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:  Deputy Narcotics Control Advisor (DNCA)

Location: Lima, Peru

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: Monday, October 23, 2023

Closing date:  Monday, November 06, 2023

Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET

Solicitation Number: PSC-24-005-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:

1. Form SF 171 (Completed and signed)
2. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:
   1. 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.
   2. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
   3. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
   4. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
   5. 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.

1. 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 receive that are relevant to each Factor.  

1. 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:

            Janette R. Dull

            U.S. Department of State

            INL/EX/GAPP

            [email protected]

Sincerely,

Katelynn 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

Offerors 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):

1. Form SF 171 (Completed and signed)
2. Resume  
3. Evaluation Factor Responses
4. 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.

Equal employment opportunity policy - The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:

INL/Janette Dull

E-mail: [email protected]

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:

INL/Janette Dull

E-mail: [email protected]

INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. 

Personal Services Contract (PSC)

Statement of Work (SOW)

U.S. Embassy - Lima, Peru

Deputy Narcotics Control Advisor (DNCA)

FS-02 (GS-14 Equivalent)

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. 

The INL Section in the U.S. Embassy in Lima manages an illicit crop eradication and law enforcement assistance program in Peru, funded through the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) account.

INCLE-funded assistance complements the Peruvian government’s counternarcotics activities designed to deter, detect, and disrupt transnational organized crime groups in Peru and throughout the region. It also complements the Peruvian government’s even larger investment in promoting the rule of law, providing for citizen security, and reforming state institutions to foster greater transparency, responsiveness, and respect for human rights. This program aims to improve and institutionalize Peruvian counternarcotics and law enforcement capabilities through targeted, sustainable projects.

The purpose of this personal services contract (PSC) is to provide a Deputy Narcotics Control Advisor (DNCA) for the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Lima, Peru (INL/Lima) to assist in the strategic-level liaison and coordination with officials of the host government and other USG agencies for the implementation of bilateral agreements for counternarcotics and alternative development project activities and operations nationwide.

The DNCA supports the Narcotics Control Advisor (NCA) in liaising between INL and the Government of Peru's manual coca eradication and counternarcotics programs. Coca eradication is coordinated by the Special Project for Control and Reduction of Illegal Crops in the Upper Huallaga (CORAH), which falls under the Minister of Interior and is jointly funded by the GOP and INL. The DNCA and NCA, with the help of INL Accounting, oversee CORAH funds. The DNCA advises the NCA on strategy, coordinates with the INL Aviation, Program Development and Support, Police Professionalization Program, and Ports/Customs programs. The DNCA also oversees CORAH logistical and administrative activities. Other counternarcotics programs, such as interdiction, are handled primarily by the Peruvian National Police anti-narcotics unit - DIRANDRO.

The DNCA serves primarily as the eradication strategic advisor to the NCA on all programmed and voluntary eradication matters and activities. The job-holder coordinates programmed eradication plans with the Government of Peru/Ministry of the Interior eradication entity CORAH and serves as backup for NCA as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the INL Narcotics Control Advisor (NCA) or his/her designee, the Deputy Narcotics Control Advisor (DNCA) will perform the following duties:

1. Supports the NCA manages all proposed U.S. government (USG) counternarcotics projects and assistance programs in Peru.
2. Monitors day-to-day CORAH issues and activities. Reviews support plans, logistical requirements, and measures of effectiveness to ensure compliance with approved policy guidance.
3. Coordinates with INL, USG agencies, and GOP counterparts for all logistical support for CORAH. Works with NCA Program Specialist and INL Accounting to define commodity procurement and tracking of purchases for CORAH activities.
4. Provides continuing policy and program guidance to the CORAH Director and senior staff. Advises on and informs strategic management decisions on project design, program budgets, and overall project implementation. Provides all required program and reporting documentation and submission of special reports as warranted.
5. Assists CORAH develop specific eradication plans and coca replanting monitoring. Provides advice on strategies according to distinct geographic zones, socio-political, and threat conditions.
6. Assists in the end-use monitoring of commodities provided to the host government by the USG.
7. Uses initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional methods or researching patterns and trends to develop new strategies, criteria, or proposed policies for the Government of Peru/Ministry of the Interior.
8. Works with the NCA to develop and draft goals and objectives to be incorporated into an annual plan. Assists in managing projects, furthering overall program objectives as outlined in the yearly plan.  Performs continuous evaluations of progress towards meeting objectives, including field observations of eradication and monitoring. Provides early notification to the supervisor of potential problem areas.
9. Establishes and maintains appropriate internal management control systems. Ensures that programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement.
10. Manages and monitors the use of commodities provided by INL to CORAH for counternarcotics purposes. Oversees the provision of services by CORAH’s contractors.
11. Conducts strategic-level coordination concerning eradication plans with host government officials and other USG agencies.
12. Provides counterpart advice during selection, installation, and maintenance of forward base locations.
13. Coordinates with the Counternarcotic Working Group. Ensures CORAH programs are complementary and coordinated with the interagency, international community, other sections in the Embassy, and international donors.
14. Actively participates and coordinates efforts and meetings between INL Lima, CORAH, and GOP counterparts to further project planning and execution efforts. 
15. Plans and executes complex projects through their entire life cycle, incorporating them into the overall strategic plan for the Counter Narcotics Program and INL Lima.
16. When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
17. Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES

1. Complete the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT610) before deployment to Post.
2. Completes the Managing Foreign Assistance Awards Overseas (PP223) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 30 days of arriving at Post.
3. Completes Information Management Fundamentals (YW101) within the first three 30 days of arriving at Post.
4. Completes the INL Program & Project Management I (PP420) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 60 days of arriving at Post.
5. Completes the INL Financial Management (PP421) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 60 days of arriving at Post.
6. Complete the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first 60 days of arriving at the Post.
7. Complete the Leahy Policy and Diplomacy (PP410) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first 60 days of arriving at the Post.
8. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at the Post.
9. Completes any internal or external training deemed necessary by the NCA supervisor.
10. Consultations with the INL Program Officer may be required.
11. The Advisor may be required to attend briefings/orientation at the DOS in Washington, D.C. for up to one week

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The place of performance for this position is the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru. Insert travel requirements.  Frequent travel throughout Peru is required to include high-risk areas. Travels to the field for meetings, conferences, activity reviews, field inspections, and program evaluations. Most field sites are in areas that have been declared hazardous duty locations by the Department of State due to hostile activities of narco-traffickers.

RELATIONSHIPS

The DNCA works under the direct supervision of the NCA. The jobholder exercises wide latitude for independent action, initiating projects, and executing approved new programs. The DNCA coordinates directly with CORAH, Peru's National Commission for Development and Life Without Drugs (DEVIDA), and the Peruvian National Police. Completed work is reviewed for timeliness and effectiveness.

The DNCA reports to the INL Lima NCA. The Advisor's actions, decisions, and recommendations are reviewed based on results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the NCA 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 NCA will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/EX/GAPP Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

COMPLEXITY

Develop detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the program and develop criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Coordinates plans with other groups, including international donors, the U.S. Embassy, and the Government of Peru, which can be complicated.

Ability to analyze and evaluate complex development issues across projects. Sound judgment, ingenuity, and demonstrated ability in program design and evaluation, strategic planning, and program coordination/implementation. Strong interpersonal and team-building skills and ability to work with tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness cross-culturally with diverse teams and across USG and other agencies, institutions, and contacts, including interagency groups, high-level officials, grassroots organizations, and civil society contacts. Excellent strategic, analytical,

SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS

Guidelines include USG, Department of State Acquisition Regulations, and accepted legal principles and theories. In addition, the Advisor must be able to determine the application of basic administrative policy statements concerning the issue or problem under study. The Advisor must also consider and adhere to various other existing federal regulations and the interaction between DOS policies, legislation, the Foreign Assistance Act, and other authorization and appropriations in the INL account, applicable National Security and Presidential Decision Directives, OMB Circulars, and Department of State financial operating procedures and policies. The Narcotics Control Advisor is recognized as a substantive authority on overall management and interpretation of program and project planning and evaluation guidance in a specialized area.

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

1. 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.)
2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
3. Demonstrated ten (10) years of experience working with other USG organizations such as the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the United Nations, or the Organization of American States.
4. Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level.
5. Demonstrated ability to prepare and recommend long-range plans, development of specific proposals for action, and experience in preparing and administrating an annual budget.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and able to prepare various reports or presentations.
7. Demonstrated ten (10) years of experience in counter-narcotics or similar programs.
8. Demonstrated five (5) years of experience in the Southern hemisphere within the USG or U.S. Embassy environments.
9. Proven ability to work effectively with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives in a timely and concise manner.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Factor 1:         Subject Matter Experience:                                                             (30 Points)

Demonstrated experience working on issues related to citizen security, rule of law, law enforcement, drug control and demand reduction, justice reform, and/or counternarcotics with U.S. and foreign government law enforcement, counternarcotics, and/or justice sector officials. Demonstrated experience working with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and/or private sector entities working toward rule of law and law enforcement goals. Demonstrated superior negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, especially in culturally sensitive situations.

Factor 2:           Strategic Planning and Implementation                                                   (20 points)

Demonstrated ability to strategically plan and execute complex projects through their entire life cycle, including analysis, planning, budgeting, drafting technical requirements for procurement, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, reporting results clearly and effectively, and project closeout. Offeror’s relevant experience planning and developing counternarcotics strategies and police reform programs; ability to coordinate with host-country civilian and police officials, non-profit organizations, civil society, and the donor community; ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural and overseas environment; and experience deploying techniques for improved police institutions, notably human rights, and modern police philosophies.   

Factor 3:           Program Management                                                                                            (20 points)  

Demonstrated knowledge of concepts, practices, and principles, including prioritizing requests, developing and tracking program plans and implementation timelines (including budgets), and analyzing results (including M&E) to manage programs that meet United States government objectives effectively. Prior work experience managing USG contracts, grants, interagency agreements, and donations to international organizations or foreign governments. Experience supervising personnel.

BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience 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 of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The Offeror Rating System is as Follows:

Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:

Factor #1 – 30

Factor #2 – 20

Factor #3 – 20

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 at the time of evaluation, 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 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
• 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