SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Rule of Law Advisor - OF 612
- Notice Date
- 6/17/2016
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541690
— Other Scientific and Technical Consulting 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-16-038-INL
- Archive Date
- 7/16/2016
- Point of Contact
- Deborah Strom,
- E-Mail Address
-
StromDG@state.gov
(StromDG@state.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- To be considered responsive to the solicitation, you must submit a completed and signed OF-612. Otherwise, your submission is considered non-responsive and will not be considered. 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. Rule of Law Advisor Hanoi, Vietnam Issuance Date: 06/17/2016 Closing Date: 07/01/2016 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-16-038-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. 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. Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages: 1) Form OF-612 (Completed and signed) 2) Resume 3) Three letters of recommendation OR three references to include contact information *** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VETERAN'S PREFERANCE Veteran's preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214. Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of: INL/Deborah Strom E-mail: StromDG@state.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Deborah Strom E-mail: StromDG@state.gov INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-16-038-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06/17/2016 3. CLOSING DATE: 07/01/2016 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: Rule of Law Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE: $83,173-$122,142 (FS-02 Equivalent) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Hanoi, Vietnam 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT The Department of State's (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is the bureau charged with foreign policy development relating to international crime, drug trafficking, corruption, criminal justice reform, post-conflict/civilian policing, and related issues. In Vietnam, and throughout Southeast Asia, INL supports criminal justice sector reforms and facilitates effective cross-border and regional law enforcement cooperation. In Vietnam, INL provides training and technical and material support to police, prosecutors, and judges. INL has a wide array of partners in this effort, including other U.S. agencies and international organizations. Vietnam is a recipient of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funding. INCLE funding assists countries in their fight against transnational crime and illicit threats, including efforts against terrorist networks, the illegal drug trade, and other illicit enterprises. Embassy Hanoi receives $450,000 annually in INCLE funding for the following programs: a law enforcement capacity building program for border police, implemented UNODC, and a justice program aimed at advancing the rule of law through UNDP and, previously, a short-term intermittent legal advisor implemented through the Department of Justice's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training. INL programs in Vietnam have supported the drafting of criminal laws, advised the Government of Vietnam (GVN) on international best practices related to pending criminal legislation, supported trial advocacy skills programs at four Vietnamese law schools, and facilitated better coordination between the Embassy and the GVN on legal and justice sector issues. Vietnam seeks to build the capacity of its law enforcement apparatus and bring its judicial sector and legal framework closer to international standards. INL's assistance programs are critical for achieving these goals. Since the adoption of a new Constitution in 2013, Vietnam has undertaken a significant transformation of its criminal justice system from one that is inquisitorial to one that is more adversarial. Vietnam's National Assembly passed a new Penal Code and a new Criminal Procedure Code in November 2015 that will come into force on July 1, 2016. Together with a new Law on Custody and Temporary Detention and the Law on the Reorganization of the Courts, these legal reforms are changing how police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges interact and how justice is delivered. Although the reforms do not completely change the inquisitorial nature of the system, they introduce new concepts into the criminal justice system: presumption of innocence as a guiding principle in all trials, greater defense counsel rights, increased oversight of investigators, the right against self-incrimination, and codifying that the burden of proof in criminal cases is on the State. Nonetheless, a number of challenges remain unchanged in Vietnam's criminal law, primarily vague national security provisions that are vulnerable to misinterpretation and/or misapplication by government officials thereby threatening to have a negative impact on enjoyment of rights guaranteed by Vietnam's constitution and its international obligations. Vietnam's considerable legal reform will continue. The recently passed criminal laws will need to be implemented and enforced by law enforcement at the local levels. Moreover, we anticipate the GVN passing implementing decrees that will provide additional guidance concerning how these laws will work in practice. Vietnam's 2016 legislative agenda includes additional