Corrections Reform Program Coordinator
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.
Corrections Reform Program Coordinator
Mexico City, Mexico
Issuance Date: 03/17/2016
Closing Date: 03/31/2016
SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-16-024-INL
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.
Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages:
1) Form OF-612 (Completed and signed)
2) Resume
3) Three letters of recommendation OR three references to include contact information
*** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VETERAN'S PREFERANCE
Veteran's preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214.
Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/Deborah Strom
E-mail: StromDG@state.gov
Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Deborah Strom
E-mail: StromDG@state.gov
INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal.
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-16-024-INL
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/17/2016
3. CLOSING DATE: 03/31/2016
4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST
5. POSITION TITLE: INL Corrections Reform Program Coordinator
6. MARKET VALUE: $67,395 - $122,142 (FS-03/02 Equivalent)
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Mexico City, Mexico
9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR:
The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section (INL Mexico) is an office in the U.S. Embassy to Mexico that manages assistance activities funded under the Merida Initiative through the Department of State (DOS), Bureau of International Narcotics, and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The Corrections Program, established with these funds, helps the Government of Mexico (GOM) improve its prison system at the federal, state, and municipal level. Mexico's federal penitentiary system has taken great strides in improving its operations in terms of security, conditions of confinement, the treatment of prisoners, professionalization of the officer corps, and supervision of offenders, but much remains to be done in terms of improvements, achieving and maintaining international accrediation. Meanwhile, the Mexican state penitentiary system, despite improvements in a handful of locations, remains one of the most neglected components of public security and is plagued by overcrowding, violence, and corruption.
The Corrections Reform Program Coordinator is the lead subject matter expert on corrections in Mexico and interacts on a daily basis with GOM corrections officials at state and federal levels and responds to requests for U.S. assistance. The Coordinator will continue to plan, design, develop, implement, monitor, budget, and evaluate the program in coordination with the INL Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP), and in consultation with the INL Office of Criminal Justice Assistance and Partnership (INL/CAP).
In addition, the Coordinator advises on wide-ranging policy and technical corrections matters relative to U.S. contributions and participation in penitentiary development programs. The Coordinator works with the GOM to develop and implement basic and advanced projects to improve the capacity of Mexican federal, state, and municipal corrections services.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assess and Advise:
o Participate in the continual analysis and evaluation of training programs for Mexican correctional institutions, to include assessments of the organizational and operational capacities of the various elements and areas for improvement.
o Advise on security issues and assistance to federal, state and municipal corrections directors and the corrections academy.
o Provide guidance to senior Mexican corrections officials through the Justice Sector Team leader.
o Provide technical input to USG personnel on best correctional practices as well as analysis of events that occur in the penitentiary system.
Maintain Political Liaison:
o Generate support for and actively advance U.S. policy objectives with key Mexican officials.
o Work with U.S. Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies at Post, as well as with the U.S. Agency for International Development and American Citizen Services, to coordinate efforts in the criminal justice sector.
Program Planning, Development, and Execution:
o Plan, develop, and execute projects in accordance with U.S. Embassy and State Department goals and objectives and in close consultation with the Government of Mexico.
o Provide strategic planning and process development on all phases of project execution from development though implementation, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, monitoring, and coordination.
o Work with Mexican federal, state, and municipal corrections agencies to develop opportunities for U.S. assistance.
o Submit training initiatives with U.S. federal, state, and municipal corrections agencies to access training and coordinate opportunities for Mexican federal, state, and municipal corrections programs and their corrections academies. INL/CAP will coordinate all training requests with non-federal agencies in the US in cooperation with the WHP Program Officer and the INL grants officer.
o Make requests and provide information through INL/WHP and INL/CAP needed to enter into interagency agreements with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) to provide training opportunities for Mexican counterparts.
Contracting and Budget Planning:
o The Corrections Program Coordinator is responsible for the planning, design, development, implementation, monitoring, budgeting, and evaluation of the Program and will identify logistical requirements.
o Assist with the procurement of technical services, training, and commodities; and monitor procurement actions, including drafting source-origin waivers, bid solicitations, scopes of work, delivery, and acceptance of items procured to support the Corrections Program.
o Develop budget plans for the INL Mexico Corrections Program, ensuring that projects accord with policies and objectives of the administration's strategy.
o Negotiate with host government officials on projects to support U.S.-host country objectives to counter narcotics and organized crime.
o Obtain Contracting Officers Representative (COR) certification within three months of assuming position at post. Certification as State Department COR will be achieved by either resident or online training with the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
o Contractor is also expected to participate in ongoing FAC P/PM training and complete course work equivalent to the Entry Level FAC P/PM certification within nine months of hiring.
End Use Monitoring:
o Ensure USG-provided commodities are effectively utilized and no fraud, waste, or mismanagement occurs in the program through continuous oversight and end-use monitoring at all training sites.
Working and Supervisory Responsibilities:
o Manage contracts, MOUs, grants, and IAAs to achieve program objectives.
o As directed by the Justice Sector Program Officer, supervise Corrections staff and provide work guidance to other contractors funded under the program.
Briefing and Reporting:
o Prepare, coordinate, and assure the timely issuance of both periodic reports on the federal, state, and municipal corrections programs.
o Prepare periodic status reports, budget reports, and program reviews.
o Brief Department, Congressional, Staff Delegations and other selected international dignitaries on the U.S. and host government criminal justice programs as they pertain to the corrections program.
o Brief the Director of INL Mexico City and/or other appropriate Country Team members and report on major issues, including the status of corrections reform.
RELATIONSHIP:
The Corrections Reform Program Coordinator reports to the Justice Team Program Officer for INL Mexico. This position supervises a team that current includes one locally employed staff (LES), and provides work guidance to two contract administrative supports, and three to five contract corrections advisors.
The Contracting Officer's Representative (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.
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
Individual must be able to manage corrections reform projects in a foreign country, including promoting U.S. interests with Mexican and international officials, ensuring sustainability of projects through provision of appropriate training and maintenance, and integrating competing needs of U.S. law enforcement agencies, state and local governments along the U.S.-Mexican border, and GOM entities involved in corrections reform activities.
SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The Corrections Reform Program Coordinator performs a broad range of tasks related to a complex foreign assistance program in Mexico. The INL programs have a significant impact on Embassy operations including those of other USG agencies. An essential part of the complexity will be the identification of the project parameters with the GOM counterpart(s) and the subsequent negotiation of goals.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
The Corrections Reform Program Coordinator will work closely with INL personnel, other USG law enforcement agencies within the Mission, contractors implementing INL projects and GOM counterparts.
Minimum Qualification:
1. U.S. citizen, and able to obtain/maintain a Department of State Secret security and medical clearance.
2. Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university in any discipline, with preference given to degrees in criminal justice, social sciences, accounting, or communications.
3. The requirement for a Bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis of experience in U.S. corrections at or above the rank of associate warden (or the equivalent). A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in U.S. and/or international civilian correctional institution. Two (2) years of this experience may be substituted by law enforcement experience as a sworn officer, law, or military detentions experience.
4. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
5. A minimum of two (2) years experience chief supervisory experience of U.S. civilian corrections division, to include administration, training academy, prisoner programs, et cetera or supervision of an agency with an annual operating budget in excess of $50 million plus an additional two years of experience at the rank of associate warden (or program manager, probation supervisor, et cetera) or higher in corrections at the State or Federal level.
6. Graduation from an accredited federal or state corrections and/or probation academy or one year of combine training from such an academy.
7. Demonstrated strong communication skills, both oral and written, and comfortable with public speaking.
8. Ability to complete the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) course successfully within 120 days arrival at Post.
9. Pass FAC P/PM basic level online courses within nine months of beginning work at Post.
10. 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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
1. One year experience deployed on an INL international corrections mission as a senior advisor or higher.
2. Proficiency in Spanish at the 3/3 level (equivalent). Ability to hold official meetings in Spanish.
3. Preferred Master degree in criminal justice or related field.
4. Demonstrated experience as a correctional executive in a U.S. corrections agency that supports existing INL programs.
5. Knowledge of Mexico's federal and state penitentiary systems.
6. Knowledge of the American Correctional Association and its policies and accreditation standards.
7. Experience working with multiple domestic and international agencies and organizations, including organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross or the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime.
8. Demonstrated program or project management experience or FAC P/PM certification.
Evaluation Criteria
Factor 1 Work Experience (35 points)
Demonstrated work experience in the field of international corrections reform and U.S. correctional policies and procedures. Experience related to analyzing correctional operations, instituting training programs and supporting official oversight and accreditation efforts.
Factor 2 Management Experience (35 points)
Demonstrated management experience, including budget preparation, goods and services procurement, grants or contract managements, and project implementation and oversight. Management experience will show work with increasing scope and responsibilities at the executive or managerial level.
Factor 3 Ability to Communicate (15 points)
Demonstrated experience in coordinating and negotiating with U.S. government agencies, foreign government agencies, state agencies, international organizations, and/or the private sector. Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing, in both English and Spanish; this includes preparing well-written reports and giving oral briefings to senior officials.
Factor 4 Past Performance (15 points)
Past evidence of applicant's ability to perform in an official setting. In conducting the evaluation, the U.S. Government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available provided by applicant or obtained from other sources.
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 Reimbursement
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
Deborah Strom, Contract Specialist, Email StromDG@state.gov
