SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- PSC - Personnel Security Specialist, Washington, DC - OF-612 Application form
- Notice Date
- 3/5/2013
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Grants, Acquisitions, Procurement and Policy Division (INL/RM/GAPP), SA-4 Navy Hill, South Building, 2430 E Street, N.W., Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20037
- Solicitation Number
- PSC-13-020-INL
- Archive Date
- 3/29/2013
- Point of Contact
- Larry S. Parr, Fax: 202-776-8775
- E-Mail Address
-
ParrLS@state.gov
(ParrLS@state.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- OF-612 Application form You have received this "Personal Services Contractor" (PSC) solicitation through the Department of State (DOS) Internet site. If you have any questions regarding this PSC, you may contact the DOS Official named in this solicitation. The Department is not responsible for any data and/or text not received when retrieving this document electronically. Amendments to solicitation documents generally contain information critical to the submission of an application. PSC - Personnel Security Specialist, Washington, DC Issuance Date: 03/05/2013 Closing Date: 03/14/2013 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-13-020-INL SUBJECT A solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) The United States Government (USG), represented by the DOS, seeks applications from US citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in this solicitation. HOW TO APPLY Offeror's proposals shall be in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation at the place and time specified. A proposal will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for consideration unless all required documents and information are included in the submission. Offerors shall ensure their resume demonstrates their possession of the minimum qualifications outlined in this Solicitation, as well as their ability to fulfill all required duties. Proposals must include the following: 1) Form OF-612 (Completed and signed) 2) Resume 3) Three letters of reference, including contact information 4) Reference the Solicitation Number, on all documents 5) Full Mailing Address and Phone Number Submit all proposals via e-mail or facsimile to the attention of: INL/Larry Parr Email: parrls@state.gov Fax: 202-776-8761 Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Larry Parr Email: Parrls@state.gov INL will not accept late proposals unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-13-020-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/05/2013 3. CLOSING DATE: 03/14/2013 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12 midnight, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: Personnel Security Specialist, Washington, DC 6. MARKET VALUE: $62,467 - $97,333 (GS-11/12 Equivalent) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award and four option years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below STATEMENT OF DUTIES GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR A. BACKGROUND. This position is routinely responsible for directing the conduct and certifying the sufficiency of initial pre-employment investigations conducted for the purpose of determining suitability and security clearance eligibility, inclusive of Presidential Appointees, Foreign/Civil Service, and Wage Grade applicants, contractors, and periodic update or "for cause" reinvestigation of employees and/or post-employment special access program eligibility and all overseas investigations conducted for other agencies. The work involves analyzing a variety of sensitive or unusual security problems, questions and Circumstances; and may require preparation of proposals for substantially altering existing security criteria in the personnel security area. The work affects the mission of the Department through the appointment or non-appointment of personnel domestically and overseas. Proposals may cut across organizational and geographic lines, and may affect the policies and procedures of other agencies. B. PURPOSE. On the basis of the incumbent's judgment regarding investigative sufficiency, in conjunction with the supervisor, a recommendation is made, whether to grant or deny a security clearance or public trust certification, or a referral is made to HR, M/MED or DS/CI for opinions on suitability, medical, or counterintelligence concerns. Personal Contacts Contacts are made at various levels including bureau executive directors and heads of offices, and divisions within the Department and other Federal agencies. The incumbent must be prepared to furnish information at hearing boards and/or court proceedings concerning cases which the incumbent may have investigated and/or adjudicated. Purpose of Contacts Contacts are for the purpose of dealing routinely with sensitive, complex and controversial issues which require judgment, discretion and ingenuity; and involves furnishing advice as to the applicability and intent of pertinent regulations, procedures and precedents; and persuading managers or other decision making officials to enforce security requirements, report conduct of security concern, and seriously consider security recommendations in their employment Level of Effort The position is full time, with the minimum of 40 hours per week. C. STATEMENT OF WORK Minimum Requirements The applicant is a US Citizen or a Naturalized Citizen able to attain a Department of State security clearance at