INL Program Manager

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 Program Manager 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: February 23, 2022 Closing date: March 09, 2022 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number: PSC-22-018-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. The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Section at the U.S. Embassy in Panama City is the principal coordinator for law enforcement and criminal justice training and institutional development. INL Panama develops, executes, and monitors programs to address the full range of criminal justice issues as they relate to international development. The Program Manager oversees several of INL Panama's programs while fostering cross-program synergies and coordination and improving institutional capacity. The Program Manager will make recommendations to adjust those programs within the rubric of current U.S. assistance, the INL Functional Bureau Strategy, Embassy Panama's Integrated Country Strategy, and Panamanian national security strategies. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill a Program Manager position in the Embassy Panama INL Section. The Program Manager will oversee a variety of INL programs, which may include activities in the areas of rule of law, combating corruption, justice sector reform, anti-financial crime, cybercrime, forensics, and corrections. The Program Manager must be able to work independently on projects and issues within overall policy guidelines; manage programs and employees; and carry out strategic planning, resource management, budgeting, oversight, and evaluation activities in a foreign environment and promote U.S. interests with host government officials. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES Under the direct supervision of the Panama-based INL Director or his/her designee, the Program Manager will perform the following duties: Oversee and advise on implementation of various INL programs, which may include activities in the areas of rule of law, combating corruption and impunity, institutional capacity and organizational reform, counternarcotics, justice sector reform, anti-financial crime, anti-money laundering, asset forfeiture, cybercrime, forensics, and corrections. The Program Manager will coordinate these activities with the INL Bureau and within Panama, to include U.S. Government agencies operating in Panama, international organizations, third-country governments, and the appropriate Government of Panama (GOP) stakeholders. Develop a plan of assistance promoting effective policies and procedures to advance U.S. interests in the Panamanian judiciary, prosecutors office, and forensic agency. Establish collaborative partnerships with all levels of host-country government officials, helping INL and the Panamanian government accomplish identified goals and objectives. Assist the Panamanian judiciary, prosecutors office, and forensic agency in developing best practices to implement, oversee, and coordinate efforts to achieve U.S. policy objectives. Identify Panamanian government training needs and execute capacity-building options, searching for the most relevant courses in Latin America or the United States. Build capacity-enhancement projects focused on strengthening Panama's ability to disrupt organized crime and fight corruption. Provide advisory and capacity-enhancement assistance to the Panamanian government through appropriate advisors, training, and agreements in order to establish strong and professional criminal justice institutions (e.g., forensic labs, judicial academy, cybercrime, prison system) that follow established policies, procedures, and systems required to operate in a challenging global environment. Assess Panamanian government, civil society, and private-sector capabilities to respond to security, law enforcement, and rule of law challenges; make recommendations on effective strategies. Work with the Panamanian government on action plans to address capacity deficits that prevent the government from effectively addressing key U.S. policy priorities. Ensure that plans are sufficiently comprehensive to cover all aspects of citizen security, including prosecution of cases, judicial effectiveness and transparency, and effective messaging to the public. Draft, review, and make recommendations on program proposals, implementing agreements, policies, and initiatives that will support Panamanian security, rule of law, and stability. Assist and advise the INL Director and Deputy Director on high-level coordination and strategic planning meetings with Panamanian authorities. Ensure all projects in his/her portfolio are in line with the objectives and terms established in the Letters of Agreement, the INL Functional Bureau Strategy, and the Mission Panama Integrated Country Strategy. Advise and assist in procuring technical services, training, and commodities; and provide appropriate assistance in procurement actions, including drafting source-origin waivers, bid solicitations, and scopes of work, and coordinate the delivery and acceptance of items procured. Manage and implement all necessary logistics to facilitate project implementation in support of INL programs, including coordination with INL advisors and representatives of other U.S. Government agencies. Prepare an annual budget plan for the assigned projects. Directly supervise one to three locally engaged staff (LES) and oversee the work of six to 12 third-party contractors (TPCs). Plan and implement program activities in his/her portfolio to include policy, training, and inter-ministerial coordination. Ensure adequate support'including training, vetting, logistics support for program activities, acquisitions, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and other efforts as needed'for all programs in his/her portfolio. Draft reports (including updates for Washington and the Embassy Executive Office on program activities), documents, and memoranda. Coordinate with the GOP, civil society, and potential donors in the international community to further the success of his/her INL programs. Review, make recommendations on, and forward for approval to the INL Director program proposals, program training plans and initiatives, and training curricula. Provide policy analysis and program guidance on issues and strategies. Develop and track performance evaluation measures, including program milestones, key performance indicators, outcome measures, and output measures for all programs in his/her portfolio. Administer an annual budget of approximately $5 million, ensuring that all allotted funds are spent prior to their cancellation, in accordance with Federal law and Department of State regulations, and in the most effective and efficient manner to accomplish the goals of the Mission Panama Integrated Country Strategy and the INL Functional Bureau Strategy. 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 Grants Officer Representative (PY261) 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 (OT650) prior to deployment to Post. If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS US Embassy Panama City, Panama. The Program Manager will occasionally travel to regions of Panama outside the capital to visit programs in his/her portfolio and to the United States for consultations, conferences, or training. RELATIONSHIP The Program Manager will report to the INL Director or his/her designee at U.S. Embassy Panama. The Program Manager will consult and coordinate with key personnel that might be germane to the INL programs under his or her supervision. These may include key personnel such as the regional advisors of the U.S. Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) and International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) program and other INL Panama personnel. The Program Manager will directly supervise one to three locally engaged staff (LES) and oversee the work of eight to 12 third-party contractors (TPCs). The Contract Administrator is INL in Washington and shall be the INL Contracting Officer. In no instance shall the Panama City INL Director or Deputy Director 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 Panama City INL Director or 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 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 Panama, 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. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and Department of State Ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required). Demonstrated Spanish language ability at or above the FSI 3/3 level and English language ability at or above the FSI 4/4 level. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated management experience related to citizen security, law enforcement, international development, international affairs, political science, project management, justice reform, rule of law, and/or public administration. Demonstrated ability to work independently on projects and issues within overall policy guidelines. A minimum of five (5) years of second-line (or higher) supervisory/management experience at a GS-14 level or its equivalent level for other federal, state, or local agencies. Demonstrated experience working in institutional reform efforts and program management. Demonstrated experience in management roles that include strategic planning, resource management, budgeting, oversight, and evaluation. Demonstrated experience managing criminal justice projects in a foreign country, including promoting U.S. interests with host government officials, ensuring sustainability of projects through supervision of appropriate training and maintenance, and the ability to integrate competing needs of U.S. and Panamanian agencies with the long-term capacity building of Panamanian institutions. Demonstrated experience working and/or coordinating with other relevant U.S. Government agencies (e.g., USAID, Departments of Justice, Defense, Homeland Security, etc.), international institutions (e.g., United Nations, Inter-American Development Bank, etc.), and foreign government entities. 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: Program Management (30 points) Demonstrated knowledge of program management policies, concepts, budgeting practices, and principles in order to analyze, develop, monitor, evaluate and implement programs in line with U.S. Government objectives. Demonstrated program management experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating capacity-building programs. Factor 2: Diplomatic & Work Experience (20 points) Demonstrated experience in coordinating with U.S. Government agencies, security units, international organizations, and/or private sector entities working toward a common goal. Demonstrated superior negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, especially in culturally sensitive situations. Factor 3: Management & Leadership (20 points) Demonstrated successful supervisory and leadership experience in a multi-cultural environment, including ability to provide sound and timely decisions regarding policies and procedures. Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team and interact effectively with a wide range of U.S. and foreign national personnel at all levels of an organization and with officials of a foreign government. BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Offeror Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 30 Factor #2 - 20 Factor #3 - 20 Total Possible - 70 Points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under the contract. In conducting the evaluation, the U.S. government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources. Total Possible Points: 100 The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. INL will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an applicant has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, INL reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. COMPENSATION (BASE PAY) 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