Contracting Officer Representative - West Bank/Palestine

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: Contracting Officer Representative - West Bank/Palestine Location: Jerusalem, Israel Salary Level: FS-02 - $91,475 - $134,334 (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: September 06, 2022 Closing date: September 20, 2022 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number: PSC-22-061-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: Form SF 171 (Completed and signed) Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include: 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. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. 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. 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 received that are relevant to each Factor. 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: Samantha D. Brown U.S. Department of State INL/EX/GAPP contact@example.gov 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): Form SF 171 (Completed and signed) Resume Evaluation Factor Responses 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/Samantha D. Brown E-mail: contact@example.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Samantha D. Brown E-mail: contact@example.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): 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. INL's Office of Africa and the Middle East (AME) develops and manages criminal justice sector reform programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues in both regions. INL/AME, and Post and INL personnel in Jerusalem, administer U.S. government assistance to the Palestinian Authority in order to develop its criminal justice sector, reform its security sector, and disrupt transnational organized crime. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the new position of Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at Embassy Jerusalem. The COR will provide project analysis and oversight of multiple criminal justice and security sector development projects in West Bank/Palestine, and be responsible for all Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Grants Officer Representative (GOR), and Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) functions. The COR also will provide monitoring and evaluation, property end use monitoring, and accountability for the oversight of equipment, technical assistance, training, and other foreign assistance to West Bank/Palestine. The COR must be able to work rapidly, responding promptly to multiple and evolving priorities in a difficult and demanding environment. The position requires criminal justice sector experience, contracting and grants expertise, and foreign assistance knowledge to enable the incumbent to address deficiencies in contractor performance, adherence to foreign assistance objectives and restrictions, and project management. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the INL Director or his/her designee, the COR will perform the following duties: Assess implementer capacity and performance and advises post officials and INL/AME regarding contractors, grantees, and other INL implementing partners ability to address current and future law enforcement and criminal justice programming in West Bank/Palestine. Liaise with and assists Palestinian Authority officials in identifying project performance issues or adjustments needed to active or future projects to meet mission objectives. Acts as liaison between these entities and components of the U.S. Mission. Analyze program needs for acquisition support, as well as to define, draft, and document scopes of work, plans, schedules, site-specific considerations, work requirements, milestones, and operational activities for a variety of support contracts and implementing mechanisms. Advises program managers in developing clear, accurate, and detailed contractual requirements. Identify any gaps in support of program requirements and make recommendations on solutions. Coordinate annual acquisition reporting requirements for INL (e.g., the End-Use Monitoring Report, etc.). Helps administer and monitor the expenditure of funds provided to implementers. Prepares program documentation and procurement requirements for criminal justice assistance projects. Helps prepare regular reporting, including monthly status reports, to INL/AME. Ensure effective coordination of INL assistance to the Palestinian Authority and, when required, the Government of Israel. Maintain and establish appropriate internal management control systems. Ensure that INL programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement. Helps manage and monitor the use of all U.S.-provided commodities. Maintain security awareness and properly handles classified and controlled items and information. Secure/recommend approval, for deviations from approved budgets, plans, schedules, scopes of work, and document the changes accordingly. Identifies areas for program cost savings and makes appropriate recommendations. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. SPECIFIC COR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES COR, responsibilities shall include the following: Oversee acquisition management and COR/GOR/AOR responsibilities in criminal justice sector programs in the West Bank/Palestine, including law enforcement support, prosecutorial reform, transnational organized crime, rule of law, counternarcotics, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and countering the financing of terrorism, as appropriate. The COR will draw on project management and foreign assistance expertise to achieve U.S, government objectives. Oversee the development and implementation of a series of contractor reports that ensure a regular flow of management information regarding contract activities among all concerned parties, including contractors, program offices/officers, and INL's senior management team. Serve as a technical advisor to INL on contract terms and conditions and performance requirements. Provide assessments of contractor progress as requested. Review and approve contractor invoices for assigned contracts and task orders. Conduct analyses of spending trends in order to ensure compliance with spending plans and to anticipate potential funding issues. Initiates action to promptly resolve funding issues. Approve contractor procurement requests within the authority delegated by the CO. Serves as property administrator for the assigned contracts when delegated by the CO. Coordinate with program offices and contracting officer (CO) to ensure uninterrupted support on contracted activities, through timely execution of contract options or solicitations. Monitor implementers progress and performance to assure compliance with all contract/acquisition terms and conditions. Provides input to program/project officers to ensure that rigorous surveillance of contractor/implementer activities is being exercised, in coordination with the INL Director. Review, evaluate, and document contractor/implementer performance in relation to contract/acquisition requirements, including conducting progress reviews and providing appropriate approvals. Know and understand the terms and provision of the contract. Develop, implement and ensure compliance with contract administration processes, including invoice submission/review, payment authorization, verification of receiving reports, quality assurance/surveillance, deliverables receipt and acceptance, project file and COR contract document maintenance. Recommend solutions or corrective action to resolve any problems that interfere with contract/acquisition progress and with the completion of projects according to contract/acquisition requirements. In those cases where problems cannot be resolved within the incumbent's scope of authority, makes recommendations to INL management and the CO/GO/AO on appropriate corrective actions and implements those actions upon approval. Ensure the Government meets its contractual/acquisition obligations to the Contractor, e.g., providing Government furnished equipment and services and timely Government review and approval of documents if such reviews are required by the contract/acquisition. Conduct site visits to check on the work of the contractor/implementer to ensure contract/agreement compliance. Facilitate the flow of accurate and timely information among stakeholders, including organizing, hosting, and documenting project meetings. Coordinate with program/project officers and designated contractor/implementer representatives on all technical matters that arise in the administration of the assigned contracts, agreements and task orders; providing clarifications regarding contract/acquisition technical requirements, including inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures. Complete Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for all assigned contracts and task orders following completion of periods of performance. Maintain all contract and task order files in compliance with applicable policies and guidelines. ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS The PSC shall be subject to the ethics rules applicable to Department of State employees under 5 CFR Part 2635 (Standards of ethical conduct for employees of the Executive Branch), 2 FAM 700 (Ethics), and 3 FAM 8610 (Domestic Staff Employment) and 4170 (Official Clearance of Speaking, Writing and Teaching). Contractor shall also be subject to 5 CFR Part 2637 (regulations concerning post-employment conflicts of interest). Conditions for Contracting Prior to Receipt of Ethics Clearance: The Contractor may commence work prior to the completion of the ethics clearance. The Contractor shall not perform Contracting Officer Representative functions until clearance received. Further, if Contractor does not obtain ethics clearance within 30 days of commencing work, this contract may be terminated in accordance with paragraph (a) (2) of General Provision 16 of this contract. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES This position requires a minimum of FAC-COR Level II. The FSI Administrative Procedures Handbook provides the required training and experience requirements to obtain the FAC-COR Certification. The PSC must have all the requisite experience for obtaining a FAC-COR Level II in accordance with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Training Requirements of the FSI Administrative Procedures Handbook prior to coming on board but will be granted 30 days to take the Department of State specific online or in-person training to receive a DOS FAC-COR Level II Certificate. The PSC must acquire FAC-COR Level III certification within one year of coming on board. Obtains required Grants Officer Representative (GOR) Certification within 90 days of arriving at Post. The PSC must have all the requisite experience for obtaining GOR certification but will be granted 90 days to take the Department of State specific online or in-person training to receive a DOS GOR Certificate. 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). Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT650) prior to deployment to Post. If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS US Embassy Jerusalem. See Attachment A for Embassy Jerusalem Travel Policy. Medical Clearances may be necessary. RELATIONSHIPS The COR will report to the INL Director in Jerusalem, and liaise and coordinate with INL/AME staff in Washington, DC. The COR will provide project oversight and acquisition analysis, as well as work with INL/AME to develop and manage programs and related issues. The COR will liaise with other agencies/governments active in the fields of rule of law and administration of justice, and with host government contacts. The COR will monitor INL projects in West Bank/Palestine, analyzing their effectiveness, adherence to their contract, grant, or letter of agreement, and suggesting modifications and improvements. The COR will present these approaches to INL/AME for discussion and final approval. The Jerusalem INL Director 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. COR/GOR AUTHORITIES AND LIMITATIONS After obtaining the required FAC-COR and GOR Certifications, the Contracting and Grants Officers will designate in writing, the position of COR and/or GOR, to take certain actions under the contract(s) and grant(s) requiring oversight. The designation memorandum will specify the scope and limitations of the authority to be delegated. The COR/GOR/AOR is delegated the authority to act for the Contracting Officer/Grants Officer in matters concerning technical clarification, inspection and, after concurrence by the Contracting Officer/Grants Officer, acceptance of