Regional Port Security 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 Port Security AdvisorLocation: Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicSalary 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: March 09, 2022Closing date:  March 25, 2022Closing Time: 3:00 PM ETSolicitation Number: PSC-22-021-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:            Samantha D. Brown            U.S. Department of State            INL/EX/GAPP            BrownSD@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 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/Samantha D. BrownE-mail: BrownSD@state.govDirect questions regarding this solicitation to:INL/Samantha D. BrownE-mail: BrownSD@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 CONTRACTMission 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. INL’s Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP) develops and manages law enforcement, justice sector, narcotics control, and corrections programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues for countries in the Western Hemisphere.  INL/WHP is responsible for coordinating policy and programs with other U.S. government departments and agencies involved in anticrime and narcotics control activities, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Department of Defense (DOD), 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 fill the position of Regional Port Security Advisor responsible for designing programs, monitoring agreements, and providing expert advice, guidance, and direction in the development of several port security projects throughout Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) member states.  The PSC Regional Port Security Advisor will work with existing implementing partners and port operators to improve the performance of port security initiatives and will work with partners throughout CBSI to develop and implement new strategies and projects to further INL’s goals of countering transnational criminal organizations, narcotrafficking, and strengthening the rule of law.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the INL Santo Domingo Deputy Director and working closely with INL/WHP CBSI program officers, the Advisor will perform the following duties:Assist INL-Santo Domingo (INL-SD) and other INL sections in CBSI countries in planning, developing, implementing, managing, and monitoring INL-funded programs that increase port security and deter illicit trafficking through regional ports, with a focus on countering maritime trafficking. Advise INL-SD and INL/WHP program officer(s) in the development of strategic program objectives as they relate to foreign assistance-funded port security projects and other projects as assigned. Review and assess the organizational and operational capacities of the Dominican and other CBSI Partner government port security systems, to include physical security, cargo monitoring and inspection systems, customs procedures, and law enforcement, and recommend modifications where appropriate. Provide subject matter expertise to INL-SD, other INL sections in CBSI countries, and INL/WHP. Review and assess the performance of ongoing CBSI port security projects including projects implemented by UNODC, the U.S. Coast Guard, and World Customs Organization (WCO).  Evaluate and advise on the foreign assistance implementers’ organization, methods, and procedures through site visits, data analysis, and review of quarterly reports. Serve as the coordination point between INL’s maritime interdiction programs and port security programs to ensure that they complement one another and that the U.S.  posture with the host nation is unified and consistent. Establish collaborative relationships with CBSI partner governments and with existing INL port security implementers including, but not limited to, UNODC, WCO, and CBP. Advise on, initiate, and coordinate new programs and activities related to preventing and reducing trafficking through ports in the Dominican Republic and other CBSI partners. Advise and develop, in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), a regional port security communication system and other regional programs, as appropriate. Assist the Dominican government, private sector port operators, and other regional partners to implement, oversee, and coordinate best practices for reducing corruption in customs and port security agencies. Collaborate with INL sections in the Caribbean to develop integrated and strategic approaches to port security. Provide advice and assistance in the preparation of procurement documentation for technical services, training, and commodities, as well as monitoring procurement actions. Prepare monthly and annual progress reports regarding each project undertaken. Prepare and maintain an annual implementation plan for each project of responsibility. Research and investigate new or improved methodologies and technologies to meet unique program objectives. Participate in relevant Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) and review cost proposals. Serve as a subject matter expert for INL-SD and INL/WHP on issues of port security. Represent INL in internal and external meetings, ceremonies, and representational events as required.  Articulate and promote U.S., Mission, and INL policies and goals. Maintain security awareness and properly handle classified and controlled items and information. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNINGComplete INL-PREP predeparture training, as required by the INL Deputy Director, before arriving to Post or no later than six months after arrival.Complete the Grant Officer Representative (GOR) and Contract Officer Representative (COR) distance-learning course through Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 prior to of arriving at Post.Complete 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.Complete the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT650) prior to deployment to Post.Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSThis position will be based at U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo with travel availability required throughout the Caribbean.  Travel availability also required for occasional travel to Washington, DC for briefings, consultations, and training.  Travel could also be required infrequently throughout the Western Hemisphere.RELATIONSHIPThe Port Security Advisor reports to the INL Santo Domingo Deputy Director and INL/WHP CBSI program officers, in coordination with INL/Washington, and AQM or INL/EX/GAPP contracting officers. The Advisor will work at the INL-SD office in close coordination with the INL-SD’s counternarcotics program manager and the INL-supported U.S. Coast Guard maritime investigations advisor. There will be frequent travel to the field as needed, to include areas throughout the Caribbean.The Contract Administrator is INL in Washington and shall be the INL Contracting Officer. In no instance shall the Santo Domingo 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 Santo Domingo INL Deputy 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 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 & 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 Caribbean region, 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 QUALIFICATIONS 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.)Fifteen (15) years of professional work experience, of which five (5) years should be related to port security (program development and implementation experience preferred). Demonstrated experience in port security policy development.Demonstrated familiarity with port logistics and security operations, including operations to counter illicit trafficking.Experience in planning, strategizing, implementing, and reporting on port security-related projects.Demonstrated ability to deal with personnel in mid- and high-level positions both within and outside the Embassy, with the contractor’s management, and with host government officials. Demonstrated ability to engage constructively with senior government and industry officials.Ability to work independently using refined organizational skills and proper judgement to decide when to seek supervisor’s guidance on sensitive issues.Demonstrated familiarity with the politics, culture, and security environment of the Caribbean region.Experience working or coordinating closely with other relevant U.S. government or international agencies (to include CBP, UNODC, USCSG).Proficient language skills in both English (fluent – 5/5) and Spanish (intermediate – 3/3).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:               Professional Expertise                                                          (35 points)Demonstrated understanding of port operations and  expertise in  assessing port security protocols, including profiling and inspecting cargo containers, improving physical port security, and devising regional approaches to increase port security and reduce illicit trafficking, including approaches that take into consideration relevant international and regional agreements and protocols.FACTOR 2:               Overseas Experience                                                (20 points)Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the Caribbean or other similar overseas environments.  The ideal candidate has professional working proficiency in Spanish and demonstrated experience managing U.S. Government assistance programs and working in a U.S. Embassy overseas.FACTOR 3:               Program Development and Management                           (15 points)Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing strategic program approaches to port security, overseeing foreign assistance projects, and managing relationships with host governments, port operators, international organizations, and third-party project implementors.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 application 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 – 35Factor #2 – 20Factor #3 – 15  Total 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 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