IT Program Manager

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: IT Program ManagerLocation: Mexico City, MexicoSalary 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: June 14, 2022Closing date:    June 29, 2022Closing Time: 3:00 PM ETSolicitation Number:     PSC-22-042-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,Jamie GoeweyContracting 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 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 purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) will be to provide an IT Program Manager for INL in Mexico. This person will serve as the IT Program Manager, supervised by the INL Management Officer, with additional strategic guidance from the INL Information Management Advisory Council (IMAC) co-chairs, in coordination with other INL personnel and third-party contractors. The incumbent will oversee the in-house IT development team that creates applications developed to support INL’s programming functions, from planning to execution and monitoring of INL’s foreign assistance activities.This person should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing, with application end-users, business/product owners, and high-level management and leadership audiences. The individual must have attention to detail, proven customer service, the ability to maintain excellent working relationships and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, as well as an aptitude for developing and identifying information technology products, best practices, and services that are tailored to meet customer needs. The IT Program Manager will be expected to identify alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions to meet specific business and project needs. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESUnder the direct supervision of the Mexico City-based INL Management Officer or his/her designee, the IT Program Manager will perform the following duties:1.    Manage the INL Mexico Software Development initiative and support the development and implementation of INL CACTUS flagship applications.2.    Plan, implement, and manage a wide range of IT application development projects for data management, data analysis, solutions development, and/or knowledge management assignments. Provide oversight of the INL Mexico IT development portfolio to include direct supervision of one Local Employee and up to 30 third-party contractors; direct and manage  projects in accordance with State Department Information Resources Management (IRM) and INL Bureau policies, requirements, and processes. 3.    Ensure IT capabilities and projects align with Department and INL specific architecture, technical and data standards, and emerging technology advancements pertaining to OpenNet and INL specific networks to include Cloud environments. Develop, acquire, and allocate resources to accomplish mission goals and objectives. Work with INL proponents and sponsors to develop business cases that highlight the costs and benefits of the proposed projects for presentation to upper-level management.4.    Assess future program requirements and determine future program resources, estimating short- and long-range personnel, budgetary, space, and equipment needs; make policy recommendations and develop best practices based upon program requirements. 5.    Serve as the IT applications development liaison between INL Mexico, IRM and INL/EX, and other Department stakeholders to include the Information Management Advisory Council (IMAC), the EUR/ Applications Development Group (ADG), and INL sections abroad on technical and policy issues relating to applications development and implementation. 6.    Formulate and justify all software development related budgets. Manage acquisition of IT assets and prepare supporting technical and non-technical documentation as needed.7.    Interact with third-party software contractor companies and serve as the GTM and/or COR for such contracts.8.    Supervise personnel (one Local Employee and up to 30 third-party contractors) in charge of software products, providing guidance and communicating INL business requirements and stakeholder expectations.9.    Develop and implement project management tools, templates, activities, and best practices related to IT software development.10.    Provide research and analysis on issues associated with the planning, development, integration, implementation, and evaluation of IT systems that meet information needs of different organizational units within INL Mexico and the larger INL Bureau.11.    Conduct program evaluations to ensure the IT program meets its stated goals; identify areas where operational efficiency could be enhanced. Evaluate program plans and effectively manage complex programs involving elements or sensitive matters, such as multiple, inter-dependent procedures, overlapping deadlines, insufficient resources, and/or inter-agency competing priorities and conflicting requirements.12.    When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.13.    Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES1.    Complete PA398 Contracting Officer Representative and Government Technical Monitor training in the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.2.    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.3.    Complete the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.  4.    If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSUS Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico. Occasional travel to Washington, DC or the countries where Mexico is providing IT application development support in the region will be required.RELATIONSHIPThe IT Program Manager will serve under the day-to-day direction of the INL Management Officer, a Foreign Service Officer, with additional strategic guidance provided by the INL Information Management Advisory Council (IMAC) co-chairs.  All employees under Chief of Mission (COM) authority assigned management duties work with INL leadership to ensure oversight and non-duplicative efforts in the Mission.The INL Management Officer will provide yearly performance reviews to the Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.COMPLEXITYThis position involves planning, organizing and performing analysis of software applications to make sure that they comply with INL’s business requirements and policies.SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESSThe PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to complex information technology activities.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 and Medical clearances. Department of State 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 three (3) years of experience using IT application software development methodologies, and approaches used in developing, coding, testing, and maintaining applications software that support functional requirements; or,a.    A minimum of five (5) years of experience using IT application software development methodologies, and approaches used in developing, coding, testing, and maintaining applications software that support functional requirements.3.     Three years of supervisory experience managing diverse teams to include remote personnel.4.    A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with IT application development methods, techniques, and processes for the integration and optimization of system components and test and evaluation methods for large and complex programs.5.    A minimum of one (1) year demonstrated knowledge of Scrum or Agile frameworks. 6.    A minimum of three (3) years of experience providing guidance to others in designing, coding, testing, and maintaining programs.7.    Demonstrated experience leading or participating in at least one (1) project where information systems security methods and procedures were applied.8.    Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of software design management principles methods and approaches (i.e. Agile/Scrum, cascade, hybrid, etc.).9.    Demonstrated knowledge of complex systems software and systems development life cycles, including systems documentation, design development, configuration management, cost analysis, systems integration, and testing.10.    Demonstrated ability to analyze organizational application software requirements, develop recommendations for enhancement, design, and maintain applications.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                             (14 Points)Demonstrated experience in the area of IT project initiation and management with proven success working with customers to determine their current information technology needs and delivering software applications that meet their requirements.Factor 2:    Specialized Experience                         (14 points)Demonstrated specialized experience in successful management of IT application software development projects, utilizing software development methodologies like Scrum or Agile frameworks, in addition to ample experience with software application testing, optimization, implementation, maintenance, and scaling.Factor 3:    Management experience                         (14 points)Demonstrated successful supervisory experience in the information technology field, preferably in a multicultural environment. Supervision of both technical and non-technical IT personnel at different levels of specialization and with different areas of knowledge.  Demonstrated experience proactively managing multiple projects with competing priorities under deadlines. Factor 4:    Leadership Experience                         (14 points)Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical personnel and work with business/product owners and IT technicians, clearly communicating requirements and garnering stakeholder agreement and investment in methods/processes and system requirements.Factor 5:    Department Experience                         (14 points)Knowledge of Department of State Management regulations (FAM), Department of State logistics and/or financial management policies and procedures, and Department policies specific to IT compliance and the Cloud. 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 – 14 points Factor #2 – 14 points Factor #3 – 14 points Factor #4 – 14 points  Factor #5 – 14 pointsTotal 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 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 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