SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA23R00054
ISSUANCE DATE: September 6, 2023
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: June 20, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

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 willnot 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,

Ousay Wahaj
Supervisory Contracting Officer
Office of Acquisition & Assistance
(M/OAA/BHA-CPS/PSC)

U.S. Agency for International Development
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20523
www.usaid.gov

720BHA23R00054

ATTACHMENT 1
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720BHA23R00054
2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 6, 2023
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 20, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
This solicitation is open and continuous until June 20, 2024. The following are the closing dates for
each review period:

October 23, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
February 20, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
June 20, 2023, 2024, 12:00 P.M. Eastern 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, BHA.FARORecruitment@usaid.gov
5. POSITION TITLE: Support Relief Group (SRG) Safety and Security Specialist (Multiple Positions)
6. MARKET VALUE: $84,546 - $109,908 equivalent to GS-13, with place of performance locality
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.
Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: 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.
The Support Relief Group (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 2000 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 criticalsituations 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 aidpossible. 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 Safety and Security Specialist 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 tosupport 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
● Monitor security situations in countries and regions in which BHA has, or may have, staff, and be able to identify current and future risks to BHA staff and humanitarian programs.
● Work with BHA’s geographic offices and regional teams, both at headquarters and in the field, to coordinate and track the activities of BHA staff as they relate to security.
● Provide general and country-specific security guidance and briefings to BHA staff, as needed.
● Assist in BHA’s management of critical security incidents.
● 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.
● Exercise substantial latitude for operational security decision-making as delegated by field-team leaders.
● Manage course content and serve as a resource speaker on established HASST training modules at BHA training courses.
● Review BHA partner safety and security plans for adherence to USAID/BHA Emergency Application Guidelines.
● Liaise with various groups within 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 when in the field.
● Liaise with other US Government 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 groups within 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 BHA’s Security Information distribution lists.
● Assist with the development of deployment-specific 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.

● As needed, 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.
● 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, month status reports), travel requests, key personnel requests, and financial/budget reports. They are responsible for drafting and submitting the annual contractor performance evaluation in Contract Performance Assessment Review System. 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.
● This role 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 sets overall objectives. USPSC and supervisor together develop deadlines, projects and work to be done. The USPSC independently plans, designs, and carries out project, studies, and
programs. Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements, or expected results. Technical problems are generally resolved without reference to supervisors.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

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.)
High School diploma and at least eleven (11) years of relevant work experience in humanitarian assistance, emergency management, international development, safety and security operations, crisis management, or law enforcement. At least two (2) years should be field work in humanitarian or development security, programming, logistics, or operations.
OR
Bachelor’s degree and at least seven (7) years of relevant work experience in humanitarian assistance, emergency management, international development, safety and security operations, crisis management, or law enforcement. At least two (2) years should be field work in humanitarian or development security,
programming, logistics, or operations.
OR
Master’s degree and at least five (5) years of relevant work experience in humanitarian assistance, emergency management, international development, safety and security operations, crisis management,
or law enforcement. At least two (2) years should be field work, in humanitarian or development security, programming, logistics, or operations.

AND
● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Level Clearance. (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 after award).
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance.
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.
The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.
SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.
● Complete resume submitted. See section IV for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be
quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
● USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I. This form
must be physically signed. Electronic signatures may be accepted.
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. 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 Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance throughout the contract.
● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM
The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:
MATRIX (30 points)

Professional Experience
• Experience monitoring security situations in various countries or regions to identify threats to
staff or programs. (4 points)
• Experience conducting comprehensive risk assessments. (3 points)
• Experience developing safety and security risk management plans. (3points)
• Experience working in a grantee or grantmaking organization or with a humanitarian or development donor organization. (3 points)
• Experience related to disaster preparedness, response, or recovery in an international setting. (4points)
• Experience implementing security programs using the concepts of community integration,cultural acceptance, or access negotiation. (4points)
• Experience in the design and implementation of training programs. (3points)
• Experience with internal representation to senior leadership on safety and security policy issues.
(3 points)
• Experience with external representation on humanitarian safety and security policy issues, risk analysis and risk mitigation. (3 points)
Total: 30 Points
Interview Performance (50 points)
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (20 points)
Total Possible Points: 100 points
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

Offerors are required to address each factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it
pertains to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of eachadditional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Offeror Rating System factors may resultin not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. BHA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered forselection.
Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. BHA reserves the right to select additional offerors if vacancies become available during the future phase of the selection process.
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. 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.
3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.
4. 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. 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.

5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.