity.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to qualify for this position, the offeror must meet the following minimum qualifications:

● Education: MA or MSc in public policy or administration, international relations, political science, information and communication technology, computer science, or other related degree is required.

• Relevant Experience: The successful applicant must have at least 7 years of progressive experience of working in international development, information and communication technology, digital development, cybersecurity, and interface/service design solutions for stakeholders in international development, donor community, or the private sector. Experience with using digital solutions to support the achievement of development objectives is required.

Experience of conducting DECAs or assessments similar in scope and scale, and strong understanding of basic cybersecurity concepts is required.

• Languages/Skills: Demonstrated fluency in English and in written and spoken communication is required. The applicant must be able to present and communicate complex topics; be able to negotiate clearly and establish and maintain relationships with native and non-native English speakers.

• Knowledge: The successful candidate should have a detailed professional knowledge of digital development sectors including digital inclusion (secure infrastructure, access, and use), digital financial services (digital economy and mobile payments), digital data collection (such as the responsible use of data, digital research methods), data visualization applications (such as GIS and Tableau), emerging technology innovations (such as IOT and Big Data) and experience working in international development, donor agency and private sector organizations.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

Security and medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification.

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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Selection and Evaluation Process: All the offerors who clearly meet the above-mentioned minimum requirements as set in the section II, may be further evaluated through the review of the offeror’s submitted required documents (see section IV below) and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection criteria.

Evaluation/Selection Criteria.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria to a maximum score of 100 points:

● Previous Experience (45%):

Demonstrated progressively responsible experience: in developing countries, particularly working on issues related to digital development and cybersecurity; working with governmental, nongovernmental, and private sector entities as they relate to matters concerning digital development and cybersecurity; working efficiently under deadlines in a complex environment with minimum support; working with the U.S. Government in the E&E region or closed environments. Experience in conducting DECAs or other assessments similar in scope and scale.

● Job Knowledge (35 %):

A broad and comprehensive knowledge of USAID’s digital development and cybersecurity priorities, concepts, and strategies. Detailed professional knowledge of one or more of the digital development sectors including digital inclusion (secure infrastructure, access, and use), digital financial services (digital economy and mobile payments), digital data collection (such as the responsible use of data, digital research methods), data visualization applications (such as GIS and Tableau), and emerging technology innovations (such as IOT and Big Data). S/he must be capable of representing USAID within the U.S. Mission and the interagency, donor coordination groups, the Government of Georgia, and other stakeholders as applicable.

● Communications Skills (20 %):

Excellent English speaking, reading, and writing skills are required with demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, quickly, and succinctly. Candidates must demonstrate cultural sensitivity as well as diplomatic tact with their oral communication skills dealing with sensitive political topics.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

After the closing date/time for receipt of submissions, the received application packages will be reviewed and evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) in terms of meeting the minimum requirements (Section II) and in accordance with the above evaluation/selection criteria (Section III).

USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicant(s) in person or by phone.

Reference Verification (Pass/Fail):

- Reference checks will be conducted only for applicant(s) considered as finalists.

- Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the applicant and without prior notification to the applicant.

- Any applicant not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.

Negotiations will be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked applicant at the conclusion of evaluations.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted via email to the Point of Contact in Section I: HR-tbilisi@usaid.gov.

Applications received after the closing date/time as specified in Section I, item 3, will be considered late and will not be considered further evaluated.

Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following documents:

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/documents/offeror-information-personal-services-contracts-individuals-aid-309-2

2. A cover letter and current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the minimum requirements of the position (education, experience language/skills and knowledge).

3. Additionally, applicants are required to submit a writing sample, addressing each of the selection criteria describing specifically what relevant experience, knowledge and skills the applicant has received relevant to each selection criteria described above, providing periods of performance where possible. Responses are limited to 300 words per selection criteria.

4. A minimum of three and a maximum of five professional references from the last five years. Offerors must provide email addresses and current telephone numbers for all references provided.

5. Statement of Availability: a written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position.

The applicants who do not submit the documents requested above under Section IV, items (1) through (3) will not be considered.

Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

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

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561)

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

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS AND 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) Annual/Sick Leave (if applicable)

2. 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

- Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

- Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

- Post Allowance (Section 220)

- Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

- Education Allowance (Section 270)

- Educational Travel (Section 280)

- Post Differential (Section 500)

- Payments During Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

VII. TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, Medicare and as applicable U.S. 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/aidar.pdf

2. PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/aidar.pdf

Subpart 52.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, Alternate 70.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021)-Alternate 70 (OCT 2021) (M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause – United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and (5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Personal Services Contracts with individuals. As a matter of policy, the contractor must comply with the USAID’s guidance applicable to direct-hire federal employees.

(End of clause)

3. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANT

IT Y

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost