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: Counternarcotics and Transnational Crime Advisor
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Salary Level: FS-02 - $99,700 - $146,413 (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: 10/18/2024
Closing date: 11/08/2024
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-25-003-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:
Cecille D. Washington
U.S. Department of State
INL/EX/GAPP
WashingtonCD@state.gov
Sincerely,
Margaret Renee Gaudreau
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.
Equal employment opportunity policy - The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/Cecille Washington
E-mail: WashingtonCD@state.gov
Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Cecille Washington
E-mail: WashingtonCD@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): 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.
INL’s Office of Africa and the Middle East Programs (INL/AME) develops and manages criminal justice sector reform programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues in both regions. INL works to improve the effectiveness, responsiveness, and accountability of criminal justice sector institutions (police, justice sector actors, and corrections). These efforts are designed to improve stability, human rights, and good governance in close partnership and cooperation with host government and civil society actors.
INL has program authority derived from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA). Under the FAA, INL is responsible for providing assistance to host governments to develop and implement effective counter narcotics, anticrime, and border control programs.
INL’s overarching goal in Nigeria is to support the development of effective and professional law enforcement and justice sector institutions to prevent, detect, respond to, investigate, and prosecute crime – including transnational organized crime – and safeguard its citizens and protect human rights. A primary focus of INL’s counternarcotics and transnational crime programming in Nigeria is building capacity for Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other enforcement authorities to identify, interdict, and investigate drug trafficking networks and criminal networks involved in transnational criminal activity.
The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill the position of Counternarcotics and Transnational Crime Advisor (CNTC) at U.S. Consulate General, Lagos. The Advisor will work closely with senior leadership of Nigeria’s NDLEA and other Nigerian law enforcement agencies in Lagos and Abuja. The Advisor will advise the NDLEA and other agencies to help build capacity of investigations and the prosecution of key individuals committing international drug trafficking and other related organized crimes.
The CNTC Advisor will provide strategic mentorship to NDLEA leadership and staff, manage trainings and other capacity building activities, and develop programs for additional capacity building assistance. A primary purpose will be to strengthen the capacity of the NDLEA and other drug enforcement units, and to increase the Nigerian government’s CN capabilities against the primary organized narcotics traffickers, which also includes synthetic drugs like fentanyl and precursor chemicals. In addition, the CNTC Advisor is responsible for monitoring and supporting INL’s Drug Demand Reduction efforts in Nigeria, including through collaboration with NDLEA, Nigeria’s lead agency for treatment of drug users. The advisor also supports additional INL assistance addressing other transnational crimes, such as wildlife trafficking. The incumbent will reside in Lagos, Nigeria, and regularly travel and work within Nigeria particularly to the capital city of Abuja where NDLEA and other law enforcement agency headquarters are located.
As part of the INL Section team in Nigeria, the Advisor will coordinate with the U.S. diplomatic mission in Nigeria, including the INL Director, Deputy Director, and other team members at the US Embassy, Abuja; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Country Attaché and team, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Advisor, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Advisor at Consulate Lagos; as well as INL Program Officers in Washington, D.C. The INL Director and Deputy Director will be the Advisor’s primary points of contact on all matters related to INL and DEA efforts at the U.S. Consulate General Lagos.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Abuja-based INL Director or his/her designee, the CNTC Advisor will perform the following duties:
1. Program Management: Aids in overseeing, coordinating, and providing guidance in the implementation of multiple law enforcement training and development projects for the NDLEA and other law enforcement entities, including:
• Assists in the identification and development of appropriate projects within a comprehensive and integrated program to help the Government of Nigeria (GON) reduce drug trafficking violence and transnational criminality with the objective of institutionalizing such projects and ensuring sustainability within the NDLEA and other criminal justice entities.
• Provides analysis and guidance in project budget preparation as well as program planning.
• Conducts or commissions field surveys, evaluations, and special studies, as directed.
• Proactively proposes, designs, and suggest changes for CN and transnational crime projects in Nigeria that are sustainable and positioned to demonstrate clear impact.
• Develops robust methods to evaluate the impact of training and technical support.
