Maritime Law Enforcement 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 Law Enforcement Advisor Location: Manila, Philippines Salary Level: FS-02 - $95,225 - $139,841 (Equivalent GS14) 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: May 26, 2023 Closing date: June 9, 2023 Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. EST Solicitation Number: PSC-23-047-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: Cecille D. 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 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. This solicitation is subject to availability of funds. 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. 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): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (J) 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. INL's Office of Europe and Asia (INL/EA) is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination and implementation of international law enforcement assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the Department of State in these regions. INL/EA and INL personnel in the Manila administer U.S. government assistance to the Philippines in order to develop its criminal justice sector, reform its security sector, and disrupt transnational organized crime. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the position of Maritime Law Enforcement Advisor (MLEA) at the Embassy Manila. The MLEA will provide specialized expertise to support INL's continuing training and capacity building efforts for maritime law enforcement organizations in in their ability to assert law enforcement authority and control within the maritime domain. The MLEA will contribute to development of strategies to strengthen the institutional capacity for maritime law enforcement, in coordination with colleagues and counterparts in the U.S. Government and the Government of the Philippines. The MLEA will manage and oversee all aspects of maritime programming (to include funding, training, equipment accountability, and implementer performance). The MLEA will also provide internal controls and accountability for the delivery of equipment, technical assistance, training, and other assistance to the Philippines, and will be expected to travel and work in the field with INL's implementing partners. The MLEA provides expert recommendations related to projects and new program execution under general supervision and shall coordinate with INL sections in the region, Washington, and U.S. government interagency counterparts while frequently working rapidly, responding promptly to multiple and evolving priorities in a difficult and demanding environment to meet program requirements. The MLEA will use their subject expertise and experience to perform the full range of assistance project management, including planning, budgeting, procurement, contracting, monitoring and evaluation, and other tasks or duties assigned on an ad hoc basis. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the U.S. Embassy in Manila's INL Director or their designee, the Maritime Law Enforcement Advisor will perform the following duties: 1. Identifies opportunities to the INL Director for effective maritime law enforcement programs in Philippines, primarily focused on Philippine Coast Guard's law enforcement capabilities but may also include other maritime law enforcement bodies responsible for countering maritime crimes and enforcing Philippine laws and regulations. Project recommendations may involve multiple national organizations, agencies, and authorities as well as personnel working in the areas of law enforcement, prosecutions, transnational organized crime, rule of law, counternarcotics, maritime environment and resource protections, port and border security, and illicit movement of people and goods, and others as appropriate. 2. Manages and provides oversight to a multimillion-dollar portfolio of projects implemented through interagency agreements, contracts, international organization agreements, and other mechanisms. Develops program designs, performance monitoring plans, and evaluation planning for projects in support of maritime law enforcement capacity-building. Serves as the primary point of contact for INL-funded maritime law enforcement programs in the Philippines. 3. Liaises with high-level maritime law enforcement officials in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian partner countries, to include partner country Coast Guard or equivalent Commanders and their staffs, foreign diplomatic and justice officials up to the level of Ambassador and uniformed and civilian U.S. interlocutors. Interactions will include but not limited to formal and informal meetings; formal presentations, briefings, and information sharing for operational purposes; and representational events at gatherings. 4. Coordinates interagency maritime law enforcement capacity building efforts with relevant USG and other donor partners, to include other U.S. Embassies and maritime law enforcement programs in the Philippines. Provides analysis to the INL Director and guidance to implementing organizations or partners about project budget preparation and program planning. Prepares program documentation and procurement requirements for maritime projects and activities. 5. Provides regular reports in various written and oral forms to the INL Director and others on program implementation and maritime law enforcement issues in the Philippines. 6. Assists in the preparation of required reporting such as the annual budget request for International Narcotics, Crime and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds and the Mission Resource Request. May also assist in coordinating other annual reporting requirements for INL (e.g., the INCSR parts I and II, the End-Use Monitoring Report, etc). Prepares and submits regular reports, including weekly status reports and an annual end of year report, to the INL Director. As required, prepares front channel cables as well as spot reports as directed by the INL Director. 7. Prepares cables, background information papers, information memos, and other correspondence related to maritime law enforcement matters. Briefs visitors to post orally and in writing about INL-funded maritime law enforcement programs. Prepares documents for presentation to visitors or other maritime law enforcement stakeholders in the region. Develops appropriate itineraries and accommodates official travelers, as necessary. 8. Analyzes and reports on maritime law enforcement sector developments in Philippines, ensuring that the USG is fully informed on the capabilities, capacity, performance, and opportunities regarding all elements of the country's maritime law enforcement sector. 9. Attends country team working groups related to maritime security and law enforcement cooperation. 10. Establishes and maintains appropriate internal management control systems. Ensures that INL programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement. Manages and monitors the use of all U.S.-provided commodities intended for maritime law enforcement sector purposes. As needed, supervises local-hire staff, to include performance reporting and oversee contract performance for third-party contract training advisors as needed. 11. Performs duties as a Grants Officer Representative (GOR), Agreement Officer Representative (AOR), or Contracting Officer Representative (COR), as assigned by the INL Grants Officer/Contracting Officer. Provides analysis and guidance in project budget preparation, and program planning. 12. Conducts field surveys, evaluations, and special studies, as directed by the INL Director. 13. Maintains security awareness and properly handles classified and controlled items and information. 14. When required, performs the role of Duty Officer. 15. Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1. Obtains required Federal Acquisition Certification Program for Contracting Officer Representatives (FAC-COR) Certification within 180 days of arriving at Post. This position requires a FAC-COR Level 2. The Department's Procurement Information Bulletin 2012-15 provides the required training and experience requirements to obtain the FAC-COR Certification. The PSC must have all the requisite experience for obtaining a FAC-COR Level 2 in accordance with PIB 2012-15 prior to coming on board but will be granted 180 days to take the Department of State specific online or in-person training to receive a DOS FAC-COR Level 2 Certificate. 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. Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance for this position is the US Embassy Manila, Philippines. Travel of up to 50% is required, mainly domestic air travel within the Philippines but some international travel will be required. Travel may be to austere locations. RELATIONSHIPS The MLEA will report to the INL Director in Manila and liaise and coordinate with INL/EA staff in Washington, DC as well as partner nation officials, implementing partners, and other maritime law enforcement advisors and capacity building personnel. The MLEA will monitor INL maritime programs in Philippines, analyzing their effectiveness and suggesting improvements to the INL Director for discussion and final approval. The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the INL 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 INL Director will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/EX/GAPP Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent's official yearly review. 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 law enforcement and rule of law programs in Philippines, which are 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 1. 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 Top Secret level may be required.) 2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution AND a minimum of ten (10) years related experience in the fields of maritime law enforcement, maritime security, and international relations/security cooperation. 3. Demonstrated five (5) or more years of experience developing project or activity proposals, preparing cost estimates, or management of budget and financial elements of bilateral or multilateral security assistance programs. 4. Demonstrated five (5) or more years of experience in planning, scheduling, implementing and post-event reporting and analyses of activities or events to include assessment, monitoring and evaluation functions. 5. Demonstrated three (3) or more years of experience developing and managing long-term rule of law and/or law enforcement programs, including assessment, monitoring and evaluation; 6. Proven ability to work effectively with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives. 7. Demonstrated three (3) or more years of experience planning, implementing, and preparing timely and concise reports on projects. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.) Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Factor 1: Work Experience (30 Points) Demonstrated work experience managing complex projects overseas which include preparing and reviewing program resource proposals, validating requirements, budgets, schedules, and financial management and reporting. Experience in planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of projects involving training, facilities, and equipment procurements. Factor 2: Management & Communication Experience (30 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner; interact effectively with others at all levels and advise U.S. and foreign officials on maritime law enforcement issues; and advise officials on maritime technical, operational, and organizational matters. Factor 3: Subject Matter Experience (10 points) Demonstrated experience working in maritime law enforcement in Southeast Asia, the Philippines in particular. Experience coordinating multi-agency law enforcement programs 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 - 30 Factor #2 - 30 Factor #3 - 10 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 ($89,505 to $131,441 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