MAV Foreign Assistance Construction Management Advisor

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AFFAIRS (INL) You have received this "Personal Services Contractor (PSC) solicitation through the Department of State (DOS) Internet site. If you have any questions regarding this PSC, you may contact the DOS Official named in this solicitation. The Department is not responsible for any data and/or text not received when retrieving this document electronically. Amendments to solicitation documents generally contain information critical to the submission of an application. Position Title: MAV Foreign Assistance Construction Management Advisor Location: Washington, DC Salary Level: GS-14 - $132,368 - $172,075 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 12, 2023 Closing date: May 30, 2023 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number: PSC-23-042-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: Dominique Chittum 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): 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/Dominique Chittum E-mail: contact@example.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Dominique Chittum 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 Executive Office is responsible for the development and execution of the Bureau's budget, and for all aspects of the administration of all INL's international counter-narcotics and law enforcement programs, i.e., financial, personnel, administrative, acquisition, information management, contractor and grantee performance, interagency agreement implementation, and project monitoring and evaluation. INL foreign assistance programs overseas are managed by U.S. Embassy Foreign Service and Personal Services Contract personnel serving in INL sections which work with their host nation counterparts to develop requirements and oversee project implementation. The Management Assistance and Program Support (MAPS) Division provides INL with the means to manage these financial and contract functions by supporting and interfacing with the relevant entities within the Bureau (regional and functional program offices, other divisions within INL/EX), as well as with embassy staff and appropriate elements within the interagency. MAPS is comprised of professionals with expertise in program management, financial management, and contract management who serve on specific program and project teams. MAPS works closely with regionally-focused and functionally-focused program officers, as well as interagency and Embassy staff, all of whom are responsible for developing and implementing INL's foreign assistance programs overseas. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based INL/EX/MAPS Management Assistant Visit (MAV) team lead or his/her designee, the Foreign Assistance Construction Management Advisor (FACMA) will perform the following duties: 1. Works closely with program office staff and overseas INL sections in preparing program objectives as they relate to developing the overall framework for construction projects, specifications, project schedules and reports in support of the Bureau's foreign assistance programs for new construction, modifications, renovation, and repair. 2. Collaborates with senior domestic and overseas personnel on designing, developing, and implementing foreign assistance construction management projects in support of these programs at embassies and consulates having INL-funded programs. 3. Develops monitoring mechanisms to provide relevant information for ongoing evaluation of program and construction-related financial guidance to program managers and other INL employees in program countries. 4. Provides advice and assistance to other staff members, as appropriate, and senior managers on program management and construction contracting problems or issues. 5. Analyzes and evaluates (on a quantitative or qualitative basis) cost proposals for construction projects and related services. Establishes systematic methods of program execution, evaluation, or advocacy of these foreign assistance programs. 6. Assists the program office and INL sections in the development of work requirements for construction contracts on design-build and design-bid-build projects in support of counter-narcotics and law enforcement foreign assistance initiatives in foreign countries. 7. Conducts field inspections for various construction projects, evaluates compliance with international building codes, verifies compliance with OSHA and EPA requirements, and compliance with requirements noted in contract documents (construction documents). 8. Advises senior staff on the distribution of work among positions and organizations and the appropriate staffing levels and skills mix. Evaluates and advises on the organization, methods, and procedures for providing administrative support systems such as records, communications, directives, forms, files, and documentation as it relates to construction management. 9. Reviews invoices and drafts justifications, as needed, for program increases or changes in the budget submissions, particularly those requiring contract actions; reviews construction submittals, change orders, value engineering proposals, and recommend appropriate action. Assesses existing activities to determine the usefulness of continued funding of such foreign assistance programs. 10. Researches and investigates new or improved construction methodologies and technologies to meet unique program objectives. 11. Serves as advisor to the INL Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Assistant COR (A-COR) or Government Technical Monitor (GTM) on general construction matters and serves in a liaison capacity with other federal agencies on construction projects, as required. 12. Audits the processes and procedures for the inspection and testing of construction materials; monitors and inspects construction projects when properly delegated; assists in developing engineering specifications and drawings; reviews field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, and buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects; and assists the Program Office and INL posts in other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities. 13. Reviews and documents performance issues in relation to original contract award amount and completion time, ensuring appropriate approvals; reviews progress reports, updates, plans and schedules. Reviews, monitors, and reports the status of multiple contractor projects to various program offices to ensure the results achieve the bureau's goals. 14. Reviews job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods; monitors the contractor's requisition of supplies and materials to complete construction projects; and reviews quality control assurance program implemented by the Contractor. 15. Assists the Program Office in the preparation and submission of budget estimates and progress and cost-tracking reports for each foreign assistance construction project. 16. Reviews and approves submittals such as mobilization and demobilization plans, area use plans, and security plans. Participates in Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) and reviews cost proposals for all Bureau foreign assistance construction projects. 17. When required, performs the role of Duty Officer. 18. Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. 19. Performs services that fall within the general scope of work and overall INL mission at physical locations other than Washington INL headquarters, including within other INL offices, bureaus, or other USG agencies for a period not to exceed six (6) months. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 of contract award. 2. If applicable - Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance for this position is Washington, DC. Travel to INL foreign assistance project locations overseas will be required. RELATIONSHIP This position is located in the Executive Office of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL/EX). The incumbent of this position serves as the Foreign Assistance Construction Management Advisor (FACMA) in the Management Assistance and Program Support Division (MAPS), and for oversight purposes reports to the INL/EX/MAPS MAV team lead. The FACMA works in close coordination with INL program offices, the management officer in INL sections overseas, and the COR and contracting officer (CO) for each project. The FACMA may be delegated authority by the CO to act as interim COR until a full-time COR is delegated, as an Alternate COR (A-COR), or Government Technical Monitor (GTM) for project oversight. The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the MAV team lead 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 MAV team lead will provide yearly performance reviews to the Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent's official yearly review. TELEWORK This position has been designated as 80% telework and will require the incumbent to report to the physical work location two (2) days per pay period. This designation does not guarantee telework privileges for the PSC; INL reserves the right to expand the requirement for in-person presence at the physical work location if the PSC is unable to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position remotely. INL may also require the incumbent to report to the physical work location additional days within a pay period as required to support office or program needs. Telework must be authorized in advance by the PSC's supervisor and the INL Contracting Officer (CO). COMPLEXITY The FACMA serves as a senior member of a team with responsibility to provide technical support to INL program offices and overseas INL sections in the development, planning and coordination of all foreign assistance construction projects funded by INL. Each team member is responsible for providing advice and assistance to optimize INL's accountability on these high visibility projects. The FACMA oversees the work of a Foreign Assistance Construction Management Specialist who reviews pre-construction documentation, provides project oversight during construction, prepares post-construction reviews and acceptance, and performs troubleshooting. The FACMA frequently deploys overseas to assist INL program offices and INL sections in embassies with the development of design/program requirements for all types of construction, renovation and repair projects relating to INL-funded counter-narcotics and law enforcement foreign assistance programs, including those of U.S. Government partner agencies, international organizations, and contractors. The FACMA may be deployed prior to the delegation of a COR. The FACMA also may act on behalf of an INL program office in developing the Request for Proposal (RFP) and associated design documents for the solicitation; coordinate responses to Requests for Information (RFI) from interested vendors; assist the office of Acquisition Management (AQM) in coordinating site visits for interested vendors and stake holders; participate as a member of the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP); serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on Design Build, and Design-Bid-Build construction projects and related matters; and provide guidance to the Program Office on construction-related issues to include OSHA and environmental concerns. The FACMA, in conjunction with the specific embassy program officer, will coordinate with various foreign government personnel to develop the design requirements for construction projects in support of the INL program office objectives, and to provide for post-construction maintenance and operational support. SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS The FACMA performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex construction program spanning the full range of citizen safety, law enforcement, rule of law, and counternarcotics programs. 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 FACMA 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. 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 Top Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). 2. A minimum of ten (10) years professional work experience, of which at least two (2) years monitoring projects of a scale, scope, and complexity commensurate with INL's multi-million-dollar foreign assistance projects. At least one year shall be equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service; or, a. A minimum of six (6) years of experience in senior project management roles that involve strategic planning, project management using critical path methodology, resource management, quality control processes, and budgeting, of which a minimum of two (2) years of USG program/contract management oversight overseas; or, b. A Master's degree in a construction-related discipline and a minimum of four (4) years of experience in senior project management roles that involve strategic planning, project management using critical path methodology, resource management, quality control processes, and budgeting, of which a minimum of two (2) years must include USG program/contract management oversight overseas. 3. Demonstrated experience in modular design and construction, general design and construction or permanent infrastructure design/build projects or demonstrated experience in construction cost estimating. 4. Demonstrated training or experience in contract administration principles, State Department policies, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and other State Department policies, regulations, and procedures. 5. Demonstrated administrative and management skills, to include knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources; knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 6. Microsoft Office (primarily Microsoft Excel) experience and expertise is required. 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: Technical Expertise 30 points Demonstrated technical expertise and ability to manage complex, multifaceted international projects, e.g., determine needs, define goals, and develop work plans for multi-million-dollar projects, and as part of a professional team, carry out the full range of responsibilities from inception to completion. Demonstrated experience with USG foreign assistance and/or development programs overseas is preferred. Factor 2: Project Management 30 points Demonstrated ability to work with public and private contracting or consulting firms; in analyzing project needs and defining project scope; and in determining schedule and budget required to complete the project. Demonstrated skill in interacting with other professionals and support personnel in order to provide guidance and assistance; and the ability to make decisions and provide insightful and effective recommendations to senior management on project implementation issues which affect the post-conflict programs. Factor 3: Knowledge/Abilities 10 points Demonstrated ability to assist the contracting officer in the architect-engineer source selection process. Demonstrated ability to prepare all required documentation to support the Department's position and to analyze all documents related to the contract prior to making final recommendations to senior DOS officials. Demonstrated experience working in a high threat environment is preferred. 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 GS-14 equivalent level ($132,368 - $172,075 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