• Implements and annually revises INL’s Theory-of-Change and five-year plan for counternarcotics programming in Nigeria.
• Monitors and reviews, in coordination with the U.S. diplomatic mission to Nigeria, the use of any U.S. government assistance provided to the NDLEA and other drug enforcement units during the term of the contract. The purpose of this oversight is to ensure any U.S. Government (USG) provided commodities and financial support are delivered in a timely manner and properly utilized in accordance with applicable USG regulatory standards and waste, fraud, and/or abuse is prevented.
• Coordinates INL efforts with the DEA, USCG, USFWS and other U.S. government partners at Consulate Lagos and Mission Nigeria to ensure a more holistic efforts to combat drug and other types of trafficking, avoid duplication of efforts, and identify and address gaps in INL and USG trafficking efforts.
• Actively engages other international donors, implementing partners, and stakeholders to deconflict INL programs and ensure INL programs fill gaps, complement existing efforts, and are well-coordinated with key stakeholders.
• Develops contacts with thought leaders and civil society leaders to maintain a balanced perspective on developments within the Nigerian law enforcement community.
• Prepares and presents briefings to NDLEA, other Nigerian law enforcement agencies, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Nigeria, third country government officials, officials of international organizations concerning counternarcotics programs, and achievements in Nigeria.
• Ensures that work performed will be accomplished within the appropriate constitutional, legal, regulatory and policy framework.
2. Technical Assistance: Providing technical advice, training, mentoring, and support to NDLEA and other law enforcement partners, including:
• Advises senior leadership of the NDLEA and other drug enforcement units on planning, designing, and implementing actions that develop institutional capacity and improve the investigation and prosecution of key individuals involved in international drug trafficking and other related crimes.
• Designs effective strategies in which the NDLEA and other drug enforcement units can use the successful interdiction of lower-level drug traffickers to dismantle the criminal organizations behind drug trafficking throughout Nigeria.
• Aids in the development of NDLEA and other drug enforcement units’ institutional goals, objectives, and internal personnel support measures, including training and equipment that will support overall NDLEA and drug enforcement capabilities to complete their CN mission.
• Advises NDLEA and other drug enforcement unit leadership on ways to increase international and regional cooperation with other CN and law enforcement partners, including the exchange of information and opportunities for joint training and operations.
• Advises ND LEA and other drug enforcement unit leadership on changes in policies and practices that may augment its capacities and lead to improved results in its ongoing efforts against international narcotics and related organized crimes.
• Evaluates requests from the NDLEA and other drug enforcement units for operational, logistical, or institutional support. Recommends supportive courses of action to the INL and DEA offices within the U.S. diplomatic mission to Nigeria.
• Advises NDLEA and other drug enforcement leadership on CN training programs based on the appropriate skill sets needed by NDLEA personnel. Participates in regular liaison meetings with interested parties to develop annual training plans and to monitor effectiveness of activities.
• Maintains a well-organized list of all trainings, participants, and items procured through the advisor’s effort.
• Assesses the quality of curricula and instruction at designated academies.
• Advises academy leadership, through direct and continuous engagement, on development and implementation of improved training.
• Other duties include preparing reports on the status of ongoing activities and accomplishments regarding the assistance to the NDLEA in augmenting its CN capabilities. The key objective of increasing NDLEA capacity is to dismantle major drug trafficking operations.
• Writes cables to report critical data that provides quantifiable data to illustrate impact from training and statistics on narcotics investigation.
• In the absence of the INL Director or Deputy Director may be assigned an acting role. During such periods, the Advisor will be responsible for coordinating the work of the section staff, prepare for and attend internal meetings and work closely and collaborately with other offices.
• Provides the INL Director, INL Deputy Director, and INL/AME Program Officer the following deliverables: an annual advisor workplan, monthly status reports, special reports when required, and an end-of-year report on the progress in fulfilling the Advisor’s annual workplan, which shall include a comprehensive review of the projects in which the contractor was involved that including 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.
• Maintains security awareness and properly handles classified items and information.
• When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
• Performs 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 (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within (120) days of arriving at Post.
2. Completes the Government Technical Monitor (PA 398) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within (120) days of arriving at Post.
