Counternarcotics 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: Counternarcotics AdvisorLocation: Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicSalary Level: FS-02 - $99,700 - $146,413 (Equivalent GS-14)Period of performance: The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions.Issuance Date: April 12, 2024Closing date: April 26, 2024 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ETSolicitation Number: PSC-24-039-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 and 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 received 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: Cecille D. Washington U.S. Department of State INL/EX/GAPP WashingtonCD@state.govSincerely,Katelynn BarhamContracting 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 U.S. 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 APPLYOfferor’s 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.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/Cecille WashingtonWashingtonCD@state.govDirect questions regarding this solicitation to: Cecille D. WashingtonWashingtonCD@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): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (J) 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 Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP) develops narcotics control and anticrime policy initiatives for countries in the Western Hemisphere that produce and transit narcotics. INL/WHP provides overall program and policy direction for INL bilateral narcotics and anticrime assistance programs at overseas posts by developing and revising drug and crime strategies and coordinating program development with other U.S. agencies.INL/WHP is responsible for coordinating policy and programs with other U.S. government (USG) departments and agencies involved in international narcotics control and crime activities, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to provide a Counternarcotics (CN) Advisor to the INL section at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The incumbent will be the primary advisor and program coordinator for all matters related to counternarcotics. The Advisor will seek approval from INL/WHP for any decisions which may not be performed independently by the PSC, including discretionary exercise of government authority and final approval on policy formulation, program planning, representation, control of money, property, or other valuable resources. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the Santo Domingo-based INL Director or his/her designee, the Counternarcotics Advisor will perform the following duties: 1. Manages the full lifecycle of counternarcotics including maritime interdiction assistance projects in the Dominican Republic to include strategic and budget planning, design, coordination, implementation, oversight, monitoring and evaluation, and closeout. Ensures INL counternarcotics assistance projects meet strategic objectives and foreign assistance priorities set by the White House, the Department of State, Embassy Santo Domingo, and INL Santo Domingo.2. Coordinates institution building of the Dominican Republic’s counternarcotics agencies with special emphasis on training activities at the National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD) academy to build their interdiction capability.3. Provides policy analysis and program guidance to INL on counternarcotics and maritime security issues and programs in the Dominican Republic. Such guidance may address a range of issues, to include strategy, capacity, budget, training and technical assistance requirements, procurement planning, refurbishment and/or construction of maritime and other facilities, and reviewing sustainability of INL investments. 4. Identifies support requirements related to counternarcotics and leads the preparation of documentation for procurement of technical services, training and equipment, and the monitoring of procurement actions, including drafting source origin waivers, contract and grant solicitations, scopes of work, bilateral letters of agreement, delivery, and acceptance of items procured to support INL Santo Domingo. 5. Exercises oversight for locally employed staff and third-party contracting staff in the course of their duties working on counternarcotics programming, as assigned. 6. Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Agreements Officer’s Representative (AOR), and/or Grants Officer’s Representative (GOR), as assigned. 7. Works with INL leadership to coordinate activities and assistance with the Embassy working groups and committees and other relevant U.S. government counterparts. Assures that engagements and project proposals reflect a coordinated, embassy-wide approach.8. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key Dominican counternarcotics officials and agencies. Represents INL and the USG in coordination meetings with the GODR and other foreign governments as required. 9. Reviews and advises on the purchase and refurbishment of counternarcotics equipment, including maritime vessels, as well as on maintenance and operational training. 10. Assists in the establishment of an integrated logistics and preventative maintenance and inventory program that is essential to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and the operational capabilities of the Dominican Navy. 11. Provides technical advice to the INL Director and Deputy Director on maintaining the safe, operational status of all USG donated and GODR purchased vessels and equipment. 12. Provides technical advice to GODR counterparts to enable engineers to maintain safe operational status of maritime interdiction vessels. Provides advice on repairs, ordering spare parts, and supplies.13. Assists GODR to evaluate, repair, maintain, or decommission operational/non-operational vessels in their inventory. Makes recommendations regarding repair and/or decommission of GODR vessels, makes recommendations regarding future acquisitions and development plans.14. Assists INL Santo Domingo project budget preparation and program planning. Defines and makes recommendations on procurements and preparation of related budget documentation. 15. Prepares INL leadership for attendance at general and law enforcement meetings, national and international conferences and seminar, and meetings with GODR official, reporting on discussions, activities, and/or decisions.16. Provides advice and assistance in end-use monitoring (EUM) of U.S. government-supplied commodities and services, preparing input for the annual EUM report to the U.S. Congress. Reviews and advises on the purchase and refurbishment of systems and equipment transferred to the relevant GODR entities.17. Provides input, advice, assistance, and occasionally lead, in the formulation of INL and Mission wide reports, planning and policy documents including the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS), the annual country budget request, CBSI quarterly reports, spot reports (ASDARS) and the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR).18. Coordinates logistical support for counternarcotics operations in the Dominican Republic and coordinate logistical requirements, and reviews logistical support requests for accuracy and applicability while supporting counternarcotics operations.19. Recommends and coordinates training required to improve counternarcotics police and maritime forces performance in detection, interdiction, custody, and disposal of illicit drugs. Plans and coordinates training activities under the U.S. Colombia Action Plan (USCAP) in support of both the National Drug Control Directorate and the Dominican Navy (ARMADA).20. Works directly with other USG agencies to help build the DNCD’s counternarcotics capabilities by coordinating USG-provided training, logistical support, and technical assistance.21. Assists in the development of the necessary command, control, communications, and intelligence support needed to effectively support various interdiction units, including but not limited to technical support for communications, computer systems, data collection and analysis, and field investigations.22. Prepares background materials and reports to be used by the INL Director and other U.S. government personnel in preparing speeches and briefings to articulate INL engagement on counternarcotics efforts in the Dominican Republic.23. Works with INL and host nation personnel to improve the DNCD counternarcotics police’s investigative capacity by providing technical support for communications, computer systems, data analysis, and field investigations.24. Works with host nation partners, including the National Drug Council, on drug demand reduction programs.25. Coordinates strategy and programs with other INL Santo Domingo Program areas as well as regional Counternarcotics and Maritime interdiction programs.26. Briefs visiting officials and Embassy staff on the role of INL and the status of the U.S. – Dominican Republic counternarcotics security projects and related initiatives. 27. Drafts letters, cables, and other reports on INL activities under general guidance of the INL Director. 28. When required, perform the roles of Acting Program Coordinator for other INL Programs, or Acting Section Chief.29. When required, performs the roles including of Duty Officer.30. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first nine (9) months of arriving at Post. 2. Completes the Grants Officer Representative (PY472, PY474, PY476 and PY478 ) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first nine (9) months of arriving at post. 3. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.4. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post. 5. Completes INL-relevant courses within the first nine (9) months of arriving at Post: a. INL/PREP training offered by INL/KM b. PP420 INL Program and Project Management I c. PP421 INL Financial Management d. PP422 INL Contract Administration, Procurement Policies and Procedurese. PA392 ILMS Overseas Ariba Procurement 6. Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSThe place of performance is the US Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Incumbent also has an office at the national Directorate for the Control of Drugs (DNCD) where they have regular office hours. The Advisor may be occasionally required to travel in-country and regionally on a TDY basis to meet program needs.RELATIONSHIPSThe Advisor will receive general guidance and report directly to the INL Director. Specific assignments originate frequently from liaison activities and the Advisor will negotiate the draft scope and objectives of counternarcotics related projects independently with little input or review.The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the INL Director 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 will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/EX/GAPP Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.COMPLEXITYThis position involves analyzing, assessing, planning, organizing, and implementing of complex counternarcotics law enforcement projects.SCOPE & 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 Dominican Republic, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCEThe period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance, medical clearances and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required).2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or a minimum of ten (10) years of related experience in the military, law enforcement, international development, international affairs, or public administration.3. A minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience in counternarcotics law enforcement programs, or military operations, planning, or theater security cooperation engagement.4. A minimum of five (5) years progressive employment experience in either law enforcement rule of law capacity building, U.S. military joint and combined military operations, or direct experience in INL-managed counternarcotics programs.5. Demonstrated previous overseas experience working with host governments in Latin America, including training/instruction of foreign personnel.6. A minimum of three (3) years of general administrative and program management experience with demonstrated experience evaluating programs and identifying areas for improvement/change.7. Demonstrated supervisory level experience in strategic planning for small, medium, and large units. 8. Demonstrated experience in developing and managing investigative capabilities. 9. Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level. 10. Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel.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: (20 points)Demonstrated ability to provide expert subject matter and program recommendations to senior level policy makers within the Embassy and INL on a broad spectrum of counternarcotics and maritime law enforcement operations and issues, in Spanish and English. Factor 2 Program Management: (20 points)Demonstrated experience and ability to assess current programs and assist in developing, planning, implementing, and monitoring counternarcotics and maritime security assistance programs.Factor 3 Liaison and Communication: (20 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, across cultures, both orally and in writing. Interact effectively with others at all levels to prepare, analyze, explain, and defend determinations and requirements with respect to conformance to applicable laws, policies, and other regulatory guidelines; and advise program officials.Factor 4 International Experience: (10 points)Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with members of relevant USG agencies, host nation representatives, and the international community in developing and coordinating security assistance programs and operations.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 – 20Factor #2 – 20Factor #3 – 20Factor #4 – 10 Total Possible – 70 Points Interview Performance – 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)Past performance evaluation of applicant’s ability to perform under the contract. In conducting the evaluation, the U.S. government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources. Total Possible Points: 100COMPENSATION (BASE PAY)This position has been designated at the FS-02 equivalent level ($99,700 - $146,413 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 & 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