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: Rural Community Policing Advisor
Location: Bogota, Colombia
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: September 10, 2024
Closing date: September 24, 2024
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-24-064-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/EX/GAPP, ChittumDA@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/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): 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.
The INL section at U.S. Embassy Bogota, established in 1985, is among the largest and most complex INL offices in the world. INL Bogota is charged with developing strategies and programs to achieve international narcotics control, law enforcement, and justice foreign policy objectives.
INL Bogota’s Rural Security program is a part of INL Bogota’s Law Enforcement Innovation (LEI) Division. LEI promotes the Colombian National Police’s (CNP) efforts to expand its rural presence, improve police-community relations, reduce crime, and enhance security in Colombia’s rural areas. The Rural Security program supports Colombian objectives related to combatting narcotrafficking and transforming post-conflict regions in the aftermath of the peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
INL’s Rural Security program complements INL’s and the CNP’s counternarcotics initiatives and deters other criminal activities that pose a threat to the security of Colombia and the United States by implementing proactive measures in rural areas. Rural areas account for roughly 86 percent of Colombia’s territory, with 1,004 rural municipalities out of 1,123. Therefore, improving rural security is vital for effectively disrupting and deterring illicit drug trafficking and other criminal endeavors. The program’s strategy revolves around these core objectives: 1) Increase police presence in rural areas, 2) Increase trust between police and rural communities, 3) Prevent crime and violence in rural areas, and 4) Compliment and strengthen the CNP’s capabilities in combating transnational organized criminal groups.
The Rural Community Policing Advisor’s (RCPA) role is to provide specialized expertise on how to further develop and expand the INL Rural Security’s Community Policing Program in Colombia while incorporating crime prevention best practices. The RCPA will oversee all management aspects of the program including funding, training, equipment accountability, and implementer performance. The RCPA will also provide internal controls and accountability for the delivery of equipment, technical assistance, training, and other assistance to the CNP. The RCPA must be able to work rapidly, responding promptly to multiple and evolving priorities in a difficult and demanding environment.
The ideal candidate will have at least ten (10) years of experience as a sworn civilian law enforcement officer in a city or State police department with specialized knowledge and experience in crime prevention. This expertise should enable the candidate to quickly assess needed assistance, identify available resources, determine implementation timelines, and supervise assistance effectively.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based LEI Division Deputy overseeing the Rural Security Program or his/her designee, the RCPA will perform the following duties:
1. Identifies opportunities for effective rural police programs and projects that complement counternarcotics initiatives in Colombia, with a focus on\crime prevention; community policing; rural deployments; liaison work; program development focused on indigenous, Afro-Colombian, and other minority populations; improved training opportunities; and procurement of the most essential, economical, and highest quality equipment. The RCPA will draw on his/her subject matter expertise in rural policing, crime prevention, community policing, and program management. Responsible for developing a strategic plan, program design, budget preparation, and program planning and execution.
2. In coordination with INL Bogota’s Senior Police Advisor (SPA) and the INL Bogota Rural Security Advisor, the incumbent reviews and assesses Colombia’s crime prevention and rural policing capacity to combat drug trafficking, crime prevention, community-police relations, and identifies capacity building programs that will help build a foundation for the CNP. Oversees community engagement projects led by international organizations. Advises INL Bogota, INL Washington, and CNP leadership on changes to existing programming and on how to structure future rural crime prevention, policing programs and projects in Colombia that expand state presence, reduce rural crime, and build community-police relations. Conducts senior-level field surveys, evaluations, and special studies, as directed, and actively advances U.S. policy objectives with key CNP and Colombian government officials in rural Colombia as follows:
Crime Prevention Strategies:
• Mentors and advises the Colombian National Police (CNP) in the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive crime prevention strategies tailored to the unique needs of rural communities, which complement counter narcotic initiatives in targeted rural areas.
• Assists the CNP to identify and analyze potential crime risks and vulnerabilities in rural areas.
• Collaborates with USAID, other U.S. Law Enforcement agencies at post, other INL Bogota sections, community organization, Non-Governmental Agencies, Colombian military, and stake holders to develop proactive crime prevention programs.
Community Engagement:
• Assists the CNP in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with rural community members to gain their trust and support in the fight against drug trafficking.
• Provides guidance and expertise to the CNP in conducting police-community meetings, workshops, and educational programs to raise awareness about crime prevention measures, the impact of drug trafficking and the importance of community involvement.
• Supports the CNP in providing guidance and support to community members in implementing security measures and reporting suspicious drug-related activities.
Intelligence Gathering and Analysis:
• Provides guidance and expertise to the CNP in collecting and analyzing relevant data, including drug trafficking trends, patterns, and incidents, to identify areas of concern and prioritize enforcement efforts.
• Advises the CNP on the utilization of intelligence sources, such as informant networks, surveillance technologies, community reports, crime mapping, and data analyzing tools to assess risks and develop proactive strategies.
• Assists the CNP in sharing intelligence and collaborating with other local law enforcement agencies to enhance rural drug trafficking and crime prevention efforts.
Training and Capacity Building:
• In coordination with the INL Rural Security and INL Senior Police Advisor, identifies and facilitates training sessions for the CNP, community members, other law enforcement personnel, and other stakeholders on crime prevention techniques, safety awareness, and emergency preparedness, recognizing signs of drug-related activities, and promoting community-based reporting where security conditions allow.
• In coordination with the INL Senior Police Advisor, supports the CNP in the development and implementation of training materials and resources related to rural crime and drug trafficking prevention.
• Mentors and advises the CNP in fostering a culture of vigilance and community involvement in crime prevention and combating drug trafficking activities.
Partnership Development:
• Assists the CNP in establishing and maintaining partnerships across the CNP directorates, government bodies, Colombian Military, NGOs, and community organizations to enhance collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking in conjunction with the local communities.
• Facilitates the CNP’s participation in meetings, forums, workshops, and conferences related to rural crime prevention to exchange knowledge and best practices.
• Assists the CNP in seeking funding opportunities internally and assists in securing resources for rural crime prevention initiatives.
Disruption of Illicit Activities and Control:
• As needed, coordinates with other INL Divisions that take the lead on operations to disrupt trafficking networks and transnational organized criminal groups.
Achieving and Maintaining Low Crime Rate:
• Assists the CNP in maintaining and evaluating the effectiveness of drug trafficking prevention initiatives and interventions in target rural areas.
• Provides guidance to CNP in analyzing crime data and crime trends to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to reduce high crime rate.
• Provides guidance to CNP on how to collaborate with other CNP directorates and community members to promote community policing approaches and encourages active participation in crime prevention efforts.
3. Acts as a liaison between the CNP and relevant sections of the U.S. Mission. Coordinates with the INL Bogota Rural Security Advisor and other construction entities on the construction and staffing of secure police installations throughout rural Colombia. Coordinates with other INL Bogota programs, Embassy sections, and Colombian government entities regarding citizen security to promote whole-of-government efforts to bring security and economic transformation to rural territories.
4. Develops and maintains professional relationships with CNP officials and other Colombian government entities to ensure close, cooperative working relationships.
5. Assists in the preparation of required reporting such as the annual budget request for International Narcotics, Crime and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds, and the Mission Resource Request. Coordinates annual reporting requirements for INL Bogota (e.g., the INCSR Volumes I and II, the End-Use Monitoring Report, and other official reports related to this SOW). Helps administer and monitor the expenditure of funds designated to CNP activities. Prepares program documentation and procurement requirements for rural police projects. Helps prepare regular reporting, including bi-weekly status reports, to Rural Security Program Manager. Assists in the development of other mandated reports as needed.
6. Analyzes and reports on rural police developments in Colombia, ensuring that the USG is fully informed on the capabilities, capacity, performance, and opportunities with regard to rural crime prevention and community policing.
7. Briefs Department, Congressional, and other international dignitaries orally and in writing on the INL-funded CNP programs in Colombia. Prepares documents for presentation to the U.S. Congress. Develops appropriate itinerary and accommodates official travelers, as necessary.
8. Establishes and maintains appropriate internal management control systems and end-use monitoring. Ensures that INL Bogota programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement. Helps manage and monitor the use of all U.S.-provided commodities intended for rural police purposes. Keeps up to date with the latest trends, technologies in crime prevention and community policing, technologies, and strategies related to combating drug trafficking in rural Colombia and incorporates this knowledge into program design and implementation.
9. Works with divisions and teams within INL, such as the LEI/ Training and Capacity Building Program, LEI/International Cooperation Program, the Policy/Environment Unit, and the Organized Crime & Counternarcotics Division, in addition to other U.S. Agencies in the embassy and international partners to coordinate and leverage resources in support of drug interdiction efforts in rural Colombia.
10. Maintains security awareness and properly handles classified and controlled items and information.
11. When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
12. 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 in order to serve as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR).
2. Completes the FSI distance-learning courses Introduction to Grants and Cooperative Agreements (PY220), Monitoring Grants and Cooperative Agreements (PY222), and Federal Assistance and OMB Guidance (PY224) within 120 days of arriving at Post in order to serve as a Grants Officer Representative (GOR) and/or Agreement Officer Representative (AOR).
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 PT401 No FEAR Act Training, PT 144 Mitigating Unconscious Bias, and reads the Department’s Anti-Harassment (3 FAM 1520) and Anti-bullying (3 FAM 1540) policies within six (6) months of arriving at Post.
5. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.
6. Consultations with the INL Western Hemisphere Program Office (INL/WHP) may be required before deployment.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is the US Embassy Bogota, Colombia. Regular travel to rural areas, small towns, and occasionally to large cities throughout Colombia is a requirement of this position. Many of these areas in Colombia are conflict zones where insurgent groups are based, criminal organizations operate, and crime is generally high. In addition, many of these areas in Colombia are tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, tropical insects and diseases, and minimal infrastructure.
RELATIONSHIPS
The RCPA will report to the LEI Deputy, who oversees the Rural Security Program. The RCPA will liaise and coordinate with other INL Bogota programs and with INL/WHP staff in Washington, DC. The RCPA will provide general administrative and policy direction concerning overall program priorities and objectives, as well as work with INL/WHP to develop and manage programs and related issues. The RCPA will liaise with other agencies/governments active in the fields of policing, law enforcement, rule of law and rural security, and with host government contacts. The RCPA will monitor Rural Security projects in Colombia, analyzing their effectiveness and suggesting improvements. The RCPA will work closely with INL Bogota’s SPA on issues related to police reform, institutional development, and training.
The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the LEI Deputy 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 LEI Deputy 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 strategy, 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 Bogota 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 Colombia, 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. A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience as a U.S. sworn civilian law enforcement officer in a city or State police department.
3. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a supervisory role, supervising personnel and managing programs.
4. A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience working in the areas of training and developing law enforcement capabilities; Demonstrated experience in developing and/or managing community-level crime prevention strategies or community policing projects to strengthen police-community relations.
5. A minimum of five (5) years of working in counternarcotics programs domestically and/or overseas.
6. Proven ability to work effectively with foreign counterparts, departments, or ministries to further program objectives, in a timely and concise manner.
7. Demonstrated ability to read and speak English and Spanish at the professionally proficient level.
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: Work Experience (25 Points)
Demonstrated ability to provide subject matter expertise (SME) related to law enforcement, including offering policy guidance to senior level policymakers within the organization. Demonstrated law enforcement experience with a strong background in crime prevention, community policing, counternarcotics, and capacity building programs in security and/or law enforcement fields. Proven track record of managing complex projects, determining program and project requirements, driving progress, and reporting on outcomes.
Candidates with previous work experience with the Department of State, USAID, or have worked with non-governmental or community organizations; experience designing community policing or crime and violence prevention programming; experience working in a rural or remote areas; previous work experience in/on/with Latin America; and more than five years of experience managing assistance programs preferred.
Factor 2: Program Experience (25 points)
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, oversee, evaluate, and report on assistance programs (preferably with foreign counterparts) and projects and link them to strategic U.S. national security interests. Demonstrated professional experience related to program design, project management, preparing program strategies, drafting short information reports, budgets, spend plans, and acquisition paperwork.
Factor 3: Management & Communication Experience (20 points)
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in both English and Spanish, and in a timely and concise manner; and interact effectively with others at all levels to prepare, analyze, explain, and defend determinations and requirements with respect to applicable laws, policies, and other regulatory guidelines; and advise program officials. Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and educate diverse community members. Demonstrated ability to draft policy documents, reports, or memoranda for review by, and signature of, senior level officials in the Embassy and in the Department of State. Demonstrated experience promoting or supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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 – 20
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