3. Completes the Grants Officer’s Representative (PY220, PY222, PY224) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within (120) days of assignment.
4. 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.
5. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment at Post.
6. Completes the Human Trafficking Awareness Course (PP460) through FSI online courses within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.
7. Completes the Cybersecurity Awareness (PS800) and other courses required by Embassy Abuja or INL/AME.
8. Consultations with the INL Program Office in Washington, DC may be required.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is General Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria. Regular travel throughout Nigeria is required and may occasionally require travel to other countries for program development, monitoring, and oversight. At a minimum, travel to U.S. Embassy Abuja to meet with NDLEA senior officials and to brief INL and Embassy leadership on CN related activities is required every four weeks.
RELATIONSHIPS
The CNTC Advisor will report to the INL Director at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, and the Consul General in Lagos. The CNTC Advisor will provide technical assistance to the senior leadership of the NDLEA and other criminal justice partners. The advisor will manage programs and may provide training to criminal justice partners as requested. The CNTC Advisor will report the progress of project goals to the INL Director and Deputy Director, and, when appropriate, to the DEA Country Attaché and other interagency partners at the US Consulate General, Lagos. The CNTC Advisor will also provide information to the INL Program Officer in Washington, D.C. as requested.
The INL Director will supervise the implementation of the Advisor project consistent with normal INL practices and regulations. The Advisor must use good judgment, creativity, and independence in planning work to achieve specific goals and objectives. The Advisor will inform INL Director of possible issues and recommend solutions.
The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the INL Director 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 Director 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. 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 & 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 Nigeria, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.
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 and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required).
2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
3. A minimum of twenty (20) years of experience in a related field, with a minimum of ten (10) years of USG counternarcotics experience in program management policies, concepts, practices, and principles in investigating and prosecuting major drug traffickers.
4. Ten (10) years of experiences as a lead law enforcement agent in dismantling drug trafficking organizations through the investigation and prosecution of major drug trafficking offenders.
5. Ten (10) years of experience dealing with senior management of U.S. law enforcement agencies, particularly in counternarcotics operations.
6. Five (5) years of experience training law enforcement officers, preferably counternarcotics, in combating drug trafficking and related crimes.
7. Five (5) years of experience working with U.S. Embassy organizations and complex interrelated activities, as well as familiarity with programs, organization, and operations of other USG elements involved in counternarcotics programs, is desirable.
8. Demonstrated 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: International Experience (20 points)
Demonstrated experience in law enforcement and experience working with diverse, multicultural groups in foreign, post-conflict environments; to include ability to live, work, and travel in difficult conditions with limited support, manage programs in a complex and fluid environment, and show good judgment in challenging security situations. Demonstrated experience in law enforcement, particularly within CN enforcement targeting international drug trafficking organizations, and experience working with diverse, multicultural groups. Experience in Africa generally, and West Africa, Nigeria in particular, is preferred.
Factor 2: Program Experience (20 points)
Demonstrated experience assessing counternarcotics enforcement capabilities including the ability to provide policy and programmatic technical guidance, develop and implement recommendations, and achieve project objectives. Experience managing U.S. government assistance programs is preferred, as well as experience working with U.S. Embassy organizations. Experience working with US Embassy organizations and complex interrelated activities, as well as familiarity with programs, organization, and operations of other USG elements involved in counternarcotics programs. Demonstrated knowledge of modern counternarcotics investigative policies, concepts, practices, and principles that are needed in order to analyze and develop recommendations for program implementation and achievement of project objectives. Substantive knowledge of and experience within African counternarcotics programs is highly valued.
Factor 3: Communication (15 points)
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated independent experience in preparing and writing reports, audits, memoranda, etc. in a subject area related to the duties of the position.
Factor 4: Interpersonal Relations (15 points)
Demonstrated interpersonal skills interacting with police at all command levels in a capacity which includes leading, advising, guiding, regulating performance and policies, and articulating messages and decisions.
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 – 20
Factor #2 – 20
Factor #3 – 15
Factor #4 – 15
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)
This position has been designated at the FS-02 equivalent level ($99,700 - $146,413 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