laws that impact law enforcement interaction with the public - most notably the Law on Associations and Law on Demonstrations. Embassy Hanoi is already coordinating recommendations to the GVN on the drafts of these laws. We expect the Law on Communal Police, Law on Anti-Corruption, and Law on Compensation Responsibilities of the State to be reviewed and passed by Vietnam's National Assembly in 2017. The purpose of this position is to provide a Rule of Law Advisor to U.S. Embassy Hanoi who will serve as the central role in implementing INL programming to support Vietnam's progress towards revising its laws, providing its citizens access to justice, and ensuring a fair, transparent judicial process. This program will be focused on providing constructive feedback on Vietnam's pending legislation pertaining to the criminal justice sector, as well as developing the legal research and legislative drafting capacity of Vietnam's legislators, staffers, and law drafting committees. The Advisor will also be expected to formulate innovative, targeted, and sustainable approaches for building the rule of law in Vietnam and complying with international standards of human rights. The Advisor is responsible for in-country management of INL rule of law programs and ensuring that these programs are meeting expectations. The Advisor coordinates activities with the Deputy Political Counselor, the Rule of Law Political Officer in country, and the INL Office of Europe and Asia (INL/EA) Program Officer in Washington, DC. The Advisor also works closely with the management section at Post to ensure proper execution of INL programming. INL seeks applicants with the requisite technical expertise, and a strong management background who are able to operate independently and work with limited resources. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES a. Serve as the Rule of Law Advisor within INL/EA's assistance mission in Vietnam. b. Provide policy analysis and program guidance to INL, Embassy Hanoi, and other USG entities on effective mechanisms for, progress in, and impediments to, achieving reform objectives in Vietnam. c. Manage, coordinate, and supervise all phases of INL rule of law programs in Vietnam, including sustainment upon completion of projects and supervision of local staff. The incumbent should be able to work independently and cooperatively with INL/EA to ensure that the program and administrative budgets are monitored routinely and that the projects fall within program guidelines notified to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). d. Implement INL rule of law program through training and mentoring. Serve as a trainer for INL-funded training programs. Provide mentoring and technical assistance to law drafters, prosecutors, law professors, judges, law enforcement officials, and private attorneys on a range of issues. Identify outside experts, when appropriate, to serve as trainers. e. Ensure compliance with INL program management policies and procedures, which will include monitoring procurement and end use monitoring; and drafting program planning documents, such as work plans, budget plans, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks. f. Establish and maintain relationships with Vietnam's justice sector and other government officials, including prosecutors, investigators, judges, defense attorneys, civil society, legislators, legal experts, and other rule of law actors, to include the law enforcement sector when appropriate. Ensure adequate follow up. g. Design and monitor assistance programs for the criminal justice sector utilizing a range of methodologies, such as conducting interviews and focus groups, as well as reviewing analytical reports. Ensure program activities develop local capacity. Activities should include a broad range of justice sector actors and there should be a strong emphasis on joint/collective training between different criminal justice groups (i.e. police- prosecutor workshops). h. Coordinate with other implementers in the international donor community. Maintain close collaboration with any INL grantees, the Economic Section, the Public Affairs Section, the Political Section, other U.S. entities receiving foreign assistance through INL, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). i. Coordinate with local civil society organizations to develop an understanding of their challenges and needs, assessment of political developments in the country, as well as opportunities for INL support. j. Focus on establishing guidelines, standard operating procedures, and public diplomacy tools to build networks and develop mechanisms for linking Vietnamese criminal justice actors with U.S. criminal justice professionals. k. Advise Embassy Front Office and INL/EA on legislative developments impacting the criminal justice sector and share monthly and after-action reports for all discrete training and assistance activities conducted in accordance with the work plan. Assess the impact of political developments on U.S. policy objectives, make recommendations to the Country Team, and keep INL/EA updated on these developments. Develop legal memoranda and technical support on legal issues that may arise in connection with policy or program issues. l. Cooperate with other sections of the Embassy and other regional INL-funded advisors to facilitate program implementation. m. Represent INL in internal and external meetings, ceremonies, and representational events as required. 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. If applicable - Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT610) prior to deployment to Post. RELATIONSHIPS The Advisor will receive guidance from the Deputy Political Counselor on program policies and priorities, and the INL/EA Program Officer on program implementation and INL bureau objectives. The Advisor is also expected to coordinate closely with the rule of law political officer in Embassy Hanoi. The Advisor will supervise all staff implementing INL's rule of law program in Vietnam. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is delegated the authority to act for the Contracting Officer in matters concerning technical clarification, inspection and, after concurrence by the Contracting Officer, acceptance of Contractor performance under the contract, including preparation of receiving reports, and the authorization of progress payments when appropriate. The COR will coordinate all work with the Contractor and review Contractor's performance at significant stages of its development. In no instance, however, shall the COR be authorized to alter or modify the specifications or the contract terms and the conditions or waive the government's requirement, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions. Such changes must be authorized, in writing, to the Contracting Officer. DELIVERABLES/REPORTS Deliverables are required under this SOW consist of the following: • Annual Work Plan. The Advisor, in cooperation with the INL/EA program officer, shall prepare a work plan within 90 days of the beginning of the date of the contract. Work plans must be approved by INL/EA and the Deputy Political Counselor. • Three-Year Country Program Strategy. The Advisor, in cooperation with INL/EA program officer, shall prepare a three-year program strategy, outlining the priorities and proposed activities. • Successful completion of the Distance Learning (DL) FSI Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) course within six (6) months of assignment. Certificates: The PSC shall obtain/maintain Basic Federal Acquisitions Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC P/PM) provided by a combination of INL in-house, distance learning and outside contractor coursework within six (6) months. Monthly status reports: Monthly reports shall be submitted to the INL Program Officer and the Political Counselor. Items that shall be reported upon include: • Feasible opportunities to train and provide criminal justice sector actors with technical assistance, with specific emphasis on program and financial management and sensitivity to Embassy policy goals. • Readouts and analysis of meetings with key Vietnamese interlocutors, to include those attended with other Embassy personnel. • Updates on program activities, to include grant monitoring, demonstrating implementation of the work plan. • Ad hoc tasks completed for the Embassy. • Updates on noteworthy policy and political developments impacting the rule of law. • Updates on major criminal and corruption cases, which involves tracking successful prosecutions. • Readouts of trainings conducted by both the PSC and the LES staff. • Description of upcoming activities. The PSC shall coordinate assistance activities with the INL-funded law enforcement program manager at Hanoi, as appropriate, and identify opportunities for cooperation. The PSC shall participate in twice monthly calls, unless rescheduled, with the INL Program Officer to provide updates on program activities, Embassy priorities, and other relevant Embassy activities. The PSC shall schedule and facilitate meeting requests from INL during program reviews and assessments. The PSC shall assist in the full range of activities required to identify, acquire, and deploy services and commodities necessary for project implementation. These activities include: • Development/identification of project services and commodity requirements including discussions with host nation counterpart personnel. • Conduct of market research to determine potential sources of supplies/services. • Contact with other USG agencies with similar requirements. • Acquisition planning. • Drafting statements of work/specifications and evaluation criteria for use in solicitations. • Development of independent government estimates of the cost/price of project commodities and services. • Participation as a member of Technical Evaluation Panels established to review and evaluate potential contractor proposals in response to formal solicitations. Per FAR Part 4, the above referenced documents shall be incorporated and copies stored in the PSC's hard file under Section V.; Tab E - Receiving Reports. The Contractor shall prepare and submit two copies of each technical report required by the schedule of this contract (e.g., progress reports, final reports, etc.), to the Embassy INL Section and to the Program Officer, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Department of State Washington, DC. The title page of all reports forwarded pursuant to this paragraph shall include a descriptive title, the author's name(s), contract number, project number, and title, contractor's name, name of the State Department project office, and the publication or issuance date of the report. When preparing reports, the Contractor shall refrain from using elaborate artwork, multicolor printing, and expensive paper/binding, unless it is specifically authorized in the Contract Schedule. Wherever possible, pages should be printed on both sides