Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BUREAU 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: Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Salary Level: FS-02 - $86,374 - $126,843 (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: October 22, 2019
Closing date: November 5, 2019
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-20-002-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:
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. 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.
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/RM/GAPP
ChittumDA@state.gov
Sincerely,
Anthony Pierce
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):
1. Form SF 171 (Completed and signed)
2. Resume
3. Evaluation Factor Responses
4. 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/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov
Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov
INL 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): 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 Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is currently implementing an assistance program that seeks to strengthen Haiti's law enforcement capacity through training, equipment, technical assistance, and infrastructure improvements. INL assistance supports the implementation of key parts of the Haitian National Police (HNP) Development Plan. INL also provides support to the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) through police and corrections advisors, who work to build capacity of HNP officers. INL is also providing assistance to strengthen the police, the prison system, and increase counternarcotic capabilities.
The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the position of Contract Officer Representative (COR) Level II, responsible for providing expert advice, guidance, and direction in the administration of multiple INL support contracts. These contracts encompass a contract value of approximately $5 million annually with over 25 personnel on assignment throughout Haiti. These contracts support of the entire INL program.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Port-au-Price based INL/Haiti Director or his/her designee, the COR will perform the following duties:
1. Assist the contracting officer during discussions/negotiations of contract issues.
2. Assist the administrative officer during discussions/negotiation concerning Letters of Agreement (LOA).
3. Monitor the contractor's technical progress and the expenditures of resources relating to the contract.
4. Monitor the LOA implementers' progress concerning refurbishment projects of Haitian Government Facilities.
5. Perform inspection and accept the work of a Contractor on behalf of the U.S. Government.
6. Inform the contracting officer, in writing, of any performance or schedule failure by the contractor.
7. Resolve technical issues arising under the contract which fall within the scope of the COR's authority, and refer to the contracting officer any issues which cannot be resolved without additional cost or time.
8. Inform the contracting officer, in writing, of any needed changes in the Performance Work Statement or specifications.
9. Ensure that the U.S. Government meets its contractual obligations to the contractor, e.g., providing U.S. Government-furnished equipment and services and timely U.S. Government review and approval of documents if such reviews are required by the contract.
10. Maintain regular email and phone correspondence with contractor staff, program staff, and the Contracting Officer.
11. Report incurred costs, which are not appropriately chargeable to the contract (cost-type contracts only).
12. Review and approve the contractor's vouchers or invoices.
13. Maintain a COR file.
14. Verify contractor statements regarding the development of patentable inventions, if required under the contract.
15. Assist in contract closeout by informing the contracting officer when the work has been completed and submit the required contract closeout documentation.
A. Acquisition Requirements and Duties:
1. Assist in the full range of activities required to identify, acquire, and deploy services and commodities necessary for project implementation.
2. Develop and identify project services and commodity requirements including discussions with host nation counterpart personnel.
3. Conduct market research to determine potential sources of supplies/services, as well as assist program officers with Acquisition Planning and the INL annual Advanced Implementation Planning (AIP).
4. Contact USG agencies with similar requirements.
5. Draft statements of work/specifications and evaluation criteria for use in solicitations.
6. Development of Scopes of Work (SOWs) and Procurement requests concerning facility refurbishment projects.
7. Develop independent government cost estimates (IGCE) for commodities services and facility refurbishment projects.
8. Participate as a member of Technical Evaluation Panels established to review and evaluate potential contractors' proposals in response to formal solicitations.
B. General Requirements:
1. Manage and oversee specific contracts for required goods and services.
2. Analyzes performance under contracts, including costs, quality, adherence to delivery schedules, and other relevant factors. Contracts shall include, but are not limited to support for civilian policing, building the capacity of Haitian law enforcement through training, advisors, and technical assistance, information technology equipment and software programs, vehicles, specialized electronic equipment, building maintenance and repair (e.g. plumbing, electrical, solar, flooring, painting, furniture), rental of hotel rooms, conferences rooms, and equipment needed.
C. Ethical Requirements:
1. In performance of this contract, the contractor shall be subject to the ethics rules applicable to Department of State employees under 5 CFR Part 2635 (Standards of ethical conduct for employees of the Executive Branch), 2 FAM 700 (Ethics), and 3 FAM 4120 (Employee Responsibilities Abroad) and 4170 (Official Clearance of Speaking, Writing and Teaching). Contractor shall also be subject to 5 CFR Part 2637 (regulations concerning post-employment conflicts of interest).
2. Conditions for Contracting Prior to Receipt of Ethics Clearance: The Contractor may commence work prior to the completion of the ethics clearance. The Contractor shall not perform Contracting Officer Representative functions until clearance received. Further, if Contractor does not obtain ethics clearance within 30 days of commencing work, this contract may be terminated in accordance with paragraph (a) (2) of General Provision 16 of this contract.
TRAINING AND DISTANCE LEARNING
1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) distance-learning course through Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 prior to of arriving at Post. Obtains/maintains Federal Acquisition Certification Level II - Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level III Certification within 120 days of arriving at Post. (see http://www.fai.gov for details)
2. Completes Distance Learning (DL) FSI Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) courses within the first 30 days of assignment successfully.
3. 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.
4. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT650) prior to deployment to Post.
