Solicitation No. RFP 263-04-011 ISSUANCE DATE: December 4, 2003 CLOSING DATE: 4:30 pm Cairo time on January 11, 2004 SUBJECT: USAID/ Egypt - Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor [USPSC] For Chief Information Officer (CIO) Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from U.S. citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 and a written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience Required for the position). Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Linda Gregory, Management Office Deputy Director, or Samia Joseph, Human Resources Officer, USAID/Egypt, MGT, who may be reached at fax#: 011-202-522-7197, tel.#: 011-202- 522-7102 or 011-202-522-7180, and email address:
[email protected], or
[email protected]. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to: MGT/HR/US - USAID/ Egypt U.S. Mail Air courier Samia Joseph Samia Joseph Human Resources Officer Human Resources Officer Office of Management Office of Management USAID/ Egypt- Unit 64902 USAID/ Egypt APO AE 09839-4902 Plot 1/A off Laselki St, New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code 11435 For those who wish to send their application via pouch, please also send your application & CV by Email attachment (
[email protected]) or FAX ((202) 522-7197) to ensure receipt of your application before the closing date. Application forms, USG Standard Form 171 and Optional Form 612 can be located at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/SF171/sf171.pdf http://inside.usaid.gov/forms/formsnumeric.html Offerors are requested to provide their full mailing address and contact information (telephone, fax or email). The U.S. Government is under no obligation to award a contract based on this notice. Sincerely, Samia Joseph HR Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP 263-04-011 ISSUANCE DATE: December 4, 2003 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 4:30 pm Cairo time on January 11, 2004 POSITION TITLE: Chief Information Officer (CIO) MARKET VALUE: GS-13 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years with three-one year option years. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/ Cairo, Egypt SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens POSITION DESCRIPTION I. Introduction: Organizational Location of Position: The position requires residence in Cairo, Egypt. Cairo (pop. approx. 16 million) is the largest city in Africa and Middle East. Although suffering from many urban problems (e.g. severe pollution, and traffic congestion), Cairo is relatively crime-free and offers many cultural and recreational opportunities, including major museums, important historical sites and most sports. The Red Sea and the Mediterranean, easily reachable for weekend trips, provide opportunities for most water sports, especially snorkeling and scuba. USAID/ Egypt Program : USAID/ Egypt manages the largest and one of the most diverse bilateral assistance program in USAID, with Fiscal Year [FY] 2004 operating year budget of $575 million and a pipeline of approximately $1.4 billion. The Mission, with 47 U.S. Direct Hire (USDH), 21 U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC), and approximately 240 Foreign Service National (FSN) employees, manages approximately 130 major contracts and grants. The program is highly visible and, consequently, attracts intense State Department interest, Embassy oversight and Congressional scrutiny. USAID/ Egypt is implementing assistance programs across its Strategic Objectives (SOs). The Mission employs a vast range of mechanisms in implementing activities to achieve these SOs, including cash transfer policy reform programs, infrastructure construction, endowments, a commodity import program and a significant local currency program, in addition to traditional technical assistance and grants. The USAID/ Egypt Mission also supports the US-Egyptian Partnership for Economic Growth and Development. The Partnership provides an additional dimension of complexity to program management because of the imperative to balance long-term foreign assistance objectives with more immediate priorities articulated by the Office of the Vice President and a wide range of other US government departments/ agencies participating in the Partnership. The Mission is currently restructuring its portfolio to accommodate the planned reduction in the program budget over the next couple of years and a newly- approved Country Strategy that is designed to support Egypt’s efforts to compete successfully in the global economy. II. Basic Functions The Chief Information Officer (CIO) serves as chief of the information division within the Office of Management, USAID Egypt, providing oversight and general supervision of the Data Management Services (DMS) and Communications and Records (C&R) offices. As the Mission’s Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), the CIO is responsible for the development, implementation and enforcement of information system security plans and procedures in accordance with USG and USAID regulations and policies. The CIO serves as the principle advisor to Mission management on all aspects of information systems operations, communications, and records management. III. Specific Duties and Responsibilities 1. Information Systems Security The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all USAID/Egypt information systems operate effectively, efficiently and securely. Information systems include all LAN/WAN-based systems, servers, peripheral devices (such as PC’s, printers, scanners, and CD ROM readers), and software applications. The Contractor monitors security measures to protect system integrity, oversees the implementation and state of readiness of the Disaster Recovery Site, and serves as the primary point of contact with the AID/Washington Office of Information Resources Management on all matters relating to systems security. The Contractor is accountable to the Information Systems Security Manager in USAID/Washington for security plan development, system compliance auditing, conduct of self-assessments, and implementation of a computer security education and awareness program. The Contractor will oversee the conduct of annual mandatory information systems security training for all Mission employees, and will develop activities to ensure continued employee sensitivity to systems security requirements. The Contractor performs security checks as needed, and advises Mission management on potential vulnerabilities and how to resolve them. 2. Information Systems Operations The Contractor provides oversight and general supervision to the Data Management Services office, which installs, maintains and periodically upgrades all computer hardware and software operating systems. The Contractor ensures that all systems are operated and maintained in accordance with USAID policies, standards and regulations. The Contractor ensures that user support systems are fully operational, including the operation of a Help Desk system and the provision of Mission-wide training programs directed at enhancing Mission staff proficiency in the use of corporate systems software. The Contractor oversees the evaluation, development and implementation of application systems by DMS staff, identifying future Mission needs and working with DMS staff to develop responses to those needs. The Contractor works with Mission management and technical and support offices to ensure that services provided by DMS are responsive to Mission needs, that operation and backup schedules minimize disruption to the work schedule, and that appropriate support is provided to TDYers working for extended periods of time at the USAID/Egypt Mission. The Contractor oversees the long-term planning for procurement and upgrading of all Mission automated data processing (ADP) systems. The Contractor identifies opportunities for USAID Egypt to serve as a pilot site for implementation and testing of new Agency-wide systems and applications. The Contractor advises USAID-funded programs and projects on technical aspects of program-funded information technology acquisitions, including activity design, feasibility studies, and training, taking into account equipment compatibility and functionality at remote sites where the reliability of the electric supply and quality of phone lines can damage sophisticated equipment. 3. Communications The Contractor oversees Mission use of communications systems, including telephone (both landline and mobile), radio, facsimile, and email systems, to ensure appropriate and secure use of all such systems. The Contractor coordinates with Mission management on development and implementation of policies relating to use of such equipment, and serves as the primary liaison with the Embassy’s Information Management unit to ensure the provision of optimal telephone services. The Contractor ensures that all systems are operated in accordance with USAID policies, standards and regulations, and that systems are operated effectively and efficiently. The Contractor oversees the long-term planning for procurement and upgrading of all Mission communications systems. 4. Records Management The Contractor oversees the distribution, storage and disposal of official and unofficial Mission communications (cables, facsimiles, courier- and mail-delivered documents, etc.). The Contractor monitors Mission compliance with USAID policies, procedures and regulations relating to maintenance of official USAID files, ensuring that all Mission staff are cognizant of their responsibilities for safeguarding sensitive information. The Contractor serves as principle advisor to Mission managers on all matters pertaining to records management. The Contractor oversees the procurement planning process for acquisition and replacement of photocopying machines, and the implementation of computer imaging and archiving technologies which will reduce Mission dependence on paper-based documentation. 5. Overall IO Supervision The Contractor supervises the Data Management Services and Communications & Records Management offices, guiding the establishment of office work objectives, overseeing the development of individual employee work plans, and monitoring achievement of established goals and objectives. The Contractor coordinates with Mission management and office clients to ensure that work plans continue to address customer requirements effectively. The Contractor oversees the development of an IO employee training program that ensures that DMS and C&R staff obtain continuing education in areas essential to the effective accomplishment of their work objectives. IV. Required/Desired Qualifications: 1. Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a technical field. An advanced degree in computer sciences or business management is preferred. Certification in information security preferred. 2. Prior Work Experience: Six years of progressively responsible experience in computer network design and systems management is required, as is at least three years of supervisory experience. 3. Post-Entry Training: Training is provided as necessary to maintain technical proficiency. 4. Language Proficiency: Must be a native English speaker. 5. Knowledge and Skills: Familiarity with Windows NT and 2000 local area networks and related telecommunications technologies; skills in systems and applications analysis, design and troubleshooting; knowledge of hardware and software configuration and management; general knowledge of large-scale automation technology; demonstrated knowledge of information systems security standards are required. 6. Nationality: Candidate must be an American citizen, with security clearance or able to obtain a security clearance. V. SELECTION CRITERIA Prospective candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Education: 10 points Technical Knowledge: 40 points Professional Work Experience: 40 points Teamwork/Interpersonal/Communicational Skills: 10 points Total: 100 points VI. TYPE AND DURATION OF APPOINTMENT: Employment shall be through an A.I.D. Personal Services Contract for a period of two years with three-one year option years. This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds. VII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employee'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 Annual Increase APO mail service as per post policy ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):* (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Educational Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. VIII. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: (1) A Cover Letter of no more than 3 pages that describes how the applicant meets the required qualifications and skills described above; (2) A curriculum vitae which at a minimum, describes education, latest experiences and career achievements; (3) A completed and signed SF-171 or OF-612; (4) Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references; (5) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. The U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ or at Federal offices (Note: applicants who submit the SF-171 will be considered as having submitted the proper forms for consideration. However, since the SF-171 has been updated through the OF-612, candidates should strive to submit using the OF-612 and attaching a resume). Note: Only US citizens may apply for this position. This position requires the applicant to obtain “secret” clearance. 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 highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Applicants may choose any of the methods in the Cover Page to submit their applications but USAID accepts no responsibility for delay in transit, mis-routing, etc. Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. Given the often intermittent problems people experience in the world with fax and email, all candidates are notified that, should they choose to utilize this method, they should confirm with the USAID Human Resources office that all documentation submitted was received prior to the closing date of this notice. Equipment failures at USAID or by the applicants’ network are not acceptable reasons for late submission, as candidates have the option of sending their application hard copy by courier. No, repeat no, applications will be considered after the closing time and date, and it is the applicant’s full responsibility to ensure that all their documentation has been received by our office. IX. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 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. X. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.