using single spaced type. COMPLEXITY The Advisor must be able to assess host country criminal justice reform needs and develop and manage projects in coordination with host-country officials. The Advisor must also ensure sustainability of projects through provision of appropriate training and maintenance. The Advisor must have the ability to integrate competing needs of U.S. criminal justice, development, and security agencies, and host government entities involved in the criminal justice sector. The work involves planning, organizing, and managing day-to-day administration and oversight of a large number of organizational initiatives and training details. The ability to effectively manage large quantities of ever-evolving data is also essential. SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS The Advisor performs a broad range of tasks related to a complex foreign assistance program in Vietnam. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Citizenship: U.S. citizen; and able to obtain/maintain a Department of State Secret security and medical clearance. 2. Education: J.D. degree from an accredited institution. 3. Foreign Language: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a translator. 4. Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 5. Work Experience: Five years of professional legal experience as a U.S. prosecutor, defense attorney, or a judge. Demonstrated experience instructing and implementing rule of law or criminal justice sector reform projects, analyzing and determining comprehensive program requirements, and proposing feasible solutions for problems in implementation of projects. 6. Knowledge: Must be familiar with best practices in investigating criminal cases either as a prosecutor, defense attorney, or a judge. 7. Communication: Excellent oral and written English communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write for and orally communicate with senior officials. 8. Financial Management: Demonstrated experience in administration and management of international criminal justice sector or anti-corruption projects in foreign countries, including preparation of budgets, procurement of goods and services, and implementation and oversight of projects 9. Leadership and Management: Must have a minimum of three years of successful supervisory and leadership experience, preferably in a multicultural environment. Demonstrated experience in program management. Preferred knowledge and skills • Familiarity with project design and development, program evaluations, strategic planning, and performance metrics. • Experience assisting countries develop the capacity to strengthen its legal and judicial system. • Experience advising justice sector and law enforcement sector agencies and offices. • Experience serving as a trainer in an international context. • Experience working or coordinating with other relevant USG agencies (e.g., INL, Department of Justice, and USAID) or international donors (OSCE, European Commission, etc.). • Knowledge of civil law system. • Ability to integrate projects into the broader goals of an organization. • Familiarity with Vietnam's justice institutions. • Fluent Vietnamese language skills. Physical Demands and Work Environments: 1. Urban environment: Normal routine will involve meeting with Government of Vietnam (GVN) officials and organizing training activities and workshops. The Advisor will be based in the American Embassy in Hanoi, and is expected to communicate with the Embassy on a frequent basis and attend regular meetings with the rule-of-law political officer and the Deputy Political Counselor. 2. Rural environment: Some travel within the region, or travel to training sites outside Hanoi. Evaluation Criteria: Factor 1 Knowledge and Experience (40 points) Applicant demonstrates knowledge of all phases of U.S. criminal justice operations, based on professional legal experience. Expertise should include field, institutional, line, and management operations, organizational development, planning, and training. Factor 2 Leadership and Management (30 points) Applicant demonstrates the ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner and bear responsibility for several simultaneous projects, while keeping the overall program goals in perspective. Previous management experience should include managing staff from diverse backgrounds (preferably international); making decisions about resource allocations; and familiarity with project design, development, implementation and evaluation. Factor 3 Communication (15 points) Applicant demonstrates the ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, both orally and in writing. Factor 4 Interpersonal skills (10 points) Applicant demonstrates a proven record of accomplishment working in a team environment; with a diverse group of stakeholders. Factor 5 Past Performance (5 points) Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under the contract. In conducting the evaluation, the 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. COMPENSATION (BASE PAY) 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 Reimbursement 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
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/INL/INL-RM-MS/PSC-16-038-INL/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: US Embassy, Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Record
- SN04154048-W 20160619/160617234607-c77a76dd65848819b741d6c7d8c465f0 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |