G
Capacity Building Advisor to Afghan Ministry of Counternarcotic (MCN)
Kabul, Afghanistan
Issuance Date: 10/03//2014
Closing Date: 10/17/2014
SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-15-002-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 or three references, including contact information
Submit all proposals via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/Deborah Strom
E-mail: [email protected]
Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Deborah Strom
E-mail: [email protected]
INL will not accept late proposals unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal.
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-15-002-INL
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 10/03/2014
3. CLOSING DATE: 10/17/2014
4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST
5. POSITION TITLE: Capacity Building Advisor to Afghan Ministry of Counternarcotic (MCN)
6. MARKET VALUE: $100,624 - $130,810 (FS-01 Equivalent)
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award and four option years
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan
9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR:
The Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Programs (INL/AP) is part of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in the Department of State. The Bureau is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination and implementation of international narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the Department of State (DOS). INL/AP provides policy guidance and develops, executes and monitors programs to address the full range of counternarcotic issues as they relate to supply- and demand-reduction activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan. INL has been engaged in an effort with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) to ensure a comprehensive approach to the drug problem. The U.S. Counternarcotic Strategy for Afghanistan targets narcotics traffickers through interdiction, while also supporting agricultural development, eradication, demand reduction, public information, and rule of law programs. The Bureau is the U.S. State Department's designated lead for capacity building within the Ministry of Counter Narcotics (MCN). INL seeks a Capacity Building Advisor to work jointly with MCN in Kabul to develop the technical skills, strategic planning, and professionalism in the areas of policy, finance, and administration.
PURPOSE
The Capacity Building Advisor to the MCN is treated as a member of the core staff of the MCN. The Capacity Building Advisor will work directly with one or more of the seven Policy and Coordination Divisions at the MCN in Kabul, as well as a variety of INL-funded staff. The specific assignment will be based on MCN priorities, which are set by the Minister of Counter Narcotics. The MCN will make need-based position assignments, in coordination with the INL Section of the U.S. Embassy-Kabul (INL-Kabul) and the Ministry's Counter Narcotics Advisory Board (CNAB).
RELATIONSHIP
The Advisor will directly report to the Director of the INL Section at U.S. Embassy Kabul through the INL Kabul Counternarcotic Team Leader. Tasking will come from both INL/Kabul and INL's Afghanistan and Pakistan Program Office in Washington. The Advisor's actions, decisions and recommendations review based on results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations. Because the Advisor receives only general policy guidance, he/she shall constantly depend on his/her own professional judgment to further the mission of INL.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Serve as the lead capacity building advisor at MCN, providing oversight and management of all INL-supported expat and Afghan capacity building advisors embedded in the Ministry.
• Working with Afghan MCN partners, create a Results Framework for this capacity-building project, which will build consensus around objectives and approaches; ensure that implementers, beneficiaries and stakeholders share a common understanding of how the project will achieve its objectives; and serve as the foundation for the project work plan and Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP).
• Provide training, mentoring and technical support to Afghan Ministry partners on a daily basis to meet project milestones, track progress according to PMP indicators, and maintain a results-oriented focus.
• Assist MCN in strategic planning and implementing Afghan Government CN policy, with a special focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. supported programs, including (but not limited to) Good Performers Initiative (GPI), Alternative Livelihoods, Drug Demand Reduction, Law Enforcement, and Interdiction.
• Provide training, mentoring and technical support to Afghan Ministry partners on government administration and finance functions, with a special focus on internal audits, finance, human resources, and procurement and logistics infrastructure
.
• Support MCN in distinguishing between broad, policy-level objectives on CN matters and specific, programmatic actions that can be realistically achieved by the ministry within its existing or gradually-improving capacity, emphasizing the importance of both long-term planning as well as steady and incremental - rather than immediate - growth in programmatic oversight and implementation.
• Support and help advance the Ministry of Counter Narcotic's mandate, under Afghan law, to regularly receive, monitor, and evaluate statistics and data from all relevant government institutions regarding programs that support implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy, and, where possible, assist government institutions to improve such reporting to the Ministry of Counter Narcotics.
• Serve as a continuous link between MCN and the INL Section of U.S. Embassy Kabul; submit regular written reports to INL Kabul on substantive CN issues and capacity building issues.
• Build and maintain open lines of communication with Afghan, U.S. and international stakeholders on CN programs, including stakeholders from USAID and other U.S. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the United Nations, the UK Embassy, ISAF, and representatives of the U.S. military and other coalition forces.
• Identify opportunities for assistance and collaboration, including opportunities to integrate counternarcotic elements into existing development, rule of law, or other CN-related projects.
• Draft reports and cables as directed by the U.S. Embassy-Kabul, detailing pertinent activities in the counternarcotic sector.
• Work effectively under pressure, within short time constraints, and during times of rapidly developing events.
• Inform INL of new developments in the portfolio and consult with INL in advance of important briefings, meetings, or presentations of new initiatives.
• Produce a brief written weekly report on status of programs, activities, and initiatives to be disseminated via email to designated points of contact at INL Kabul, and INL/AP on a mutually agreed upon day of the week. Upon reporting to post, propose a format for this report, which should include, but is not limited to: recent and planned activities, accomplishments, challenges, proposed solutions, administrative issues, and upcoming schedule (to include TDYs and leave). Photographs may be included, as well.
COMPLEXITY
The Advisor will develop tailored plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of MCN policies and programs. Assessing the current capacity of MCN, the Advisor will provide training, mentoring and technical support on government administration and finance functions. Coordinating plans with various other groups including international donors, the U.S. military and the Government of Afghanistan can be complicated. The Advisor shall actively plan organization needs twelve months into the future. Active planning involves anticipating future events and requirements, deciding or recommending what needs to be done, the people and other resources required, and the timing of the activities.
Operating within the country strategy, the Advisor will have ongoing opportunity to develop and assess new ideas and approaches that affect the MCN functions. The Advisor shall absorb and understand a large volume of detailed information on policies and procedures for multiple disciplines and how that will affect MCN capacity. The Advisor shall be flexible in shifting priorities and anticipate infrastructure needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
In Afghanistan, the work is principally sedentary, however frequent travel in and around Afghanistan is likely. While on a site visit there are physical demands associated with travel to and from remote areas abroad in restrained time frames over underdeveloped infrastructure and conveyances - the position requires an above average resistance to fatigue and physical hardships. Extended onsite visits to remote project sites may rarely be required, necessitating the ability to walk medium to longer distances (hundreds of yards or more) on generally irregular dirt or stone surfaces, in both hilly and flat terrain. Those who use wheelchairs, have respiratory difficulties, or require assistance walking will find this difficult. Additionally, those undergoing medical treatment or taking certain medicines that limit their physical or mental abilities may find it difficult to adhere to the limitations recommended by their physician(s). Travel on helicopters and/or cargo-oriented fixed wing aircraft will also be required. Those with ear or other problems, who do not easily adapt to pressurized environments or higher but non-pressurized environments, will find the travel requirements of these positions difficult. Those with circulation problems or difficulties adapting to climate extremes or extremely dusty environments will find this aspect of the position difficult.
SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The Advisor performs a broad range of tasks related to organizational control plan, process development, implementation and direction of a management control program encompassing the Bureau's international counter narcotics and law enforcement operations.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
The Advisor will interface primarily with mid and high-level officers inside the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and other international representatives at PRTs, civilian, and military platforms in Afghanistan. The nature of the contact with embassy officers will be highly demanding, requiring the transfer of complex ideas and concepts. The nature of the contact will normally be routine, although often escalating to complex as competing/conflicting interests and security threats are encountered.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• U.S. citizenship, able to obtain/maintain a State Department Secret security clearance and medical clearance.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferable in the areas of International Affairs, International Development, Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice, Political Science or Public Administration; South/Southwest Asia, Middle East, Asian or Islamic Studies; Business Administration and/or finance; and Development Economics. However, ten (10) years of relevant field experience involving capacity building work in Afghanistan or a post-conflict environment is a suitable substitute for a university degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience living and working in developing countries, preferably as part of major donor-funded civil society or governance programs in an emerging democracy, conflict zone, and/or in Central Asia. NOTE: A SECURITY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND ALONE IS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET THE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT OF THIS POSITION.
• Demonstrated professional experience in tailoring and employing organization needs, assessment tools, and addressing and implementing capacity building approaches and interventions.
• Demonstrated experience in international civilian policing missions in active-insurgency, conflict, and/or post-conflict environments
• Demonstrated oral and written English communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Complete the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) distance-learning course through Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 of arriving at Post. Obtain/maintain Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level III Certification within 120 of arriving at Post. (see http://www.fai.gov for details)
• Proven ability to complete Distance Learning (DL) FSI Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) courses within six (6) months of assignment successfully.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based capacity building and training models, and demonstrated familiarity with internationally recognized best practices in capacity building.
Preferred Qualifications
• International experience in Afghanistan or Iraq
• FSI proficiency in Pashto or Dari is desired, as is experience in working with an interpreter.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Factor 1 Program Management (20 points)
Demonstrated experience in program management, especially in international programs that may include foreign government entities, non-governmental, and international organizations to include experience involving analytical, planning, management, advisory, operational, or evaluative duties.
Factor 2 Subject Matter Expertise (20 points)
Demonstrated ability to provide capacity building and development expertise. Ability to liaise with members of relevant USG agencies, host nation representatives, and the international community in developing and coordinating CN programs
Factor 3 Written Communication (20 points)
Demonstrated independent experience in preparing and writing reports, audits, memoranda, etc. in a subject area related to the duties of the position to include reports and decision papers requiring independent analysis and having a significant impact in the program area on an international level.
Factor 4 International Experience (20 points)
Demonstrated experience managing programs in foreign, post-conflict environments to include ability to live, work, and travel in difficult conditions with limited support programs in a complex and fluid environment, and show good judgment in challenging security situations.
Factor 5 Past Performance (20 points)
Evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under the same or similar contracts.
(In conducting the evaluation, the Government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources.)
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.
VETERAN'S PREFERANCE
Veteran's Preference is not applicable to this position.
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
BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES
AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
BENEFITS - IF APPLICABLE
• 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 - IF APPLICABLE
• 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