Regional Telecommunication/Automated Information Systems 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: Regional Telecommunication/Automated Information Systems Advisor
Location: Washington, DC
Salary Level:  GS-13 - $120,579 - $156,755
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: November 3, 2025
Closing date: November 5, 2025
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:  PSC-26-001-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/SAO/GAPP, ChittumDA@state.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/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov

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

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

Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Arms Control and International Security (T) within the Department of State (DOS).  INL’s mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States and its citizens by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation.  

This Personal Services Contract (PSC) is one of three positions supporting the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Security Assistance & Operations, Administration & Support Division, Technology Unit (INL/SAO/AS/T.  The incumbent serves as Regional Telecommunications and Automated Information Systems Advisor (Advisor) for the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and will serve as a Project Manager who is responsible for determining project needs, defining project goals and developing project work plans for myriad multifaceted information technology and communications projects and quality assurance programs and for providing technical assistance in support of INL programs globally.

The purpose of this PSC is to facilitate the planning, development and implementation of extremely complex and large-scale programs/projects related to the USG’s support for worldwide Information and Communications Technology (ICT) efforts.  The incumbent provides advice and technical assistance in all phases of establishing and maintaining telecommunications and automated information systems (i.e., planning, procurement, installation, maintenance, repairs, operation, and training) in INL program countries.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the INL/SAO/AS/T Division Global Project Management and Systems Analysis (GPMSA) team lead or his/her designee, the Regional Telecommunications and Automated Information Systems Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Analyzes project needs and assists the Information Technology Unit, U.S. Embassy INL Offices, and other Bureau program office and management staff in coordinating and planning large-scale Information Technology and Communications projects and quality assurance programs for USG vested support activities. Conducts in-depth analytic studies on technical aspects of operational requirements to ensure that both geographic and geopolitical factors are being considered when making recommendations to senior managers on the appropriate course to follow. Defines project scope, which includes defining the work requirements, client programming needs, access, and a variety of other issues associated with the project.  Based on findings, determines/develops the work schedule and budget required to achieve the goals of the project, making recommendations to senior managers on which work can be performed in-house and which requires outsourcing.
2.    Provides technical assistance in all phases of planning, procurement, installation, maintenance, repairs, and operation of INL Global networks or networks supporting foreign assistance projects.
3.    Prepares and maintains project work plans and schedules and keeps senior managers in INL apprised of status of projects for which he/she is responsible.
4.    Coordinates activities within the Department and the post/regional INL offices with other agencies and interacts with Host Nation stakeholders and/or other foreign government officials as appropriate to ensure their requirements are given full consideration.  Determines technical and financial requirements for project completion, and prepares requisite documentation, meeting with appropriate individuals/firms when necessary to ensure accomplishment of all activities related to the project.
5.    Makes recommendations to senior staff, both in-country and headquarters, on how best to implement changes to improve performance with respect to projects and programs, including the elimination of those which are ineffective or no longer useful (e.g., assists in the development of guidelines and procedures for policy and staffing of local technology and communications personnel as well as funding requirements).  Build strong relationships with key individuals in the specific areas assigned to achieve greater visibility on program and project implementation, including the collection and reporting of data for overall organizational awareness.
6.    Coordinates all actions with INL program officers to ensure that the projects/programs remain accurate, current, and are appropriately handled from inception to completion of the project.  Assists Programs Offices and Post(s) to develop clear, detailed, and appropriate requirements for completion of projects to ensure that USG-related problems do not occur during the implementation of the information technology and/or communications programs due to vague or unclear requirements.  Facilitates the development and implementation of a regular reporting and monitoring process among all parties involved (e.g., program offices/officers within INL and elsewhere in the Department, INL management team, outside contracting firms, post/regional INL officials, and host government officials, when appropriate).
7.    Facilitates the development and implementation of a regular reporting and monitoring process affecting projects/programs with functions and operations pertaining to international narcotics and law enforcement and develops both technical and policy guidance for staff members on management of complex projects and programs.  Participates with others in the INL/EX Information Management Division to develop a centralized, coordinated Bureau information system which would result in standardized information for accountability on specific projects between INL post operations, program offices, INL senior management team, and all offices within INL/EX, as well as with host government officials when appropriate. 
8.    Analyzes policy and technical documents; compiles information and summarizes it to identify significant trends and issues; participates in working groups that develop and make recommendations to senior level officers on the appropriate course to follow on issues which affect overall Bureau/Department policies.
9.    Drafts position papers and reports for the IM Division Director, GPMSA Team Lead and other senior INL/SAO staff in defense or justification of INL projects in relation to the management of INL funds, allocated on a domestic basis but with particular emphasis on those allocated to programs worldwide.  Assists with reviews and/or helps draft justifications for program increases or changes in the budget submissions, particularly those requiring contract actions.  Works closely with other staff to determine priority resource needs and on justifications for funding requests. 
10.     Acts proactively to resolve any problems that interfere with progress or with project completion.  Identifies, investigates, and takes corrective actions on routine problems.  In those cases where problems cannot be resolved within his/her realm of authority, makes recommendations to supervisors or other senior managers on appropriate corrective action, and implements actions upon approval.
11.     Serves as technical expert and advisor to senior management on all areas of assigned projects, providing them with updates as required.  Coordinates technical elements of the IT and communications aspects of programs with related activities, promoting cooperation in areas that can be combined for more effective results.  Reviews reports and papers from staff and contractors to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with Bureau and Department objectives, policies and guidelines.   
12.     Works closely with the Bureau management team to conceptualize programs and projects, determine project and program needs, and identify priorities based on the benefit or threat to U.S. interests and opportunities and/or implementation constraints of programs abroad.  Identifies resources, timeframes, and requirements for funding and personnel needed to implement programs, including program costs, funding sources, and implementing entities.
13.     Attends project team meetings and keeps senior staff informed on specific project issues of interest, particularly regarding costs and requirements with respect to conformance with applicable laws and other regulatory guidelines.
14.     Maintains up-to-date knowledge and skills related to advancements in the IT/Communications field and accurately projects the potential impact on programs.  Assesses activities to determine funding requirements and recommends whether funding is warranted and available.  Analyzes and evaluates budget proposals, expenditure invoices, and project/program effectiveness in relation to the funding expended. 
15.     In conjunction with the GPMSA team lead and senior INL/SAO staff, formulates and/or implements policies for the accounting of project/program funds (e.g., imposition of internal limits on expenditures, tracking and monitoring requirements, and recommendations to senior staff on how best to account for project/program fund usage).  
16.     Assists the GPMSA team lead in the development and management of large-scale project plans, which include tangible milestones, fiscal responsibility and accountability, performance metrics, resource allocation and usage, and delivery schedules.   
17.     Works closely with inter-agency counterparts and senior staff to forecast workload and operational requirements for use in preparing budget estimates for both development and implementation.  Participates in the development of guidance and instructions for project teams temporarily working abroad (e.g., Mexico, Liberia, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, and elsewhere as assigned).  Develops and justifies their budget estimates and reviews final budget submissions to ensure they are in accordance with approved programs and policies.
18.     Performs Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Government Technical Monitor (GTM) responsibilities when required.  
19.     When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
20.     Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to   this Statement of Work.
21.     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’s Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of contract start date.  
2.    Must obtain and maintain CCNA certification.
3.    If applicable - Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post or the High Threat Security Overseas Seminar (HTSOS).  
4.    If applicable - Consultations with INL Program Offices may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is Washington, DC and requires travel to both domestic and overseas locations as assigned or needed by INL.  

RELATIONSHIP
The incumbent reports to the INL/SAO/AS/T Unit Global Project Management and Systems Analysis (GPMSA) team lead, works under the general guidance of the IM Director, and works with Bureau managers, cost/price analysts, financial management analysts, and program offices throughout INL to ensure project work is completed in an efficient and effective manner.  

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the GPMSA 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 GPMSA team Lead will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/SAO/AS/T Contracting Officer Representative in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

TELEWORK 
This position allows for situational telework. Telework is authorized by the supervisor and CO and is subject to change based on Bureau or office needs.

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 discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions.

SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex administrative/financial program spanning the full range of citizen safety, law enforcement, rule of law, and counternarcotics programs, which is 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 Top Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). 
2.    A minimum of ten (10) years of professional work experience and demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of Information Technologies, Telecommunications, and C4 Communications.
3.    A minimum of five (5) years of technical experience supporting Global Cloud Systems, IGN2, DevResults and similar applications. 
4.    Demonstrated experience providing technical oversight and contract evaluations for numerous telecommunication projects funded by INL. Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives that impact operational success and achieve bureau goals. 
5.    Demonstrated ability using word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.  Significant Microsoft Excel experience and expertise.

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                                     (25 points)
Demonstrated ability to advise/manage complex, information technology and/or communications programs, to effectively conduct in-depth analytic studies on technical aspects of operational requirements, and to make recommendations to senior managers on the appropriate course to follow on specific projects.  

Factor 2                                     (25 points)
Demonstrated network management knowledge and ability to develop, maintain and monitor integrated reporting systems affecting projects/programs with functions and operations that are related to international narcotics and law enforcement.
 
Factor 3                                     (20 points)
Demonstrated ability to apply specific knowledge of project and program planning in developing funding documents, and in making recommendations to senior staff on management of funds, allocated for domestic issues but with particular emphasis on those allocated to international narcotics and law enforcement programs worldwide.
 
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The Offeror Rating System is as Follows: 

Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: 
Factor #1 – 25
Factor #2 – 25 
Factor #3 – 20 
Total Possible – 70 Points 

Interview Performance – 30 points 

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)
Past performance evaluation of applicant’s ability to perform under the contract.  In conducting the evaluation, the U.S. government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources. 

Total Possible Points: 100

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. INL will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an applicant has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, INL reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.

COMPENSATION (BASE PAY)
This position has been designated at the GS-13 equivalent level ($120,579 - $156,755 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