Aviation Quality Control Advisor

*****UPDATE - Please review below. The proposal submission and question submission e-mail address has been updated. Please ensure all submissions are sent to the attention of Ms. Dominique Chittum.*****

*****UPDATE – There is a system issue preventing the receipt of some e-mails through the mailbox address provided. To ensure applications are received please add Ms. Dominique Chittum and Ms. Janette Dull on the CC line.

ChittumDA@state.gov and DullJR@state.gov*****

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: Aviation Quality Control Advisor  
Location: Bogota, Colombia
Salary Level:  FS-02 - $102,409 - $150,391 (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: February 12, 2026 
Closing date: February 26, 2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:  PSC-26-005-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:
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. 
3.    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.  
4.    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: 

U.S. Department of State, ATT: INL/SAO/IM PSC Team, Dominique Chittum ChittumDA@state.gov 

Sincerely,

Jamillah Timmons
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/SAO/IM PSC Team, Dominique Chittum

E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:

INL/SAO/IM PSC Team, Dominique Chittum

E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov

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

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT
Mission of the U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State’s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world. 

Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Arms Control and International Security (T) 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 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.  

This position is located in the U.S. Embassy/International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section (INL), Bogotá, Colombia. The position provides planning and management of the INL Bogota Aviation Program (INL/ARAVI) Quality Control Program and coordination of associated maintenance and logistics tasks, and also provides contract oversight for the Colombian National Police Aviation Sub-Directorate and its fleet of DOS/INL aircraft. The goals of INL/ARAVI in Colombia include the curtailment of the supply of illegal drugs from Colombia through the eradication of illicit coca crops, interdictions, the destruction of cocaine production laboratories, the disruption of drug trafficking activities, and other law enforcement operations.  

The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) position is to provide an Aviation Quality Control Advisor for INL/ARAVI that serves as in-country aviation coordinator and advisor to the INL/ARAVI program. The Advisor also provides oversight for an aviation program that includes both rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. The Advisor oversees quality control, aircraft conformance, and backstops/pit operations; conducts audits for conformity; develops and provides oversight of standard operating procedures for quality control, as  well as maintenance and logistics standard operation procedures that impact quality control; oversees the Configuration Control Board program to ensure air worthiness alignment with INL Air Wing (INL/ACB/A) and U.S. Army Aviation (AMCOM), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and appropriate authorities; and provides other expert advisement as needed for program implementation, direction, and execution oversight.  The PSC advises/oversees and assists in the development, coordination, and implementation of all aspects of aircraft and aircraft related equipment maintenance, Quality Control, Production Control, and logistical support systems, procedures and plans in support of counter-narcotics operations.  The PSC reviews, develops, implements, and contributes to a wide variety of plans, policies, and procedures for supporting INL/ARAVI assets and reports to the ARAVI Senior Aviation Advisor.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based Senior Aviation Advisor, the INL Aviation Quality Control Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Performs oversight and evaluation of contractor quality control, UH60 aircraft maintenance, maintenance training, and logistics programs, in coordination and collaboration with the Maintenance and Logistics Advisors.  
2.    Submits periodic written evaluations of the contractor’s activities to the Senior Aviation Advisor regarding contractor activities for inclusion in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) and Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).
3.    Assists the Senior Aviation Advisor in directing and coordinating both general fixed-wing and UH60 rotary wing quality control, maintenance, and logistical support to the Colombian Police Aviation Sub-Directorate.
4.    Develops, coordinates, organizes, and implements comprehensive aircraft maintenance and logistical support systems and procedures to ensure airworthiness compliance of the aircraft supported by the INL/ARAVI Program.  These operational systems and procedures include, but are not limited to, the Department of State Maintenance and Logistics Support Plans, Department of State Aviation Operations Directives, Department of State Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, Department of State Manuals, Office of Aviation Standard Operating Procedures for counter-narcotics operations in Colombia, and deployment procedures in support of host nation operations throughout Colombia. 
5.    Provides general direction and guidance to the contractor and host nation aviation maintenance and logistics personnel for the purpose of providing adequate assets in support of law enforcement missions, to include eradication of illicit crops, interdicting the flow of the finished narcotic products into the United States, and dismantling foreign terrorist organizations.  This activity includes, but is not limited to, planning and coordination with U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, other federal agencies, and host nation agencies for the purpose of providing maintenance and logistical support to the aerial eradication and interdiction operations.
6.    Assists in collection, review, and dissemination of data on aviation maintenance and logistics management policies/procedures in support of INL Bogota. 
7.    Oversees the Colombian National Police Maintenance Quality Assurance program.  Conducts analysis of recurring maintenance faults; provides recommendations for corrective actions.
8.    Serves as the ARAVI Program Federal Aviation Safety Assessment (FASA) lead inspector.
9.    When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
10.    Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1.    Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post.  
2.    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.
3.    Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.  
4.    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).
5.    Completes INL-relevant courses within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post:
•    PP420 INL Program and Project Management I
•    PP421 INL Financial Management
•    PP422 INL Contract Administration, Procurement Policies and Procedures
•    PP223 Managing Foreign Assistance Awards Overseas
•    PA222 Monitoring Grants and Cooperative Agreements
•    PP425 Foreign Assistance Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
•    PA392 ILMS Overseas Ariba Procurement

6.    Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR).
7.    Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is the Guaymaral Aviation Police Base in northern Bogota (near Chia) and at the U.S. 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 ARAVI Aviation Quality Control Advisor will serve as a principal advisor to ARAVI Program Manager and report directly to the ARAVI Senior Aviation Advisor for all matters related to Quality Control.  

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the ARAVI Senior Aviation Advisor 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  ARAVI Senior Aviation Advisor will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/SAO/IM Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

COMPLEXITY
1.    Assignments include analysis of all facets of aviation maintenance and logistics management and involve a fleet of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, which function within an integrated program of diverse counter-narcotics missions.  These missions include general aviation support, forward area aerial re-supply, replenishment, sustainment and host nation aviation training.
2.    The Advisor must apply specialized and professional knowledge to oversee maintenance, logistics, and aviation maintenance training.
3.    The Advisor oversees multi-national/multi-cultural maintenance and logistical support programs, and plans/policies/procedures for the INL/ARAVI program.  The Advisor coordinates recommendations from other INL/ARAVI advisors and the CNP, consults with the INL/ARAVI Program Manager and Senior Aviation Advisor regarding ongoing projects, provides guidance to contractor maintenance and logistics managers and host nation personnel, and oversees implementation of the maintenance and logistical support program.
4.    The Advisor performs continuous analysis of interrelated issues of effectiveness and efficiency affecting the INL/ARAVI Quality Control program that will improve aircraft safety and availability for aviation operations in support of the counter-narcotics mission.

SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS
The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex administrative/financial program spanning the full range of counternarcotics and counter-TCO/FTO programs in Colombia, which is 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
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 a Top Secret level may be required).
2.    Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution; or,
a.    Associates Degree with a minimum of five (5) years of related experience; or,
b.    A minimum of ten (10) years of related experience in the military, law enforcement, international development, international affairs, or public administration.
3.    A minimum of ten (10) years supervising or providing oversight of UH60 aircraft maintenance related activities in a large aviation organization and a minimum of three (3) years supervising or providing oversight of aircraft quality control activities in a large aviation organization.
4.    Demonstrated knowledge of Aviation Quality Control, Maintenance Test Pilot Training, and Standardization Programs, to include operating directives, training and standardization publications, aircrew training manuals, and related maintenance documents.
5.    Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. FAA regulations, including, but not limited to FAR Part 1, 61, 67, 91, 135, 137, 141, 143, and 830.  
6.    Demonstrated knowledge of general fixed wing and UH60 rotary wing aircraft quality control and maintenance test flight procedures, including capabilities, limitations, and record keeping requirements for aircraft.
7.    A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the formulation of plans and policies pertaining to aircraft maintenance management and unit level flight activities.  Should have a basic knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and aircraft maintenance procedures.
8.    Demonstrated basic knowledge of tactical employment of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft in a counter-narcotics operation, including capabilities, limitations, and techniques of employment of aircraft. 
9.    Professional working proficiency in Spanish language (reading/writing/speaking). 
10.    Experience as an aircraft maintenance manager and/or test pilot in a military or civil organization involved in the training and standardization of maintenance personnel and test pilots.
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:    Work Experience                             (23 Points)
Demonstrated experience and knowledge in developing, coordinating, organizing, and implementing comprehensive aircraft quality control, maintenance and logistical support systems and procedures.

Factor 2:    Oversight and Evaluation                     (23 points)
Demonstrated experience in performing oversight and evaluation of contractor aircraft quality control, maintenance, maintenance training, and logistics programs. Experience in INL aviation programs, policies, and procedures is highly desirable.

Factor 3:    Directing and Coordinating                    (24 points) 
Demonstrated experience in directing and coordinating fixed and rotary wing quality control and maintenance operations, and/or in managing quality control, maintenance, maintenance training, and logistical support for aviation programs. 

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 – 23
Factor #2 – 23
Factor #3 – 24
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 ($102,409 - $150,391 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