U.S. Department of State

Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)

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: INL Coordinator

Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Salary Level: FS-02 - $88,619 - $130,140

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: May 4, 2020

Closing date:  May 18, 2020

Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET

Solicitation Number: PSC-20-036-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:

            Victoria Stewart

            U.S. Department of State

            INL/EX/GAPP

            [email protected]

Sincerely,

Anthony Pierce

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.

Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:

INL/Victoria Stewart

E-mail: [email protected]

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:

INL/Victoria Stewart

E-mail: [email protected]

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

The U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has program authority derived from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).  Under the FAA, INL is responsible for providing assistance to host governments to develop and implement effective counter narcotics, anticrime, and border control programs.

Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs:  INL is  under the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (J) and works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad.  INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness and strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems.  These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.   

INL Kingston is charged with developing strategies and programs to combat transnational criminal activities and professionalize law enforcement.

The purpose of this INL Coordinator Personal Services Contractor (PSC) is to work with Jamaican and U.S. interagency partners to develop sustainable foreign assistance programs to combat rising crime and insecurity created by transnational criminal organizations carrying out criminal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other illicit activities in Jamaican territory.  The PSC will provide specialized expertise to advise and assist in the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of government initiatives to counter transnational organized crime (CTOC), including narcotics trafficking.  The INL Coordinator develops, reviews, implements, and/or contributes to a wide variety of plans, policies, and procedures for advancing USG and Government of Jamaica (GOJ) CTOC priorities.  This PSC will assist INL in ensuring its CTOC programs have a sustainable impact.  This will include a priority focus on criminal gangs to assist the Government of Jamaica to reverse worsening TOC-related crime and violence as well as to strengthen Jamaica’s capacity to detect, seize, prosecute, and convict criminal and drug-trafficking organizations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the INL Director, or his/her designee, the INL Coordinator will perform the following duties

1. Advise on the implementation of the various INL program activities, including CTOC, counter-narcotics, citizen security, and anti-corruption within the police force (i.e. internal affairs).  The incumbent will coordinate these activities with U.S. government agencies operating in Jamaica and the region, as well as with appropriate partner nation stakeholders, including third nations such as Haiti.

1. Design and lead implementation, oversight, monitoring, and evaluation, of INL anti-gang, counter-narcotics, and security initiatives to include strong bilateral and/or regional agreements and policies, capacity building, and regional host nation and USG coordination.

1. Provide advice and assistance in the preparation of procurement documentation for technical services, training, and commodities, as well monitoring procurement actions, including drafting source origin waivers, bid solicitations, scopes of work, and delivery and acceptance of procured items.

1. Support a wide range of INL program activities, including capacity building for the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) and other law enforcement entities, vetting, and logistics support for program activities, including acquisitions and budgeting.

1. Work closely with U.S. and foreign counterparts - within and outside INL - on gang investigation capacity building, law enforcement professionalization, and border security programs.

1. Assess partner government’s current capability to respond to security and law enforcement challenges and make recommendations on effective strategies.

1. Provide full-scale support, including regular program reporting, a monthly cable and weekly program implementation report; budgetary advice; drafting briefing and other informational documents; assisting high-level coordination and planning meetings; and providing counsel on INL law enforcement issues.

1. Liaise with host nation officials and other partners on action plans to address capacity deficits that prevent them from effectively addressing key threats in Jamaica.  

1. Liaise with international donors in the region to coordinate security support.

1. Review and make recommendations on INL program agreements, Jamaican laws or legislative proposals as well as Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) legal and internal reforms.

1. Provide advisory and capacity enhancement assistance to the host country to establish strong and professional security institutions that will coordinate in the fight to disrupt and dismantle transnational organized crime, and establish strong border enforcement practices that follow established policies, procedures, and systems required to operate in a challenging environment.

1. Provide policy analysis and program guidance on issues such as program milestones, strategies, and development of host country capacities and limitations of institutions.

1. Assist in managing and implementing all necessary logistics to facilitate projects in support of INL programs, including coordination with INL advisors and USG agencies.

1. Conduct periodic site visits to assure effective implementation of strategies, agreements, and to move forward initiatives in a timely manner.

1. Maintain robust and frequent communication with INL/WHP on program activities, developments, and challenges.

1. Coordinate with INL/WHP and INL Port-au-Prince on assistance programs with a cross-border nexus.

1. Oversee the performance of third-party contractors and Locally Employed Staff (LES) employees of the INL Section in Kingston.

1. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.

1. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work

TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES

The INL Coordinator must complete the following courses unless able to provide documentation of prior completion:

1. Completes the INL Program and Project Management (PP420) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 60 days of arriving at Post.
2. Completes the Managing Foreign Assistance Awards Overseas (PP223) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 60 days of arriving at Post.
3. Completes the Monitoring Grants and Cooperative Agreements (PA222) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 90 days of arriving at Post in order to serve as an Agreement Officer Representative.
4. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) course at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. 
5. 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.
6. Completes the INL Financial Management (PP421) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first twelve (12) months of arriving at Post.
7. Completes the Foreign Assistance Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (PP425) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first twelve (12) months of arriving at Post.
8. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.
9. Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.
10. INL PREP (pre-deployment training) may be required depending on past experience. 

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Embassy Kingston, Jamaica. The INL Coordinator’s work occurs primarily in the Embassy and in Kingston, though travel to other locations around Jamaica will be required, including visits to government facilities for police and other law enforcement training and operations activities.  The INL Coordinator must be able to work independently in remote areas for short periods when conducting field visits or program oversight.

RELATIONSHIPS

The INL Coordinator will report to the INL Director and liaise and coordinate with INL/WHP staff in Washington, DC.  The INL Coordinator will provide general administrative and policy direction concerning overall INL law enforcement program priorities and objectives, as well as work with INL/WHP to develop and manage programs and related issues.  The INL Coordinator will liaise with other U.S. agencies and foreign governments active in the fields of policing, law enforcement, security assistance and cooperation, and with host government contacts.  The INL Coordinator will monitor INL counter-narcotics and CTOC projects in Jamaica, analyzing their effectiveness and suggesting improvements including capacity building programs.

The INL Director will provide yearly performance evaluations for the INL Coordinator’s official yearly review.  The INL Coordinator will serve as the acting INL Director in the absence of the INL Director. 

COMPLEXITY

The Advisor must be able to review host country law enforcement needs; develop and manage law enforcement programs in coordination with host-country officials; draw upon experience to suggest, design, advise and implement projects; ensure sustainability of projects through provision of appropriate training and maintenance; and have the ability to integrate the competing needs of U.S. law enforcement, development, and security agencies, and government entities involved in law enforcement.

SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS

The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex administrative/financial program spanning the full range of CTOC, citizen security, law enforcement, and counter narcotics programs in Jamaica, which are of significant interest to 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 and the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level Security, Medical, and Ethics clearances (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required).

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; or, a minimum of eight (8) years of related experience in the fields of international development, law enforcement, international relations and/or public administration AND

• Seven (7) years of professional experience related to project management, international development, international affairs, political science, and/or public administration.
• Demonstrated five (5) years of related experience managing bilateral or multilateral assistance programs in the fields of citizen security, policing, law enforcement, rule of law/criminal justice, foreign assistance management, counter-narcotics, and/or counter-transnational crime.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of demonstrated diplomatic/liaison experience, with a minimum of five years overseas, particularly dealing with foreign government officials.

1. Demonstrated experience in:
   1. Planning, developing, and managing foreign assistance programs, including assessment, monitoring, and evaluation;
   2. Drafting related reports/documents, annual budgets, and strategic plan submissions;
   3. Planning, strategizing, implementing, and reporting on projects; 
   4. Drafting analytical briefing papers, memoranda, letters, and reports for review and/or signature by senior-level officials; and
   5. Coordinating and working closely with 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 international community on security sector or criminal justice development programs.

1. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives, in a timely and concise manner.

1. Demonstrated ability to work independently on projects and issues within overall policy guidelines.

1. Demonstrated experience analyzing and determining true requirements to propose feasible solutions for problems in implementation of projects.

1. Demonstrated strong verbal and written English, interpersonal skills dealing with host government and USG officials in a multicultural environment.

1. Demonstrated excellent oral and written English (4/4).

EVALUATION FACTORS:

Factor 1:         Work Experience                                                                              (30 points)

Demonstrated relevant foreign affairs experience in the fields of counter-narcotics, citizen security, policing, law enforcement, and/or counter-transnational crime.  Demonstrated experience working directly for the Department of State and/or the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

Factor 2:         Program Experience                                                                         (25 points)

Demonstrated ability to design, implement, oversee, evaluate, and report on foreign assistance programs and projects, linking them to strategic U.S. national security interests.  Demonstrated professional experience related to project management, international development, international affairs, political science, and/or public administration.  Experience in initiating, performing oversight, and evaluating foreign and/or security assistance programs; and preparing budgets, spend plans, statements of work (SOW), procurement orders, and purchase requests.  Individual should demonstrate ability to understand and convey complex issues.  These include, but are not limited to, law enforcement operations, justice sector issues as it relates to law enforcement, financial crimes, drug demand reduction, procurement of commodities and equipment, training development and implementation, and logistics support. 

                       

Factor 3:         Management & Communication Experience                                 (15 points)

                        Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English, in a timely and concise manner; interact effectively with others at all levels to prepare, analyze, explain and defend determinations and requirements with respect to conformance to applicable laws, policies and other regulatory guidelines; and advise program officials.

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 – 25

Factor #3 – 15

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 ($88,619 - $130,140 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

Bid Protests Not Available