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: Military Advisor
Location: Bogota, Colombia
Salary Level: FS-03/02 - $69,988 - $126,843 (Equivalent GS-13/14)
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: April 8, 2019
Closing date: April 22, 2019
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-19-047-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. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:
a. 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.
b. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
c. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
d. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
e. 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.

2. Supplemental document specifically addressing:
a. Each of the three (3) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. 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.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Complete applications must be emailed to:

Dominique Chittum
U.S. Department of State
INL/RM/GAPP
[email protected]

Sincerely,

Andrew J. Lloyd
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 and Evaluation Factor Responses
3) 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/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: [email protected]

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Dominique Chittum
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
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 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 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.

INL is under the Under Secretary for 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 by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

The INL section at U.S. Embassy Bogotá, established in 1985, is among the largest and most complex INL offices in the world. INL Bogota is charged with developing strategies and programs to achieve international narcotics control, law enforcement, and justice foreign policy objectives.

The purpose of this Military Advisor Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to advise and implement security assistance projects that enhance the Colombian military's institutional capacity for counternarcotics and disrupting organized crime. This PSC position will serve as the Coordinator for the Colombian Army Counternarcotics Brigade (CN Brigade) and the Colombian Air Force (COLAF). The advisor will also work with counterparts in the U.S. and the Colombian governments to foster cooperation among the military forces. Assignments involve management of organization, operations, and functions of key USG-funded programs supporting counternarcotics policy in Colombia. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining an in-depth knowledge of progress of ongoing military support projects throughout Colombia.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based INL Organized Crime and Counternarcotics Division Chief or his/her designee, the Military Advisor will perform the following duties:

1. Coordinate and advise on the implementation of USG-funded projects in support of Colombian Army and Air Force operations and coordinates with appropriate agencies of the Government of Colombia (GOC) and other Embassy sections (such as Military Group, DEA, DAO) as required. The specific projects to be coordinated include training and equipping of Colombian Military Units (COLMIL); providing assistance to the CN Brigade operations; supporting interdiction missions against high value targets; CN Brigade forward infrastructure development; base security enhancements; logistical support; CN Brigade intelligence coordination; training for CN Brigade personnel; support CN battalions' eradication efforts; and communications.
2. Evaluate and advise on the performance of COLMIL units supported by INL and make recommendations to improve the capability of these units.
3. As directed by the OCCN Division Chief, serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Grants Officer's Representative (GOR), and/or Agreements Officer's Representative (AOR) on OCCN Division programs benefitting COLAR's CN Brigade and COLAF.
4. Establish and maintain appropriate internal management control systems and end-use monitoring. Ensure that INL Bogota's military support programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement. Help manage and monitor the use of all U.S.-provided commodities intended for appropriate purposes.
5. Contribute to the preparation of required reporting, including but not limited to: INL Bogota's weekly program implementation reports; the annual budget request for International Narcotics, Crime and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds and the Mission Resource Request; the International Narcotics Control Status Report (INCSR) Volumes I and II; the annual End-Use Monitoring Report; quarterly COR/AOR/GOR desk reviews and trip reports; and ad-hoc topical reporting cables, among other reporting requirements.
6. Ensure that all restrictions on use of USG assistance, such as those relating to human rights (Leahy amendment) are observed.
7. Assist INL in project budget preparation, program planning and forecasting. Define and make recommendations on commodity procurement requirements and preparation of related project documentation. Provide advice and coordination in matters pertaining to field support of USG-provided equipment.
8. Coordinate Colombian army support for eradication, especially the proposed aerial eradication program.
9. Conduct field surveys, evaluations, and special studies. Prepare periodic reports on the status of program activities and reports on significant program developments.
10. Brief visiting officials on the status of the USG-GOC Military relationship and Colombian military CN operations. Assist in developing appropriate itineraries, security with COLMIL forces and escorting official travelers, as directed.
11. Develop strategies with CN Brigade and other Colombian military to disrupt and diminish illegal narcotics trafficking and other organized criminal activity, including illegal mining and other environmental crimes, as appropriate in critical areas for the USG and GOC. Support the development of INL and OCCN strategies.
12. Under the director of the OCCN Division Chief, serve as INL Bogota's primary point of contact on COLAF's Air Bridge Denial (ABD), liaising with INL/WHP, JIATF-S, and USAF/Bogota on all ABD-related issues.
13. Develop relationship to assist CN Brigade with U.S. military forces in order to maximize training opportunities and improve sustainment capabilities of the CN Brigade.
14. Brief Department, Congressional, and other international dignitaries orally and in writing on the INL-funded programs in Colombia. Prepare documents for presentation to the U.S. Congress. Develop appropriate itinerary and accommodate official travelers, as necessary.
15. Ensure effective coordination of INL Bogota military assistance to the Government of Colombia. Ensure assistance is well-coordinated with other INL assistance in Colombia.
16. Provide analysis and guidance in project budget preparation, and program planning.
17. Conduct senior-level field surveys, evaluations, and special studies, as directed.
18. Maintain security awareness and properly handle classified and controlled items and information.

TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.
2. Before or within 120 days of arriving at Post, completes the Contracting Officer's Representative courses (PA186-PA188) or the distance-learning (DL) course (PA296)
3. Within first two weeks of arriving at post completes PS800-Cybersecurity Awareness online training.
4. Within one month of arriving at post completes EX250 Annual Counterintelligence and Insider Threat Awareness Course for Cleared Americans.
5. Within one month of arriving at post completes PA454- Annual Ethics Training
6. Within one month of arriving at post completes PK400-Mandatory Training for Classifiers and Users of National Security Information.
7. Within one month of arriving at post completes PS801- Email at the Department of State
8. Within two months of arriving at post completes PK217- Records Management for Everyone.
9. Within first six months of arriving at Post completes PT176- Equal Employment Opportunity and Harassment Overview distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
10. Within the first six (6) months of arriving at post completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
11. Within first year of arriving at post completes distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI); PP420-Introduction to INL Program and Project Management, PP421- INL Financial Management, PP422- INL Contract Administration, Procurement, Policies and Procedures, PP425 Performance Monitoring and Evaluation and PP420- Writing Specific Objectives.
12. Consultations with the INL Western Hemisphere Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
US Embassy Bogota, Colombia. Regular travel to rural areas, small towns, and occasionally to large cities throughout Colombia is a requirement of this position. Many of these areas in Colombia are conflict zones where insurgent groups are based, criminal organizations operate, and crime is generally high. In addition, many of these areas in Colombia are tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, tropical insects and diseases, and minimal infrastructure.

RELATIONSHIPS
The Military Advisor will report to the Organized Crime and Counternarcotics Division Chief, and liaise and coordinate with INL/WHP staff in Washington, DC. The Military Advisor will provide general administrative and policy direction concerning overall program priorities and objectives, as well as work with INL/WHP to develop and manage programs and related issues. The Military Advisor will liaise with other agencies/governments active in the fields of policing, law enforcement, security assistance and cooperation, and with host government contacts. The Military Advisor will monitor interdiction projects in Colombia, analyzing their effectiveness and suggesting improvements. Coordinates closely with other INL PSC expert advisors, including but not limited to the Maritime Interdiction Advisor, the Police Interdiction Advisor, the Counternarcotics Program Advisor, and the Rural Security/Base Security Advisor.

The OCCN Division Chief will provide yearly performance evaluations for the Military Advisor's official yearly review.

COMPLEXITY
This position involves planning, organizing and completing financial and organizational analysis of enormous complexity. Due to the high visibility and political sensitivity of the issues in which INL Bogota is involved, there is extreme difficulty in identifying the nature of the issues and planning, organizing, and determining the scope and depth of studies/audits to be undertaken. The PSC is expected to address difficult scenarios by separating the substantive nature of the programs or issues into their components and determining the nature and magnitude of programs or issues, as well as in discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions.

SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
Guidelines consist of USG and Department of State acquisition regulations, and accepted legal principles and theories. In addition, the Advisor must be able to determine application of basic administrative policy statements concerning the issue or problem being studied. 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 Military Advisor is recognized as a substantive authority on overall management and/or interpretation of guidance on program and project planning and evaluation in a specialized area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security, and Medical clearances. Department of State Ethics clearance, if applicable.
2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution; and,
a. A minimum of ten (10) years related experience in the fields of military, security, and counternarcotics; or,
b. A high school degree with fifteen (15) years of experience in the fields of policing, security, and counternarcotics.
3. If former U.S. military or police, previous experience at grade O-4 or higher
4. Demonstrated five (5) years of experience abroad managing bilateral or multilateral military, counternarcotics, and security assistance programs.
5. Demonstrated experience in:
a. Developing and managing long-term security programs, including assessment, monitoring and evaluation;
b. Drafting related reports/documents, annual budgets, and strategic plan submissions;
c. Planning, strategizing, implementing and reporting on projects;
d. Drafting analytical briefing papers, memoranda, letters, and reports for review and/or signature by senior-level officials; and
e. Coordinating and working closely with the Department of State, the Department of Defense, United Nations and/or international community on security sector development programs.
6. Proven ability to work effectively with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives, in a timely and concise manner.
7. Excellent oral and written English (4/4) and Spanish (3/3) communication skills.
8. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
9. In-depth knowledge of military and training and operational activities, with a counternarcotics focus.
10. Knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and logistics management procedures.
11. At least three years of working in U.S. embassies overseas.
12. At least three years of substantive military, security, or law enforcement experience overseas in Colombia or another Latin American country.

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: Subject Matter Expertise (30 points)
Demonstrated relevant military, security and/or counternarcotics work experience, including: managing complex operations and projects, determining project requirements, implementing progress on projects, and reporting on projects. PREFERRED QUALIFICATION: Previous experience as a U.S. military officer at grade O-4 or higher.

Factor 2: Program Experience (20 points)
Experience and ability in managing foreign assistance programs to enhance security sector and/or law enforcement counternarcotics efforts in Latin America. Experience in preparing budgets, spend plans, statements of work (SOW), procurement orders, purchase requests, sole-source justification waiver requests. Programs could include capacity building for Latin American security forces, provision of equipment, training, mentoring, technical assistance, and academy development.

Factor 3: Communication (20 points)
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in both English and Spanish, 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 - 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)
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