Security and Corrections 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: Security and Corrections Advisor Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Salary 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: Thursday, January 27, 2022 Closing date: Thursday, February 10, 2022 Closing Time: 3PM EST Solicitation Number: PSC-22-012-INL Job description: See below Dear 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. Citizenship Note: 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 receive 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: Janette Dull U.S. Department of State INL/EX/GAPP [email protected] Sincerely, Katelynn Barham Contracting Officer U.S. Department of State SUBJECT A 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 APPLY Offerors 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): Form SF 171 (Completed and signed) Resume Evaluation Factor Responses 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 RECOMMENDED VETERAN’S PREFERENCE Veteran’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/Janette Dull E-mail: [email protected] Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Dominique Chittum E-mail: [email protected] INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Statement of Work (SOW) U.S. Embassy – San Jose, Costa Rica Security and Corrections Advisor FS-02 (Equivalent GS-14) 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): 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. This lays out the requirement for a Security and Corrections Advisor based in San Jose, Costa Rica, to support the objectives of the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and the needs of the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). Costa Rica is the top transshipment point for narcotics smuggled from South America to the United States, and as such, the crime and prison population trends now affecting the country make this position critical in order to assist our Costa Rican partners in combating the negative effects of transnational criminal organizations and narcotrafficking. The incumbent will cover functional security areas pertaining to both law enforcement and corrections. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the position of a Security and Corrections Advisor, to support the implementation of United States government (USG) assistance to the Government of Costa Rica (GOCR) law enforcement and penitentiary system programs. The Advisor will provide advice and support to the INL leadership at post, other INL colleagues, and representatives of law enforcement agencies at the Embassy. The Advisor will manage a team of two third-party contractors, and one locally employed staff. The Advisor must work closely with GOCR officials, including key elements within MPS (National Police, Border Police, Air Surveillance, Drug Control Police, National Police Academy), the Ministry of Justice (Penitentiary Police), and the Judiciary (Judicial Investigative Police). DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Post INL Program Officer, or his/her designee, the Security and Corrections Advisor will perform the following duties: 1. In line with CARSI objectives, implements a U.S.-sponsored Police and Penitentiaries program to increase professionalization, improve capacity, and enhance interagency cooperation and collaboration among the different entities, including National Police, Border Police, Air Surveillance, Drug Control Police, and the Penitentiary Police, among others. 2. Provides strategic planning and development in all phases of law enforcement and prison security projects. Such efforts will include the complete project implementation cycle and management phases, including research and development, acquisition and implementation, planning, scheduling, budgeting, and project monitoring. 3. Oversees the efforts of two Third Party Contractors (TPC); Police Curriculum Advisor and Penitentiary Advisor, and directly supervises one Locally Employed Staff Project Management Assistant. 4. Oversees efforts to develop Costa Rican law enforcement training curriculum. With the Police curriculum Advisor, liaises with the National Police Academy in further developing a National Law Enforcement Training Center to serve all GOCR police training needs. 5. Serves as a liaison with representatives of other U.S. Embassy law enforcement agencies involved in policing and security projects, including, but not limited to, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and the Department of Defense (DOD). Represents INL and the USG in coordination meetings with the GOCR and other foreign governments as required. 6. Offers advice and assistance in preparing documentation for the procurement of services and equipment, including drafting purchase requests, bid solicitations, SOWs, requests for source-origin waivers, and sole-source justifications. 7. Attends general and law enforcement meetings, national and international conferences and seminars, and meetings with GOCR officials, reporting on discussions, activities, and/or decisions. 8. Provides advice and assistance in end-use monitoring (EUM) of U.S. government-supplied commodities and services, preparing input for the annual EUM report to the U.S. Congress. Reviews and advises on the purchases and refurbishment of systems/equipment transferred to the relevant GOCR entities. 9. Participates in visits by senior officials and serves as an escort or control officer, including the arrangement of itineraries and logistical support for official visitors. 10. Briefs visiting officials and Embassy staff on the role of INL and the status of U.S.-Costa Rica policing, security projects, and related initiatives. 11. Coordinates training for GOCR personnel, to include maintenance and operational training. 12. Provides technical advice and support to the various director-level elements within the GOCR concerning organizational maintenance and repair plans. 13. Advises and assists INL to develop and implement courses of action, technology, and assistance programs that will strengthen current GOCR capacity to manage and support a modern police force and correctional system. 14. Provides day-to-day subject matter expertise and mentoring to the leadership of GOCR counterparts, supporting efforts to restructure regulations, policies, procedures, and international human rights standards, in order to operate a professional law enforcement and correctional force. 15. Serves as a point of contact in coordinating USG security assistance with other international and regional partners; serves as the INL representative at international and regional coordination events. 16. Provides policy analysis and program guidance to INL Costa Rica regarding policing and corrections policy strategies within Costa Rica. Such guidance may address a range of issues, to include the strategic vision and financial support of the national government; rehabilitation programs; budgeting; development of strategic plans; training requirements; and refurbishment and/or construction of police/correction facilities. 17. Prepares background materials and reports to be used by INL Costa Rica leadership and other USG actors; prepares speeches and briefings to articulate INL in Costa Rica. 18. Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Grants Officer’s Representative (GOR), as assigned. 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. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. 2. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning course through FSI within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post. 3. Completes 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 REQUIREMENTS US Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica. The Advisor will have significant responsibility for training in Costa Rica and will be required to travel frequently throughout Costa Rica, Central and South America, and the United States. RELATIONSHIP The Advisor will report to the INL Program Officer or his/her designee at the U.S. Embassy in San Jose and will be based at the U.S. Embassy. The Advisor will consult and coordinate with USG agencies both within Embassy San Jose and other regional partners regularly. The Contract Administrator is INL in Washington and shall be the INL Contracting Officer. In no instance shall the INL 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 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. COMPLEXITY This position involves planning, organizing, and completing financial and organizational analysis of significant complexity. Due to the high visibility and political sensitivity of the issues in which INL is involved, it is often extremely difficult to identify the nature of the issues and plan, organize, and determine the scope and depth of projects to be undertaken. The Advisor 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. The Advisor must be able to assess host country needs, develop and manage police and prison projects in coordination with host-country officials, including promoting U.S. interests with host government officials, ensuring sustainability of projects through provision of appropriate training and maintenance, and integrating the competing needs of U.S. and Costa Rican law enforcement agencies and Costa Rican government entities involved in law enforcement, security, and counternarcotics activities. SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS The PSC’s work will occur in the field and at the U.S. Embassy for meetings, program implementation, activity reviews, field inspection, and program evaluation. The Advisor must be able to work independently in remote areas for short periods of time. The Advisor must be able to demonstrate technical skills. Regular travel to the U.S. and regions outside of Costa Rica will be required, especially for conference, project management, and end-use monitoring of USG donated property. 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. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain a Department of State Secret level security with the ability to upgrade and maintain a Top Secret clearance. 2. Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance. 3. A minimum of five (5) years of related supervisory experience in law enforcement, corrections, or related field. 4. A minimum of three (3) years’ demonstrated experience in managing programs or projects, including budget preparation, goods and services procurement, and project implementation and oversight, preferably involving law enforcement activities. 5. A minimum of three (3) years’ experience developing, managing, or implementing law enforcement training programs and activities. 6. Demonstrated knowledge of law enforcement/corrections or similar program development and implementation in an international environment. 7. Demonstrated experience working or coordinating with other relevant U.S. government agencies (e.g., Departments of Justice, Defense, Homeland Security, USAID) and/or international organizations. 8. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. government procurement. 9. Demonstrated customer service skills and the ability to work with limited supervision. 10. Superior interpersonal skills when working with senior level management. 11. Superior English communications skills, both spoken and written. 12. Demonstrated advanced professional proficiency of the Spanish language, both spoken and written. 13. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 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 supervisory work experience in law enforcement, corrections, or related field. Demonstrated experience in law enforcement training programs. Factor 2: Program Experience (10 points) Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects, to include determining and validating requirements, implementing progress, and reporting. 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 Evaluation Factors – 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: 100 The 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 & ALLOWANCES AS 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