Senior Aviation Advisor – Libya External Office

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: Senior Aviation Advisor – Libya External Office
Location: Remote (place of performance will be the selectee’s home of record within the United States)
Salary Level:  GS-14 (based on OPM locality pay for selectee’s home of record within the United States)
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: February 19, 2026
Closing date: March 5, 2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:  PSC-26-008-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: 

U.S. Department of State, ATT: INL/SAO/IM PSC Team, Dominique Chittum 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/SAO/IM PSC Team, Dominique Chittum
E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov 

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/SAO/IM PSC Team, 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.  

INL’s Office of Aviation and Cross Border Protection, Aviation Division (INL/ACB/A) provides aviation support, under Chief of Mission (COM) authority, to meet transportation and/or Foreign Assistance Aviation Program requirements.  Aviation support includes fixed and rotary wing travel in support of COM personnel to multiple domestic and international locations.  INL/ACB/A supports the Libya External Office (LEO) with the transportation of COM personnel and cargo from Tunis, Tunisia into numerous locations throughout Libya. One DHC-8 airplane based out of Valletta, Malta is assigned to support this mission. The Aviation Advisor plans, coordinates, and provides oversight of flight operations through the prime contractor and sub-contracted flight service provider originating from the LEO, Tunis, Tunisia.  

In addition to air transportation missions, LEO Air may be required to perform operations in support of other regional agencies, including, but not limited to, COM personnel movements, tactical site survey missions, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Quick Reaction Force (QRF) transport, and medical evacuations.  

LEO Air uses one fixed wing aircraft to accomplish its mission.  Aircraft perform their missions during a mission window, day and night, as well as under visual and instrument meteorological conditions.   

The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to fill the position of Senior Aviation Advisor (SAA) for the U.S. Mission to Libya (LEO) located in Tunis, Tunisia.  The Aviation Advisor serves as the senior in-country aviation advisor and provides program implementation, direction, mission execution, contract oversight, compliance, and evaluation in support of all DOS funded aviation transportation services. This Senior Aviation Advisor position is based domestically and will deploy during the mission window. The Aviation Advisor serves in two broad roles as the 1) Aviation Advisor and 2) Government Technical Monitor (GTM).  The SAA  is responsible for overall management, coordination, and execution of aviation resources under INL/ACB/A contracts. The GTM monitors and evaluates aviation support contractor performance in all aviation functional areas, to include operations, maintenance, safety, and logistics through performance of oversight duties ensuring contractor compliance with INL/ACB/A standards of performance.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the INL/ACB/A Division Chief or his/her designee, the Senior Aviation Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Provide oversight and guidance to fixed wing operations, maintenance, and logistics to ensure efficient and safe support for the LEO needs, and regional support as required.

2.    Interface with respective embassy stakeholders to ensure support for their respective aviation missions.
3.    Draft Aviation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other documentation pertaining to the LEO Air program.
4.    Optimize passenger and/or cargo scheduling to ensure maximum aircraft utilization.
5.    Interface with other agencies and departments, such as UN organizations, Department of War (DOW), and host country/countries officials, in the coordination of actions to further LEO objectives.  
6.    Perform oversight and evaluation of contractor operations, maintenance, logistics, and safety programs.  Oversight includes, but is not limited to, ensuring compliance with INL/ACB/A policies, procedures, directives, reviewing and recommending approval of waivers to published directives, authorizing use of program aircraft, reviewing contractor flight operations procedures, and monitoring contractor pilot proficiency. 
7.    Submit regular written reports of contractor performance and activities to INL/ACB/A and provide comprehensive monthly award term input to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) regarding contractor performance.
8.    Direct and coordinate aircraft and personnel deployments in support of COM.
9.    Act as a point of contact for flight service provider in support of aviation operations.  
10.     Develop, coordinate, organize, implement, and ensure compliance with comprehensive operational systems and procedures in support of LEO’s aviation missions. Compliance documentation for operational systems and procedures includes, but is not limited to, the DoS Aircrew Training Program, Aviation Operations Directives, Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, Aircrew Training Manuals, Safety Directives, INL/ACB/A approved maintenance and logistics procedures, and INL/ACB/A and country-specific SOPs.  
11.     Develop operational tactics and new training procedures (in conjunction with INL/ACB/A and contractor staff). This includes, but is not limited to, night vision goggle (NVG) operations and fixed wing passenger and cargo operations. 
12.     Serve as a Government Technical Monitor. Provide operational direction and guidance to contract personnel. Prioritize allocation of contractor efforts and workload to meet LEO requirements. Assess contractor manning by skill level against contract requirements, recommending modifications as needed. Plan work, set, and/or negotiate deadlines and completion dates, review and accept/reject final work, and evaluate contractor performance per the Worldwide Aviation Support Services Contract Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.
13.     Provide advice and instruction on technical and administrative matters; identify developmental and training needs, determine ways to improve work quality, and enhance overall performance standards for both USG and contractor personnel. 
14.     Collect, review, and disseminate data on aviation tactics, techniques, and employment.  Frequently liaise with INL/ACB/A, DOW, DOS, Diplomatic Security, other US Government (USG) agencies, and the US Federal Aviation Administration to keep abreast of current policies, procedures, and rules pertaining to aviation operations.
15.     When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.
16.     Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1.    Complete the Contracting Officer’s Representative (PA296) distance learning course through the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) within 120 days of the start of the contract.  
2.    Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) through NFACT prior to first deployment to support missions.  
3.    Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR).
4.    Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position will be the selectee’s home of record within the United States. Travel to Malta, Tunisia, and Libya is required.  Travel to other countries in the region (Egypt, Algiers, Morocco, Italy) and within the United States may be required. 