the (Secret or Top Secret) level. Knowledge of security requirements established in legislation, regulations and various policies statements such as E.O. 10450, E.O. 12968, Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information, and Intelligence Community Directive 704 (ICD 704). Knowledge and understanding of current investigative techniques and practices, and the legal limitations thereof. Knowledge of subversive and foreign intelligence service organizations, operations and methods of the Department of State. Knowledge of security regulations and policies affecting employment of individuals in the Department of State. Knowledge of factors which might affect the suitability of applicants for employment with the Federal Government in general and the Department of State in particular, as codified in 5 CFR 731 and 3 FAM 622. Knowledge of the results of court cases and other legal determinations of equal force which Impinge on the personnel security program. Ability to analyze and evaluate investigative reports of a complex nature, and prepare oral and/or written summaries of the information contained therein. Ability to reach sound conclusions or make recommendations that are based strictly on factual information. Provide a written product that is logically organized, clearly and concisely written and be free of any trace of bias. Ability to deal effectively with individuals at various levels of the Department and other Federal agencies. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Directs the timely conduct of investigations and evaluates results for compliance with prescribed standards and criteria, ensuring sufficiency of coverage of often complex and controversial investigative information. Responsible for some of the most sensitive types of cases requiring investigations, such as Presidential appointments requiring Senate confirmation and spouse/cohabite cases. Recommends certification of sufficiency of investigative coverage before referring cases for adjudication, as needed. Analyzes cases to determine the scope of the investigation required potential issues requiring investigative clarification, and prepares instructional guidance to background investigation coordinators (BIC) and the Regional Security Officers (RSO) at overseas posts who are responsible for the actual conduct of the investigation at the specific location. In special circumstances, makes direct contact with the subject of investigation and interfaces with Department personnel to expedite the completion of investigations. May assist lower grade personnel, as directed, in the proper processing of cases, as the information reviewed is extremely sensitive, and its unauthorized release is prohibited by Federal statute. Applies DoS standards and criteria, national level guidelines, and administrative precedents, and expert judgment in recommending actions necessary to ensure investigative sufficiency and sound adjudicative conclusions. Evaluates all investigations for compliance with regulatory requirements for scope (i.e. extent and components), as well as the adequacy and completeness of the material presented for purposes of evaluation, and certifies sufficiency of investigative coverage before referring cases to the Adjudicator for evaluation. Recommends further investigation when warranted to resolve conflicting information or unanswered questions raised by the investigation before certifying complete coverage. Ensures that the investigative coverage summary/certification includes caveats regarding any classified material, material from sources who request confidentiality (to include investigative sole sources), and material that includes reports/information from other agencies that is restricted from releasability without permission from the originator. Evaluates and ensures the sufficiency of factual information derived from investigation for each Presidential appointee case, including adverse information which may have been developed by the investigation, as required for preparation of a formal summary by the Adjudicator. Directs investigations of foreign nationals with whom the applicant is in a relationship which falls within the purview of 3 PAM 4100, Appendix B, "Employee Marriage, Equivalent Bonds and Cohabitation," to enable a determination any potential impact on clearance eligibility of applicants. Conducts liaison with counterparts within (both federal and state) agencies and as well as the Department and represents the Office at inter and intra agency meetings, as directed, in which the functions of the Branch are at issue. Assists in developing or clarifying investigative standards, criteria and procedural guidelines for the information of trainee Special Agents, Special Agents-in-Charge, and Regional Security Officers in conducting suitability/security investigations, regarding conduct which may affect applicants' security clearance eligibility. Assists supervisors in conducting training classes and seminars for investigative personnel who are located throughout the United States and overseas, and assists in the professional development of lower level Personnel Security Specialists and Assistants. Develops information required, by supervisor for program planning, and in developing policies, procedures and criteria for implementation of national directives and Departmental requirements in the Department's Personnel Security Program, to include requirements for data and administrative systems and procedures, and related publications and forms. Assists in developing data systems as necessary to respond to management information requirements, and to manage the work of the Branch. Assists in developing criteria for identifying and analyzing trends in investigative problem areas; and methodologies for ensuring investigative sufficiency in cases involving conduct which raises doubts regarding suitability/security clearance eligibility. Prepares proposed replies to Congressional inquiries on issues regarding personnel security investigations, and proposed comments on findings and recommendations of General Accounting Office and Inspector General surveys that bear on the functions of the Branch. Evaluates information, applying national adjudicative criteria and grants interim security clearances, public trust certifications, and final security clearances. Performs other duties as assigned in furtherance of the personnel security mission. Supervisory Controls The supervisor sets the overall objectives and decides on the resources available along with priority of assignment. The employee is responsible for planning and carrying out the work, resolving most of the conflicts that arise during the complete investigative process and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. The supervisor is kept informed about progress, potentially controversial matters, or developing security problems which have implications of adverse impact upon the individuals. Finished work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with the program goals and effectiveness in meeting the priority assignment and achieving expected results. The employee actively manages the investigative leads assignment process on a daily basis assuring that investigative suspense dates are met and reviews completed reports to ensure compliance with policy. Guidelines Regulations such as E.O. 10450, E.O. 12968, ICD 704, Departmental personnel regulations, Office of Personnel Management guidance and other precedents and instructions cannot, due to the nature of personnel security and suitability adjudications, offer clear and specific guidance in most of the cases and assignments the incumbent will encounter. The interpretation of these guidelines require extremely seasoned judgment and is inherent to a large degree in almost every investigative assignment. Moreover, work requires participation in developing or clarifying procedural guidelines for the information of trainee Special Agents, Special Agents-in-Charge, and for use in counseling employees or in conducting suitability security background investigations. Guidelines consist of various letters of authorization and memoranda of understanding between the U.S. Government and the Government of Afghanistan, as well as existing federal regulations, Department of State policies, legislation, the Foreign Assistance Act, and other authorization and appropriations in the INL account. Complexity The incumbent is required to perform assignments involving varied projects and uniquely complex cases, requiring the application of many different and unrelated processes, procedures, and criteria. These assignments may include such varied type personnel security clearance requirements as Presidential clearances under E.O. 10450 and E.O. 12968 for Foreign Service and General Schedule employees. The incumbent must make recommendations on assigned actions which routinely present issues of complexity and sensitivity because of such reasons as material incompleteness or inconclusiveness of vital investigative data; conflicting requirements; the controversial nature of the reported acts, behavior or affiliations; the need to apply differing investigative, standards and criteria; the nexus of the proposed assignment/duties to the information of security concern; or the unusual prominence, high rank or stature of the individuals involved. The resolution of frequently conflicting, and always volatile and controversial issues and the exacting nature of the process of judging investigative sufficiency requires trained judgment and expertise. Physical Demands The work is sedentary and is usually accomplished while the employee is comfortably seated at a desk or table. It requires carrying light objects such as files and papers. Special physical qualifications are not required. D. EVALUATION CRITERIA (Need to know what the evaluation elements are that will be utilized by the technical evaluation board for the selection of the applicant for this position. Generally this is 4 or 5 statements of requirements that the board members will utilize for scoring the application. Each criteria should be weighted a percentage that the total percentage of the entire evaluation will equal 100%) Factor 1. Offeror's demonstrated experience as a recognized authority in security management programs and issues. This includes experience that may have involved analytical, planning, advisory, operational or evaluative duties for the purpose of developing and implementing security policies, procedures, and standards for appropriate systems of internal management controls in the design, development, and evaluation of protection systems and devices, and the ability to monitor all INL sponsored and directed activities in support of counternarcotics, anticrime, and/or civilian policing activities within the US and at overseas facilities. Experience would display the applicant's knowledge of the full body of laws and regulations, as well