MODIFICATION
R -- Contracting Officer Representative - SF 171
- Notice Date
- 10/16/2017
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- 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-18-003-INL
- Archive Date
- 11/7/2017
- 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 SF 171. 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. Contracting Officer Representative Kabul, Afghanistan Issuance Date: 10/12/2017 Closing Date: 10/23/2017 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-18-003-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. This position is subject to the availability of funding. 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: 1) Form SF-171 (Completed and signed) 2) Resume 3) Three letters of recommendation OR three references to include contact information 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. *** 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/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-18-003-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 10/12/2017 3. CLOSING DATE: 10/23/2017 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: INL Contracting Officer Representative 6. MARKET VALUE: $84,005 - 123,364 (FS-02 Equivalent) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination, and implementation of international narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the U.S. Department of State (DOS). As the foreign assistance funds have grown, INL has had to dramatically expand its oversight capabilities and staff to properly administer these foreign assistance programs in the areas of counternarcotics, rule of law, mentoring, commodity transfers, infrastructure improvements, and contractor security and support services. To date, these programs have built useful relationships and positive results across each country. The purpose of this contract is to provide a COR to plan, direct, coordinate, and assist with budgeting for a wide variety of construction projects, including the building of all types of modular and permanent structures. This position will oversee contractor performance for an entire project or just part of one; schedule and coordinate all design and construction processes. The COR will serve as a construction technical advisor to management on construction contract terms and conditions, performance requirements and operations, providing updates as required. The COR will also review deliverables, reports and papers from staff and contractors to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with project specifications, Bureau and Department objectives, policies and guidelines. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of INL/K Senior Management Officer and in close coordination with the relevant Contracting Officer (CO) and INL/AP and INL/RM offices, the COR will be expected to perform the following duties: 1. Reviews and maintains understanding of all contracts and modifications under their purview. Retains well-organized shared COR files and ensures that back-up COR(s) and ACOR(s) can access all relevant files and maintain proper oversight during periods of leave. Protect privileged and sensitive procurement information. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Serves as the primary liaison between the Contractor and the CO. Knows the scope and limitations of COR authority. Perform all acceptance tests required by the contract. Serve as the designated property administrator for the contract. 6. Monitors the Contractor's use of key personnel and notify the CO of any changes in key personnel proposed by the contractor. 7. Maintains constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract terms and conditions on the part of contractors. To that end, coordinates with the Contractor on all technical matters which may arise in the administration of the contracts covered. Provides technical clarification as to the meaning of the specifications, including inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures. 8. Inspects and accepts deliverables (supplies, services, and/or reports) on behalf of the Government. Upon satisfactory delivery of contract items, prepare receiving reports and/or approve invoices for payment. 9. Monitors and inspects the Contractor's technical progress and performance and the expenditures of resources to assure compliance with the 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. 10. Secures/Recommends approval, if required, for deviations from approved budgets, plans, schedules, and scopes of work, and documents the changes accordingly. 11. 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. 12. Approves contractor procurement requests within the authority delegated by the CO. Serves as property administrator for the assigned contracts. 13. Informs the CO and the Program Office in writing of any needed changes in the Scope of Work or specifications. 14. 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. 15. Prepares statements of satisfactory performance or deviations, shortages or deficiencies. Notify the Contracting Officer and Contractor in writing of any deficiencies in workmanship or materials immediately, and monitors response and repair items as stipulated in the contract. Notifies the CO writing, of any performance or schedule failure by the Contractor. 16. Resolves 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. 17. 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. 18. Oversees the development and implementation of a series of contractor 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. 19. Ensures 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. 20. Ensures contractor fully implements the contractors actions under the terms of any relevant CECAS Risk Mitigation Plans and coordinate with Embassy sections to ensure the same on the government's side. 21. Ensures consistency among multiple GTMs under a single contract when providing guidance to the Contractor and evaluating the Contractor's performance. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1. Completes the How to Become a Contracting Officer's 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) and Afghanistan Familiarization Course (RS415) prior to deployment to Post. 4. Completes all DOS and post-specific trainings (in person or distance-learning), including but not limited to annual updates of cyber security awareness, ethics, USEK travel approvers' training, etc. ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS: • In performance of this contract, the contractor shall be subject to the ethics rules applicable to Department of State employees under 5 CFR Part 2635 (Standards of ethical conduct for employees of the Executive Branch), 2 FAM 700 (Ethics), and 3 FAM 4120 (Employee Responsibilities Abroad) and 4170 (Official Clearance of Speaking, Writing and Teaching). Contractor shall also be subject to five CFR Part 2637 (regulations concerning post-employment conflicts of interest). • Conditions for Contracting Prior to Receipt of Ethics Clearance: The Contractor may commence work prior to the completion of the ethics clearance. The Contractor shall not perform Contracting Officer Representative functions until clearance received. Further, if Contractor does not obtain ethics clearance within 30 days of commencing work, this contract may be terminated in accordance with paragraph (a) (2) of General Provision 16 of this contract. RELATIONSHIPS The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) carries out duties on behalf of the Contracting Officer (CO), but reports to the INL Senior Management Officer at Post. 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 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 PSC and shall include; monthly status reports, monthly evaluation of contractor performance, special reports when required and "Completion of assignment report," which shall be a compressive review of the projects in which the contractor was involved. Each report shall include a critique of and recommendations for the various projects. The completions of assignment reports are due no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of this contract. The Personal Service Contractor shall submit two (2) copies of each report as required to the following: INL/POST Director(s) and; INL/Program Officer 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 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. 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 Afghanistan, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. U.S. citizen, obtain/maintain Department of State Secret security, Medical and Ethics clearance. 2. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in one of the following areas: law enforcement, criminal justice, project management, public administration, architecture, construction science, construction management, or engineering (preferably structural or civil engineering) and six (6) years' professional work experience, of which five years should be directly related to performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight. OR A minimum of ten (10) years' professional work experience, of which five years should be directly related to performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight. 3. Minimum of four (4) years of experience with Facility Management Demonstrated experience in modular design and construction, general design and construction or permanent infrastructure design/build projects. 4. Demonstrated experience in cost estimating. Technical maintenance skills, which includes knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, operation and maintenance 5. Demonstrated knowledge of equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote local, state, or national security operations. Demonstrated professional experience working in an overseas environment including experience working in a conflict/post-conflict environment. 6. Able to obtain/maintain a Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level II Certification within 60 days of assignment.(see http://www.fai.gov for details) 7. Demonstrated training or experience in contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures. 8. Demonstrated 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. 9. Demonstrated 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. 10. Demonstrated ability to engage constructively with senior government and industry officials. 11. Demonstrated professional experience working in an overseas environment including experience working in a conflict/post-conflict environment. NOTE: FAC-COR Level II certification is a minimum requirement throughout the life of the contract. The ability to obtain/maintain a Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level III Certification is preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS IN AFGHANISTAN 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 may 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. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT The PSC shall be able to use an office space furnished with a computer, office telephone, and other supplies needed for job requirements. This property will be owned and maintained by the Department of State DoS. PRE-DEPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS Consultations with the INL Program Office, RM, and AQM Contracting officers is required. EVALUATION FACTORS FACTOR 1. Program & Construction Experience (30 points) 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). Experience in planning, directing, coordinating, monitoring and reviewing a wide variety of construction projects, including previously serving in an advisory role pertaining to construction projects. FACTOR 2. Professional Working Relationships (25 points) Demonstrated experience developing close, forward-leaning working relationships within the Embassy and with external interlocutors and working with them in a constructive and respectful manner. Demonstrated ability to liaise with members of the relevant USG agencies (including but not limited to) members of the Embassy country team, host national representatives, and the international community in developing and coordinating programs, as well as to represent INL in these forums FACTOR 3. Federal Acquisition (20 points) Comprehensive understanding of contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). FACTOR 4. Department of State (15 points) Knowledge of Department of State INL programs and experience working programs or projects in an austere or post-conflict environment. FACTOR 5. Past Performance (10 points) Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under a 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. 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 a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, INL reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. 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-18-003-INL/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: US Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan
- Record
- SN04714552-W 20171018/171016231109-1180bef1cd4e0678323f7167f2f18144 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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