Senior Safety and Security Advisor (GS-14)

Position description

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA24R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: January 24, 2024

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 12, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Support Relief Group (SRG) Senior Safety and Security Advisor Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)

Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government (USG), 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.
USAID will evaluate all offerors based on stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented 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 anycost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

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

Sincerely,

Juan E. Proano
Senior Contracting and Agreement Officer
Office of Acquisition & Assistance
(M/OAA/BHA-CPS/PSC)

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720BHA24R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 24, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 12, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time

This solicitation is open and continuous until November 12, 2024. The following are the closing dates for each review period:

Round 1 – March 11, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Round 2 – July 12, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Round 3 – November 12, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time

Offerors not selected during a previous review period must reapply in order to be considered for
positions available in subsequent review periods. A review period may be canceled at the Contracting Officer’s discretion.
4. POINT OF CONTACT: FARO Recruitment Team, [email protected]

5. POSITION TITLE: Support Relief Group (SRG) Senior Safety and Security Advisor (Multiple Positions)
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 U.S. Personal Service Contractors (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.

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

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Worldwide. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.- based positions.
8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, tentatively 145 day estimated start date from closing

STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS ON PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The purpose of this contract is to establish an employee/employer relationship with the contractor to perform services on a temporary, on-call, basis as part of the SRG. BHA intends to contract for these services for a maximum of 250 days per calendar year. Activation days vary but will not exceed 250 days during each contract year.

The level of effort anticipated under this contract will be provided within the terms of this contract at times mutually agreed to by BHA and the contractor. Upon identification of a temporary need within the scope of work, BHA will contact the contractor and provide the following information:

1. Date contractor is needed to report to BHA or assignment in the field
2. Duration of Assignment
3. Place of Performance

The contractor will notify BHA within 24 hours of availability. At the time the contractor accepts the
assignment, he/she is expected to commit for the duration of the assignment. While the contractor
will be required to commit to a certain time period, it is understood that the exigencies of a disaster
may require the assignment to be extended (not to exceed 250 days). The contractor shall notify BHA at the time of commitment if their existing schedule would preclude an extension. Notification of schedule conflicts shall not necessarily disqualify the contractor from the assignment but will simply assist BHA in recruiting a replacement. Subsequently, if the contractor agrees to an extension of the duration of a particular assignment, thereafter, the contractor will be required to give BHA 10 days’ notice for release from the assignment.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens Only
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT

The Office of Field and Response Operations (FARO) is a diverse, mission-driven team of experts leading the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) operational readiness and excelling in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Together, we create a safe environment where we inspire and enable our staff to achieve their full potential.
SRG is a program developed by BHA to satisfy its growing need for surge capacity. The SRG program brings on board candidates who work full-time for discrete periods of time, but on an intermittent basis for no more than 2007 hours (approximately 250 days) per calendar year. SRG can be deployed within hours to backfill Washington positions, be assigned to field offices for staff enhancement, to serve on response teams at both headquarters and in the field, and to assess critical situations as warranted. SRG staff can be used for activations as short as one day or for up to several months at a time. It takes talented people with unique experiences to provide the best humanitarian aid possible. We are committed to having a workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. We strive to create an inclusive workplace, where everyone brings their authentic selves to work.

Activation of the Senior Safety and Security Advisor will be coordinated with the Humanitarian Access Safety and Security Team (HASST) in FARO’s Field Operations Division. HASST provides strategic advice, technical expertise and operational support to BHA decision makers and staff in support of our mission to save lives and alleviate suffering. This is achieved through multi-tiered engagement and assistance to support capacity building within the humanitarian community; technical guidance focused on fostering a culture of effective safety and security risk management; the provision of training and support to empower staff to make responsible decisions appropriate to complex security environments; and the development of innovative tools and systems to enable BHA’s mission and field work.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED

● Guide and contribute to a collaborative and effective team environment while setting the tone
and example for open communication and regular coordination; a work environment conducive
to mutual respect; clear expectations for performance; and clear delegations of roles,
responsibilities, and authority.

● Models a leadership style that prioritizes their team and organization first and exemplary access
negotiation and de-escalation skills in the safety and security sector critical to the delivery of
civilian-based international humanitarian assistance.

● Guide appropriate safety and security interventions within BHA activities and provide technical
assistance and support to BHA staff, other USAID and U.S. Government (USG) colleagues, and
cooperating agencies on issues related humanitarian access, safety, and security.

● Serve as BHA subject-matter expert on specialized humanitarian safety and security management
topics.

● Mentor team members to build technical and other professional skills which meet the
professional goals of staff and the needs of BHA, including in preparation for and during
deployments (when practicable).

● Participate in and help lead work with BHA’s geographic offices and regional teams, both at
headquarters and in the field, to coordinate, monitor, and track the activities of BHA humanitarian
programs as they relate to safety and security.

● Provide or oversee (and remain informed about) general and country-specific security guidance
and briefings to BHA staff.

● Participate in and help lead BHA’s management of critical security incidents and the systems and
processes in support of critical incident management.

● Deploy to the field in support of the geographic offices and their regional teams’ operational
safety and security needs, including comprehensive risk assessments and development of safety
and security risk management plans. Mentor new team members.

● Serve as subject matter expert and exercise substantial latitude for operational security decision-
making as delegated by field-team leaders.

● Develop, deliver, and co-lead course content and serve as a resource speaker on established
HASST training modules at BHA training courses.

● Participate in and help lead review BHA partner safety and security plans for adherence to
USAID/BHA Emergency Application Guidelines.

● Lead coordination and liaison activities with various elements of USAID, primarily the Office of
Security, in both Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and Response Management Team
(RMT) situations and on relevant USAID security policy, and with Mission Executive Officers as
needed in the field.
● Liaise with other USG agencies in the field and in Washington, D.C., as appropriate, especially with the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Regional Security Officers at post.
● Liaise with the various elements of the humanitarian community in the field and at the
headquarters level, including United Nations (UN) Department of Safety & Security, UN Office for

Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, local and international non-governmental organizations,
and members of the International Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement.
● Administer or oversee (and remain informed about) BHA’s safety and security information
distribution and related lists.
● Develop and deliver deployment-specific safety and security plans.

● Consistently model behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to building and maintaining a non-
hostile work environment free of discrimination, bias, unfairness, exclusion, offensive behaviors,

and harassment of any kind.
● Demonstrate an understanding of the value of differing perspectives, cultural norms, and gender
in the work environment.
● Demonstrate consistent accountability for adherence to and knowledge of laws, executive orders,
and USAID’s policies which prohibit Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and non-EEO
infringements as well as the Agency’s policy that strictly prohibits sexual misconduct, including harassment; exploitation or abuse of any kind among staff or implementing partners; and gender-
based discrimination.

● May be requested to be on-call/sign up for and serve on Washington-based RMTs, which provide
services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will vary.

● May serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for
an extended period of time. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits,
there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over
rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). Work is primarily
performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits,
the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of
protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

● May serve on temporary details within the bureau to meet operational needs during staff
shortages. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and
responsibilities and will be directly related to the scope of work provided.

● Become certified and serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting
Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR), as assigned. The AOR/COR provides financial and
programmatic oversight of all aspects of managing the agreement or contract; this includes but is
not limited to reviewing invoices, requests for approvals, program/project deliverables (i.e. work
plans, annual reports, monthly status reports), travel requests, key personnel requests, and
financial/budget reports. They are responsible for drafting and submitting the annual contractor
performance evaluation in the Contract Performance Assessment Review System (CPARS). They
prepare and review contract/assistance modifications documentation and assist the
Contracting/Agreement Officer to ensure performance is compliant with the terms and conditions
of the contract/agreement, the FAR, and USAID policy. AOR/CORs are responsible for all related
requirements in the COR designation letter and the AOR designation letter.

● The SRG Senior Safety and Security Advisor does not have supervisory responsibilities; however,
the PSC may serve in an acting leadership role within the bureau in order to meet short-term
staffing needs, not to exceed 120 days in a 12-month contract year.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The USPSC will take direction from and report to the FARO/Response Resources Division Chief or their designee. During activation, day to day work is under the general supervision of the HASST Lead or designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The supervisor provides administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions.
USPSC independently plans, designs, and carries out project, studies, and programs. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative. There is no higher-level official technically responsible for administering the program/project.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Qualifications

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION – Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

Bachelor’s degree in any field plus a minimum of nine (9) years of experience working in humanitarian assistance, emergency management, safety and security operations, or crisis management. At least four (4) years should be international field work in humanitarian safety and security.
OR
Master’s degree in any field plus a minimum of seven (7) years of experience working in humanitarian assistance, emergency management, safety and security operations, or crisis management. At least four (4) years should be international field work in humanitarian safety and security.

Application instructions

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

 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.

1. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.
2. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.
3. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer, your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments. Failure to identify an academic discipline will result in disqualification.

(d) U.S. Citizenship

(e) Optional:  How did you hear about this opportunity? (SAM.gov, BHA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).

Your resume must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for which you are applying. This information must be clearly identified in your resume.  Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

By submitting your offer materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your offer may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your offer, and as the subject line in any email.

NOTE:  If the full security application package is not submitted within 30 days after the Office of Security determines eligibility, the offer may be rescinded. If a Secret security clearance is not obtained within nine months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If Top Secret is required, and clearance is not obtained within nine months after award, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. If Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is not obtained within nine months after Top Secret clearance is granted, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government.

NOTE: If the full medical clearance package is not submitted within two months after offer acceptance, the offer may be rescinded. If a Department of State medical clearance is not obtained; the offer may be rescinded.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION:  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.