SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- PSC - Counternarcotics Advisor,Regional Command West - Herat, Afghanistan - OF-612 Application form
- Notice Date
- 1/8/2013
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Grants, Acquisitions, Procurement and Policy Division (INL/RM/GAPP), SA-4 Navy Hill, South Building, 2430 E Street, N.W., Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20037
- Solicitation Number
- PSC-13-013-INL
- Archive Date
- 2/25/2013
- Point of Contact
- Larry S. Parr, Fax: 202-776-8775
- E-Mail Address
-
ParrLS@state.gov
(ParrLS@state.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- OF-612 Application form 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. COUNTERNARCOTICS ADVISOR,Regional Command West - Herat, Afghanistan Issuance Date: 01/08/2013 Closing Date: 02/10/2013 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-13-013-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. HOW TO APPLY Offeror's proposals 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. Proposals must include the following: 1) Form OF-612 (Completed and signed) 2) Resume 3) Three letters of reference, including contact information 4) Reference the Solicitation Number, on all documents 5) Full Mailing Address and Phone Number Submit all proposals via e-mail or facsimile to the attention of: INL/Larry Parr Email: parrls@state.gov Fax: 202-776-8761 Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Larry Parr Email: Parrls@state.gov INL will not accept late proposals unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-13-013-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 01/08/2013 3. CLOSING DATE: 02/10/2013 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12 midnight, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: Counternarcotics Advisor, Afghanistan 6. MARKET VALUE: $99,628 - $129,517 (FS-01 Equivalent) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award and four option years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Herat, Afghanistan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below STATEMENT OF DUTIES GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR A. BACKGROUND. The Office of Afghanistan/Pakistan Programs (INL/AP) is part of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in the Department of State. The Bureau 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. INL/AP provides policy guidance and develops, executes and monitors programs to address the full range of counternarcotics issues as they relate to stabilization and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan. INL has been engaged in an effort with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) to ensure a comprehensive approach to the drug problem. The U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy for Afghanistan targets narcotics traffickers through interdiction, while also supporting agricultural development, eradication, demand reduction, public information, and rule of law programs throughout Afghanistan. B. PURPOSE. The Counternarcotics Advisor will support, assist, and advise INL in its efforts to expand counternarcotics programs in Regional Command-West (RC(W)), based in Herat. The Counternarcotics Advisor would provide expertise in a wide variety of settings, including internal U.S. embassy and multi-national meetings, to assist GIRoA in reaching its stated goals and objectives in reforming the counternarcotics programs in Afghanistan. S/he would offer assistance in a variety of areas, to include counternarcotics policy development and coordination with the interagency and international community and counternarcotics program development, management, and oversight. I. STATEMENT OF WORK • Serves as INL counternarcotics advisor in the area covered by the Regional Command (RC), as directed by INL or the Senior Civilian Representative in the RC. As directed, coordinate with State, the Regional Command, USAID, USDA, international partners, and provide advice to Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and Regional Platforms on counternarcotics matters. • Aid in ensuring lines of communication between INL/Kabul, DEA, USAID, U.S./ISAF military, the GOA, and other international partners on counternarcotics programs. • Acquire a good knowledge and understanding of activity under all eight pillars of the GIRoA counternarcotics effort, as well as an understanding of how the counternarcotics effort is linked with counterinsurgency, anti-corruption, and rule of law efforts. • Assist with the formulations and implementation of policies/programs at the local and regional level. • Assist with conducting program development, implementation, and oversight for new and existing INL counternarcotics programs, including, but not limited to working with Provincial Development Councils to develop proposals for Good Performers Initiative programs, Governor-Led Eradication, the Counternarcotics Public Information, and drug abuse prevention and treatment programs. Also, aid in the solicitation and delivery of resources and funding from third party sources (for example UK Embassy, ISAF, CSTC-A). • As directed, work with relevant partners from the Office of the Governor, GIRoA Line Ministries, and provincial and district leadership to advance shared interests in counternarcotics. • Assist in tracking counternarcotics and related developments in the area of responsibility, including CN efforts by partner entities including the civilian and military counternarcotics efforts and USAID alternative development efforts in the province, among others. As appropriate, facilitate and promote counternarcotics engagement and assistance to the provinces within the RC by other international parties, including the United Nations and Coalition member states. • Facilitate visits to the RC for GIRoA counternarcotics officials and visiting INL, Embassy, and State Department delegations. • Assist with providing regular reporting on developments in the field to INL/Kabul, INL/Washington, the State Department Senior Civilian Representative in the RC, and INL counternarcotics advisors and program officers elsewhere in Afghanistan. • As necessary and directed, serve as general INL Liaison at the RC, connecting RC-based officers with relevant INL staff in Kabul, the rest in Afghanistan, and Washington. • Work effectively under pressure, within short time constraints, and during times of rapidly developing events. • Work collaboratively and effectively with senior leadership and colleagues from other countries, agencies, and departments to accomplish INL's goals and objectives. • Inform INL on current developments in a given portfolio that must be consulted in advance of important briefings, meetings, or presentations of new initiatives. • Produce a brief written weekly report on status of programs, activities, and initiatives to be disseminated via email to designated points of contact at INL Kabul, and INL/AP on a mutually agreed upon day of the week. Upon reporting to post, propose a format for this report, which should include, but is not limited to: recent and planned activities, accomplishments, challenges, proposed solutions, administrative issues, and upcoming schedule (to include TDYs and leave). Photographs may be included, as well. Guidelines Guidelines consist of various letters of authorization and memoranda of understanding between the U.S. Government and the Government of Afghanistan, as well as existing federal regulations, Department of State policies, legislation, the Foreign Assistance Act, and other authorization and appropriations in the INL account. Complexity Develops detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of INL policies and programs, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Coordinating plans with various other groups including international donors, the U.S. military and the Government of Afghanistan can be complicated. The work horizon of this position is one year; the incumbent must actively plan activities twelve months into the future. Active planning involves anticipating future events and requirements, deciding or recommending what needs to be done, the people and other resources required, and the timing of the activities. Operating within the country strategy, the incumbent will have ongoing opportunity to develop new ideas and approaches that impact on existing procedures and methods. The incumbent must absorb and understand a large volume of detailed information on policies and procedures for multiple disciplines. Within a loose framework, the incumbent will be responsible for meeting a series of mid-to-long term objectives through structuring work and resources. Often breaking new ground, this role will be highly complex and will require a highly developed analytical ability and judgment. The problems encountered in this position are often unique, highly complex, or conceptual. Covering a wide range of potentially conflicting issues, the incumbent must apply the highest analytical skill and judgment to determine the best solution from the range of possible alternatives. The work pattern will be typified by many different overlapping tasks with heavy disruption due to changes in priorities, external events, and other interruptions The incumbent will interface primarily with mid-level officers inside the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and other international representatives at PRTs and civilian platforms in Afghanistan. The nature of the contact with embassy officers will be highly demanding, requiring the transfer of complex ideas and concepts. The incumbent will interact primarily with mid-level military, GOA, and international officials, although the advisor will sometimes meet with the governor of the province to which assigned. The nature of the contact will normally be routine, although often escalating to complex as competing/conflicting interests and security threats are encountered. A broad range of highly developed oral communication skills are required for this position. The incumbent will, at various times, be required to transmit routine information, discuss sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy, provide complex explanations, persuade and influence, give formal presentations, express care and compassion, provide reasoned arguments, and resolve conflicts without compromising the organization's position. Finally, the incumbent must exercise leadership, in order to achieve objectives and get the job done well, quickly, and efficiently without recourse to close supervision or coercion. Physical Demands In Afghanistan, the work is principally sedentary, however frequent travel in and around Afghanistan is likely. While on a site visit there are physical demands associated with travel to and from remote areas abroad in restrained time frames over underdeveloped infrastructure and conveyances - the position requires an above average resistance to fatigue and physical hardships. Extended onsite visits to remote project sites may rarely be required, necessitating the ability to walk medium to longer distances (hundreds of yards or more) on generally irregular dirt or stone surfaces, in both hilly and flat terrain. Those who use wheelchairs, have respiratory difficulties, or require assistance walking will find this difficult. Additionally, those undergoing medical treatment or taking certain medicines that limit their physical or mental abilities may find it difficult to adhere to the limitations recommended by their physician(s). Travel on helicopters and/or cargo-oriented fixed wing aircraft will also be required. Those with ear or other problems, who do not easily adapt to pressurized environments or higher but non-pressurized environments, will find the travel requirements of these positions difficult. Those with circulation problems or difficulties adapting to climate extremes or extremely dusty environments will find this aspect of the position difficult. C. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will directly report to the Director of the INL Section (INL/Kabul) at U.S. Embassy Kabul through the INL/Kabul Counternarcotics Team Leader. The Department of State Senior Civilian Representative in Kandahar will provide daily supervision. Tasking will come from both INL/Kabul and INL's Afghanistan and Pakistan Program Office in Washington. The incumbent's actions, decisions and recommendations are reviewed on the basis of results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations. Because the incumbent receives only general policy guidance, he/she must constantly depend on his/her own professional judgment to further the mission of INL. Level of Effort: Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of U.S. Embassy Kabul: 8:30am to 5:30pm Sunday through Thursday with a minimum of fifty-five hours per week. Travel and Position Location: The position is located within Regional Commands throughout Afghanistan. Frequent travel in and around the assigned province is likely. All movements within Afghanistan will be covered by the U.S. military and/or INL air wing and motor pool assets, and all travel outside of Afghanistan will be covered by commercial airlines. Pre-deployment support for the Afghanistan-based Advisor: The advisor will be required to attend four (4) weeks of basic familiarization training at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington D.C. prior to deployment. Life Support: Life support for the Advisor will be provided by other USG service providers and is not to be included in this task order proposal. INL/INL Kabul will provide the incumbent with access to the Embassy compound. The incumbent will have access to hardened and/or regular cars (exact type will be dependent on the security situation) from motor pool for transportation. Housing will be assigned through the Embassy's PRT Office in coordination with INL and the PRT Commander. D. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS a. U.S. citizenship, eligible for a State Department Secret security clearance. b. The incumbent should possess a university degree in a field related to the primary duties of this position. Examples include: International Affairs, International Development, Political Science; South/Southwest Asia, Middle East, Asian or Islamic Studies; Business Administration and/or finance; and Development Economics. A master's degree is preferred but not required. c. A total of ten years of professional work experience directly related to one or more of the fields related to the primary duties of the position: program management, international development, public diplomacy/public information campaigns, agriculture or alternative livelihood assistance. NOTE: A SECURITY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND ALONE IS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET THE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT OF THIS POSITION. d. International experience is required; experience in Afghanistan or Iraq preferred. e. Knowledge Areas i. The incumbent must quickly acquire a detailed knowledge of INL programs, civilian and military planning, and applications to counternarcotics goals in the geographic area where assigned. The incumbent will be expected to give detailed advice on how these areas operate ii. The incumbent must quickly acquire a detailed knowledge of the political situation; social, cultural, religious, economic, and legal frameworks; security situation; and the agricultural, infrastructural (roads, bridges, irrigation, etc.), counternarcotics strategy in his/her geographic area of assignment iii. The incumbent should possess, at the time of assignment, detailed knowledge of at least one (but preferably at least two) of the following fields: counternarcotics policy, counternarcotics-related law enforcement, justice sector development, public information, agriculture livelihood development, economic livelihood development, alternative livelihood development, and/or drug demand reduction/treatment. iv. Specialist knowledge may have been acquired through extensive training in the specialist area(s), through a considerable amount of work experience in the field, or a combination of the two. Due to this background, the incumbent will be influential within the entire program and will likely provide detailed advice to non-specialist and other specialists. f. Any degree of fluency in Pashto or Dari is desired, as is experience in working with an interpreter. g. A range of written communication skills are required for this position. The incumbent will, at various times, be required to transmit routine information to other international advisors through e-mail and fax, discuss sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy with the international community in both formal and informal letters and e-mails, as well as provide complex explanations, persuade and influence, and resolve conflicts in a written format without compromising the organization's position. E. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Any degree of fluency in Pashto or Dari is desired, as is experience in working with an interpreter. F. EVALUATION CRITERIA Factor 1 Ability to provide counternarcotics subject matter expertise and policy guidance to policy makers within the Regional Command, PRTs, and INL representatives at Embassy Kabul and elsewhere 20 points x ___= ___ Factor 2 Experience and ability to assess current GIRoA and U.S. counternarcotics programs and assist in developing and implementing plans to improve GIRoA capacities to implement counternarcotics programs. 20 points x ___= ___ Factor 3 Ability to liaise with members of relevant USG agencies, Host Nation representatives, and the international community in developing and coordinating counternarcotics programs. 20 points x ___ =____ Factor 4 Ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, both orally and in written form. 10 points x ___ = ____ Factor 5 Ability to effectively promote teamwork. 10 points x ___= ___ Factor 6 Experience in working in an overseas high-threat environment. 10 points x ____ =_____ Factor 7 Past Performance: Offeror's previous experience and quality of past performance. (Evaluator may use all evaluation information available at the time of the evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from references.). 10 points x ____ =______ E. COMPENSATION For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the following: • Entry-level salary is at Step 1 of the grade range assigned to solicitation • Consideration given for experience relevant specifically to the solicitation requirements • Level and extent of experience dictates the salary level within the grade range F. ETHICS REQUIREMENTS 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 quoters must advise the congnizant Contracting Officer if they have personal conflict or interest, such as a financial convlict, 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. "Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractor" - This is a personal services contract as defined in FAR2.101. The contractor shall be subject to the same ethical requirements and responsibilities as a member of the Civil Service or Foreign Service, including but not limited to the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, 5CFR part 2635 and employee Responsibiliies Abroad, 3 FAM 4120. The contractor is required to complete and file the appropriate financial disclosure form, either form OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, or form OGE 278, Public Financial Disclosure Report, with the Department of State Ethics Office (L/Ethics) within thirty (30) days of the contract award if the position is one designated for filing. G. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES BENEFITS • Employee's FICA Contribution • Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance • Pay Comparability Adjustment • Annual Increase • Eligibility for Worker's Compensation • Annual & Sick Leave • 401K Plan ALLOWANCES • Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance • Living Quarters Allowance • Post Allowance • Supplemental Post Allowance • Separate Maintenance Allowance • Education Allowance • Education Travel • Post Differential • Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure • Danger Pay
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/INL/INL-RM-MS/PSC-13-013-INL/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Herat, Afghanistan
- Record
- SN02960889-W 20130110/130108234109-7333f5669a72373e869681358a4e7dea (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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