Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

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: Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)Location: Roswell, New MexicoSalary Level:    GS-13 - $94,373 - $122,683 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 15, 2022Closing date:    September 29, 2022Closing Time: 3:00 PM ETSolicitation Number:     PSC-22-063-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 (DoS) 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 INL’s Office of Knowledge Management, Continuing Education and Training Division (INL/KM/CET Division) is dedicated to delivering excellence in internal-to-INL and foreign assistance related training. Within CET is the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) team.  The team manages the six academies, located in Accra, Ghana, Budapest, Hungary, Bangkok, Thailand, Gaborone, Botswana, San Salvador, El Salvador, and Roswell, NM.  The ILEAs, are a network of training academies enabling U.S. law enforcement agencies to provide training to criminal justice officials and policy makers from over 100 participating countries.  The ILEA program is a proven, effective method for strengthening partner nation relationships with U.S. embassies and law enforcement agencies, fostering cross-border partnerships within important regions of the world, and expanding the skills of our criminal justice sector counterparts.  Instruction covers priority areas of interest to the U.S. government such as investigating and countering transnational criminal activities including, but not limited to, money laundering, corruption, and combating all forms of trafficking including narcotics, weapons, wildlife, and trafficking in persons.The purpose of this personal services contract (PSC) is to provide a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to support the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Program. This position, located in or near Roswell, NM, would have four primary responsibilities: (1) oversight and management of the ILEA Roswell program contract; (2) liaising with the Office of Real Property Management regarding operations and maintenance of the facility; (3) acting as the Agreement Officer Representative on the program’s Interagency Agreements (IAAs); and (4) supporting program contract requirements more broadly. The COR’s actions, decisions and recommendations are reviewed on the basis of demonstrated professional judgment, results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the Washington-based INL/KM/CET ILEA Team or his/her designee, the COR will perform the following duties:1.    Work closely with INL program office, and as needed, other ILEA staff, to include the ILEA Roswell Director, to analyze program needs for contractor support and interagency agreements, as well as to define and document scopes of work, plans, schedules, site-specific considerations, work requirements, milestones, and operational activities for a variety of support contracts, interagency agreements, and other program procurement items, as required. 2.    Oversee the development and implementation of a series of contractor and interagency agreements reports that ensure a regular flow of management information regarding contract/agency activities among all concerned parties, including contractors, program offices/officers, and INL’s senior management team. 3.    Serve as a technical advisor to INL on contract terms and conditions and performance requirements. Provide assessments of contractor progress, as requested.4.    Represent INL interests and priorities when coordinating contract and interagency agreement administration efforts among multiple federal agencies and organizations both internal and external to DoS that are involved with, supported, or affected by INL contracts and agreement.  Facilitate the flow of accurate and timely information among stakeholders, including organizing, hosting, and documenting project meetings.5.    Coordinate with program/project officers and designated contractor representatives on all technical matters that arise in the administration of the assigned contracts, task orders, interagency agreement, and other procurement items, as needed. 6.    Provide clarifications regarding contract technical requirements, including inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures.7.    Participate in strategic discussions with INL/KM and/or the ILEA Director to assess program performance and to plan future program activities.8.    Coordinate contractor services to ensure seamless support for course delivery at ILEA Roswell. Coordinate with the INL Program Office to ensure uninterrupted support for the ILEA Roswell facility, through timely execution of contract options or solicitations.9.    Serve as the designated property administrator for ILEA Roswell.10.    Interact regularly with the Office of Real Property Management to ensure proper maintenance and support of the ILEA Roswell facility is maintained. 11.    Monitor contractors’ and agencies progress and performance to assure compliance with all contract and agreement terms and conditions. Provide leadership and direction to program/project officers to ensure that rigorous surveillance of contractor activities is being exercised. 12.    Review, evaluate, and document contractor and agency performance in relation to contract requirements, including conducting progress reviews and providing appropriate approvals. Monitoring of agency agreements shall be closely coordinated with the INL/KM ILEA Team.13.    Prepare progress reports in conjunction with contract milestones and updates plans and schedules as needed. Ensure that the results of all projects administered by INL support the achievement of the bureau’s goals and objectives.14.    Secure and recommend approval, if required, for deviations from approved budgets, plans, schedules, and scopes of work, and documents the changes accordingly. Identify areas for program cost savings and makes appropriate recommendations.15.    Review and approve contractor invoices for assigned contracts and task orders. Conduct analyses of spending trends in order to ensure compliance with spending plans and to anticipate potential funding issues. Initiate action to promptly resolve funding issues. 16.    Identify and recommend solutions or corrective action to resolve any problems that interfere with contract/agreement progress and with the completion of projects according to contract requirements. In those cases where problems cannot be resolved within the COR/AOR’s scope of authority, make recommendations to INL management and the CO/AO on appropriate corrective actions and implements those actions upon approval.17.    Develop, implement and ensure compliance with contract administration processes, including invoice submission/review, payment authorization, verification of receiving reports, quality assurance/surveillance, deliverables receipt and acceptance, project file and COR contract document maintenance.18.    Manage COR/AOR files.19.    When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.20.    Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.21.    Perform services that fall within the general scope of work and overall INL mission at physical locations other than Roswell, NM, including within other INL offices, bureaus or other USG agencies for a period not to exceed six (6) months.TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES1.    Obtains required Federal Acquisition Certification Program for Contracting Officer Representatives (FAC-COR) Certification within 30 days of contract start date. This position requires a FAC-COR Level II. The Department’s Procurement Information Bulletin 2012-15 provides the required training and experience requirements to obtain the FAC-COR Certification. The PSC must have all the requisite experience for obtaining a FAC-COR Level II in accordance with PIB 2012-15 prior to coming on board but will be granted 30 days to take the Department of State specific online or in-person training to receive a DOS FAC-COR Level II Certificate 2.    If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSThe COR will be based near the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Roswell, New Mexico.  If not located on site, monthly visits to the ILEA Roswell facility shall be required. The COR will travel at least twice during a calendar year, domestic or international to other academies or Washington, D.C.RELATIONSHIPThe COR carries out duties on behalf of the Contracting Officer (CO), but reports to the INL ILEA Team Leader in Washington D.C. The COR will coordinate closely with the INL/KM ILEA team in Washington, DC, and the ILEA Roswell Director, who oversees the training and course delivery, to ensure the seamless operation of ILEA Roswell, and/or other USG officials as directed by the ILEA Team Lead.  The INL/KM/CET ILEA Team Leader is the Advisor’s supervisor. The Contract Administrator is INL in Washington, DC and shall be the INL Contracting Officer.  In no instance shall the ILEA Team Leader 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/KM ILEA Team Lead 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.TELEWORK This position has been designated as 80% telework and will require the incumbent to report to the physical work location at least two (2) times per pay period. This designation does not guarantee telework privileges for the PSC; INL reserves the right to expand the requirement for in-person presence at the physical work location if the PSC is unable to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position remotely. INL may also require the incumbent to report to the physical work location additional days within a pay period as required to support office or program needs.  Telework must be authorized in advance by the PSC’s supervisor and the INL Contracting Officer (CO). COR/AOR AUTHORITIES AND LIMITATIONSAfter obtaining the required FAC-COR Certification, the Contracting Officer will designate in writing, the position of COR, to take certain actions under the contract(s) requiring oversight. The designation memorandum will specify the scope and limitations of the authority to be delegated.  Additionally, for interagency agreements, a FAC-COR Certification is required to become an Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) and will obtain a similar designation letter.  The COR/AOR is delegated the authority to act for the Contracting/ Agreement Officer in matters concerning technical clarification, inspection and, after concurrence by the Contracting/Agreement Officer, acceptance of contractor/ partner performance under the contract, including preparation of receiving reports, and the authorization of progress payments when appropriate.  The COR/AOR will coordinate all work with the Contractor/ partner and review performance at significant stages of its development. The COR/AOR will be responsible for: ·    Developing a strong working relationship with the Contracting Officer (CO)·    Promptly notifying the CO/AO in writing of any noncompliance or deviation in performance or failure to make progress·    Maintaining constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract terms on part of the Contractor·    Knowing and understanding the terms and provisions of the contract·    Knowing the scope and limitations of the COR/AOR position’s authority ·    Using good judgment, skill and reasonable care in the exercise of the COR position’s authority·    Protecting privileged and sensitive procurement information·    If appropriate, periodically visiting the Contractor’s workplace·    Serving as the property administrator for the contract(s) assigned·    Establishing and maintaining adequate COR/AOR files·    Preparing performance assessments for input into the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) In no instance, however, shall the COR/AOR be authorized to alter or modify the specifications or the contract terms and the conditions or waive the government's requirement, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions.  Such changes must be authorized, in writing, to the Contracting Officer. DELIVERABLES/REPORTSDeliverables are required under this PSC and shall include; monthly status reports, monthly evaluation of contractor performance, special reports when required and "Completion of assignment report," which shall be a compressive review of the projects in which the contractor was involved.  Each report shall include a critique of and recommendations for the various projects.  The completions of assignment reports are due no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of this contract.  The Personal Service Contractor shall submit one copy of each report as required to the INL/KM/CET ILEA Team Lead. Per FAR Part 4, the above referenced documents shall be incorporated and copies stored in the PSC’s hard file under Section V.; Tab E - Receiving Reports.  The Contractor shall prepare and submit two copies of each technical report required by the schedule of this contract (e.g., progress reports, final reports, etc.), to the ILEA Team Lead in Washington, DC.  The title page of all reports forwarded pursuant to this paragraph shall include a descriptive title, the author’s name(s), contract number, project number, and title, contractor’s name, name of the State Department project office, and the publication or issuance date of the report. When preparing reports, the Contractor shall refrain from using elaborate artwork, multicolor printing, and expensive paper/binding, unless it is specifically authorized in the Contract Schedule.  Wherever possible, pages should be printed on both sides using single spaced type. 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 the ILEA program, 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 one (1) year of experience performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight for federal programs, such as but not limited to training programs; or,a.    A minimum of three (3) years performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight for federal programs, such as but not limited to training programs.3.    A minimum of five (5) years of related experience in the fields of law enforcement of which a minimum of three (3) years should be directly related to performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight for federal educational and training programs.4.    Comprehensive understanding and demonstrated experience in contract and procurement execution including drafting Requests for Information, Requests for Proposals, Independent Government Cost Estimates, and evaluating responses related to federal education, law enforcement and training programs.5.    Demonstrated experience in contract and procurement management, including the drafting and modification of Statements of Work, contract modifications, verifying expenditures and exercising contract options for federal education, law enforcement and training programs.6.    Demonstrated planning, budgeting, strategizing, implementing, and reporting on projects.  7.    Proven ability to work effectively with host-nation/ local counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives, in a timely and concise manner. 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 as a COR to include managing complex projects which include determining and validating requirements, implementing progress on projects, as well as reporting on contract and procurement issues. Factor 2:    Program Experience                             (10 points)Demonstrated experience as a COR in preparing budgets, advance acquisition plans (AAP), statements of work (SOW), procurement orders, purchase requests, sole-source justification waiver requests. 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 GS-13 equivalent level ($94,373 - $122,683 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