Senior Ministry of Counternarcotics (MCN) Advisor

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEBUREAU 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 Ministry of Counternarcotics (MCN) AdvisorLocation: Kabul, AfghanistanSalary Level:    FS-02 - $86,374 - $126,843 (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: November 26, 2019Closing date:    December 12, 2019Closing Time: 3:00 PM ETSolicitation Number:    

PSC-20-008-INLJob description:  See belowDear 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. CitizenshipNote: 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/RM/GAPP    ChittumDA@state.govSincerely,Anthony PierceContracting OfficerU.S. Department of StateSUBJECTA 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 APPLYOfferors 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 Responses4.    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 RECOMMENDEDVETERAN’S PREFERENCEVeteran’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 ChittumE-mail: ChittumDA@state.govDirect questions regarding this solicitation to:INL/Dominique ChittumE-mail: ChittumDA@state.govINL 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): 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 Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Programs (INL/AP) is part of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in the U.S. Department of State. The Bureau is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination, and implementation of international narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice assistance programs for the Department of State. INL/AP provides policy guidance, and develops and monitors programs to address the full range of criminal justice issues as they relate to stabilization and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan. INL has been engaged in an effort with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) to build the capacity of the Afghan justice sector. Program activities include institutional capacity building, professionalizing justice sector personnel through legal education and training initiatives, improving gender justice services, expanding legal aid services, fostering coordination within the criminal justice system, increasing public awareness and access to justice, and extending the formal justice system throughout the country while working with the traditional systems to provide alternative dispute resolution.The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the position of the Senior Ministry of Counternarcotics Advisor (hereafter the Advisor) in the INL section at U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan.  The Advisor will serve as an in-country advisor responsible for implementing INL/Kabul’s counternarcotics assistance efforts and will work within U.S. Embassy Kabul under the direct supervision of the CN Program Team Lead.  S/he will serve as an in-country advisor responsible for supporting the work of the Interdiction Program as required, to include tracking performance reporting of the INL-supported specialized units, the National Interdiction Unit (NIU) and Sensitive Investigative Unit (SIU); monitoring performance reporting under the INL-DEA Interagency Agreement supporting Afghan Counternarcotics Police capacity building; and working with INL/K Contracting Officer Representatives to collect information needed for Interdiction program oversight.  The Advisor will provide subject matter expertise to INL and the Embassy Kabul team on interdiction and other counternarcotics-related issues, as well as coordinate efforts as they relate to mission objectives, priorities, and USG roles and responsibilities for developing Afghan capacities and institutions to target the drug trade.  The Advisor will assist in the implementation of INL’s CN Program and deliver training and mentoring to Afghan law enforcement officials as required, carry out logistical planning, oversee procurements and delivery of commodities, maintain relationships, and coordinate with relevant Afghan officials. This includes, but is not limited to, coordination with Afghan narcotics authorities, management and delivery of training courses, monitoring of INL-furnished Operating and Maintenance (O&M) support and related vendor/contractor coordination, as well as possible commodity provision to host nation counternarcotics law enforcement entities.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the INL/Kabul CN Team Lead or his/her designee, the Advisor will perform the following duties:1.    Manage and implement CN projects under the guidance and direction of the CN Program Team Lead, and keep the Team Lead informed of the details of project implementation, progress, challenges, and recommended solutions.  2.    Coordinate with relevant Afghan counternarcotics authorities on management and delivery of training, monitoring O&M support as requested and support related vendor/contractor coordination, as well as potential commodity provision to host nation law enforcement entities. Assist INL/K Contracting Officer Representatives to collect information required for Interdiction program oversight.3.    Perform monitoring & evaluation activities, including site visits and data collection, to assess the effectiveness and impact of CN assistance efforts. Brief INL, Department, and interagency officials on assessment outcomes and, on the basis of those assessments, propose future activities and/or remedial actions.4.    Track performance reporting of the INL-supported specialized units, the NIU and SIU.  Review work plans or implementation plans on a regular basis and provide input to the AOR or COR, INL/K, and INL/AP on progress.5.    Monitor performance reporting under the INL-DEA Interagency Agreement supporting Afghan Counternarcotics Police capacity building.  6.    Monitor developments in Afghan government CN policy and programming.7.    Maintain open lines of communication with Afghan, U.S., and international stakeholders on CN programs.8.    Serve as a subject matter expert within the INL Section at U.S. Embassy Kabul and advisor on CN issues.9.    Assist in the development of detailed implementation plans and timelines for CN assistance programs, from initial assessments and program design through acquisition and implementation, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, monitoring, and coordination among vendors, contractors, and Afghan Government officials.  10.    Provide program guidance/reporting upon request on law enforcement aspects of current program efforts as well as those in planning or evaluation stages, including mission objectives, budgeting, development of Afghan CN capacities and institutions, practical measures to improve U.S. and international capacities to provide CN assistance and training plans.11.    Coordinate law enforcement efforts with members of the Country Team as directed by the CN Program Officer, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), UNODC, and other international donors. In particular, the Advisor is expected to coordinate and work closely with Embassy Kabul’s DEA office.12.    Represent INL at mid-level meetings, briefings, seminars, and exercises with USG, Host Nation, and international representatives to develop plans/programs for implementation of CN assistance and improve INL capacities to respond quickly and effectively when new mission initiatives emerge.13.    Serve as a designated interlocutor with GIRoA officials and CN law enforcement leadership when appropriate. 14.    Participate in INL-Afghan office meetings.TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES1.    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) and RS-415 Afghanistan Familiarization.  4.    If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSThis position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Travel in and around the Afghanistan provinces is possible.  All movements within Afghanistan will be covered by INL/PSD transports and INL/US military vehicles and aircraft.  All travel outside of Afghanistan will be covered by commercial airline.In Afghanistan, the work is principally sedentary, however travel in and around Afghanistan provinces is possible.  While on a site visit there are physical demands associated with travel to and from remote areas abroad in restrained time frames over underdeveloped infrastructure and conveyances - the position requires an above average resistance to fatigue and physical hardships.  Extended onsite visits to remote project sites will occasionally be required, necessitating the ability to walk medium to longer distances (hundreds of yards or more) on generally irregular dirt or stone surfaces, in both hilly and flat terrain.  Those who use wheelchairs, have respiratory difficulties, or require assistance walking will find this difficult. Additionally, those undergoing medical treatment or taking certain medicines that limit their physical or mental abilities may find it difficult to adhere to the limitations recommended by their physician(s).  Travel on helicopters and/or cargo-oriented fixed wing aircraft will also be required.  Those with ear or other problems, who do not easily adapt to pressurized environments or higher but non-pressurized environments, will find the travel requirements of these positions difficult. Climate conditions are also often a factor.  Work is often done in extremes of cold and heat, in dusty, windy, and polluted environments, and frequently outdoors.  Those with circulation problems or difficulties adapting to climate extremes or extremely dusty or polluted environments will find this aspect of the position difficult.RELATIONSHIPSThe incumbent reports to and receives broad policy guidance and general direction from the INL/Kabul CN Team Lead or designated INL/Kabul official.  The incumbent proceeds independently in planning and implementing many aspects of organizational, project, and logistical operations. The Advisor coordinates and communicates frequently with INL/Kabul and with the INL/AP Counternarcotics Team.  The incumbent’s actions, decisions, and recommendations are reviewed on the basis of results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations.  Because the incumbent receives only general policy guidance, he/she must constantly depends on his/her own professional judgement to further the mission of INL.COMPLEXITYThe Advisor develops detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the program, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program.  Coordinating plans with various other groups including international donors, the U.S. Embassy, and the Government of Afghanistan can be complicated.Projects require dynamic leadership, expertise, complex innovation, and strict adherence to high-level policy without lower-level interpretive assistance, and the ability to single-handedly, or in concert with a variety of other stakeholders, resolve critical problems and achieve difficult goals that may impact other programs.  They are broad in scope and complicated by many complex features, technical, administrative, or political in nature.SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESSThe 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 Afghanistan, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS1.    U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security and Medical clearances.2.    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution AND a minimum of ten (10) years related experience in the field of counternarcotics/law enforcement capacity building; or,a.    A minimum of twelve (12) years of related experience in the field of counternarcotics/law enforcement capacity building.3.    Demonstrated five (5) years of experience managing bilateral or multilateral criminal justice or security assistance programs in a conflict, or post-conflict zone.4.    Demonstrated experience in supporting international law enforcement assistance programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Iraq.5.    Demonstrated experience developing and managing law enforcement and/or counternarcotics programs in a conflict, or post-conflict zone, including five (5) years of experience with program assessment, monitoring, and/or evaluation.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    Counternarcotics/Law Enforcement Cooperation        (30 points)Demonstrated experience developing close working relationships with host-government officials on counternarcotics/law enforcement matters; demonstrated ability to provide expert CN and policy guidance to host country officials on law enforcement operations.Factor 2    Program Management                    (20 points)Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and overseeing U.S. CN assistance programs abroad, including training, equipment, and infrastructure support in a conflict/post-conflict environment.Factor 3    Professional Expertise                    (20 points)    Demonstrated ability to liaise with members of relevant USG agencies (including members of an Embassy Country Team), host country representatives, and the international community in developing and coordinating CN programs, as well as experience representing a USG agency in these forums.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 – 20 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: 100The 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)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 & ALLOWANCESAS 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