RELATIONSHIPS
The Senior Aviation Advisor works under the direct supervision of the INL/ACB/A Division Chief or his/her designated Federal representative; however, the individual exercises wide latitude for independent action by initiating projects and executing approved new programs under general supervision. The Senior Aviation Advisor coordinates directly with the INL/ACB/A staff in the performance of contract oversight, compliance, and issuing direction to the aviation support contractors to ensure compliance with INL/A policies and procedures and USG mandated regulatory guidance for Federal Aviation programs. The Senior Aviation Advisor performs oversight duties at all INL/ACB/A contractor locations.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the INL/ACB/A Division Chief 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 INL/ACB/A Division Chief will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/SAO/IM Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

TELEWORK 
This position has been designated as 100% remote when not deployed for missions. A telework agreement will outline specific expectations, roles and responsibilities that govern DOS teleworkers.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT
At the telework location, the employee is expected to provide their own office space. A government issued laptop and cellphone will be provided to complete all job requirements.  At this location, the Senior Aviation Advisor will own and maintain all property and comply with other elements as provided in the telework agreement.  
    
COMPLEXITY
This position involves providing aviation support, under COM authority, to meet transportation requirements.  Aviation support includes fixed wing travel in support of COM personnel to multiple international locations.  The Aviation Advisor serves as the senior in-country aviation advisor supporting the Libya External Office (through operations in Libya, Tunisia, and Malta) and provides program implementation, direction, mission execution, contract oversight, compliance, and evaluation in support of all DOS funded aviation transportation services.

SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS
The Senior Aviation Advisor performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex aviation program in Libya, Tunisia, and Malta, known as LEO Air.  Flights originate from Valletta, Malta into Tunis, Tunisia to pick up passengers and cargo and transport them into Libya. In addition to air transportation missions, LEO Air may be required to perform operations in support of other regional agencies, COM personnel movements, tactical site survey missions, SAR missions, QRF transport, and medical evacuations.  

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 security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). 
2.    Designation as a Military aviator; OR
a.    A minimum of ten (10) years of commercial aviation management experience, including experience in a hostile environment with threats to aircraft and ground personnel.   
3.    Demonstrated senior level management experience in a medium to large size aviation organization (government, civil, or military), with experience dealing with diverse stakeholders with differing goals.  
4.    Demonstrated experience coordinating programs within the interagency or international community.    
5.    Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of fixed wing aircraft tactical employment in aviation operations.
6.    Demonstrated broad knowledge and experience in formulating plans and policies pertaining to operations and unit level flight training activities; basic knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and flight operations procedures.
7.    Demonstrated specialized skill in operating an aircraft as a pilot.

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:    Aviation Program Officer                                          (25 points)
Demonstrated experience and ability to interface with Embassy officers and stakeholders to assist, define, and clarify aviation requirements; assist in allocating resources and identifying needs to meet requirements; aid in prioritizing requirements; and manage an aviation fleet centrally to meet requirements safely and efficiently.  

Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate, organize, and implement comprehensive operational systems and procedures in support of LEO Air mission requirements. Aviation experience in the North Africa region is preferred.  

Factor 2:    Contract Oversight                                            (20 points)
Demonstrated ability to perform oversight and evaluation of contractor performance in all functional areas, to include ensuring compliance with policies/procedures/directives, review and recommend approval of waivers to published directives, authorize use of aircraft, review contractor flight operations procedures, and monitor contractor pilot proficiency.

Demonstrated ability to perform oversight and evaluation of contractor performance in all functional areas, to include ensuring compliance with policies/procedures/directives, reviewing and recommending approval of waivers to published directives, authorizing use of aircraft, reviewing contractor flight operations procedures, and monitoring contractor pilot proficiency.

Demonstrated experience providing operational direction and guidance to contractors in the execution of all aviation operations that comprise  flight scheduling and flight planning. 

Factor 3:    Operational Tactics, Techniques, & Procedures         (25 points) 
Demonstrated ability to develop operational tactics and new training procedures for emerging missions and developing non-tactical passenger and cargo handling systems to sustain and improve service to stakeholders.

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 – 20
Factor #3 – 25
Total Possible – 70 Points 

Interview Performance – 30 points 

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

Total Possible Points: 100

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

COMPENSATION (BASE PAY)
This position has been designated at the GS-14 equivalent level (based on OPM locality pay for the selectee’s home of record within the United States 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