Telecommunications 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.
Telecommunications Advisor
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Issuance Date: 07/06/2016
Closing Date: 08/03/2016
SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-16-032-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-16-032-INL
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 07/06/2016
3. CLOSING DATE: 08/03/2016
4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST
5. POSITION TITLE: INL Telecommunications Advisor
6. MARKET VALUE: $83,173 - $122,142 (FS-02 Equivalent)
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below
A. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT
The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) in Honduras implement programs funded by the US Department of State's (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP). The Bureau is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, and supervision of international narcotics control, law enforcement activities, and international criminal justice issues for the DOS.
The purpose of the personal service contract is to provide a Telecommunications Advisor (TA) to serve Honduras and other Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) countries on through the development of guidance and recommendations to help develop, implement and manage a regional communications strategy in line with the US Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs overarching communications strategy, with a particular emphasis on strategic and tactical outreach, and mentoring host country Communications Managers offices. He/she works in consultation with his/her counterpart based in the region.
The TA will serve in Honduras and as appropriate, throughout the region on a full range of communications themes, program management, evaluate training, and mentoring to improve Honduran/regional strategic /tactical communications capability, improve communications infrastructure, protect human rights, and strengthen both the National Police and the Public Ministry. The Telecommunications Advisor will provide technical and tactical communications expertise, and training on behalf of INL in support of host-nation efforts to improve host country communications infrastructure, in order to facilitate apprehension, and prosecution of major crimes including homicides and other violent crimes, complex cases including transnational organized crime, asset forfeiture, money laundering, gang activities, drug trafficking and other major cases where there is suspected involvement by members of the police or public officials.
The Telecommunications Advisor will coordinate communications development, implementation, execution and reporting with other host country entities, INL anti-gangs advisors, other advisors or contractors working for the INL program in Honduras and as appropriate, throughout the region.
B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Telecommunications Advisor will support and advise INL/H efforts to assist the GOH and as appropriate, throughout the region as follows:
1. Keeps the INL Director, Deputy Director, INL/WHP Honduras Program Officers, and other U.S. personnel, as appropriate throughout the region, informed and briefed on all matters relating to the Advisors activities.
2. Prepares a training plan that makes recommendations for training requirements in the areas of Strategic communications, Tactical communications as well as automations, operations planning, and risk mitigation. Provides the Training Plan and proposed budget to the INL/H Director within two months of award. Assists in providing training in these areas to investigators, analysts, prosecutors, judges, and other relevant interlocutors.
3. Works with INL/H staff and make recommendations and provides required documentation such as specifications, cost estimates, and market research concerning equipment and supplies needed to enhance to meet program objectives. Provides an Equipment/Supply List to the INL/H Director listing recommendations in these areas within six months of award.
4. Conducts an assessment on the GOH and as appropriate, throughout the region capabilities/capacity in the areas of strategic/tactical communication to incorporate into National Police procedures. Develops a plan with time-lines and projected funding needs that outlines actions necessary to increase capacity in these areas to a level that will allow within the next three years to successfully implement and sustain strategic/tactical communications without outside assistance. Presents this Capacity Enhancement Plan to the INL/H Director within three months of award.
5. Works with the INL/H Director and staff to finalize this three year plan and provide technical expertise to the GOH to enable them to achieve each phase of the planned capacity building.
6. Provides the INL/H Director with a written update of recommendations for advancing program and U.S. objectives, project highlights, and other relevant significant information including metrics, milestones achieved, and other relevant statistical data, on a monthly basis.
7. Provides the INL/H Director with a Status Report on activities of the last quarter including existing challenges and recommendations to address those challenges. Annually, provide the INL/H Director an End Year Summary of the last year and an estimate of progress toward reaching the three year goal of turning over responsibility, on a quarterly basis.
8. Develops implements and monitors communications strategy/action plans, based on the US Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and Regional priorities, aimed to reduce crime in Honduras and as appropriate, throughout the region, and improving National Police effectiveness in investigating major crimes (homicides, extortions, kidnappings, etc.).
9. Facilitates capacity building and knowledge sharing, including mentoring and training communications staff in the region's country offices and enhancing ability of Senior Management at National Police and programs staff in communicating within their respective organizations.
10. Develops and implements communications strategies based on the Regional Bureau objectives and in line with the INL/H communications strategy.
