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.
Security and Corrections Advisor
San Jose, Costa Rica
Issuance Date: 11/08/2016
Closing Date: 11/22/2016
SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-17-002-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-17-002-INL
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 11/08/2016
3. CLOSING DATE: 11/22/2016
4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST
5. POSITION TITLE: Security and Corrections Advisor
6. MARKET VALUE: $67,395 - $122,142 (FS-03/02Equivalent)
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: San Jose, Costa Rica
9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (J) within the Department of State (DOS). INL's mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States and its citizens by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation.
Under this statement of work (SOW), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) lays out the requirement for a Security and Corrections Advisor to support, in furtherance of the objectives of the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), the needs of the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security (MPS), the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and Public Ministry (PM). To support this initiative, it is recommended that the current Border and Security Advisor PSC position as the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica be reprogrammed to be the Security and Corrections Advisor. Given the growth that the INL Costa Rica program has experienced since 2012, and given the crime and prison population trends now affecting the country, this position is critical in order to assist our Costa Rican partners in combating the negative effects of such trends. The incumbent will cover functional security areas pertaining to both law enforcement and corrections.
The purpose of the INL Security and Corrections Advisor position is to support the implementation of United States government (USG) assistance to the Government of Costa Rica (GOCR) law enforcement and penitentiary system programs as defined in the Letter of Agreement of 2009 and its subsequent amendments. The Advisor will provide advice and support to the INL Director, other INL colleagues, and representatives of law enforcement agencies at the Embassy. The Advisor will work closely with GOCR officials, including key elements within MPS (Fuerza Publica, Border Police, Air Surveillance, and Drug Control Police), the Ministry of Justice (Penitentiary Police), and the Public Ministry (Investigative Police - OIJ).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. In line with CARSI objectives, implements a U.S.-sponsored Law Enforcement and Prison and Security program which coordinates activities to support Fuerza Publica (National Police), border police, air surveillance, drug control police, and the penitentiary police, with a focus on increasing professionalization, improving capacity, and developing and cultivating better interagency cooperation/ collaboration among the different entities.
2. Provides strategic planning and development of all phases of law enforcement/border/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. Serves as a liaison with representatives of other U.S. Embassy law enforcement agencies involved in border/POE and Counterterrorism projects, including, but not limited to, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), especially 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.
4. Offers advice and assistance in preparing documentation for the procurement of services and equipment, including drafting purchase requests, bid solicitations, statements of work (SOW), requests for source-origin waivers, and sole-source justifications.
5. Attends general and law enforcement meetings, national and international conferences and seminars, and meetings with GOCR officials, reporting on discussions, activities, and/or decisions.
6. 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.
7. Provides advice and assistance in the formulation of INL input to the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) and INL Country Plan.
8. 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.
9. Briefs visiting officials and Embassy staff on the role of INL and the status of U.S.-Costa Rica security/prison security projects and related initiatives.
10. Coordinates training for MPS/MOJ/PM personnel to include maintenance and operational training.
11. Provides technical advice/support to the various director-level elements within MPS/MOJ/PM concerning organizational maintenance and repair plans, including advice/support on repairs, ordering spare parts, and supplies.
12. Serves as a resident Security and Corrections Subject Matter Specialist within INL San Jose by providing assistance on projects that support the Costa Rican MPS, MOJ, and PM; provides expert guidance to assist in implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of U.S. sponsored initiatives in support of developing more professional and effective police forces and penitentiary system.
13. Advises and assists INL to develop and implement courses of action, technology, and programs of assistance that will help MPS/MOJ/PM enhance and expand current capacities and capabilities 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 MPS/MOJ/PM, supporting its effort to restructure regulations, policies, procedures, and international human rights standards, in order to operate a professional/effective law enforcement/correctional force.
15. Serves as a main point of contact to coordinate U.S. government security/corrections assistance with other international/regional partners; serves as the INL representative at international/regional coordination events.
16. Provides policy analysis and program guidance to INL and on the state of security/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 to MPS/MOJ; rehabilitation programs; budgeting; development of a five (5) year strategic plan; training requirements; and refurbishment and/or construction of police/correctional facilities.
17. Prepares background materials and reports to be used by the INL Director and other USG actors in preparing speeches and briefings to articulate INL engagement on security/correction efforts in Costa Rica.
18. Serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), as assigned.
TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) 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 (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.
3. If applicable - Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT610) prior to deployment to Post.
RELATIONSHIP
The Advisor will report to the INL Director via the INL Coordinator or as designated at the U.S. Embassy, San Jose and will be based at the U.S. Embassy. 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. The Advisor will consult and coordinate with the Office of the Defense Representative (ODR) in San Jose, and other regional partners regularly.
DELIVERABLES/REPORTS
Deliverables required under this PSC shall include: monthly status reports, monthly evaluation of contractor performance, special reports when required and "Completion of assignment report," which shall be a comprehensive review of the projects in which the PSC 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 Director at the U.S. Embassy and;
2. INL/WHP Program Officer located in Washington, D.C.
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
The Advisor must be able to assess host country needs, develop and manage police/border/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/maintenance, and integrating competing needs of U.S. and Costa Rican law enforcement agencies and Costa Rican government entities involved in law enforcement/border/prison security and counternarcotic activities.
SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The Advisor'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.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
The Security and Corrections Advisor will work closely with INL personnel, other USG law enforcement agencies within the Mission, contractors implementing INL projects and a wide range of host-government counterparts.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. U.S. Citizenship, able to obtain/maintain a DOS Secret security, medical, and ethics clearance.
2. Demonstrated customer service skills and the ability to work with limited supervision.
3. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
4. A minimum of five (5) years' related experience in law enforcement, corrections, and/or borders/ports security.
5. A minimum of two (2) years' demonstrated experience in managing programs or projects, including budget preparation, goods and services procurement, and project implementation and oversight, preferably involving border security activities.
6. Superior interpersonal skills when working with senior level management.
7. Superior English communications skills both oral and written.
8. Demonstrated advanced professional proficiency in the Spanish language, spoken and written.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Demonstrated knowledge of law enforcement/corrections or similar program development and implementation in an international environment.
2. 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.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. government procurement.
Evaluation Criteria
Factor 1 Offeror's demonstrated ability to develop and implement technical assistance in law enforcement techniques, best practices, and equipment, as well as ability to provide operational and policy guidance on law enforcement and prison activities to the INL Director. (30 points)
Factor 2 Offeror's demonstrated performance managing planning, budgeting, and oversight functions at a program-wide level. (20 points)
Factor 3 Offeror's demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment, especially with foreign authorities. (20 points)
Factor 4 Offeror's demonstrated ability to liaise with relevant USG agencies, domestic law enforcement, police/prison agencies, and the international community for the purpose of sharing information and developing complementary policies/programs. (20 points)
Factor 5 Past performance and the offeror's previous experience and quality of performance. In conducting the evaluation the Government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation info available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from references. (10 points)
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, Email StromDG@state.gov
