SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- PSC - Contract Officer Representative (COR)/ Government Technical Monitor (GTM), Worldwide opening - OF-612 Application form
- Notice Date
- 10/25/2013
- 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-13-022(A)
- Archive Date
- 4/15/2014
- 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 pdf format 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. INL CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) or GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL MONITOR (GTM), INL Programs Worldwide Issuance Date: 03/04/2013(Initially) Closing Date: 03/31/2014 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-13-022(A)-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. Selections may be made as early as one week after the announcement is posted and will continue as vacancies arise. Offer will be made base upon applicant meeting the minimum requirements for the position and the need at the post for either the COR or the GTM. 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. Selections may be made as early as one week after the announcement is posted and will continue as vacancies arise. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-13-022(A)-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/04/2013 3. CLOSING DATE: 03/31/2014 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12 midnight, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: INL Contact Officer Representative (COR) or Government Technical Monitor (GTM) - Worldwide 6. MARKET VALUE: COR - FS2 $80,728 - 118,552, GTM - FS3 $65,413 - 96,061 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award and four option years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Worldwide openings as needed 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below I. STATEMENT OF DUTIES GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR A. BACKGROUND. The position is assigned to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), INL Programs Worldwide. The mission of the INL Bureau is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States and its citizens through the provision of assistance to foreign governments to develop and sustain law enforcement and rule of law programs. The incumbent serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or Government Technical Monitor and is responsible for providing expert advice, guidance, and direction in the administration of INL support contracts. The incumbent will report to the INL Director for the assigned program. B. PURPOSE. The purpose of this contract is the provision of the services of a Contracting Officer's Representative/Government Technical Monitor to deploy anywhere worldwide and assist with administering one or more contracts/task orders in a country. C. ORGANIZATION. Within INL's Office of Resource Management (INL/RM), the Contract Administration Support Division (INL/RM/CAS), maintains liaison and coordination with contract oversight personnel by providing guidance on contract administrative policies, procedures, training and other support. CAS functions are carried out in strict coordination with the Grants, Acquisitions, and Procurement Policy division (INL/RM/GAPP.) II. STATEMENT OF WORK A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. • Works closely with INL stakeholders to analyze program needs for contractor support, as well as to define and document scopes of work, plans, schedules, site-specific considerations, work requirements, milestones, and operational activities for a variety of support contracts. Advises program managers in developing clear, accurate, and detailed contractual requirements. • Represents INL interests and priorities when coordinating contract administration efforts among multiple federal agencies and organizations both internal and external to DOS that are involved with, supported, or affected by INL contracts. Facilitates the flow of accurate and timely information among stakeholders, including organizing, hosting, and documenting project meetings. • Coordinates with program/project officers and designated contractor representatives on all technical matters that arise in the administration of the assigned contracts and task orders. Provides clarifications with regard to contract technical requirements, including inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures. • Maintains constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract terms and conditions on the part of contractors. • Monitors contractors' progress and performance to assure compliance with all contract terms and conditions. Provides leadership and direction to program/project officers to ensure that rigorous surveillance of contractor activities is being exercised. Visits contractor work sites to provide guidance and resolve issues as needed. Reviews, evaluates, and documents contractor performance in relation to contract requirements, including conducting progress reviews and providing appropriate approvals. Prepares progress reports in conjunction with contract milestones and updates plans and schedules as needed. Ensures that the results of all projects administered by INL support the achievement of the bureaus goals and objectives. • Secures/Recommends approval, if required, for deviations from approved budgets, plans, schedules, and scopes of work, and documents the changes accordingly. • Reviews and approves contractor invoices for assigned contracts and task orders. Conducts analyses of spending trends in order to ensure compliance with spending plans and to anticipate potential funding issues. Initiates action to promptly resolve funding issues. • Approves contractor procurement requests within the authority delegated by the CO. Serves as property administrator for the assigned contracts. • Identifies and recommends solutions or corrective action to resolve any problems that interfere with contract progress and with the completion of projects according to contract requirements. In those cases where problems cannot be resolved within the incumbent's scope of authority, makes recommendations to INL management and the CO/COR on appropriate corrective actions and implements those actions upon approval. • Develops, implements and ensures compliance with contract administration processes, including invoice