11. Prepares and conducts communications needs assessments for the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section (INL-H) of the US Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras and as appropriate, throughout the region, in close consultation with the program managers (including for projects, country programs, projects, corporate change initiatives, etc.).
12. Develops program personnel and key projects personnel capacities in the area of effective external communications and advocacy.
13. Organizes and facilitates training workshops on development communications.
14. Provides training to primary communications staff and introduce new, cost-effective digital technologies for the more rapid collection and dissemination of footage and pictures from field operations in the Central America region.
15. Develops and maintains an assistance plan that will promote effective communications practices, in coordination with INL Honduras and as appropriate, throughout the region.
16. Works with the other INL advisors to identify training needs of the National Police personnel. Proposes training options and course availability in Central America, South America or the U.S.
17. Provides advice and assistance in the preparation of procurement documentation for technical services, training, and commodities as well as monitoring procurement actions, including drafting source-origin waivers, bid solicitations, scopes of work, technical evaluations and delivery and acceptance of procured items.
18. Attends meetings with U.S. and host-government officials as requested, including regional working group meetings.
B.-1 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.
C. RELATIONSHIP
The Telecommunications Advisor reports directly to the INL Director.
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.
D. DELIVERABLES
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.
E. 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 counter narcotics programs in Honduras, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.
F. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. U.S. Citizen, able to obtain/maintain a Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable).
2. Bachelor's Degree.
3. Minimum of 12 years professional work experience in managing strategic and tactical communications programs.
4. Demonstrated professional work experience providing and/or managing communication's training and/or support in Latin America
5. Demonstrated professional work experience supporting military or law enforcement operations.
6. Demonstrated (recent and relevant) professional work experience with multi-band tactical communications systems (i.e. Harris Radios, Motorola, Kenwood, ICOM, etc.).
7. Demonstrated prior ability to work independently on projects and issues within overall policy guidelines.
8. Demonstrated communication and liaison skills appropriate to work with a wide variety of governmental, public, and private sector representatives; as well as with local community members and groups.
9. Physically able to reside in Honduras in the areas of Tegucigalpa and travel throughout the region.
10. Willing to work in highly hazardous environment with potential exposure to verbal and physical threats from criminal elements.
11. Knowledge and experience with U.S. Government (USG) regulations, standards of conduct, and ethics.
12. Proficiency in Spanish (written and oral).
13. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
G. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Master Degree or equivalent in communications, Information Technology Management, Computer Science, International Relations or a development field.
H. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT:
The PSC shall be able to use a furnished with office space, a computer, office telephone, and other supplies needed for job requirements. This property will be owned and maintained by the Department of State.
I. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The position will be stationed in the target municipal areas. These are considered high-risk communities with high levels of criminal activity therefore the person will be exposed to highly hazardous environments. Official national and international travel may be requested.
J. PERSONAL CONTACTS
Internal: INL Director, GSO, FMO, Honduras Corrections Advisor, USAID.
External: Honduran National Police Representatives, Ministry of Justice, Prison Directorate, other INL Contractors.
K. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
There is a potential exposure to verbal and physical threats from criminal elements and job related mental stress because of the high-risk environment that will be encountered.
L. POSITION ELEMENTS
• Host Country Liaison
• Program Management
• Planning and Development of Communications Strategies in support of Programs
• Training Coordination and Planning
M. GUIDELINES
Integrated Country Strategy, Place Based Strategy, Place Based Strategy and Anti-Gang Program Strategy.
N. PREDEPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
1. If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.
O. EVALUATION FACTORS:
FACTOR 1: Program Management (30 points)
Program Management - Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner, and to interact effectively with others at all levels, in order 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. Offeror's knowledge of program management, concepts, practices, and principles to analyze and develop recommendations for program implementation and USG objectives.
FACTOR 2: Development/Implementation (30 points)
Ability to coordinate strategic/tactical communications, among other issues, with all relevant bureaus and agencies, including effectively conducting in-depth studies on technical aspects of program requirements and making recommendations to senior managers on appropriate course of action on specific projects and issues.
FACTOR 3: Knowledge and Ability (30 points)
Ability to apply specific knowledge of Latin America in developing briefing materials, contributing to policy planning documents, and in making recommendations to senior staff on management of the INL programs.
FACTOR 4: Past Performance (10 points)
Past Performance of applicant's ability to perform duties assigned related to the position. (Evaluator may use all evaluation information available at the time of the evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from references or 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, Email StromDG@state.gov
