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: Justice Advisor
Location: Bogota, Colombia
Salary Level:    FS-02 - $89,505 - $131,441 (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: July 27, 2021
Closing date: August 10, 2021
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:     PSC-21-071-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
    [email protected]

Sincerely,

Katelynn Barham
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.

Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: [email protected]

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: [email protected]

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): INL is under the Under Secretary for Democracy and Human Rights (J) and works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores. 

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Western
Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP), is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination and implementation of international narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the Department of State.  The Colombia program builds on efforts begun under Plan Colombia, with a shift towards supporting the Colombian government’s institutional reforms and strengthening the Rule of Law.  The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) in the Embassy in Bogota Manages the justice sector program funded through the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) account and destined for Colombia.

INCLE-funded assistance to Colombia’s justice sector began in FY 2000.  This activity complements the Colombian government’s much greater investment in promoting rule of law, providing for citizen security and reforming state institutions to foster greater transparency, responsiveness, and respect for human rights.  It also complements activities funded by USAID’s Economic Support Funds in the areas of security, rule of law, and community development.  The goal of this program is to institutionalize justice sector reforms to sustain the rule of law and respect for human rights through projects with security and justice sector organizations.

In 2004, Colombia passed the revised Code of Criminal Procedure (Law 906/2004) implementing an oral accusatory criminal justice system.  Colombia’s implementation of its criminal justice system remains uneven and plagued by inefficiencies and congestion.  The peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) provides a potentially important window of opportunity for further reform of the criminal justice system, particularly by making the system more accountable and transparent, thereby improving its public image for fairness and effectiveness. It will be important for INL’s Rule of Law programs to address weaknesses in justice sector administration and institutional capabilities in a post-conflict environment.

Rule of law assistance is a core component of the USG contribution to stability and reconstruction operations worldwide.  INL currently manages criminal justice policy and programs in many international locations and oversees over 1,000 personnel deployed in the field to implement these programs.

The purpose of the personal services contract (PSC) is to provide a Justice Advisor to support, assist, and advise INL and the U.S. Embassy in Colombia in their efforts to help Colombia further reform and otherwise establish a more effective criminal justice system.  Besides management and oversight of training, mentoring, technical assistance, and limited equipment procurements to support Colombian prosecutors, judges, investigators, public defenders, and forensics experts, the Justice Advisor will also serve as the Agreement Officers Representative (AOR), and liaise with, and coordinate, the activities of USG agency implementers in the justice sector reform area.  The Justice Advisor will play a key role in shaping and strategizing programs for future assistance to the Government of Colombia.

The Justice Advisor may lead one or more Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) that assist INL Bogota on the full range of criminal justice issues.  S/he would play a key role in contingency planning and development of future INL Bogota activities in the justice sector.  S/he would also serve as a resource for other SMS program managers.

The Justice Advisor frequently meets with members of other U.S. Government agencies, non- governmental organizations, and relevant international organizations for the purpose of gathering and disseminating information pertinent to justice sector development and USG priorities and activities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based INL Rule of Law Chief, or his/her designee, the Justice Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Serves as the senior Justice expert within INL Bogota.
2.    Provides analysis of trends and developments in the areas of judicial reform and rule of law to the INL and Embassy front offices.
3.    Conducts assessments of judicial and security agencies and institutions in addition to their training academies and facilities.
4.    Develops program designs, performance monitoring plans, and evaluation planning for projects in support of judicial reform and improving the rule of law.
5.    Master the full range of assistance project management skills, including planning, budgeting, procurement, contracting, and monitoring and evaluation.
6.    Coordinates all INL interagency Rule of Law efforts with DOJ, USAID, and other USG partners to include special investigative units, major crimes task forces, judicial training, financial crimes, and arms trafficking.
7.    Oversees INL funding and required financial and programmatic reporting of other agencies involved in projects in rule of law, forensics, and trafficking in persons and arms.  Recommends supportive courses of action, when necessary, to the INL office within the U.S. diplomatic mission.
8.    Drafts policy and advocacy papers, attends meetings and conferences covering INL’s Rule of Law priorities. Facilitates exchange of information and practices to ensure robust communication on rule of law issues within INL, as well as with other professionals working in the area of rule of law in Colombia.
9.    Prepares background materials and reports to be used by the INL Director and other U.S. officials in speeches, briefings, and testimonies to articulate INL Bogota’s engagement on rule of law issues.
10.    Participates in outreach activities with domestic and international legal communities to increase awareness of INL programs and policies and solicit greater cooperation and participation.
11.    Performs other duties as requested and assigned by the INL Rule of Law Chief, including supporting VIP visits, drafting reporting cables, and preparing other documents and reports.
12.    When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.

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.    Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.  
4.    If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.
5.    Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) distance-learning course through Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post.  Obtains Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Officer’s Representative (FAC-COR) Level III Certification within 120 days of arriving at Post.  (see http://www.fai.gov for details).
6.    Completes Distance Learning (DL) FSI Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) course within the first 120 days of assignment.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
US Embassy, Bogota, Colombia. However, regular travel to rural areas, 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, and minimal infrastructure.  

RELATIONSHIPS
The Justice Advisor reports to the INL Bogota Rule of Law Chief and oversees the work of the Justice Specialist.

The INL Rule of Law Chief 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 of enormous complexity.  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 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 counternarcotics programs in Bogota, 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 REQUIREMENTS:
1.    U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security and Medical clearances. Department of State Ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required).
2.    Law degree from an ABA accredited law school.
3.    A minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing or directing international rule of law or legal/justice reform programs, or the design and implementation of justice sector capacity building and training programs.
4.    A minimum of five (5) years of work experience as an attorney, prosecutor, or judge.
5.    Demonstrated excellent oral and written English communication skills, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
6.    Demonstrated excellent oral and written Spanish communication skills at the FSI 3/3              
level or higher.
7.    Demonstrated ability to accurately perceive and analyze complex fact patterns related to the structure, operation, and deficiencies of foreign criminal justice systems and to employ professional knowledge to develop and apply plans to enhance the effectiveness of prosecutions.
8.    Demonstrated ability to perform essential functions under difficult conditions (e.g., limited resources, personal security risks, conflicting and changing priorities, language barriers, transportation limitations, etc.)

EVALUATION CRITERIA
(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:        Program Management                        (20 points)
Demonstrated experience and ability in managing justice sector assistance programs to enhance the rule of law.  Such programs could include capacity building for judicial and security forces, provision of equipment, training, mentoring, technical assistance, and academy development.

Factor 2:        Liaison                        (15 points)
Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with members of relevant USG agencies, host nation representatives, and the international community in developing and coordinating rule of law programs.

Factor 3:        Subject Matter Expertise                        (20 points)
Demonstrated ability to provide expert rule of law subject matter and policy guidance relevant to the current situation in Colombia to senior level policy makers within the Embassy and INL.

Factor 4:        Communication:                        (15 points)
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise, in both oral and written form.

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 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 – 15
Factor #3 – 20
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 ($89,505 - $131,441 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