as agency policies, applicable to these functions, and an understanding of how they apply to specific cases. (25 points) Factor 2. Offeror's knowledge of physical security systems including the various types of systems, the functional characteristics of the equipment, designs, layouts and configuration in order to be able to plan their installation and to coordinate the actual construction activities related thereto. Applicant's experience would display that he/she has familiarity with state-of-the-art equipment, and its application. Applicant would also have performed extensive on-site work, determining vulnerabilities and recommending implementation of specific security programs, including installation of appropriate equipment to safeguard facilities. (25 points) Factor 3. Offeror's demonstrated experience as a manager, coordinating with appropriate security management personnel of a large government agency or private security organization, and having extensive interaction with other offices/groups both within and outside the parent organization. This would also include experience developing and directing a security management control program by ensuring that appropriate internal control mechanisms are established and effective, and ensuring that programs are in compliance with legal and procedural requirements regarding security programs, and to be able to plan and budget projects to ensure the safety and security of the Bureau's various installations and/or personnel, as appropriate. Experience would display applicant's ability to manage/evaluate the full-range of program resources, establish and maintain project schedules, and to deal with issues related to projects of sufficient complexity, i.e., those which require extensive coordination and management such as requiring interaction with task forces convened to meet the needs of specific critical programs. (20 points) Factor 4. Offeror's ability to interact with others in order to represent the Bureau's interests as a technical expert, both within and outside the Department. Applicant would have demonstrated experience in expressing his/her thoughts or opinions in a logical sequence such as working with others as a member of a work team, briefing groups on agency policy in the physical security field, or conveying information about a project to colleagues within the agency, particularly at the senior level. (15 points) Factor 5. Demonstrated experience in conducting meetings, conducting discussions that justify, defend, negotiate, overcome resistance, or settle highly significant or controversial issues. Experience in coordinating and/or integrating the work of participating groups with conflicting, incompatible, or undefined priorities, requiring that major compromises in the project goals, techniques, and methodologies be implemented before substantial progress can be made. (15 points) E. COMPENSATION For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the following: • Entry-level salary is at Step 1 of the grade range assigned to solicitation • Consideration given for experience relevant specifically to the solicitation requirements • Level and extent of experience dictates the salary level within the grade range F. ETHICS REQUIREMENTS This solicitation may result in the award of one or more personal services contracts as defined in FAR 2.101. Prior to contract award, all offerors or quoters must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have personal conflict or interest, such as a financial convict, that would prevent them from either meeting the requirements of the clause entitled, "Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractors", or otherwise objectively performing their contractual duties upon contract award. "Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractor" - This is a personal services contract as defined in FAR2.101. The contractor shall be subject to the same ethical requirements and responsibilities as a member of the Civil Service or Foreign Service, including but not limited to the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, 5CFR part 2635 and employee Responsibilities Abroad, 3 FAM 4120. The contractor is required to complete and file the appropriate financial disclosure form, either form OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, or form OGE 278, Public Financial Disclosure Report, with the Department of State Ethics Office (L/Ethics) within thirty (30) days of the contract award if the position is one designated for filing. G. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES BENEFITS • Employee's FICA Contribution • Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance • Pay Comparability Adjustment • Annual Increase • Eligibility for Worker's Compensation • Annual & Sick Leave • 401K Plan ALLOWANCES • Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance • Living Quarters Allowance • Post Allowance • Supplemental Post Allowance • Separate Maintenance Allowance • Education Allowance • Education Travel • Post Differential • Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure • Danger Pay
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/INL/INL-RM-MS/PSC-13-020-INL/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Roslynn, Washington, District of Columbia, 20520, United States
- Zip Code: 20520
- Zip Code: 20520
- Record
- SN03003777-W 20130307/130305234632-d5c64bd857ec0249c5b6978ff10469d1 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |