Maritime Security 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 Security Advisor

Location: San Jose, Costa Rica

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:  Wednesday, November 04, 2026

Closing Date:  Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET

Solicitation Number:  PSC-27-003-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:
   1. 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.
   2. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
   3. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
   4. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
   5. 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.

1. 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. 

1. 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, contact@example.gov

Sincerely,

Jamillah Timmons

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: contact@example.gov

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:

INL/SAO/IM PSC Team

E-mail: contact@example.gov

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

Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

Statement of Work (SOW)

U.S. Embassy – San Jose, Costa Rica

Maritime Security Advisor

FS-02 (GS-14 Equivalent)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT

Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): 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.

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 keep Americans safe by countering crime and illegal drugs abroad by prioritizing delivering tangible benefits to the American people through security assistance, criminal deterrence tools, and diplomatic engagement to address threats at their source.

INL directly supports Administration priorities to expand security partnerships and counter transnational threats by degrading transnational criminal organizations and narco-terrorists; reinforces the Administration's focus on stopping significant transnational threats by disrupting drugs and crime harming U.S. communities; and advances U.S. foreign policy in a competitive global environment, where adversaries seek to undermine U.S. interests, by expanding U.S. advantage and access in strategically vital regions. INL's mission is supported by policies, programs, and activities in Washington, DC, and over 90 nations with security assistance programs.

The purpose of the INL Maritime Security Advisor position is to support the implementation of the United States government and the Government of Costa Rica (GOCR) Maritime Counterdrug Bilateral Agreement and the U.S. government and GOCR Border and Security program as defined in Letters of Agreement and Amendments. The Advisor will provide advice and support to the INL Director, other INL colleagues, and representatives of the Department of War and law enforcement agencies at the Embassy. The Maritime Security Advisor will work closely with GOCR officials in the Costa Rican Coast Guard (SNG) and related entities in the areas of maritime counter-drug, counter-illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries (IUUF), and search and rescue.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Post INL Program Officer, the Maritime Security Advisor will perform the following duties:

1. Implements a U.S. government-supported SNG strategic development plan.

2. Exercises direct supervision over three U.S. Coast Guard Advisors serving under an Inter-Agency Agreement, one local employee, and oversight of at least two contract employees.

3. Works with INL leadership to coordinate activities and assistance with the Embassy’s Law Enforcement and Maritime Security Working Groups and other relevant U.S. government counterparts. Assures that engagements and project proposals reflect a coordinated, embassy-wide approach.

4. Coordinates training plan to meet SNG needs and address service gaps. Implement programs including, but not limited to, preventative maintenance, renovation of existing SNG bases, and integration of new vessels into SNG fleet.

5. Reviews and advises on the purchase and refurbishment of vessels as well as on maintenance and operational training.

6. Assists in the establishment of an integrated logistics and preventative maintenance and inventory program that is essential to the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and the operational capabilities of the SNG.

7. Provides technical advice to the INL and SNG Directors on maintaining the safe, operational status of all U.S. government-donated and SNG-purchased patrol and interceptor vessels.

8. Provides technical advice/support through INL-Costa Rica to the SNG to enable the patrol boat engineers to maintain safe operational status of the patrol and small boats. Provides advice on repairs, ordering spare parts, and supplies.

9. Arranges, manages, and coordinates with other U.S. and partner nation agencies’ civilian and military engineering mobile training teams’ visits, which provides additional specialized outboard motor maintenance and other engineering training to the SNG. Recommends and arrange travel for selected Costa Rican officials to the United States for engineering training.

10. Assists INL Costa Rica in project budget preparation and program planning. Defines and make recommendations on commodity procurements and preparation of related project documentation.

11. Provides advice to the SNG Director concerning the SNG maintenance and repairs budget, and management of a joint operations center.

12. Oversees and coordinates the dry dock periods of U.S.-donated patrol vessels in Costa Rica and supervise funded contracts for dry dock periods and pier side overhauls.

13. Assists the SNG to evaluate, repair, maintain, or decommission other operational/non-operational vessels in their inventory. Make recommendations regarding future acquisitions and development plans.

14. Prepares INL leadership for attendance at general and law enforcement meetings, national and international conferences and seminars, and meetings with GOCR officials, reporting on discussions, activities, and/or decisions.

15. Provides advice and assistance in end-use monitoring (EUM) of U.S. government-supplied commodities and services, preparing input for the annual EUM report to the U.S. Congress. Reviews and advises on the purchases and refurbishment of systems/equipment transferred to the relevant GOCR entities.

16. Provide advice and assistance in the formulation of INL input to the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS).

17. Provides advice on maritime patrol aircraft programs and operations, including unmanned aerial systems with detection and monitoring sensor equipment.  

18. Provides advice on secure air and sea communications systems, to include satellite communications, and C4ISR systems such as Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) and Guardian. 

19. Prepares background materials and reports to be used by the INL Director and other USG actors in preparing speeches and briefings to articulate INL engagement on maritime security efforts in Costa Rica.

20. Briefs visiting officials and Embassy staff on the role of INL and the status of U.S.-Costa Rica maritime security projects and related initiatives.

21. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.

22. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES

1.       Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) [DC5.1] within 120 days of arriving at Post. 

2.       Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) 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.       Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR). [DC6.1]

5.       Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The place of performance is the U.S Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica. Regular travel to rural areas, small towns, and occasionally to coastal cities throughout Costa Rica is a requirement of this position. Some travel to Continental United States may also be required.

RELATIONSHIPS

The Maritime Security Advisor will report to the INL Program Officer at U.S. Embassy, San Jose and will be based at the U.S. Embassy. The PSC will have significant responsibility for training in Costa Rica and will be required to travel frequently throughout Costa Rica, Central and South America, and the United States. The PSC will consult and coordinate with the Military Group in San Jose regularly.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the INL Program Officer 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 Program Officer 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

This position must be able to assess host country needs and develop and manage maritime projects in coordination with host-country officials, including promoting U.S. interests with host government officials and ensuring sustainability of projects through the provision of appropriate training and maintenance.  The PSC will also integrate competing needs of U.S. and Costa Rican law enforcement agencies and Costa Rican government entities involved in maritime security and counternarcotic activities.

SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS

The PSC’s work will occur in the field and at the U.S. Embassy for meetings, program implementation, activity reviews, field inspection, and program evaluation. The PSC must be able to work independently in remote areas for short periods. The PSC must be able to demonstrate technical skills. Travel to the U.S. and regions outside Costa Rica will be required.

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, able to obtain/maintain a DOS Secret security and medical clearance.

2. A minimum of ten (10) years’ related experience in maritime counter-drug and counter-illegal, unreported, unregulated fisheries (IUUF) operations.

3. A minimum of five (5) years demonstrated experience in managing programs or projects, including budget preparation, goods and services procurement, and project implementation and oversight, preferably involving border security activities.

4. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in shipboard/small boat maintenance material management.

5. Demonstrated customer service skills

6. Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision.

7. Demonstrated experience working with senior level management

8. Demonstrated ability to coordinate efforts across U.S. agencies.

9. Demonstrated English communications skills both oral and written.

10. Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level.

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 in managing complex projects which include determining and validating requirements, implementing progress on projects, as well as reporting on anti-money laundering issues.

Factor 2:     Program Experience                                                     (10 points)

Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets, advance acquisition plans (AAP), statements of work (SOW), procurement orders, purchase requests, sole-source justification waiver requests.

Factor 3:     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 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.

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 – 10

Factor #3 – 30

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 GS/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