Senior Aviation 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: Senior Aviation Advisor Location: Kabul, Afghanistan Salary Level: FS-01 - $110,460 - $143,598 (Equivalent GS15) 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: June 30, 2021 Closing date: July 14, 2021 Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. EST Solicitation Number: PSC-21-067-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 The US Department of State (DOS), Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Aviation (INL/A) provides aviation support, under Chief of Mission (COM) authority, to meet transportation and/or Foreign Assistance Aviation Program requirements in Afghanistan. Aviation support includes fixed and rotary wing travel in support of COM personnel to multiple domestic and international locations. Flight operations are conducted through a local entity known as Embassy Air originating from Kabul International Airport and servicing multiple airfields and helipads/heliports. In addition to air transportation missions, Embassy Air may be required to perform rotary wing security operations in support of COM personnel ground movements, reconnaissance missions, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Quick Reaction Force transport, interdiction missions and medical evacuations. Embassy Air uses a mixed fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft to accomplish its mission. Aircraft perform their missions anytime, day and night, as well as under visual and instrumental meteorological conditions. Some missions supporting the US Mission require 24-hour a day aircraft and crew availability. The SAA 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. The SAA serves in two broad roles as the 1) SAA and 2) Government Task Monitor (GTM). The SAA is responsible for overall management, coordination, and execution of aviation resources under INL/A contracts. The GTM, in conjunction with subordinate Aviation Advisors, 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/A standards of performance. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the U.S. Embassy Kabul Assistant Chief of Mission or his/her designee, the Seior Aviation Advisor will perform the following duties: 1. Provide oversight and guidance to fixed wing and rotary wing operations, maintenance, and logistics to ensure efficient and safe support for Post's need; 2. Interface with respective embassy stakeholders to ensure support for their respective aviation missions; 3. Draft Post aviation standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other post documentation pertaining to the Embassy Air program; 4. Optimize passenger scheduling to ensure maximum aircraft utilization; 5. As directed, act as the Post Aviation Officer; interface with other agencies and departments, such as UN organizations, Department of Defense (DOD), and host country officials, in the coordination of actions to further Post 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/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/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 facilities construction and O&M facility support coordination in support of aviation operations; 10. Manage Embassy Landing Zone and aviation hubs; 11. Develop, coordinate, organize, implement, and ensure compliance with comprehensive operational systems and procedures in support of Post's aviation missions; compliance documentation for operational systems and procedures include, but are not limited to, the DOS Aircrew Training Program, Aviation Operations Directives, Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, Aircrew Training Manuals, Safety Directives, INL/A approved maintenance and logistics procedures, and INL/A and country-specific SOPs; 12. Develop operational tactics and new training procedures (in conjunction with INL/A and contractor staff); this includes, but is not limited to, night vision goggle (NVG) operations, helicopter employment tactics, fixed wing passenger and cargo operations, rules of engagement, and aerial gunnery; 13. Serve as a Government Task Monitor; provide operational direction and guidance to contract personnel; prioritize allocation of contractor efforts and workload to meet post requirements, assess contractor manning by skill level against contract requirements, recommend 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 Aviation Support Services contract Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan; 14. Delegate work to subordinate aviation advisors based on priorities, assignment difficulty, and employee capabilities; 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; 15. Collect, review, and disseminate data on aviation tactics, techniques, and employment; frequently liaise with INL/A, DOD, DOS, Diplomatic Security, other US Government (USG) agencies, and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep abreast of current policies, procedures, and rules pertaining to aviation operations. 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 Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (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) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (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. Completes the mandatory Iraq Familiarization Course (FT-610) prior to deployment ot Post. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS US Embassy Baghdad, Iraq. The Senior Aviation Advisor's main place of operation is in the offices of the Embassy Air Section. RELATIONSHIPS The SAA works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Chief of Mission 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. He/She coordinates directly with the INL/A staff in 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. In conjunction with subordinate Aviation Advisors, performs oversight duties at all INL/A contractor locations. COMPLEXITY This position involves providing aviation support, under Chief of Mission 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. The Senior Aviation Advisor serves as the senior in-country aviation advisor in Afghanistan and provides program implementation, direction, mission execution, contract oversight, compliance, and evaluation in support of all DOS funded aviation transportation services. SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex aviation program in Afghanistan, known as Embassy Air. Flights originate from the Kabul International Airport and service numerous airfields and helipads/heliports. In addition to air transportation missions, Embassy Air may be required to perform rotary wing security operations in support of COM personnel ground movements, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Quick Reaction Force transport, and medical evacuations. Additionally, INL/A assumes responsibility for the management of designated Life Support Areas (LSAs), Embassy Landing Zones, and other aviation facilities. 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, able to obtain/maintain a DOS Top Secret security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance, if applicable. The contractor shall have a personnel security clearance at the Top Secret level and must also be eligible for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). The individual clearance shall be maintained for the duration of employment under this contract or until access requirements change. 2. Designation as a Military aviator or a minimum of ten (10) years commercial aviation management experience, including experience in a hostile environment with threats to aircraft and ground personnel. 3. 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 knowledge of US FAA regulations, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 1, 61, 67, 91, 135, 137, 141, 143, and NTSB 830. 6. In-depth knowledge of fixed and rotary wing aircraft tactical employment in aviation operations, including knowledge of INL/A aircraft capabilities, limitations, and techniques. 7. 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; 8. Specialized skill in operating an aircraft as a pilot. 9. Knowledge of USG contract administration procedures. 10. Successful completion of a military or civil senior officer/manager training program; 11. Basic knowledge of the FAR. 12. Previous experience within the DOS, serving in an embassy, or in a joint or combined staff in the US military. 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: Program Management (25 points) Ability to interface with Embassy officers and stakeholders to assist, define, and clarify aviation requirements; assist in allocating of resources and identifying needs to meet requirements, aid in prioritizing requirements, and manage aviation fleet centrally to meet requirements safely and efficiently. Ability to represent post management, as directed, with other USG agencies, host nation representatives, or international organizations to ensure the accomplishments, of USG goals. Ability to develop, coordinate, organize, and implement comprehensive operational systems and procedures in support of Embassy Air Missions and post requirements. Factor 2: Contract Oversight (25 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. Provide operational direction and guidance to contractors in the execution of all aviation operations that comprise the mission set; approved by INL/A. Demonstrated ability to prepare and coordinate periodic reports, both orally and in writing. Factor 3. Develop Operational Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (20 points) Ability to develop operational tactics and new training procedures for emerging mission sets approved by INL/A. 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 FS-01 equivalent level ($110,460 to $143,598 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