5. If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Position will be based at U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, with regular project responsibilities in Port-au-Prince and with travel availability required throughout Haiti. Travel availability also required for occasional travel to Washington, DC for briefings, consultations, and training; and for occasional travel to the United States and other third-country locations to support training for the Haitian National Police.
RELATIONSHIP
The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) reports to the INL/Haiti Director through the INL/Haiti Deputy Director in coordination with the Program Managers, INL/Washington, and AQM or INL/RM contracting officers. The COR will work at the INL/Haiti office, with frequent travel to the field as needed, to include areas throughout Haiti.
The INL/Haiti Director will provide yearly performance reviews to the Contracting Officer in Washington, DC to contribute to the incumbent's yearly review.
COR AUTHORITIES AND LIMITATIONS
After obtaining the required FAC-COR Certification, the Contracting Officer will designate in writing, the position of COR, to take certain actions under the contract(s) requiring oversight. The designation memorandum will specify the scope and limitations of the authority to be delegated.
The COR is delegated the authority to act for the Contracting Officer in matters concerning technical clarification, inspection and, after concurrence by the Contracting Officer, acceptance of Contractor performance under the contract, including preparation of receiving reports, and the authorization of progress payments when appropriate. The COR will coordinate all work with the Contractor and review Contractor's performance at significant stages of its development. The COR will be responsible for:
• Developing a strong working relationship with the Contracting Officer
• Promptly notifying the Contracting Officer in writing of any noncompliance or deviation in performance or failure to make progress
• Maintaining constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract terms on part of the Contractor
• Knowing and understanding the terms and provisions of the contract
• Knowing the scope and limitations of the COR position's authority
• Using good judgment, skill and reasonable care in the exercise of the COR position's authority
• Protecting privileged and sensitive procurement information
• If appropriate, periodically visiting the Contractor's workplace
• Serving as the property administrator for the contract(s) assigned
• Establishing and maintaining adequate COR files
• Preparing performance assessments for input into the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)
In no instance, however, shall the COR be authorized to alter or modify the specifications or the contract terms and the conditions or waive the government's requirement, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions. Such changes must be authorized, in writing, to the Contracting Officer.
DELIVERABLES/REPORTS
Deliverables are required under this PSC and shall include; monthly status reports, monthly evaluation of contractor performance, special reports when required and "Completion of assignment report," which shall be a compressive review of the projects in which the contractor was involved.
Each report shall include a critique of and recommendations for the various projects. The completions of assignment reports are due no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of this contract. The Personal Service Contractor shall submit two (2) copies of each report as required to the following;
1. INL/POST Director(s) and;
2. INL/Program Officer
Per FAR Part 4, the above referenced documents shall be incorporated and copies stored in the PSC's hard file under Section V.; Tab E - Receiving Reports.
The Contractor shall prepare and submit two copies of each technical report required by the schedule of this contract (e.g., progress reports, final reports, etc.), to the Embassy INL Section and to the Program Officer, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Department of State Washington, DC. The title page of all reports forwarded pursuant to this paragraph shall include a descriptive title, the author's name(s), contract number, project number, and title, contractor's name, name of the State Department project office, and the publication or issuance date of the report.
When preparing reports, the Contractor shall refrain from using elaborate artwork, multicolor printing, and expensive paper/binding, unless it is specifically authorized in the Contract Schedule. Wherever possible, pages should be printed on both sides using single spaced type.
COMPLEXITY
This 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 AND EFFECTIVENESS
The 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 Haiti, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security, Medical and Ethics clearances.
2. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution or substituted with five (5) years of experience performing related functions in program management and oversight.
3. A minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience, of which four (4) years should be directly related to performing functions in program management or contractor oversight.
4. A minimum of two (2) years of previous COR experience on contracts of moderate to high complexity that required significant acquisition investment, including law enforcement development.
5. Demonstrated training or experience in contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures.
6. Demonstrated working knowledge of the U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), especially those parts directly related to procurement, contract oversight, and management.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, finance and financial planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
8. High-level knowledge of MS Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and e-mail programs.
9. 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.
10. Demonstrated ability to work with representatives of contractors or grantees hired by the USG to implement foreign assistance, including providing clear guidance, responding in a timely manner to inquiries, and maintaining sound oversight of contract implementation.
11. Demonstrated ability to engage constructively with senior government and industry officials.
12. Minimum Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level II Certification
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: Program Oversight (25 points)
Demonstrated experience in providing contractor oversight on high dollar and complex contracts, ensuring contract requirements are being fulfilled per the Statement of Work and other deliverables; evaluating and documenting contractor performance, especially through a well-developed Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).
FACTOR 2: Experience (25 points)
Demonstrated ability and work experience related to this position, as well as applicable training. Overseas contract management experience in post conflict zones is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience managing U.S. Government assistance programs, working knowledge of general office procedures relevant to INL, and practical understanding of the U.S. Government role in Foreign Assistance preferred.
FACTOR 3: Federal Acquisition (15 points)
Comprehensive understanding of contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
FACTOR 4: FAC-COR (5 points)
Most desirable for respondent to hold a valid FAC-COR Level III certification and to have applied it in INL or a foreign assistance security context.
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 - 25
Factor #2 - 25
Factor #3 - 15
Factor #4 - 05
Total 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: 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)
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
Dominique A. Chittum, Contract Specialist, Email ChittumDA@state.gov
