Rural 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: Rural Security Advisor Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala Salary Level: FS-02 - $89,505 - $131,441 (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: October 14, 2021 Closing date: October 28, 2021 Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. EST Solicitation Number: PSC-22-004-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: Victoria V. Stewart U.S. Department of State INL/EX/GAPP StewartVV@state.gov Sincerely, Katelynn E. Barham Contracting Officer U.S. Department of State SUBJECT A solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The United States Government (USG), represented by the DOS, seeks applications from US citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in this solicitation. PRE-AWARD ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PSC (JUN 2011) This solicitation may result in the award of one or more personal services contracts as defined in FAR 2.101. Prior to contract award, all offerors or quotes must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have a personal conflict of interest, such as a financial conflict, that would prevent them from either meeting the requirements of the clause entitled, - Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractors, or otherwise objectively performing their contractual duties upon contract award. HOW TO APPLY Offerors proposal shall be in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation at the place and time specified. A proposal will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for consideration unless all required documents and information are included in the submission. Offerors shall ensure their resume demonstrates their possession of the minimum qualifications outlined in this Solicitation, as well as their ability to fulfill all required duties. The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred by the offeror during the solicitation process. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates the Department of State to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit the Department of State to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. 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/Victoria V. Stewart E-mail: StewartVV@state.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Victoria V. Stewart E-mail: StewartVV@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 (DOS) is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The DOS 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): INL is under the Under Secretary for Democracy and Human Rights (J) and works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores. INL's Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP) develops and manages law enforcement, justice sector, narcotics control, and corrections programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues for countries in the Western Hemisphere. INL/WHP is responsible for coordinating policy and programs with other U.S. government departments and agencies involved in anticrime and narcotics control activities, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The purpose of this personal services contract is to fill the existing Rural Security Advisor (RSA) Personal Services Contract (PSC) in the INL office at the U.S. Embassy Guatemala. The RSA will provide specialized crime prevention and law enforcement expertise to develop the INL Guatemala Migration Deterrence Initiative (MDI) Program, and oversee all management aspects of the program (to include funding, training, equipment, accountability, and implementer performance). The RSA will advise on and support all matters related to: (1) developing the MDI program and its staff; (2) continuing to support and enhance the Route To Prosperity (RTP), a bi-lateral, interagency, private sector, and civil society conflict resolution mechanism to improve relations between the Guatemalan government and the Guatemalan indigenous communities; (3) strengthening efforts to expand Guatemalan government security presence in the indigenous regions of Guatemala; (4) developing and expanding crime prevention, violence prevention, and victims assistance programming within the indigenous regions of Guatemala; and (5) creating, developing, and implementing anti-human smuggling and anti-trafficking-in-persons programming in the indigenous regions of Guatemala. The RSA will also provide internal controls and accountability for the delivery of technical assistance, training, equipment, and other assistance. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of Citizen Security Officer or his/her designee, the RSA will perform the following duties: 1. Assess the Guatemalan national civil police's (PNC) institutional capacity and advise the Citizen Security Officer and INL/WHP on: a) security strategies to stem irregular and illegal migration from the indigenous regions of Guatemala, b) drivers of outward migration, c) criminal elements involved with human smuggling, d) violence as a migration push factor, and e) bi-lateral and interagency efforts to address the drivers of migration. 2. Identify opportunities for implementation of effective migration deterrence strategies to reduce illegal and irregular outward migration. The RSA will draw on subject matter expertise in law enforcement, citizen security, border controls, and program management involving U.S. government assistance in developing countries. The RSA will also be responsible for managing these programs. 3. Advise and assist in planning, developing, and administering INL and Guatemalan government resources, to develop and improve all aspects of PNC migration deterrence and crime prevention efforts, including training, equipment, and infrastructure. 4. Liaise with, and assist, the various PNC units in developing viable migration deterrence projects including training, equipment, community outreach, youth programs, and interagency contributions. Act as liaison between the PNC and components of the U.S. Mission. 5. Liaise and advise on intra and interagency law enforcement and migration deterrence coordination, including within the U.S. Mission, and among the Guatemalan law enforcement institutions. 6. Formalize information exchanges and build communication networks that facilitate INL objectives beyond the term of the contract. 7. Develop and maintain professional and social relationships with host government law enforcement officials to ensure close, cooperative working relationships. 8. Analyze and report on law enforcement developments in Guatemala, ensuring that the U.S. government is fully informed on the capabilities, capacity, performance, challenges, and opportunities with regard to the PNC. 9. Brief DOS, Congressional, and other official visitors orally and in writing on the INL-funded law enforcement programs in Guatemala. Prepare documents, develop itineraries, and accommodate official travelers, as necessary. 10. Prepare regular written reports, and prepare/present other informative material, as appropriate, in furtherance of relevant U.S. goals and objectives. 11. Conduct field surveys, evaluations, and special studies, as directed. 12. Assist in the preparation of required reporting such as the annual budget request for International Narcotics, Crime and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds and the Mission Resource Request. Coordinate annual reporting requirements for INL (e.g., the End-Use Monitoring Report). Prepare program documentation and procurement requirements for PNC training projects. Helps prepare regular reporting, including monthly status reports. 13. Provide expert analysis and guidance in program planning, budget preparation, and project procurement, pertaining to PNC crime prevention and migration deterrence efforts. 14. Establish and maintain appropriate internal management control systems. Ensure that INL programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement. Help manage and monitor the use of all U.S.-provided commodities intended for the PNC. 15. Maintain security awareness and properly handles classified and controlled items and information. 16. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. 17. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1. Completes the Grants Officer Representative (PY220, PY222, PY224) distance-learning (DL) and the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) DL course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. 2. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) DL course through the FSI within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post. 3. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT650) prior to deployment to Post. 4. If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The RSA will work out of the U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, in Guatemala, but will travel throughout Guatemala to work with, train, and advise PNC, and monitor and evaluate PNC policy implementation and training impacts. RELATIONSHIPS The RSA will report to, receive guidance from, and be rated by the INL Citizen Security Police Program Officer (Citizen Security Officer). The RSA will also liaise, coordinate with, and work with INL/WHP staff in Washington, D.C. The RSA will provide general policy and administrative direction concerning program priorities and objections. The RSA will liaise with other agencies and host government contacts active in the fields of law enforcement, crime prevention, violence prevention, migration deterrence, and police training. The RSA will establish scope and objectives of training-related projects. The RSA will exercise independent judgment in advocating for, and developing, new and improved PNC training, approaches and techniques, including for the development of specialized community policing and migration deterrence units for the indigenous regions of Guatemala. The RSA will monitor all PNC policy implementation, analyze its effectiveness, and suggest improvements. The Citizen Security Officer will provide yearly performance reviews to the Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent's official yearly review. COMPLEXITY The RSA will analyze, plan, organize, implement, evaluate and monitor all aspects of police crime and violence prevention and migration deterrence efforts in Gautemala. This position involves highly complex statistical, financial, and organizational program analyses. The RSA will work in an environment of high visibility and political sensitivities related to citizen security. The RSA is expected to address difficult scenarios by separating the substantive nature of the programs or issues into their components and determining the nature and magnitude of programs or issues, as well as in discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions. SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS The RSA will perform broad and extensive assignments related to complex programs spanning the Guatemalan police crime and violence prevention and migration deterrence efforts, including education, training, management, systems, policies and procedures, to develop a professional and effective law enforcement organization to combat transnational criminal organizations, narcotics trafficking, irregular migration, and crime, in Guatemala, which is of significant interest to the public and Congress. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security and Medical clearances. Department of State Ethics clearance and/or criminal background check (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS Level may be required) 2. A Master's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, or social work from an accredited university and ten (10) years of experience working in law enforcement with a focus on crime prevention and community policing; or a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, or social work from an accredited university and fifteen (15) years of experience working in law enforcement with a focus on crime prevention and community policing; or twenty (20) years of experience working in law enforcement with a focus on crime prevention and community policing. 3. A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience. 4. Demonstrated experience working on projects to improve security or address crime in communities. 5. Demonstrated experience planning, strategizing, implementing and reporting on projects. 6. Demonstrated experience drafting analytical briefing papers, memoranda, letters, reports, and strategic plans for review and/or signature by senior-level officials. 7. Demonstrated experience establishing spend plans, managing annual budgets, and conducting procurement. 8. Intermediate Spanish (speaking/comprehension/reading/writing), and fluent English (speaking/comprehension/reading/writing), as determined by Technical Evaluation Committee. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors.) Offerors should cite specific, relevant and 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 crime prevention, violence prevention, migration deterrence, and conflict resolution as a law enforcement officer, or an advisor to law enforcement officers. Experience abroad managing bilateral or multilateral law enforcement, citizen security, and/or security assistance programs. Factor 2: Program Budget Experience (10 points) Demonstrated experience preparing budgets, spend plans, statements of work, procurement orders, purchase requests, sole-source justification waiver requests. Factor 3: Management & Communication Experience (30 points) Demonstrated experience managing law enforcement, rule of law, and/or security related projects, include determining requirements, developing plans, managing implementation, conducting oversight, and reporting on results. Demonstrated experience managing and motivating teams and individuals to achieve their potential. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English and Spanish, in a timely and concise manner; interact effectively with others at all levels; 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 Minimum 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. Written 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, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources. Total Possible Points: 100 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, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources. Total Possible Points: 100 The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. INL will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an applicant has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, INL reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. COMPENSATION (BASE PAY) This position has been designated at the FS-02 equivalent level ($89,505 and $131,441 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries, including any recruitment supplemental pay that exceeds the listed pay range, will not be entertained or negotiated. For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the market value as outlined above and overall experience relevant to the solicitation requirements. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES BENEFITS - IF APPLICABLE - Employee's FICA/Medicare Contribution - Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance - Pay Comparability Adjustment - Annual Increase - Eligibility for Worker's Compensation - Annual, Sick and Home Leave - 401K Plan - MEDVAC (provided by DOS Med) ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARDIZED REGULATIONS (DSSR) - IF APPLICABLE - Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) or Per Diem upon arrival at Post - Housing Allowance - Post Allowance - Supplemental Post Allowance - Maintenance Allowance (SMA) - Education Allowance - Educational Travel (full-time United States based secondary) - Post Hardship Differential - Danger Pay - Shipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables