Maritime Interdiction 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: Maritime Interdiction Advisor
Location: Bogota, Colombia
Salary Level:  FS-02 - $102,409-$150,391 (Equivalent GS-14)
Period of performance: The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions.
Issuance Date: July 9, 2026
Closing Date: July 15, 2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:  PSC-26-035-INL
Job description:  See below

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The Department of State is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services for the subject position under a personal services contract, as described in this solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1.    Form SF-171 (Completed and signed)
2.    Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include:
a.    Paid a non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for any overseas experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. 
b.    Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
c.    Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). 
d.    Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. 
e.    U.S. Citizenship
Note: Resume must contain explicit information to make a valid determination that the candidate meets the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information needs to be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 
3.    Evaluation Factor document specifically addressing:  Each of the Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation below. Responses must be limited to 500 words per Evaluation Factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. 
Note: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have receive that are relevant to each Factor.  
4.    Professional References:  Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references.  

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Complete applications must be emailed to: 

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

Sincerely,

Deborah Dietzel
Contracting Officer, U.S. Department of State

SUBJECT
A solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The United States Government (USG), represented by the DOS, seeks applications from US citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in this solicitation. 

PRE-AWARD ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PSC (JUN 2011)
This solicitation may result in the award of one or more personal services contracts as defined in FAR 2.101.  Prior to contract award, all offerors or quotes must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have a personal conflict of interest, such as a financial conflict, that would prevent them from either meeting the requirements of the clause entitled, “Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractors,” or otherwise objectively performing their contractual duties upon contract award.  

HOW TO APPLY
Offerors proposal shall be in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation at the place and time specified.  A proposal will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for consideration unless all required documents and information are included in the submission.  Offerors shall ensure their resume demonstrates their possession of the minimum qualifications outlined in this Solicitation, as well as their ability to fulfill all required duties.  The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred by the offeror during the solicitation process.    

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION 

This solicitation in no way obligates the Department of State to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit the Department of State to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages (additional pages will not be accepted or reviewed): 
1.    Form SF-171 (Completed and signed)
2.    Resume  
3.    Evaluation Factor Responses
4.    Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references.  

Note: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. Additional documents submitted beyond the requirements will not be accepted or reviewed. 

*** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Veteran’s preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NONDISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
Equal employment opportunity policy - The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/SAO/IM PSC Team
E-mail: INLPSCTeam@state.gov 

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/SAO/IM PSC Team
E-mail: INLPSCTeam@state.gov 

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

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

Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Arms Control and International Security (T) within the Department of State (DOS). INL’s mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States and its citizens by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation.
This Personal Services Contact (PSC) position will be located in the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) in the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. The position will provide advice and implement security assistance projects to enhance the maritime narcotics interdiction capabilities of the Colombian navy and its constituent components, the Coast Guard and Marines.

The Maritime Interdiction Advisor will strengthen the institutional capacity of Colombia’s naval, coastal, and riverine forces involved in the interdiction of narcotics trafficking and the disruption of organized crime activities in the maritime environment. The advisor will also work with colleagues and counterparts in the U.S. Government and the Government of Colombia to foster cooperation among interdiction efforts throughout Colombia’s security forces. The advisor will reside in Bogota with considerable time spent traveling and working in the field.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based INL Organized Crime and Counternarcotics Division Chief or his/her designee, the Maritime Interdiction Advisor will perform the following duties:

• Coordinates and monitors assigned INL-sponsored activities in support of Colombian counter narcotics operations in maritime areas.
• Develops and maintains diplomatic and personal relationships with Colombian navy leadership, up to and including admirals. Serves as INL’s primary contact with counterparts in the Colombian navy, Coast Guard, and Marines.
• Advises the Colombian navy on specific matters related to maritime counter narcotics operations to include equipment acquisitions, training, maintenance and logistical support. Supports coastal and riverine interdiction units with tactical and strategic advice. Advises INL leadership on all aspects of tactical operations and capacity building efforts.
• Coordinates and manages a long-term, advanced acquisition plan and supervises the execution of equipment procurements under that plan. Assists in defining commodity procurement requirements and preparation of related project documentation. Prepares statements of work (SOWs) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases as required and coordinates directly with the INL Contracting Officer to ensure the timely acquisition of required equipment and services.
• Serves as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to provide oversight for any contracts awarded to provide goods or services in support of Colombian maritime interdiction efforts. Provides advice and coordination in matters pertaining to commodity maintenance and field support.
• Designs and maintains a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system, including appropriate performance indicators, to measure progress toward bilaterally agreed goals for each project. Conducts field surveys, evaluations, and special studies as required in support of the maritime interdiction program. Continuously evaluates the performance of Colombian agencies operating in conjunction with INL assets and resources and advises INL leadership accordingly. 
• Determines maritime training requirements, coordinates request for training, coordinates the use of mobile training teams, and conducts small-scale, on-the-job training as feasible.
• Supports Colombian Navy Intelligence (JINA) with Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I). Determines equipment and training requirements to support JINA. Works closely with DEA and UK partners to ensure effective end use monitoring procedures and intelligence practices.
• Ensures that USG-provided commodities are effectively utilized and that there is no fraud, waste, or mismanagement in the program through continuous oversight responsibility and end use monitoring (EUM) in the operational area.
• Assists in program budget preparation and planning.
• Briefs visiting Department leaders, Congressional representatives, and other visiting officials on the status of USG-GOC maritime narcotics interdiction projects. Assists in developing itineraries and in escorting official travelers, as directed. Drafts written products (weekly and monthly reports, cables, and other documents) to describe the program to various audiences.
• 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
1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post.
2. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.
3. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.
4. If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.
5. Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR).
6. Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is US Embassy Bogota, Colombia. However, regular travel to rural areas, coastal towns, and occasionally to large cities throughout Colombia is a requirement of this position. Many of these areas in Colombia are conflict zones where insurgent groups are based, criminal organizations operate, and crime is generally high. In addition, many of these areas in Colombia are tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, tropical insects and diseases, and minimal infrastructure.

RELATIONSHIPS
The Maritime Interdiction Advisor reports to the Organized Crime and Counternarcotics Division Chief. The advisor exercises wide latitude for independent action, initiating projects and executing approved new programs under general supervision and is expected to coordinate as functionally appropriate with other INL units and U.S. government interagency counterparts to accomplish the purposes of this program. Completed work is reviewed for timeliness and effectiveness.

The Organized Crime and Counternarcotics Division Chief will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/SAO/IM Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the NL Organized Crime and Counternarcotics Division Chief 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 NL Organized Crime and Counternarcotics Division Chief will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/SAO/IM Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

COMPLEXITY
 Assignments involve organizations, operations, and functions of significant complexity with inter-related USG and GOC programs in an international environment. Adaptability and flexibility are indispensable. Incumbent occasionally initiates new or substantially modified methods and procedures, which results in significant program changes.

SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
Assignments and objectives will require analysis and investigation to prevent detect and resolve problems.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security and Medical clearances. Department of State Ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required).
2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience in maritime counternarcotics interdiction as part of the Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, or U.S. Marines; or,
a.    An associate’s degree and a minimum of seven (7) years of related experience in maritime counternarcotics interdiction as part of the
U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, or U.S. Marines; or,
b.    A minimum of ten (10) years of related experience in maritime counternarcotics interdiction, Coast Guard, or time served in the U.S. Navy/Marines.
3. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite.

4. Demonstrated Spanish language ability at the Foreign Service Institute Level R/3, S/3 or the Defense Language Proficiency test (DLPT) level 3/3 is required.
5. A minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience in Latin America in advising or training foreign nationals or procuring services and equipment to support maritime operations.
6. Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing security assistance programs, particularly Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases.

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    Professional Experience    (25 points) Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Latin America in advising or training foreign nationals or procuring services and equipment to support maritime operations. Demonstrated subject matter expertise in maritime narcotics interdiction operations, including blue water, coastal, and riverine environments.
Factor 2    Program Management Experience    (25 points) Demonstrated knowledge and experience in planning and implementing security assistance programs. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. contracting procedures and procurement mechanisms, as well as contract management and oversight practices. Thorough knowledge of modern project management policies, concepts, and practices.

Factor 3    Knowledge and Abilities    (20 points) Demonstrated experience in coordinating with host country military, police and civilian officials using the Spanish language. Knowledge of the political, economic, and military environment of Colombia as well as knowledge of programs, organization and operations of USG elements involved in counter-narcotics programs in Colombia and the region.

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 ($102,409 - $150,391 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries, including any recruitment supplemental pay that exceeds the listed pay range, will not be entertained or negotiated.

For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the market value as outlined above and overall experience relevant to the solicitation requirements.  

BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES
AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES 

BENEFITS - IF APPLICABLE
•    Employee's FICA/Medicare Contribution
•    Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance 
•    Pay Comparability Adjustment 
•    Annual Increase 
•    Eligibility for Worker's Compensation 
•    Annual, Sick and Home Leave 
•    401K Plan 
•    MEDVAC (provided by DOS Med)

ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARDIZED REGULATIONS (DSSR) - IF APPLICABLE 
•    Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) or Per Diem upon arrival at Post
•    Housing Allowance
•    Post Allowance
•    Supplemental Post Allowance 
•    Maintenance Allowance (SMA)
•    Education Allowance
•    Educational Travel (full-time United States based secondary) 
•    Post Hardship Differential
•    Danger Pay
•    Shipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables