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.
Position Title: Counternarcotics Advisor
Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Salary Level: FS-02 - $95,225- $139,841 (Equivalent GS-14)
Period of performance: The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions.
Issuance Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Closing date: Thursday, March 9, 2023
Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. EST
Solicitation Number: PSC-23-022-INL
Job description: See below
Dear Prospective Offerors:
The Department of State is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services for the subject position under a personal services contract, as described in this solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:
- Form SF 171 (Completed and signed)
- Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:
- Paid a 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 any overseas 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.
- Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
- Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
- Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
- U.S. Citizenship
Note: Resume must contain explicit information to make a valid determination that the candidate meets the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information needs to be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.
- Evaluation Factor document specifically addressing: Each of the Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation below. Responses must be limited to 500 words per Evaluation Factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.
Note: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each Factor.
- Professional References: Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references.
Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Complete applications must be emailed to:
Cecille D. Washington
U.S. Department of State
INL/EX/GAPP
Washingtoncd@state.gov
Sincerely,
Katelynn E. Barham
Contracting Officer
U.S. Department of State
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.
PRE-AWARD ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PSC (JUN 2011)
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 quotes must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have a personal conflict of interest, such as a financial conflict, 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.
HOW TO APPLY
Offeror's proposal 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. The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred by the offeror during the solicitation process.
NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION
This solicitation in no way obligates the Department of State to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit the Department of State to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.
Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages (additional pages will not be accepted or reviewed):
- Form SF 171 (Completed and signed)
- Resume
- Evaluation Factor Responses
- Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references.
Note: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. Additional documents submitted beyond the requirements will not be accepted or reviewed.
*** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Veteran's preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214.
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NONDISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/Cecille D. Washington
E-mail: Washingtoncd@state.gov
Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Cecille D. Washington
E-mail: Washingtoncd@state.gov
INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT
Mission of the U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State's mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world.
Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (J) within the Department of State (DOS). INL's mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States and its citizens by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation.
INL's Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) develops narcotics control and anticrime policy initiatives for countries in the Western Hemisphere that produce and transit narcotics. INL/WHP provides overall program and policy direction for INL bilateral narcotics and anticrime assistance programs at overseas posts by developing and revising drug and crime strategies and coordinating program development with other U.S. agencies.
The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to provide a Counternarcotics (CN) Advisor to the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs section at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The PSC will be the primary advisor to INL-Guatemala on all matters related to counternarcotic efforts, including eradication and precursor chemicals. The Advisor will work with the INL CN and Improved Borders Officer and CN Strategic Advisor PSC to coordinate CN activities with the U.S. interagency, including DEA, DOD, DHS/HSI, FBI, CBP, and others.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Guatemala City-based INL CN and Improved Borders Officer or his/her designee, the CN Advisor will perform the following duties:
- Manages the day-to-day operations of the counternarcotic law enforcement projects in Guatemala including all interdiction and eradication activities.
- Coordinates institution building and capacity building of Guatemala's counternarcotic police with special emphasis on training activities at the National Civil Police (PNC) academy to build their interdiction capability. Additionally works on training and capacity building with Guatemalan Ministry of Defense officials responsible for narcotics interdictions including the Naval Special Forces (FEN).
- Assists in the end-use monitoring of commodities provided to the host government by the U.S. government (USG).
- Arranges logistical support for counternarcotic operations in Guatemala and coordinates logistical requirements at forward operating locations.
- Reviews logistical support requests for accuracy and applicability and develops requirements for supporting PNC counternarcotic and precursor chemical operations.
- Advises the INL Counter Narcotics & Improved Borders Officer and INL leadership on training required to improve counternarcotic police and interdiction units' performance in detecting, interdicting, and disposing precursor chemicals.
- Advises the INL Counter Narcotics & Improved Borders Officer, INL leadership, Government of Guatemala (GOG), and Embassy contacts on appropriate types and levels of support needed to initiate and sustain INL-funded projects.
- Provides input to the annual country budget request, end-use monitoring report, the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), and the Advanced Acquisition Plan (AAP).
- In coordination with the INL CN Strategic Advisor, works with other USG agencies, including DOD and DEA, to help build the PNC's counternarcotic capabilities by coordinating USG provided training, logistical support, and technical assistance.
- Works with the PNC to develop counternarcotic strategies and programs, including building interdiction capacity at the ports, at borders, and through mobile interdiction operations.
- In coordination with the INL CN Strategic Advisor and CN and Improved Borders Officer, works with regional partners from other INL offices and U.S. interagency to share information, explore joint training opportunities, and develop regional projects.
- Works with INL and host nation personnel to improve the PNC counternarcotic police's investigative capacity by providing technical support for communications, computer systems and data analysis, and field investigations.
- Coordinates the support for the Joint Intelligence Coordination Center (JICC) and works with host nation counterparts in utilizing intelligence generated by the JICC.
- Drafts letters, cables, and other reports on INL activities under general guidance of the INL CN and Improved Borders Officer.
- Provides briefings, program evaluations, and support for high-level visits to INL supported activities.
- Drafts statements of work and facilitates necessary procurement actions to support CN projects. Updates the spend plan and budget at least weekly.
- When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
- Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.
TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
- Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post.
- Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.
- Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.
- Consultations with the INL Program and Functional Offices in Washington, DC, may be required.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala. Travel requirements include internal travel throughout Guatemala to conduct assessments, oversee eradication missions, and conduct end use monitoring. International travel for conferences and coordination meetings may be required multiple times a year.
RELATIONSHIPS
The Advisor will receive general guidance from and report directly to the CN and Improved Borders Officer. The Advisor will work closely with INL personnel, INL Program Offices, and personnel in other Embassy agencies. In addition, the Advisor will maintain contact with the police, military, justice sector, and non-government organizations (NGOs). The Advisor and CN Strategic Advisor will coordinate messaging with the U.S. interagency and jointly develop plans to assist U.S. vetted units operating in Guatemala.
The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the CN and Improved Borders Officer or any other individual be authorized to alter or modify the terms and conditions of the contract or waive the Government's requirements, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions. The Contracting Officer must authorize such changes in writing.
The CN and Improved Borders Officer will provide yearly performance reviews to the Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C., to contribute to the incumbent's official yearly review.
COMPLEXITY
This position involves analyzing, assessing, planning, organizing, and implementing complex CN law enforcement projects.
SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS
The Advisor will perform broad and extensive assignments related to complex projects spanning the full range of CN activities, to include detection, investigations, eradication, training, and analysis of CN units' abilities to effectively interdict illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, all of which have significant interest to both the public and to Congress.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required.)
- Bachelor's or Associates degree from an accredited U.S. institution and a minimum of ten (10) years of related professional experience in U.S. military joint and combined operations, law enforcement, rule of law capacity building, and/or international development, including INL-managed programs. Experience must have direct relevance to counternarcotics operations.
- A minimum of three (3) years of general administrative and program management experience.
- Demonstrated supervisory level experience in strategic planning for small, medium, and large units.
- Previous overseas experience working with host governments or law enforcement in Latin America.
- Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level.
EVALUATION FACTORS
(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.) Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.
Factor 1: Interdiction and Eradication Operations (18 points)
Demonstrated experience in planning and developing interdiction and/or eradication counternarcotics strategies and programs and ability to coordinate with Spanish-speaking host country civilian and police officials. Demonstrated experience in managing investigative capabilities.
Factor 2: Program Design and Implementation (15 points)
Demonstrated knowledge of counternarcotics policies, concepts, practices, and principles relevant to analyzing and developing recommendations for program design and implementation in furtherance of USG objectives. Experience in evaluating programs and identifying areas for improvement/change.
Factor 3: Program Management and Administration (15 points)
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing, planning, and conducting oversight functions of a USG-sponsored program. Demonstrated ability to create accurate spend plans and budgets.
Factor 4: Liaison and Communication (12 points)
Demonstrated liaison experience, liaising with both host nation officials and USG agencies and personnel. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, both verbally and in writing.
Factor 5: Training/Instruction (10 points)
Demonstrated experience in training and instructing foreign personnel, preferably in Spanish.
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Minimum Requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
Written Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:
Factor #1 18
Factor #2 15
Factor #3 15
Factor #4 12
Factor #5 10
Total Possible 70 Points
Interview Performance 30 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks Pass/Fail (no points assigned)
Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under the contract. In conducting the evaluation, the U.S. government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources.
Total Possible Points: 100
The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. INL will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an applicant has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, INL reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.
COMPENSATION (BASE PAY)
This position has been designated at the FS-02, GS-14 equivalent level ($95,225 - $139,841) per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries, including any recruitment supplemental pay that exceeds the listed pay range, will not be entertained or negotiated.
For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the market value as outlined above and overall experience relevant to the solicitation requirements.
BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES
AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
BENEFITS - IF APPLICABLE
- Employee's FICA/Medicare Contribution
- Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance
- Pay Comparability Adjustment
- Annual Increase
- Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
- Annual, Sick and Home Leave
- 401K Plan
- MEDVAC (provided by DOS Med)
ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARDIZED REGULATIONS (DSSR) - IF APPLICABLE
- Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) or Per Diem upon arrival at Post
- Housing Allowance
- Post Allowance
- Supplemental Post Allowance
- Separate Maintenance Allowance (SMA)
- Education Allowance
- Educational Travel (full-time United States based secondary)
- Post Hardship Differential
- Danger Pay
- Shipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables
