R -- INL/A Senior Aviation Advisor Santa Cruz Bolivia

INL/A, Senior Aviation Advisor, Santa Cruz, Bolivia Salary Range: $75,408-$90,041 Open Period: 12/13/07-1/14/2008 Grade: FS-2 Position Information: Full-Time position not to exceed five years. One year with four option years to be exercised at the discretion of the employing office. Duty Location: 1 vacancy, Santa Cruz, Bolivia SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC08012 (INL) SUBJECT: Solicitation for services under a Personal Services Contract (PSC), Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The United States Government, represented by the Department of State, is seeking proposals from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described below. DOS intends to award a contract for the basic term of one year with four one-year options to be exercised at the discretion of the U.S. Government. The contract will be awarded to an individual candidate representing the best overall value to the Government considering the candidate's qualifications and experience against criteria stated herein. This PSC position requires a TOP SECRET level security clearance, which must be maintained throughout the contract period, including option periods. The selected applicant must be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Level Security Clearance and will be subject to a security clearance investigation. The applicant's spouse or cohabitant may be subject to a background investigation. Denial of a TOP SECRET level security clearance will be grounds for removal from consideration for contract prior to award or termination of contract after award. Contract award will not be made until at a minimum an interim clearance is granted. Key Requirements: ?? U.S. Citizenship ?? Background and/or Security Investigation required. Major Duties: A. STATEMENT OF DUTIES 1. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR BACKGROUND: This position is located in the Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Aviation, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The Office of Aviation provides planning, operational and logistical support and contract oversight for the INL counter-narcotics aviation program in Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Office of Aviation performs this mission using a fleet of more than one hundred and seventy five (175) fixed and rotary wing aircraft, 50 Government employees, over 1200 aviation support contractor employees, and approximately 800 host nation law enforcement/military personnel. The Office is divided into the Headquarters Group, the Operations Division, the Logistics Division, and Contracting Officer??s Representative, all of whom provide support and oversight of the contractor and host nation aviation operations. The Director of the Office of Aviation manages the Department of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Aviation program through approximately 10 subordinate supervisors (in five countries), in addition to formal policies, procedures, and reporting requirements. The Office of Aviation is responsible for the curtailment of the supply of illegal drugs from foreign sources into the United States through aerial and ground eradication of drug crops, interdiction of refining laboratories and trafficking activities, and other enforcement operations as directed by the Secretary. PURPOSE: The purpose of this personal services contract (PSC) position is to provide a Senior Aviation Advisor for the Office of Aviation program in Bolivia. The incumbent serves as the senior in-country aviation advisor, responsible to the U.S. Ambassador, for providing program implementation, direction, and execution oversight of INL/A provided aviation assets in support of host nation counter-narcotics (CN) efforts. The incumbent effects high level interagency coordination among the American Embassy, host nation CN police and military forces, other military services, aviation support services contractors and other participating agencies as determined. Evaluates training and operational effectiveness of in-country Department of State programs, to include interdiction and eradication operations, and ensuring that all aviation programs retain requisite operational and logistical fluidity. Monitors and evaluates aviation support service contractor's performance in maintenance, operations and logistics. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS) Director; however, the individual exercises wide latitude for independent action, initiating projects and executing newly approved programs under general supervision. The incumbent may coordinate directly with the Office of Aviation and the US Embassy for the purposes of this program. Completed work is reviewed for timeliness and effectiveness. 2. STATEMENT OF WORK Perform oversight and evaluation of contractor operations. This oversight includes, but is not limited to, reviewing and recommending approval of waivers to published directives, authorizing use of Office of Aviation aircraft, reviewing contractor flight operations procedures, monitoring contractor pilot proficiency, and monitoring contractor training and assistance to the host nation unit. Submits weekly written reports of the contractor??s performance and activities to the Office of Aviation, and provides comprehensive monthly award fee input to the Contracting Officer??s Representative (COR) regarding contractor performance related to the Bolivian Air Force Red Devil Task Force (RDTF). Direct and coordinate aircraft and personnel deployments within Bolivia for the purpose of destroying illicit narcotics crops through eradication, intercepting illegal drug shipments through aerial interdiction, and providing RDTF counter-narcotics aviation training and support for the institutionalization program. Develop, coordinate, organize, and implement comprehensive operational systems and procedures for the Office of Aviation/RDTF. These systems and procedures include, but are not limited to the Department of State Aircrew Training Program, Department of State Aviation Operations Directives, Department of State Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, Department of State Aircrew Training Manuals, Office of Aviation Standard Operating Procedures for counter-narcotics operations in Bolivia, and Deployment Operations procedures in support of the RDTF operations throughout Bolivia. Develop operational tactics and new training procedures (through the contractor and the Office of Aviation training/standardization staff) for the purpose of enhancing eradication and aerial interdiction operations, and for expanding the capability of the RDTF. These tactics and procedures will be based on the RDTF mission statement, and include, but are not be limited to Night Vision Goggle operations and tactics, internal and external load operations, and if required, helicopter escort tactics/rules of engagement/aerial gunnery in support of the counter-narcotics mission in Bolivia. Provide operational direction and guidance to the contractor and RDTF operations activities and personnel for the purpose of destroying illicit narcotics crops, and interdicting the flow of the finished narcotic products into the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, planning and coordination with U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, Drug Enforcement Agency, Customs, other federal agencies, and host nation law enforcement agencies for the purpose of destroying illegal narcotics crops through aerial eradication and intercepting illegal drug shipments through aerial interdiction operations. Provide direction and oversight for contractor and RDTF aviation training and standardization. Implement DoS INL Office of Aviation flight regulations, aviation training and standardization, and aircrew training programs. Oversee the RDTF Aviation Unit aviation standardization program. Collect, review, and disseminate data on aviation tactics, techniques, and employment in support of the Office of Aviation CN mission. Maintain constant liaison with Office of Aviation, U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, NAS, other U.S. Government agencies, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in order to keep abreast of current policies, procedures, and rules pertaining to Office of Aviation operations. Oversee activities of up to three Department of State PSC??s and approximately 20 contractor personnel. Provide both technical and operational/standardization oversight to the RDTF Unit staff, and technical direction and management to contractor employees. Plan work, set or negotiate deadlines and completion dates, and review and accept or reject final work. Assign tasks based on work priorities, difficulty of assignments, and employee capabilities. Provide advice and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Identify developmental and training needs, find ways to improve work quality, and develop overall performance standards for both USG and contractor personnel. 3. COMPLEXITY Assignments include analysis of all facets of aviation operations management and involve a fleet of fixed wing and rotary wing, tactical and transport aircraft, which function within an integrated program of diverse CN missions. These missions include eradication, aerial interdiction, forward area aerial re-supply, replenishment, sustainment, and host nation aviation training. The incumbent must apply specialized and professional knowledge to supervise flight standardization oversight of aviation support contractor and RDTF pilots operating in Bolivia and at multiple forward operating locations. The incumbent oversees multi-national/multi-cultural pilot training programs, plans, policies and procedures for the Office of Aviation; coordinates recommendations from staff officers; consults with the Office of Aviation Operations Director regarding ongoing projects; provides guidance to Standardization Pilots, contractor, RDTF Aviation Unit and PSC operations personnel; and oversees overall implementation of the program. These plans and procedures include, but are not limited to the development of a Night Vision Goggle training plan for RDTF Aviation Unit rotary wing pilots. The incumbent performs continuous analysis of interrelated issues of effectiveness and efficiency affecting the Office of Aviation??s program, aimed at improving the flight safety of aviation operations in support of the CN mission. 4. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is both physical and sedentary in nature and involves activity at both the main and field locations. May require some physical exertion and dexterity Incumbent must be able to independently perform fieldwork in remote areas for extended periods without assistance. 5. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is primarily conducted in an office or aircraft hangar with some travel to the field for meetings, conferences, activity reviews, and field inspections and or program evaluations. Some field sites have been declared hazardous duty locations by the Department of State due to hostile activities of the narco-traffickers and therefore pose significant risk to the incumbent while at these sites. B. Minimum Qualifications: In-depth knowledge of aviation aircrew training and standardization programs, operating directives, training and standardization publications, aircrew training manuals and related documents. Knowledge of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, including, but not limited to FAR Parts 1,61, 67, 91, 135, 137, 141, 143, and NTSB 830. In-depth knowledge of tactical employment of fixed and rotary wing aircraft in counter-narcotics aviation operations, including capabilities, limitations and techniques of employment of aircraft used by the Office of Aviation. Experience as an aircraft operations officer/manager in a military or civil organization involved in the training and standardization of fixed and rotary wing pilots, the tactical employment of aircraft in a high threat environment, and the deployment of aircraft to OCONUS locations. Broad knowledge and experience in the formulation of plans and policies pertaining to operations and unit level flight - training activities. Basic knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and Department of State flight operations procedures. Highly specialized skill in the operation of aircraft as a pilot. Knowledge of and skill in operation of desktop computer based word processing systems. Ability to read, write and speak the Spanish language. Knowledge of and skill in operation of desktop computer-based word processing systems. Desired Qualifications: Successful completion of a military or civil senior officer/manager training program. Basic knowledge of the U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations. Knowledge of U.S. Government contract administration procedures. C. Evaluation Criteria: Factor 1. (Contract Oversight). Offeror??s ability to: Perform oversight and evaluation of contractor operations, to include ensuring compliance with INL/A policies/procedures/directives, reviewing and recommending approval of waivers to published directives, authorizing use of Office of Aviation aircraft, reviewing contractor flight operations procedures, and monitoring contractor pilot proficiency. Prepare and coordinate periodic reports, both orally and in writing. Factor 2. (Direct and Coordinate Actions). Offeror??s ability to Direct and coordinate aircraft and personnel deployments within Bolivia for the purpose of eradicating illicit crops, aerial interdiction, and RDTF aviation training and support for the institutionalization program. Develop, coordinate, organize, and implement comprehensive operational systems and procedures for the Office of Aviation/RDTF; including Department of State Aircrew Training Program, Department of State Aviation Operations Directives, Department of State Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, Department of State Aircrew Training Manuals, Office of Aviation Standard Operating Procedures for operations in Bolivia, and Deployment Operations procedures in support of RDTF operations throughout Bolivia. Factor 3. (Provide Direction and Planning). Offeror??s ability to: Provide operational direction and guidance to the contractor and RDTF operations activities and personnel for the purpose of eradicating and interdicting the flow of illegal drugs within Bolivia. Perform planning and coordination with U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Customs, other federal agencies, and host nation military/law enforcement agencies for the purpose of eradicating illicit crops, intercepting illegal drug shipments and aerial interdiction operations. Factor 4. (Experience/Past Performance). Offeror??s previous experience and quality of performance. (Evaluator may use all evaluation information available at the time of the evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from references). D. COMPENSATION: Compensation for the position will be negotiated as follows: Level of experience will dictate the salary level within the grade range. Entry level salary will normally be at the first step of the grade range for the position. However, consideration will be given to the successful applicant??s experience that is specifically relevant to the position to be filled. Number of years of relevant experience will determine at what step within the grade range the successful applicant will be compensated. How To Apply: You must submit your application so that it will be received by the closing date of the announcement. The applicant must submit an Optional Form 612, a resume and 3 letters of reference. Proposals must include all of the following: 1) a resume, 2) an Optional Form 612 (OF 612) signed and dated, and 3) three written letters of reference including reference contact information. The OF 612 is available at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp. Proposals should include the applicant's full mailing address, fax number, telephone number and e-mail address. The proposal should reference the solicitation number, PSC08012. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures included in their proposals. Any questions may be directed to Linda Gower, Contracting Officer, INL/RM/MS, DOS, who may be reached at FAX (202) 776-8775 or E-Mail Gowerlg@state.gov. Proposals may be submitted by facsimile or e-mail, but originals must be sent via Federal Express or DHL. Proposals must NOT be sent via the US Postal Service as receipt of US Postal Service mail is delayed. Late submissions will not be considered. Submissions by Federal Express or DHL should be addressed to U.S. Department of State INL/RM/MS SA4 Navy Hill South Rm 120 Attn: Linda Gower (202) 776-8774 2430 E Street NW Washington, D.C. 20520 Proposals are due no later than 4:00 PM on January 14, 2008. Persons submitting proposals are responsible for confirming receipt of all required documents by the due date. Interested applicants are responsible for obtaining all posted amendments to this solicitation. All amendments issued will be available on the Federal Business Opportunities website www.fedbizopps.gov under State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, INL/RM/MS Washington DC, Solicitation PSC08012. Contact Information: Linda G. Gower Phone: 202-776-8774 Fax: 202-776-8775 Internet: Gowerlg@state.gov Or write: Department of State, INL/RM/MS, SA-4 Navy Hill South 2430 E. Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20520 What To Expect Next: You will be contacted for an interview if you are selected. BENEFITS Applicable benefits, policies, and regulations Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance, if applicable Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase, if applicable Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Shipment of household goods within the CONUS to duty location ALLOWANCES (if applicable). * (A) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 99-09 PSC's Annual Health Insurance Costs 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-19 Home Leave under USPSCs 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-11 1997 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts 97-03 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)