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: Bogota, Colombia 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: April 6, 2021 Closing date: April 20, 2021 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number: PSC-21-043-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, Amy Kara 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'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): 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. The INL section at U.S. Embassy Bogota, established in 1985, is among the largest and most complex INL offices in the world. INL Bogota is charged with developing strategies and programs to achieve international narcotics control, law enforcement, and justice foreign policy objectives. INL Bogota's Rural Security program is a part of INL Bogota's Law Enforcement Professionalization Support (LEPS) Division, and boosts Colombian National Police (CNP) capacity to expand its rural presence, improve police-community relations, and enhance security in Colombia's rural areas so as to assist Colombian efforts to combat narcotrafficking and transform post-conflict regions in the aftermath of the peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The purpose of this Rural Security Advisor (RSA) Personal Services Contract is to provide specialized expertise to advance INL Rural Security Program objectives in Colombia, particularly the expansion of police presence in rural areas through the construction and fortification of police installations. The RSA will serve as the in-country police station security and effectiveness advisor and will oversee all management aspects of the program (including funding, training, equipment accountability, and implementer performance). The RSA will work with the program officer to develop programs that increase police presence in rural Colombia. The RSA will also provide internal controls and accountability for the delivery of equipment, technical assistance, training, and other assistance to the CNP. The RSA must be able to work rapidly, responding promptly to multiple and evolving priorities in a difficult and demanding environment. The position requires engineering and rural military or policing subject matter expertise and experience to enable the incumbent to determine swiftly what assistance is required, within what timeframe it must be implemented, where expertise can be sourced from, and how such assistance must be supervised to ensure its effectiveness. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based Rural Security Program Manager or his/her designee, the RSA will perform the following duties: 1. Identifies opportunities for effective, permanent police expansion in rural Colombia. Manages the construction of rural police bases, the fortification of existing bases, and support for increased law enforcement operations and deployments in rural areas. Acts as INL's senior advisor and manager for police station/base security to bolster police positions and effectiveness in priority zones. 2. Advises INL on the consolidation of security in priority zones. Ensures Ministry of National Defense, Colombian National Police (CNP), military, and Embassy Bogota efforts are coordinated and result in improved security, access to justice, and economic development in priority geographic zones. 3. Supports the CNP to conduct rural police operations involving specialized units by advising on training, the procurement of equipment, and other logistical support. Advises on opportunities to support joint police-military rural operations. 4. Advises the CNP on deployment, training, and equipping of base security teams; coordinates the procurement and delivery of base security construction equipment; determines training requirements for operations and institutional development and coordinates training that results in improved institutional capacity and operational results; and conducts small-scale, on-the-job training, as feasible. 5. Supports the CNP on law enforcement planning, to include the proper use of assets available to ensure maximum effective use of limited assets. Visits stations, bases, and field sites to ensure CNP are utilizing U.S.-provided training and equipment properly and that there is no fraud, waste, or mismanagement in the program through continuous oversight and end-use monitoring in the operational area. Conducts senior-level field surveys, evaluations, and special studies, as directed. 6. Coordinates with other INL programs and U.S. Embassy sections to advise on the procurement of specialized equipment, including weapons, communications, and intelligence systems, to provide enhanced police operational effectiveness. 7. Analyzes and reports on security developments in Colombia, ensuring that INL Bogota is fully informed on law enforcement capabilities, capacity, performance, and opportunities. Provides analysis and guidance in budget preparation and program planning. 8. Briefs Department, Congressional, and visitors orally and in writing on INL-funded law enforcement programs in Bogota. Prepares documents for presentation to the U.S. Congress. Develops appropriate itinerary and accommodates official travelers, as necessary. Develops and maintains professional and social relationships with host government officials to ensure close, cooperative working relationships. 9. Establishes and maintains appropriate internal management control systems. Ensures that INL programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement. Helps manage and monitor the use of all U.S.-provided commodities intended for justice sector purposes. 10. Maintains security awareness and properly handles classified and controlled items and information. 11. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. 12. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at post in order to serve as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR). 2. Completes the FSI distance-learning courses Introduction to Grants and Cooperative Agreements (PY220), Monitoring Grants and Cooperative Agreements (PY222), and Federal Assistance and OMB Guidance (PY224) within 120 days of arriving at post in order to serve as a Grants Officer Representative (GOR) and/or Agreement Officer Representative (AOR). 3. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at post. 4. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to post. 5. Consultations with the INL Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) may be required before deployment. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS US Embassy Bogota, Colombia. Regular travel to rural areas, small towns, and occasionally to large cities throughout Colombia is a requirement of this position. Many of these areas in Colombia are conflict zones where insurgent groups are based, criminal organizations operate, and crime is generally high. In addition, many of these areas in Colombia are tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, tropical insects and diseases, and minimal infrastructure. RELATIONSHIPS The RSA will report to the Rural Security Program Manager, and liaise and coordinate with other INL Bogota programs and with INL/WHP staff in Washington, DC. The RSA will provide general administrative and policy direction concerning overall program priorities and objectives, as well as work with INL/WHP to develop and manage programs and related issues. The RSA will liaise with other agencies/government representatives active in the fields of policing, law enforcement, rule of law and rural security, and with host government contacts. The RSA will monitor Rural Security projects in Colombia, analyzing their effectiveness and suggesting improvements. The RSA will work closely with INL Bogota's Senior Police Advisor on issues related to police reform, institutional development, and training. The Rural Security Program Manager will provide yearly performance evaluations to the INL/EX/GAPP Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent's official yearly review. 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 in 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 in Colombia, 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 Secret level security and Medical clearances. Department of State Ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required). 2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution. 3. A minimum of ten (10) years of experience working as a security advisor with the U.S. armed forces or with civilian U.S. law enforcement. 4. A minimum of five (5) years of experience abroad managing bilateral or multilateral security assistance programs. 5. Demonstrated experience developing and managing long-term security, counternarcotics, and/or law enforcement programs, including assessment, monitoring, and evaluation. 6. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with combat engineering, expeditionary operations, or construction of law enforcement bases/security installations. 7. Demonstrated knowledge of military and police training activities and of U.S. military schools and police academies; police and/or military tactical deployment in counter-narcotics operations; command communications; intelligence procedures; weapons and armament systems; counter-IED capabilities; and logistics management procedures. 8. Demonstrated experience planning, strategizing, implementing, and reporting on projects. 9. Demonstrated experience drafting analytical briefing papers, memoranda, letters, and reports for review and/or signature by senior-level officials. 10. Demonstrated experience working with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives. 11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. 12. Demonstrated level four (4) Spanish proficiency - both written and spoken. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors) Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Factor 1: Work Experience (30 Points) Demonstrated work experience in initiating, developing, and managing complex projects to support foreign government security forces. This includes security training and logistics and construction/base security. Candidates with previous work experience with the Department of State and previous work experience in Colombia preferred. Factor 2: Program Experience (30 points) Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets, advance acquisition plans (AAP), SOWs, procurement orders, purchase requests, and sole-source justification waiver requests. Factor 3: Management & Communication Experience (10 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English and in Spanish, and in a timely and concise manner; interact effectively with others at all levels to prepare, analyze, explain, and defend determinations and requirements with respect to conformance to applicable laws, policies, and other regulatory guidelines; and advise program officials. Demonstrated ability to draft policy documents, reports, or memoranda for review by, and signature of, senior level officials in the Embassy and in the Department of State. 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 FS-02 equivalent level ($89,505 - $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