INL Management 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: INL Management Advisor Location: Quito, Ecuador 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: July 26, 2022 Closing date: August 10, 2022 Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. EST Solicitation Number: PSC-22-050-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 Brown U.S. Department of State INL/EX/GAPP contact@example.gov Sincerely, Jamie A. Goewey 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/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. The Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP) is part of INL. The Bureau is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination, and implementation of international narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice assistance programs for the Department of State. INL/WHP provides policy guidance and develops and monitors programs to address the full range of border, security, and justice sector issues. The areas addressed include institutional capacity building, professionalization of justice sector personnel through training initiatives, expanding legal aid services, fostering coordination within the criminal justice system, increasing public awareness and access to justice, construction, and remodeling of facilities, and improving the Ecuadoran justice and security systems throughout the country. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) Management Advisor is to serve as the management lead for INL Quito, which provides approximately $11 million in annual security and justice sector reform assistance in Ecuador. The position is responsible for implementing and overseeing INL management functions, including budget/finance, acquisition/procurement, logistics, human resources, facilities, internal controls, construction, end use monitoring, and information technology. The Management Advisor will also streamline management processes and develop and implement policies and new administrative changes required. In this capacity, the INL Management Advisor provides advisory services on wide?ranging administrative matters related to the management of INL Quito programs. The INL Management Advisor reports directly to and will receive taskings from the INL Quito Deputy Director. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Quito INL Deputy Director or his/her designee, the INL Management Advisor will perform the following duties: Serve as INL Quito's primary advisor on management and administrative issues, responsible for overseeing the section's budget/finance, acquisition/procurement, logistics, human resources, facilities, internal controls, construction, end use monitoring, and information technology functions. Be responsible for the overall resource management of INL Quito programs, including outyear budget planning, budget execution, accounting, financial reporting, and pipeline management for multiple fiscal years of active foreign assistance funding and Program Development and Support (PD&S). Ensure application of internal financial management controls. Lead and advise INL/Quito team on procurement strategies and issues, including preparation of documentation for procurement of technical services, training, and commodities; developing statements of work, independent government cost estimates, source origin waivers, bid solicitations, and related documents; coordinating projects with Contracting Officers; and providing management support through all phases of project execution including award, implementation, delivery/acceptance of items, donations to partner nation, monitoring, and project closeout. Manage large-scale contract mechanisms; serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for procurement initiatives, including construction projects; and ensure COR, Grants Officer Representative, and/or Agreement Officer Representative responsibilities are fulfilled. Manage the operations of five Locally Employed Staff (LES) and serve as the primary POC within INL Quito for third party contractors working on management functions. Coordinate annual performance reviews, tasking, training and mentoring, and other supervisory responsibilities for direct reports and to promote employee career development, professionalism, and efficiency. Exercise oversight of INL Quito human resource requirements, including developing statements of work, standard operating procedures, and Position Descriptions for new LES, TPC, and Eligible Family Member staff. As assigned, chair Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) providing all necessary reports and findings. Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in supervisory and human resources responsibilities. Oversee active INL construction projects, supervise the INL construction specialist, and provide subject matter expertise to the INL program managers on proposed INL-funded construction efforts for the Ecuadorian government. Provide feedback on the timelines for the design, architectural and engineering studies, review statements of work, and oversee subsequent project execution, and follow up on the status of individual projects, problem resolution, and coordination with contractors, Ecuadorian government architects/engineers, and INL program managers. Oversee implementation of robust end use monitoring (EUM) program in compliance with INL EUM standard operating policy/procedure and supervise LES EUM coordinator. Oversee development and implementation of EUM plan for INL donations, including defense articles and canines, that include inspection schedule, documentation in the Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS), completion of site visit reports and Annual End Use Monitoring Report. Lead the administration of records management, document of defense article disposals, and retirement of items past their useful life. Ensure INL-provided assistance is utilized effectively and no fraud, waste, or mismanagement occurs in the program through continuous oversight, accountability, and end use monitoring. Ensure INL Quito exercises effective management and internal controls over USG resources and remains in compliance with INL and State Department management policies and regulations. Ensure that INL Quito leadership and the Embassy Front Office receives timely advice, information, and reporting on management issues that affect INL to ensure that policy decisions are fully informed. Assist with developing and implementing bilateral letters of agreement, standard operating policies and procedures, budget plans, and other management documents, as assigned. Establish and maintains close working relationships with key Embassy Management POCs (General Services Officer, Management Section, Financial Management Officer, Diplomatic Security, Human Resources, Med Unit ) to advance INL equities and represents INL at Embassy Management-related meetings. Liaise with INL Washington to ensure regular coordination of objectives, key issues, and obstacles related to INL Quito management processes and functions. Prepare, coordinate, and ensure the timely issuance of both one-time and periodic reports on the various management and budget issues and identifies potential challenges and suggests possible solutions. 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 Complete the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. Complete 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. Complete the INL Orientation course, INL Management Overseas training (if available), and relevant acquisition and administrative courses as necessary. Complete Financial Management Training offered by FSI - Modules will be selected by INL/WHP. Complete appropriate Human Resources Training determined by supervisor and offered by FSI. Complete the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT610) prior to deployment to Post. Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance is the U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador. While the Management Advisor will be based in Quito, frequent travel within Ecuador for meetings, conferences, activity reviews, field inspections, and program evaluations will be required. In addition, occasional travel to other countries in the region and the United States may be required. RELATIONSHIPS The Management Advisor will report to the U.S. Embassy Quito INL Section's (INL Quito) Deputy Director and works closely with INL Quito's program managers and specialists responsible for developing and implementing INL programs and INL/WHP. The Management Advisor reports to and receives broad policy guidance and general direction from the INL Deputy Director. The Management Advisor proceeds independently in planning and implementing many aspects of organizational, project, and logistical operations, coordinating with the INL Quito team and INL/WHP. The Management Advisor's actions, decisions, and recommendations are reviewed based on results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations. The INL Quito Deputy 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. 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 & 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 Ecuador, which is of significant interest to the public and to the U.S. Congress. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security, medical clearances, and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required). Bachelor's Degree from an accredited U.S. institution in Management, International Affairs/Development, Project Management, Business, Public Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related field. A minimum six (6) years of experience related to project management in international development and/or international affairs, of which three (3) of those years were in a supervisory capacity with a multi-cultural environment to include the full range of management skills, such as mentoring and counseling subordinates. Minimum of seven (7) years of experience related to management of administrative issues, including budget/finance, acquisition/procurement, logistics, human resources, facilities, internal controls, construction, end use monitoring, and/or information technology functions. Demonstrated ability in managing program resources and working independently on projects and issues within overall policy guidelines. Demonstrated experience in communicating and liaising with a wide variety of governmental, public, and private sector entities, as well as with local community groups. Demonstrated experience working in an interagency environment. A minimum of five (5) years of experience summarizing information and writing in a professional setting. Demonstrated ability to adjust application of management and administrative best practices, lessons learned, and international norms to an overseas environment. Demonstrated superior communications skills, oral and written, in English and Spanish. EVALUATION CRITERIA (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 international work experience managing diverse teams responsible for a variety of complex management and administrative functions, including resource management, procurement, human resources, logistics, construction, and/or end use monitoring. FACTOR 2: Program Experience (25 points) Experience preparing budgets, acquisition plans, statements of work, procurement orders, purchase requests, and a variety of reports on sensitive management/administration issues. Demonstrated experience providing authoritative management advice on resolving complex management issues, including researching and evaluating the issues, determining applicable precedents, recommending innovative strategies to leadership, and implementing the most effective approach. 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. Demonstrated supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience interacting with senior level officials in an international setting. 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, 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