Deputy Senior Aviation Advisor

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: Deputy Senior Aviation Advisor (DSAA) Location: Panama City, Panama 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: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Closing date: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. EST Solicitation Number: PSC-23-007-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: Cecille Washington U.S. Department of State INL/EX/GAPP contact@example.gov Sincerely, Katelynn E. 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 Offeror's 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/Cecille D. Washington E-mail: contact@example.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Cecille D. Washington 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. The Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP) is devoted to carrying out INL's mission in the Western Hemisphere by working with INL Sections and Narcotics Affairs Officers in US Embassies throughout the Hemisphere. In addition, INL works with other United States Government agencies (such as the Department of Justice and the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy) and international organizations (including the Organization of American States Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission) to ensure the most efficient coordination of policy and program implementation. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to support INL/Panama as the deputy in-country aviation advisor. The Deputy Senior Aviation Advisor (DSAA) is responsible for providing aviation expertise, program implementation, direction, and execution oversight of DOS aviation support for host nation Counternarcotics (CN) and counter Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) efforts. The DSAA will evaluate training and operational effectiveness of in-country Department of State (DOS) and Government of Panama (GOP) programs, with special focus on aviation support for interdiction operations, ensuring all programs retain operational and logistical integrity. The Deputy Senior Aviation Advisor in coordination with the SAA shall provide support to the DOS and GOP aviation support efforts. The incumbent will also monitor and evaluate aviation support services contractor's performance, in safety, maintenance, operations, and logistics. In the absence of the Senior Aviation Advisor (SAA), the DSAA may act on the behalf of the SAA, when designated. Additionally, Deputy Senior Aviation Advisor shall support the SAA with program implementation, direction, execution, and oversight of DOS aviation support for host nation CN counternarcotics (CN)and counter-transnational criminal organization (TCO) efforts. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the INL/Panama Director and Senior Aviation Advisor for the INL Panama Aviation Program or their designee, the Deputy Senior Aviation Advisor will perform the following duties: Oversee INL-Panama aviation program support and liaise with the GOP aviation units for the purposes of conducting safety, logistics, maintenance, operations, and aircrew training. Coordinate and deconflict inter-institutional challenges, in consultation with the SAA. Perform oversight and evaluation of contractor operations. Submit weekly written reports of the contractor's performance and GOP activities to INL's Office of Aviation (INL/A) and INL/Panama. Ensure compliance with INL/A Operations and Safety Directives, Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization and the respective Aircraft Training Manuals by personnel from INL Panama, the U.S. Contractor and the Panamanian INL/SENAN (National Air and Naval Service) Helicopter Unit that combined, comprise the INL Panama Aviation Nationalization Program. Assist in the management of all facets of aviation operations involving a fleet of United States Government (USG) rotary wing tactical aircraft which function within an integrated program supporting diverse counter-narcotics missions. These missions include tactical transport, interdiction, border security, humanitarian assistance, logistics, resupply, replenishment, sustainment, and host nation aviation training. Perform contract oversight as a Government Technical Monitor (GTM), on all aspects of the INL/A Aviation Support Services Contract currently in force in accordance with DoS Contract Administration Procedures. Assist in keeping the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) informed by submitting reports as required regarding the Contractor's performance and activities and providing comprehensive trimester award term input evaluating contractor performance. Oversee contractor performance in supporting aviation maintenance, operations, training, logistics, and safety programs for the INL-SENAN Helicopter Unit. Assist the SAA and INL with developing, coordinating, organizing, and implementing comprehensive operational systems and procedures for the INL Panama Aviation program. These operational systems and procedures include, but are not limited to, the Aircrew Training Programs, INL/A Program Directives, Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, and Standard Operating Procedures for counter-narcotics operations in Panama. Implement INL/A programs affecting flight regulations, aviation training and standardization, and aircrew training, as well as maintenance and logistics oversight in accordance with INL/A directives or generally accepted international standards. Collect and review data on aviation tactics, techniques, and employment focusing on safety and program improvement. Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of INL/A and INL Panama current policies, procedures, and rules that pertain to INL aviation operations. Prepare, coordinate, and ensure the standardization of aviation support contractor pilots and INL-SENAN pilots operating from multiple forward operating locations. Coordinate with the INL-SENAN Helicopter Unit the aircraft and personnel deployments within Panama required to support the unit's training, support missions, and other missions authorized by the Chief of Mission. Monitor the training of aircrew and aviation maintenance and support personnel for the INL-SENAN Helicopter Unit provided by the Contractor. Assist in Aviation Program budget formulation and execution, program planning, definition of aviation procurement requirements, and preparation of related program and procurement documentation. Assist in the end use monitoring of aviation commodities provided to the host government by the USG. As necessary, conduct field survey, evaluations, and special requirement studies. Assist the SAA in facilitating high-level interagency coordination among the U.S. Embassy agencies involved in counter-narcotics operations and support to the Panamanian security forces, and other agencies as required. Recommends programming, training, equipment, and other purchases by INL Panama in furtherance of the goal of gradually transitioning from INL support to a GOP organic capability that can assume primary responsibility for CN aviation operations. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. 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. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT610) prior to deployment to Post. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance is the U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama. Occasional travel within Panama, to other countries in the region, and to the U.S. may be required. RELATIONSHIPS The Deputy Senior Aviation Advisor will report to the Senior Aviation Advisor, with supervision from the INL Panama Director and works closely with other INL Panama program heads, INL/A, and the various offices and agencies of the U.S. Embassy Panama. The DSAA reports to and receives broad policy guidance and general direction from the Senior Aviation Advisor. The DSAA shall proceed independently upon advisement from the SAA, with coordinating safety, operational, logistics, and maintenance issues with the senior personnel of the INL-SENAN Helicopter Unit. The DSAA must cultivate and maintain cordial and professional relationships with personnel of all grades belonging to the INL-SENAN Helicopter Unit. These relationships will include contacts at the working level and up to deputy ministers. The INL Panama SAA will provide yearly performance reviews to INL/EX/GAPP Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent's official yearly review. COMPLEXITY This position involves meeting with Government of Panama officials, analyzing, assessing, planning, organizing, and implementing complex counter-narcotics and border security aviation operations in Panama. The position also involves, a fleet of rotary wing and fixed wing aircrafts, that function within an integrated program with diverse missions. Decisions involve working directly with the host nation to build its capability to operate fixed and rotary-wing platforms in security operations; coordinating sensitive, complex issues affecting aviation operations and maintenance; and understanding the oversight of the maintenance and logistics practices required under INL Panama program objectives. 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 aviation program. The PSC should be experienced in resolving and analyzing interrelated assignment issues for effectiveness and efficiency affecting the aviation program and improving flight safety aviation operations in support of the INL Functional Bureau Strategy and the U.S. Embassy Panama Integrated Country Strategy. 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 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 TS level may be required.) Bachelor's Degree from an accredited U.S. institution in a relevant area (military science, law enforcement, international development, international affairs, or public administration) The requirement for a bachelor's degree may be substituted for an associate degree with an additional five (05) years of related experience; or An additional ten (10) years related experience. A minimum of one (01) year of experience with U.S. Government contracting and demonstrated knowledge of Department of Defense or DOS Foreign Assistance contracting preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing DoD, Federal and/or civilian aviation training programs, aviation directives training publications, and other related documents. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, including, but not limited to FAR Part 1, 61, 67, 91, 135, 137, 141, 143, and NTSB 830. Demonstrated knowledge of tactical employment of rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft in a CN environment. Demonstrated and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a military or civilian aircraft pilot. Demonstrated experience as an operations officer/manager in a military or civilian organization involved in, the tactical employment of aircraft in a high threat environment. A minimum of two (02) years of experience in the formulation of plans and policies and procedures pertaining to operations and unit level training activities. Demonstrated knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and flight operations procedures. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with host-nation security organizations to further program objectives in a timely and concise manner. Demonstrated experiences and ability with negotiating, interpersonal and managerial skills. Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish and English at the professionally proficient level. Project Management Professional Certification strongly desired. Experience with DoD Foreign Assistance and Foreign Military Sales strongly desired. FAA Airframe and Powerplant License desired. 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: Contract Oversight (20 Points) Demonstrated knowledge of contract oversight and evaluation of contractor maintenance, training, and safety programs. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in evaluating and recommending approval/disapproval of waivers to established policies, procedures, and regulations. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in preparing and coordinating periodic reports on contractor performance, both orally and in writing, and preparing comprehensive award term input. Demonstrated knowledge in providing maintenance, training and safety program direction and guidance to the contractor. Factor 2: Direct and Coordinate Actions (25 points) Demonstrated ability to direct and coordinate contractor and host nation personnel to meet program goals and requirements. Coordinate and schedule aircraft and aircraft support operations with host nation counterparts for the purpose of general aviation, counter-TCO aviation operations, and counter-narcotics support to include logistics/resupply, medical evacuation, and the training and standardization of aircrew and maintenance personnel for the program. Factor 3: Program Management and Administration (25 points) Demonstrated experience in aviation program management practices, knowledge and use of regulations and guidelines, budget development and monitoring, interacting 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 advising 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 - 20 Factor #2 - 25 Factor #3 - 25 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, GS-14 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