Regional Gangs Advisor

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:                        Regional Gangs AdvisorLocation:                                San Salvador, El SalvadorSalary 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:                       Monday, September 26, 2022                      Closing date:                         Tuesday, October 11, 2022Closing Time: 

                      3:00 p.m. EST                       Solicitation Number:            PSC-22-067-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:Form SF 171 (Completed and signed)Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include: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. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.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.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.  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 Washington            U.S. Department of State            INL/EX/GAPP            Washingtoncd@state.govSincerely,Katelynn E. 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 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 SOLICITATIONThis 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): Form SF 171 (Completed and signed)Resume  Evaluation Factor ResponsesThree (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/Cecille D. WashingtonE-mail: Washingtoncd@state.govDirect questions regarding this solicitation to:INL/Cecille D. WashingtonE-mail: Washingtoncd@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, Central America Regional Security Initiative (INL/WHP/CARSI) team supports foreign assistance programs throughout Central America.  The Bureau is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, and supervision of international narcotics control, law enforcement activities, and international criminal justice issues for the DOS. INL/WHP funds a program to enhance the capacity of governments in the Central American Region to combat youth gang crime and prevent youth from being drawn into gangs.The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the new position of Regional Gangs Advisor at the Embassy San Salvador.  The Gangs Advisor will manage a program of assistance to anti-gang units, police, and other justice sector entities involved in reduction of gang-related crime and violence.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of El Salvador INL Director or his/her designee, the Regional Gangs Advisor will perform the following duties:Advise on the implementation of various INL program activities such as police professionalization, gang violence prevention, counternarcotics, and municipal safety.  The incumbent will coordinate these activities with U.S. government agencies operating in El Salvador, international organizations, the appropriate Government of El Salvador (GOES) institutions, and stakeholders at the federal and municipal levels.  For INL programs related to the National Civil Police, review and make recommendations for program proposals, implementing agreements, policies, and initiatives that will support Salvadoran security.Assist INL leadership at Post on planning and implementing law enforcement and prevention program activities to include policy, training, and inter-governmental coordination.  Build capacity enhancement projects focused on strengthening Salvadoran ability to disrupt criminal gangs and reduce gang violence.  Provide advisory and capacity enhancement to the GOES through appropriate advisories, trainings, and agreements in order to establish strong and professional law enforcement institutions that follow established policies procedures and systems. Provide technical assistance to appropriate ranking law enforcement and other justice sector officials to develop a long-term strategy to strengthen the anti-violence initiatives and activities at the federal and municipal levels.  Assess current partner governments, civil society, and private sector capabilities to respond to security and law enforcement challenges and make recommendations for effective strategies. Provide advisory, policy analysis, and program guidance on issues and strategies such as program milestones, performance measures, and development and improvement of host country capacity to combat gang violence.Provide advice and assistance in preparation of documentation for procurement of technical services, training and commodities and the monitoring of procurement actions, including drafting source-origin waivers, bid solicitations, scopes of work, and delivery and acceptance of items procured.  This includes equipment (hardware and software) needed to facilitate information sharing, such as fingerprint analysis tools and case information tools.In coordination with INL, facilitate the implementation of the training and technical assistance, including monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness of interventions.In coordination with INL, implement police professionalization, municipal security, and violence prevention activities, ensuring that law enforcement and prevention activities are part of an integral program. In coordination with INL, provide support to other USG anti-gang or police professionalization programs in the region on an as-needed basis. Provide input to INL for the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance (F) Budget process, including development of operational plans.Conduct periodic site visits to perform on-site inspections and ensure effective implementation of projects and agreements, and to ensure initiatives are moving forward in a timely manner. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSESCompletes 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.Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT610) prior to deployment to Post. If incumbent does not have prior INL experience, completes INL POST and SOAR training if within the first 6 months of arriving at Post.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSThe place of performance will be the U.S. Embassy San Salvador. Frequent travel in the city of San Salvador as well as occasional travel in the region and to Washington, DC will be required.      RELATIONSHIPSThe Regional Gangs Advisor reports directly to the INL Director or his/her Designee at Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador and will have close working relationships with the INL/WHP CARSI Team Lead, Directors of INL sections and offices in Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama), and their designees as determined by INL Directors. The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington, DC.  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 or his/her Designee 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.COMPLEXITYThe Regional Gangs Advisor must be able to review host country law enforcement needs and capacity to increase the scope of operations and information-sharing; develop and manage relationships with multiple INL personnel, law enforcement units, and host government officials spanning the seven countries of Central America and Washington, D.C.; ensure sustainability of projects through provision of planning, communication, and operational standards; and have the ability to integrate competing needs of partner nation law enforcement units into a coherent and comprehensive transnational approach.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 El Salvador, 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 QUALIFICATIONSU.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.)Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level.Demonstrated ten (10) years’ experience in the area of law enforcement operations, management, and training.  Proven record of accomplishment of implementing law enforcement programs in Latin America. Demonstrated experience working with partner nation policing programs, policing tactics and theories, and management of resources. Graduate of an accredited U.S. university with a bachelor’s degree or higher or 20 years’ related law enforcement experience.Demonstrated experience in managing program resources in an overseas environment, including project analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation.Demonstrated relevant work experience in law enforcement program management, training, and problem-solving methodologies.Demonstrated communication and liaison skills appropriate to work with a wide variety of governmental, public, and private sector representatives, as well as with local community members and groups.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.EVALUATION CRITERIAFactor 1:         Work Experience                                                                              (30 Points)                        Demonstrated work experience in planning and developing anti-gang strategies                             and programs and ability to coordinate with host country justice sector and                                    prevention officials, other USG agencies, and Civil Society Organizations.                                     Demonstrated experience in capacity enhancement (training/technical                                            assistance/analysis) with law enforcement in Central America.Factor 2:         Program Experience                                                                         (10 points)                        Knowledge of program management policies, concepts, practices, and principles in order to analyze and develop recommendations for program implementation and objectives of the USG, including knowledge and experience in U.S. Government regulations, standards of conduct and ethics.Factor 3:         Management & Communication Experience                                 (30 points) 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 – 30Factor #2 – 10Factor #3 – 30Total Possible – 70 PointsInterview 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, GS-14 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 ALLOWANCESBENEFITS - IF APPLICABLEEmployee's FICA/Medicare ContributionContribution toward Health and Life InsurancePay Comparability AdjustmentAnnual IncreaseEligibility for Worker's CompensationAnnual, Sick and Home Leave401K PlanMEDVAC (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 PostHousing AllowancePost AllowanceSupplemental Post AllowanceMaintenance Allowance (SMA)Education AllowanceEducational Travel (full-time United States based secondary)Post Hardship DifferentialDanger PayShipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables