Senior Cybercrime 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 Cybercrime Advisor
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Salary Level:  FS-02 - $102,409-$150,391 (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 15, 2026
Closing Date: October 29, 2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:  PSC-27-004-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: 

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

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/SAO/IM PSC Team
E-mail: INLPSCTeam@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 Africa and the Middle East Programs (INL/AME) develops and manages criminal justice sector reform programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues in both regions.  INL works to improve the effectiveness, responsiveness, and accountability of criminal justice sector institutions (police, justice sector actors, and corrections).  In close partnership and cooperation with host government and the private sector, these efforts are designed to dismantle transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), disrupt U.S.-bound illicit drugs and illicit flows to TCOs, and expand U.S. advantage and access. 

INL’s overarching goal in Nigeria is to support the development of effective and professional law enforcement and justice sector institutions to prevent, detect, respond to, investigate, and prosecute crime – including cybercrimes – and improve collaboration with U.S. law enforcement on cases with a U.S. nexus.

This Personal Services Contract (PSC) establishes the new position of Senior Cybercrime Advisor to INL at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, reporting to the INL Director and Deputy Director, and supporting INL/AME Program Officer, and Embassy leadership.  The Senior Advisor will serve as INL's primary point of contact on cybercrime and IT-based initiatives for Nigerian justice and law enforcement institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), judiciary, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA), among others. The Senior Advisor will provide strategic guidance, technical expertise, and program support to strengthen Nigeria's capacity to combat cyber-enabled crime, while promoting adherence to international best practices and human rights standards. The position requires close coordination with INL senior advisors and U.S. Mission personnel to ensure a cohesive, whole-of-government approach to Nigeria's cybercrime challenges, ultimately advancing U.S. policy priorities through sustainable institutional development and professionalization of Nigeria's justice and law enforcement sectors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Abuja-based INL Director and Deputy Director or their designee, the Senior Cybercrime Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Provide advice and technical assistance to Nigerian law enforcement, justice, and financial agencies at all levels on best practices, international standards, and laws/policies to combat cybercrime and financial crimes (including cryptocurrency-related), implement cybersecurity, and develop IT solutions for government use.
2.    Provide expert advice on the design, functionality, and improvement of criminal justice information management systems (e.g., CIMS) and on establishing systems to protect citizens' personally identifiable information.
3.    Advise and assist in developing strategies, operational plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to counter cybercrime, and participate in ongoing analysis and evaluation of Nigeria's justice and law enforcement institutional capacities.
4.    Establish and maintain communication with partner-country stakeholders to advance INL and U.S. Government objectives, facilitating meetings and coordination among parties involved in countering cybercrime.
5.    Visit and assess training facilities and institutions; identify technical areas, training, and equipment needs where INL programming could build capacity to combat cybercrime, ensuring training materials meet Nigerian and international/U.S. standards.
6.    Monitor and evaluate INL-funded implementing partners to support the development, training, and sustainability of cyber-related initiatives; recommend, facilitate, and follow up on efforts to encourage adoption of international/U.S. standards, adjusting course as needed and reporting on progress and outcomes.
7.    Collaborate with Nigerian stakeholders to address issues identified through technical assistance, including organizing logistics, identifying experts, and coordinating training in priority areas.
8.    Coordinate with U.S. Mission Nigeria offices (e.g., Political and Economic Sections, RSO, SAWG, LEWG, F Bureau, Legal Attaché, Department of War) and international partners (e.g., UNODC, Five Eyes, EU) to integrate complementary programs and avoid duplication of efforts.
9.    Ensure equipment and supplies purchased with USG funds are used effectively and appropriately, in accordance with regulations, to prevent fraud, waste, or mismanagement.
10.     Prepare and coordinate timely reports (e.g., End-of-Day, ASDARS, front-channel cables) and periodic assessments of Nigerian cybercrime units and provide information to support INL officers' broader reporting needs.
11.     Assist with and brief official USG, INL, Congressional, and international visits and delegations on INL's efforts to build Nigeria's cybercrime and cybersecurity capacity, including escorting visitors and arranging itineraries.
12.     Attend relevant Embassy and security sector reform meetings, brief the INL Nigeria Program Officer and Embassy staff on major developments, and respond promptly to requests for information on cybercrime issues.
13.     Maintain points of contact with host-government stakeholders and local authorities to assess cybercrime operations and training areas, supporting threat assessments and planning.
14.     Supervise 1–3 Locally Employed Staff (LES) assigned to the cybercrime portfolio: assign tasks, set priorities, develop work schedules, and monitor progress to ensure efficient workflow.
15.     Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, recommend awards or disciplinary actions, identify training needs, and mentor staff to support skill-building and career growth.
16.     Resolve workplace conflicts, ensure staff compliance with Department policies and security protocols, and maintain regular communication with INL Directors and INL Washington on staff performance and operational needs.
17.     When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
18.     Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.
TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1.    Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) within 120 days of arriving at Post.  
2.    Completes the Government Technical Monitor (GTM) (PA 398) distance-learning (DL) course through NFATC within 120 days of arriving at Post.  
3.    Completes the Grants Officer’s Representative (PY220, PY222, PY224) distance-learning (DL) course within (120) days of assignment.  
4.    Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the NFATC within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post. 
5.    Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.  
6.    Completes all mandatory U.S. Direct Hire; Supervisory Leadership and Management identified by the Bureau of Personnel & Training (PERT) within the timelines specified by PERT.
7.    Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR).
8.     Consultations with the INL Program Officer may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is the U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria. Frequent travel in-country and regionally on a TDY basis to meet program needs is required. International travel for consultations and conferences may be required. 
    
RELATIONSHIPS
The Senior Cybercrime Advisor reports to the INL Director at US Embassy Abuja, Nigeria. The incumbent will work closely with and receive guidance from the INL/AME Nigeria Program Officer and the INL Cyber Team in Washington, DC.  The Senior Advisor maintains open, timely, and professional communications, resulting in a relationship that proactively addresses potential problems with flexible, workable solutions.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the INL Director, Deputy, 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 Director, or in his absence, the INL Deputy Director will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL 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 discern the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determine how to translate the intent into program actions.

SCOPE & 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 Nigeria, 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 clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required.)
2.    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; and 
a.    A minimum of 10 (ten) years of experience performing duties related to this SOW in the public or private sector.
3.    A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working on cybercrime, cybersecurity or criminal justice fields.  
4.    Demonstrated knowledge of cybercrime best practices, policies, issues, and U.S. and international standards.  
5.    A minimum of one (1) year of experience working overseas.
6.    Demonstrated experience in project management.  
7.    Demonstrated experience managing projects in hardship postings like Mission Nigeria.

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                         (25 points)
Demonstrated experience in cybercrime investigations, policy and project implementation, or experience in criminal justice, cyber-enabled crime, training, and implementation. Demonstrated full-cycle project management experience, including planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, close-out and coordinating activities with multiple entities. Experience working overseas in countries under difficult conditions or in an embassy environment is preferred. 

Factor 2:    Technical Experience                         (20 points)
Demonstrated experience assessing cybercrime investigative and/or prosecutorial capabilities; demonstrated in-depth knowledge of cybercrime best practices, polices, issues, and international and U.S. best practices and standards in combating cybercrime. Demonstrated experience in software engineering, design, cell cite extraction and development of counter-cybercrime applications. Substantive knowledge of and experience within international cybercrime and criminal financing, including cryptocurrencies, is preferred.      

Factor 3:    Communication, Interpersonal & Management             (25 points)
Demonstrated ability to communicate in a timely and concise manner, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated experience in briefing senior officials, preparing, and writing reports, audits, and memoranda. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with others at all command levels, including leading teams in a manner that demonstrates respect to all team members, to develop and maintain strong working relationships. 

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 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 FS-02 equivalent level ($102,409 - $150,391 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