submission/review, payment authorization, verification of receiving reports, quality assurance/surveillance, deliverables receipt and acceptance, project file and COR contract document maintenance. • Oversees the development and implementation of a series of contractor and reports that ensure a regular flow of management information regarding contract activities among all concerned parties, including contractors, program offices/officers, and INL's senior management team. Serves as a technical advisor to INL and Embassy management on contract terms and conditions and performance requirements. Provides assessments of contractor progress as requested. • Performs other related duties as assigned. B. COR SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES If selected for the COR position the duties, responsibilities shall include the following: 1. Coordinate with the Contractor on all technical matters which may arise in the administration of this contract. 2. Give technical clarification as to the meaning of the specifications, including inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures. 3. Monitor and inspect the Contractor's technical progress and performance and the expenditures of resources to assure compliance with the contract terms and conditions. 4. Inspect and accept deliverables (supplies, services, and/or reports) on behalf of the Government. 5. Verify satisfactory delivery of contract items and prepare receiving reports and/or approve invoices for payment. 6. Verify efficient and satisfactory performance of work by the Contractor. 7. Authorize payments. 8. Notify the Contracting Officer and Contractor in writing of any deficiencies in workmanship or materials immediately, and monitor response and repair items as stipulated in the contract. 9. Notify the CO writing, of any performance or schedule failure by the Contractor. 10. Verify contractor receiving, inspection, and acceptance reports. 11. Maintain constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract terms on the part of the Contractor. 12. Resolve technical issues arising under the contract which fall within the scope of the COR's authority, and refer to the CO any issues which cannot be resolved without additional cost or time. 13. Inform the CO and the Program Office in writing of any needed changes in the Scope of Work or specifications. 14. Ensuring the Government meets its contractual obligations to the Contractor, e.g., providing Government furnished equipment and services and timely Government review and approval of documents if such reviews are required by the contract. 15. Know and understand the terms and provisions of the contract. 16. Know the scope and limitations of COR authority. 17. Protect privileged and sensitive procurement information. 18. Routinely visit the Contractor's workplace to check on the work of the contractor to ensure contract compliance. 19. Serve as the designated property administrator for the contract. 20. Serve as the primary liaison between the Contractor and the CO. 21. Ensure consistency among multiple GTMs under a single contract when providing guidance to the Contractor and evaluating the Contractor's performance. 22. Perform all acceptance tests required by the contract. 23. Establish and maintain adequate COR files. 24. Prepare statements of satisfactory performance or deviations, shortages or deficiencies. 25. Monitor the Contractor's use of key personnel and notify the CO of any changes in key personnel proposed by the contractor. 26. Review and approve the Contractor's vouchers or invoices. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (FOR COR POSITION) a. U.S. citizen, capable of attaining and maintaining requirements for a State Department Secret security clearance. b. A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. Master's degree is preferred. c. A total of fifteen years' professional work experience, of which three years should be directly related to performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight. d. Training or experience in contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures. e. Superior administrative and management skills. For example: 1) Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 2) Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 3) Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 4) Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. 5) Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 6) Negotiation -- Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. f. Superior communication and interpersonal skills. For example: 1) Superior writing. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 2) The ability to communicate information and ideas orally so others will understand. 3) The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 4) Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 5) Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. C. GTM SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES If selected for this GTM position the duties, responsibilities shall include the following: 1. Make recommendations, provide technical monitoring, advice, and assistance to aid the COR in the monitoring and evaluation of a contractor's performance, and document and report any non-conformance of contract or task order performance. All such actions shall be made in writing to the COR. 2. Keep the COR informed of all actions taken. 3. Promptly notify the COR in writing of any noncompliance or deviation in performance or fai1ure to make performance. 4. Execute receiving reports promptly and transmit them to the COR. 5. Know and understand the terms and provisions of the contract. 6. Know and understand the scope and limitations of GTM authority. 7. Notify the COR immediately, verbally and in writing, if delivered supplies or services should be rejected. 8. Prepare written reports to the COR, setting forth problem(s) encountered and contractor disputes. 9. Notify the COR in writing if unable to perform your designated duties. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (FOR GTM POSITION) a. U.S. citizen, capable of attaining and maintaining requirements for a State Department Secret security clearance. b. A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution; or at least 15 years' professional work experience. c. A total of ten years' professional work experience, of which one year should be directly related to performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight. d. Training or experience in contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures. e. Superior administrative and management skills. For example: 1) Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 2) Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 3) Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 4) Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. 5) Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 6) Negotiation -- Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. f. Superior communication and interpersonal skills. For example: 1) Superior writing. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 2) The ability to communicate information and ideas orally so others will understand. 3) The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 4) Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 5) Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Guidelines Guidelines consist of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), the Department of State Acquisition Regulations, the CO's letter of delegation of authority appointing the COR or GTM, the terms and conditions of the contracts, and official INL bureau guidelines. In addition, the incumbent must be able to determine application of basic administrative policy statements concerning the issue or problem being studied, which may include reference to pertinent legislative history, related court decisions, state and local laws, or policy initiatives of agency management. The incumbent must also consider and adhere to various other existing federal regulations, and the interaction between DOS policies, legislation, the Foreign Assistance Act, and other authorization and appropriations in the INL account, applicable National Security and Presidential Decision Directives, OMB Circulars, the Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and DOS financial operating procedures and policies. Complexity The programs implemented by INL are generally highly complex multi-year development and capacity-building programs. The programs often require the ability to resolve critical problems and achieve difficult goals that may impact on other programs. Programs are also characterized by large obligations of USG funds, a potentially high-risk security environment, a geographically broad operating platform, demanding program schedules, frequently-changing requirements, politically sensitive outcomes, multiple interagency and international actors, multiple contractor and sub-contractor relationships, and intense audit/oversight scrutiny. Detailed plans, goals, objectives and evaluation criteria are required for the long-range implementation and administration of the programs. Decisions concerning planning and organizing the programs are complicated by the intricacy of the contracts and the need to deal with multilayered concepts. Problems can arise that require intuition - the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; inductive reasoning - the ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events); and deductive reasoning - the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Physical Demands The work requires the ability to travel to and from several remote areas. The work requires an above average resistance to fatigue and physical hardships. Successful completion of a State Department Class 1 unrestricted medical exam is required. Extended assignments to remote program sites will 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. 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 may 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. Climate conditions are also a factor. Work is often done in extremes of cold and heat, in dusty and windy environments, and frequently outdoors. Those with circulation problems or difficulties adapting to climate extremes or extremely dusty environments will find this aspect of the work difficult and may not be capable of passing the State Department required medical exam. III. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervisory Controls: The COR carries out duties on behalf of the CO, but reports to the INL Director at Post. The GTM is delegated authority by the CO to assist the COR. The incumbent's actions, decisions and recommendations are reviewed on the basis of demonstrated professional judgment, results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations. The period of performance will be one year from the date of award with four option years. 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. IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA * Meets minimum requirements for COR ______ YES ______NO * Meets minimum requirements for GTM ______ YES ______ NO FACTOR 1 - Has specific experience in providing contractor oversight on high dollar contracts, ensuring contractor requirements are being fulfilled per the Statement of Work and other deliverables; evaluating and documenting contractor performance, especially through a well-developed Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Where? When? 40 Points FACTOR 2 - Has comprehensive understanding of contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). How? 30 Points FACTOR 3 - Has knowledge of Department of State INL programs and experience working programs or projects in an austere or post-conflict environment. How? 20 Points FACTOR 4 - Demonstrated ability to write and speak effectively in order to effectively and skillfully negotiate with senior government and industry officials, and be adept in presenting positions in written form. 10 Points VI. 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. VII. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES 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 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
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(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/INL/INL-RM-MS/PSC-13-022(A)/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Worldwide - any post requiring a PSC for COR or GTM, United States
- Record
- SN03222611-W 20131027/131025234007-119e1f29be7277ec5a0e2f3731b6555e (fbodaily.com)
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