Contractor/Grantee performance under the contract/grant, including preparation of receiving reports, and the authorization of progress payments when appropriate. The COR/GOR will coordinate all work with the Contractor/Grantee and review performance at significant stages of its development. The COR/GOR will be responsible for: Developing a strong working relationship with the Contracting Officer/Grants Officer Promptly notifying the Contracting Officer/Grants Officer in writing of any noncompliance or deviation in performance or failure to make progress Maintaining constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract/grant terms on part of the Contractor/Grantee Knowing and understanding the terms and provisions of the contract/grant Knowing the scope and limitations of the COR/GOR position's authority Using good judgment, skill and reasonable care in the exercise of the COR/GOR position's authority Protecting privileged and sensitive procurement and award information If appropriate, periodically visiting the Contractor/Grantee's workplace Serving as the property administrator for the contract(s) assigned Establishing and maintaining adequate COR/GOR files Preparing performance assessments for input into the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and other systems In no instance, however, shall the COR/GOR be authorized to alter or modify the specifications or the contract/grant terms and the conditions or waive the government's requirement, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions. Such changes must be authorized, in writing, to the Contracting Officer/Grants Officer. DELIVERABLES/REPORTS Deliverables are required under this PSC and shall include; monthly status reports, monthly evaluation of contractor/grantee performance, special reports when required and "Completion of assignment report," which shall be a compressive review of the projects in which the contractor/grantee was involved. Each report shall include a critique of and recommendations for the various projects. The completions of assignment reports are due no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of this contract. The Personal Service Contractor shall submit two (2) copies of each report as required to the following; INL/POST Director(s) and; INL/Program Officer Per FAR Part 4, the above referenced documents shall be incorporated and copies stored in the PSC's hard file under Section V.; Tab E - Receiving Reports. The Contractor shall prepare and submit two copies of each technical report required by the schedule of this contract (e.g., progress reports, final reports, etc.), to the Embassy INL Section and to the Program Officer, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Department of State Washington, DC. The title page of all reports forwarded pursuant to this paragraph shall include a descriptive title, the author's name(s), contract number, project number, and title, contractor's name, name of the State Department project office, and the publication or issuance date of the report. When preparing reports, the Contractor shall refrain from using elaborate artwork, multicolor printing, and expensive paper/binding, unless it is specifically authorized in the Contract Schedule. Wherever possible, pages should be printed on both sides using single spaced type. 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 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 The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex administrative/financial program spanning the full-range of citizen safety, law enforcement, rule of law, and counternarcotics programs in the West Bank/Palestine, 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 U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret security, Medical (if applicable) and Ethics clearances. (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required). A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, and a minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience, of which three (3) years should be directly related to performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight for INL or similar government-funded programs. A minimum of a Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level II Certification, with at least three (3) years of experience in overseeing contracts related to support programs. Demonstrated experience in contract execution, including drafting Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals, Independent Government Cost Estimates, and evaluating responses. Demonstrated experience in contract management, including the drafting and modification of Statements of Work, contract modifications, verifying expenditures and exercising contract options. Demonstrated knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Demonstrated knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Experience analyzing and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems, considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Demonstrated experience briefing and engaging with senior government and industry officials. Demonstrated experience with foreign assistance. 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 (25 Points) Demonstrated experience in providing contractor oversight on high dollar contracts, ensuring contractor requirements are being fulfilled per the Statement of Work and other deliverables; evaluating and documenting contractor performance, especially through a well-developed Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Demonstrated work experience in managing complex projects which include determining and validating requirements, implementing progress on projects, as well as reporting on contractor/grantee performance. Factor 2: Acquisition Experience (25 points) Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets, advance acquisition plans (AAP), statements of work (SOW), notice of funding opportunities (NOFOs), procurement orders, invoice review, purchase requests, end-use-monitoring, sole-source justification waiver requests. Factor 3: Management & Communication Experience (20 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, 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 - 25 Factor #2 - 25 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 ($91,475 - $134,334 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