Program Coordinator for IT Border Security

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: Program Coordinator for IT Border SecurityLocation: Mexico City, MexicoSalary Level:    FS-02 - $91,475 - $134,334 (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: September 19, 2022Closing date:    September 23, 2022Closing Time: 3:00 PM ETSolicitation Number:     PSC-22-066-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/EX/GAPP    ChittumDA@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 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. This position is located in the INL section of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.  INL administers bilateral border and port of entry (POE) programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues.  The position will support the identification, conceptual development, costs, coordination, and completion of information technology projects to include setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities and monitoring the progress of border security IT projects. A key responsibility involves identification of potential projects that support U.S. and Mexican government policy objectives and championing these projects to INL management and GOM partners. The position requires IT Border Security subject expertise and experience to enable the incumbent to determine swiftly what assistance is required, within what timeframe it must be implemented, and how such assistance must be supervised to ensure its effectiveness.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the Mexico City-based INL Border Security Program Officer, the Program Coordinator for IT Border Security will perform the following duties:1.    Identifies and implements IT Border Security projects in Mexico, including counternarcotics, biometric and secure communication projects, as appropriate.  The program coordinator will draw on subject matter expertise in IT Border Security issues and program management involving U.S, government assistance in developing countries.  The incumbent will also be responsible for managing these programs. 2.    Establishes a strategic and supporting operational technology plan that supports INL and Embassy Mexico’s short-term and long-term objectives. 3.    Coordinates with Mexican officials and draws on subject matter expertise to determine best ways to develop institutions that contribute to a more just society, including the security forces, the judiciary, the corrections system, and civil society.  Generates support for and actively advances U.S. policy objectives with key host government officials, influential organizations, the media, and leaders in the private sector.  4.    Liaises with and assists the various Mexican law enforcement agencies in developing viable capacity-building projects in the fields of IT Border Security.  Acts as liaison between these entities and components of the U.S. Mission.  5.    Develops and maintains professional and social relationships with host government law enforcement/information system officials to ensure close, cooperative working relationships.  6.    Analyzes and reports on law enforcement and justice sector developments in Mexico, ensuring that the USG is fully informed on the capabilities, capacity, performance, and opportunities with regard to all elements of the country’s IT Border Security sectors.  7.    Ensures effective coordination of  INL assistance to the government of Mexico.  8.    Establishes and maintains appropriate internal management control systems.  Ensures that INL programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement.  Helps manage and monitor the use of all U.S.-provided commodities intended for IT Border Security/law enforcement sector purposes.  9.    Provides analysis and guidance in project budget preparation, and program planning.10.    Conducts senior-level field surveys, evaluations, and special studies, as directed.11.    Maintains security awareness and properly handles classified and controlled items and information.  12.    When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.13.    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 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 (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.  4.    If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSUS Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico.     RELATIONSHIPSThe incumbent will report to the INL Border Security Program Officer, and liaise and coordinate with INL/WHP staff in Washington, DC.  The program coordinator will provide general administrative and policy direction concerning overall program priorities and objectives, as well as work with INL/WHP to develop and manage programs and related issues.  The incumbent will liaise with other agencies/governments active in the fields of border security, and with host government contacts.  The incumbent will monitor INL programs in Mexico, analyzing their effectiveness and suggesting improvements.  The incumbent will present these approaches to INL/WHP for discussion and final approval.The Contract Administrator is INL in Washington and shall be the INL Contracting Officer.  In no instance shall the INL Border Security Program Officer 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 Border Security Program Officer 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 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 in discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions.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 Mexico, 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 clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required.)2.    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution AND a minimum of ten (10) years related experience in the fields of IT border security; or,a.    A high school diploma with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of related experience.3.    A minimum of five (5) years of experience abroad managing bilateral or multilateral border security and IT assistance programs.4.    Demonstrated experience developing and managing long-term border security IT programs, including assessment, monitoring and evaluation.5.    Demonstrated experience drafting related reports/documents, annual budgets, and strategic plan submissions.6.    Demonstrated experience planning, strategizing, implementing and reporting on projects.  7.    Demonstrated experience drafting analytical briefing papers, memoranda, letters, cables, and reports for review and/or signature by senior-level officials.8.    Demonstrated experience coordinating and working closely with the Department of Defense, United Nations and/or international community on security sector development programs.9.    Demonstrated experience working with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives.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                             (30 Points)Demonstrated work experience in managing complex projects which include determining and validating requirements, monitoring progress on projects, as well as reporting on Border Security IT issues.Factor 2:    Program Experience                             (10 points)Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets, advance acquisition plans (AAP), statements of work (SOW), procurement orders, purchase requests, sole-source justification waiver requests and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities.Factor 3:    Management & Communication Experience            (30 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner; 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. 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 – 10 Factor #3 – 30 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)This position has been designated at the FS-02 equivalent level ($91,475 - $134,334 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