Senior Aviation 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: Senior Aviation Advisor (SAA)Location: San Jose, Costa RicaSalary Level: FS-02 - $95,225 - $139,841 (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: Tuesday, January 31, 2023 Closing date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023Closing Time: 3:00 p.m. EST Solicitation Number: PSC-23-016-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. The Office of Aviation (INL/A) provides comprehensive aviation support services and contract oversight to various aviation programs in Central & Latin America and Iraq. INL/A uses a mixed fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft to performs this mission.The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the position of Senior Aviation Advisor (SAA) for the INL/A aviation program at U.S. Embassy Costa Rica. The SAA is the senior in-country aviation advisor, responsible to the INL/A Director and the INL/Costa Rica Director for providing program implementation, direction, and execution oversight of INL/A aviation assets in support of host nation counter-narcotics (CN) efforts. In this role, the incumbent effects high level interagency coordination among elements of the U.S. Embassy, host nation CN police and law enforcement agencies, aviation support services contractors, and other participating agencies. The SAA evaluates training and operational effectiveness of in-country Department of State aviation programs, ensuring that all aviation program elements function synergistically and retain operational and logistical fluidity. The SAA monitors and evaluates the aviation support services contractor's performance in safety, maintenance, operations, logistics, and training.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the INL/A Deputy Director or his/her designee, the Senior Aviation Advisor will perform the following duties:Perform oversight and evaluation of contractor operations. Oversight includes reviewing and recommending approval of waivers to published directives; authorizing use of INL/A aircraft; reviewing contractor flight operations procedures; monitoring contractor and host nation pilot proficiency; and monitoring contractor training and assistance to the host nation unit.Submit weekly written reports of contractor performance and activities to INL/A Chief Operations Branch, Melbourne, FL.Provide comprehensive monthly award-term inspections and input to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) regarding contractor performance.Oversee host nation aviation training across the functional spectrum to include pilot and crew chief training, maintenance, logistics, safety, and operations training as required. Assist INL/A in developing, coordinating, organizing, and implementing comprehensive operational systems and procedures for the nationalization and self-sustainability of the INL/A Costa Rica aviation training program. These operational systems and procedures include INL/A aircrew training programs, INL/A aviation directives, the INL/A Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, and standard operating procedures for CN aviation training operations in Costa Rica.Develop operational tactics and training procedures, through the contractor and the INL/A training/standardization staff, to enhance aircraft crewmember performance and skills. These tactics and procedures will be conducted with host nation personnel in day, night, and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) environments, and will include, but are not limited to law enforcement, VIP/passenger transport, and internal/external load operations.Collect, review, and disseminate data on aviation tactics, techniques, and employment in support of INL/A’s CN mission. Maintain constant liaison with INL/A and INL/Costa Rica to keep abreast of current policies, procedures, and rules that pertain to INL/A operations.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 Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at post.Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) DL course through FSI within the first six months or arriving at post.Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Costa Rica.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSThe place of performance for this position is U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica. Travel to other countries in the region and United States may be required. RELATIONSHIPSThe SAA works under the direct supervision of the INL/A Deputy Director or his/her designated Federal representative; however, the individual exercises wide latitude for independent action by initiating projects and executing approved new programs under general supervision. The SAA coordinates directly with the INL/A staff in performance of contract oversight, compliance, and issuing direction to the aviation support contractors to ensure compliance with INL/A policies and procedures and USG mandated regulatory guidance for Federal Aviation programs. In conjunction with subordinate Aviation Advisors, the SAA performs oversight duties at all INL/A contractor locations.The Contract Administrator is the INL Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. In no instance shall the INL/A Deputy 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/A 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.COMPLEXITYThe position involves analysis of all facets of aviation operations and training management for a fleet of rotary and/or fixed wing aircraft, which will ultimately function within an integrated program of diverse CN missions. These missions will include interdiction, forward area aerial re-supply and replenishment, sustainment, and all aspects of host nation aviation training.SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESSThe SAA performs broad and extensive duties related to a complex aviation program. He or she must analyze all aspects of INL/A’s aviation program in order to improve the safety of aviation operations in support of the CN mission.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.)Knowledge of and experience developing DoD, Federal and/or civilian aviation aircrew training and standardization programs, aviation directives, training and standardization publications, aircrew training manuals, and other related documents.Knowledge of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations.Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent (i.e., associate degree with five years related experience, or ten years related experience in the military, law enforcement, international development, international affairs, or public administration).Knowledge of tactical employment of rotary and/or fixed wing aircraft in a CN environment and aviation maritime patrol operations. Experience as a military or civilian aviator.Experience as an operations officer/manager in a military or civil organization involved in the training and standardization of rotary and/or fixed wing pilots, the tactical employment of aircraft in a low intensity conflict environment, and experience in the deployment of aircraft to OCONUS locations.Knowledge of and a minimum of two years of experience in the formulation of plans and policies pertaining to operations and unit level flight training activities. Knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and flight operations procedures.Ability to work effectively with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives, in a timely and concise manner.Knowledge of U.S. Government contract administration procedures.Demonstrated ability to read and speak in English and Spanish at the professionally proficient level.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: Contract Oversight (25 points)Demonstrated ability to oversee and evaluate contractor performance on a major CN aviation program and develop, edit, and publish evaluation reports on contractor performance. Ability to implement corrective actions as required.Factor 2: Direct and Coordinate Actions (25 points)Demonstrated ability to direct and manage personnel as well as coordinate the flight and placement of aircraft for the purpose of general counter-narcoticsaviation support to include training and operational support for the program.Factor 3: Program Management (20 points)Ability to make recommendations based on technical expertise and demonstrated experience in aviation program management and practices, ability to 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 – 25Factor #2 – 25Factor #3 – 20Total 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 AllowanceSeparate Maintenance Allowance (SMA)Education AllowanceEducational Travel (full-time United States based secondary)Post Hardship DifferentialDanger PayShipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables