Justice Sector 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:                        Justice Sector Advisor (JSA)Location:                                Tegucigalpa, HondurasSalary 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:                       Tuesday, September 20, 2022                      Closing date:                          Tuesday, October 4, 2022Closing

Time:                        3:00 p.m. EST                       Solicitation Number:            PSC-22-064-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 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.The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section in Honduras implements programs funded by the U.S. Department of State's (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP).  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.In Honduras, INL supports comprehensive programming with the goal of increasing the government’s institutional capacity to counter domestic and transnational crime, reduce the flow of illicit narcotics, and improve citizen security. INL also seeks to build the capacity of the justice sector of Honduras to provide accountability, protect the rights of citizens, and promote the rule of law. INL programs provide training, technical support, and mentoring to justice sector officials to effectively manage, investigate, and prosecute complex crimes. INL also supports civil society efforts to increase access to justice for the citizens of Honduras, particularly vulnerable populations.The purpose of the Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to support the coordination of INL/Honduras’ activities under the Justice Sector framework. The Justice Sector Advisor (JSA) position will support, assist, and advise INL on the development, implementation, and oversight of justice sector programming including contracts, grants, interagency agreements (IAAs), and letters of agreement. The Justice Sector Advisor will liaise with host government, multilateral, and interagency partners, including the Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training (OPDAT) among others. The Justice Sector Advisor will also advise on issues and developments in Honduran rule of law through regular consultations with host country counterparts/interlocutors and provide subject matter expertise on the Honduran criminal justice system. The incumbent will have complementary roles as a program manager and subject-matter advisor.The Justice Sector Advisor will coordinate programs with Honduran government entities, international organizations and civil society, interagency partners working on justice sector activities on behalf of the U.S. Embassy (most notably USAID) and other INL offices in the region, and other advisors and/or contractors working for INL programs in Honduras.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the Tegucigalpa-based INL Program Officer for the Justice Sector Program or his/her designee, the Justice Sector Advisor will perform the following duties:Support the INL/Honduras Program Officer in managing and coordinating INL assistance projects in Honduras related to the attorney general’s office, judiciary, and other Honduran justice sector actors. Oversee specific INL/Honduras projects that provide technical assistance and capacity-building to justice sector actors to improve the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Honduran justice system. Serve as a Grants Officer Representative (GOR) or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for grants and contracts, respectively, under his/her program area, as well as an Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) for IAAs and letters of agreement. In coordination with the INL/Honduras leadership and INL/WHP, contribute to the strategic planning and development of possible future justice sector projects in Honduras. Will supervise Locally Engaged Staff and/or third-party contractors that support the Justice Sector Program. Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the Honduran legal system, including topics such as criminal justice, anti-corruption, legal aid, judicial issues, penitentiary system, and legal education. Have and maintain knowledge of comparative legal systems of justice, becoming familiar in how other countries in the region tackle similar legal and procedural issues as it relates to the justice sector.Serve as a point of contact for partner government personnel regarding INL assistance to the Honduran government justice institutions and civil society.  Develop and maintain relationships with civil society organizations working on justice sector issues. Meet frequently with members of civil society, as well as partner government officials, to develop projects, negotiate bilateral agreements, consult on project implementation, resolve sensitive issues, bolster support for increased partner government participation, and evaluate program effectiveness.In coordination with the INL/Honduras leadership and INL/WHP, work to integrate appropriate interagency efforts in the partner country program, and coordinate with other agencies as appropriate, to ensure programs in his/her portfolio are complementary and coordinated with the interagency and international community. This will include coordination with other sections in the Embassy, especially USAID, as well as international donors providing justice sector assistance in Honduras.Ensure all projects in his/her portfolio provide timely written reports, monitoring, and evaluation data (M&E), and remain within budget.  Oversee M&E efforts across the justice sector program, working closely with INL/Honduras M&E specialists. In coordination with their INL/WHP counterpart and under the supervision of INL/Honduras leadership, provide recommendations for program amendments, extensions, or gap areas. Maintain strong personal relationships including but not limited to those internal to the U.S. government [e.g., the INL/Honduras Director and Deputy Director, the INL/Honduras Management Officer, INL/Honduras Program Officers and Program Managers, INL/Honduras contractors and advisors, interagency partners (including USAID, DHS, and others), and Management section] as well as external contacts [e.g., Honduran Public Ministry, Judiciary, other justice sector actors, academia, non-governmental organizations, international organizations]Maintain security awareness and safeguards classified information and ensures adherence to the letter and the spirit of U.S. government equal employment opportunity principles.  As requested by the Chief of Mission, the incumbent should make himself/herself available to the Embassy Tegucigalpa Front Office to consult on issues of justice sector development.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) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.Completes the required Grants Officer Representative distance learning (DL) courses through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and obtains GOR certification within 90 days of arriving at Post. Certification must continue throughout life of contract.Completes the Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course (CT650) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) prior to arriving at Post.Completes INL 101 Training within first year at Post.Completes online EEO and Harassment Training within thirty days of arriving at Post.Consultations with the INL Program Office and other relevant offices in Washington may be required.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSU.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Occasional travel within Honduras, to other countries in the region, and to the U.S. may be required.RELATIONSHIPThe JSA will report to the INL/Honduras Program Officer.  The Justice Sector Advisor will also engage as needed with the INL/WHP program officer responsible for developing and implementing foreign assistance programs in Honduras.  The Justice Sector Advisor will also coordinate closely with OPDAT Resident Legal Advisors (RLAs) and other interagency advisors on the development, implementation, and oversight of rule of law programming and will engage with USAID and international donors to ensure coordination in justice sector assistance in Honduras.The Contract Administrator is INL in Washington and shall be the INL Contracting Officer.  In no instance shall the INL/Honduras Program Officer or any other individual be authorized to alter or modify the terms and conditions of the contract or waive the Government's requirements, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions.  The Contracting Officer must authorize such changes in writing.The INL/Honduras Program Officer will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/EX/GAPP Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.COMPLEXITYThis position involves involve meeting with Government of Honduras officials, organizing training activities and workshops, overseeing justice sector reform initiatives, 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, and rule of law programs in Honduras, which is of significant interest to the public, the Embassy Front Office, and to the United States 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 and medical clearances. Department of State Ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required).Graduated from an accredited institution with a Juris Doctorate or master’s degree in international criminal justice, rule of law, social sciences, or related field.A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in design, management and oversight of international foreign assistance or similar assistance projects. Demonstrated experience in metrics and evaluation, reporting, and program budget execution. A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working in Latin America.Demonstrated knowledge of or experience in criminal justice issues or legal systems. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in interagency coordination, collaboration, and communication.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.Ability to write and speak Spanish at the FSI 3/3 Level and English at the 4/4 Level. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USG regulations, standards of conduct, and ethics.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:   Development/Implementation                                                         (15 points)Ability to identify macro- and micro-level gaps and subsequently design appropriate interventions which address these identified areas of need.  Design reforms that work in both a bottom up and the top-down approach relying on empirical data, academic studies, and lessons learned.  Coordinate with GOH, civil society, U.S. Embassy, international donor, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, non-duplicative, interventions. Prior INL and/or USAID coordination experience strongly preferred. Conduct in-depth reviews of the technical aspects of program requirements and making recommendations to senior managers on appropriate course of action on specific projects and issues.FACTOR 2:   Relevant Experience                                                                        (20 points)Demonstrative ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in Spanish and in English, in a timely and concise manner, and to build and maintain relationships and interact effectively with government officials, civil society, international donors, U.S. Embassy personnel, and others in order to prepare, analyze, explain, and defend determinations and requirements with respect to empirical findings, conformance to applicable laws, policies and other regulatory guidelines.  Strong interpersonal skills are essential.  Ability to communicate effectively to advise stakeholders on project implementation and provide guidance on policy decisions related to project goals. Experience in Central America, especially Honduras is strongly preferred.FACTOR 3:  Knowledge and Ability                                                                        (15 points)Demonstrated knowledge of criminal justice issues and/or legal systems, including comparative legal system expertise.  Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to work with, various stakeholders operating in the criminal justice system.  Demonstrated ability to apply specific rule of law knowledge to appropriately develop and implement justice sector programs, with a strong preference for experience in Central America. FACTOR 4:  Program Management                                                                        (20 points)Demonstrated knowledge of concepts, practices, and principles including the                              ability to prioritize requests, develop and track program plans and implementation timelines (including budgets), and analyze results (including M&E) in order to effectively manage programs that meet United States government objectives.  Prior work experience managing USG contracts, grants, interagency agreements, and/or donations to international organizations or foreign governments strongly preferred. Experience supervising personnel.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 – 15Factor #2 – 20Factor #3 – 15Factor #4 – 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 AllowanceMaintenance Allowance (SMA)Education AllowanceEducational Travel (full-time United States based secondary)Post Hardship DifferentialDanger PayShipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables