SAMDaily.us | PRESOL | 99 | Justice Advisor

SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF APRIL 16, 2023 SAM #7810
SOLICITATION NOTICE

99 -- Justice Advisor

Notice Date: 4/14/2023 7:58:06 AM
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
NAICS: 921190 — Other General Government Support
Contracting Office: ACQUISITIONS - INL WASHINGTON DC 20520 USA
ZIP Code: 20520
Solicitation Number: PSC-23-034-INL
Response Due: 4/28/2023 12:00:00 PM
Archive Date: 05/13/2023
Point of Contact: Dominique Chittum
E-Mail Address: chittumda@state.gov
(chittumda@state.gov)
Description: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AFFAIRS (INL)�� You have received this ""Personal Services Contractor� (PSC) solicitation through the Department of State (DOS) Internet site. If you have any questions regarding this PSC, you may contact the DOS Official named in this solicitation. �The Department is not responsible for any data and/or text not received when retrieving this document electronically. �Amendments to solicitation documents generally contain information critical to the submission of an application. Position Title: Justice Advisor Location: Mexico City, Mexico Salary Level:�� FS-02 - $95,225 - $139,841 (Equivalent GS-14) Period of performance: The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions. Issuance Date: April 14, 2023 Closing date:�� April 28. 2023 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number:�� PSC-23-034-INL Job description: �See below Dear Prospective Offerors: The Department of State is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services for the subject position under a personal services contract, as described in this solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1.�� Form SF 171 (Completed and signed) 2.�� Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include: a.�� Paid a non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for any overseas experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.� b.�� Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. c.�� Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).� d.�� Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.� e.�� U.S. Citizenship Note: Resume must contain explicit information to make a valid determination that the candidate meets the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information needs to be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.� 3.�� Evaluation Factor document specifically addressing: �Each of the Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation below. Responses must be limited to 500 words per Evaluation Factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.� Note: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have receive that are relevant to each Factor. � 4.�� Professional References: �Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references. � Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Complete applications must be emailed to: �� Dominique Chittum �� U.S. Department of State �� INL/EX/GAPP �� ChittumDA@state.gov Sincerely, Katelynn Barham Contracting Officer U.S. Department of State SUBJECT A solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The United States Government (USG), represented by the DOS, seeks applications from US citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in this solicitation.� PRE-AWARD ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PSC (JUN 2011) This solicitation may result in the award of one or more personal services contracts as defined in FAR 2.101. �Prior to contract award, all offerors or quotes must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have a personal conflict of interest, such as a financial conflict, that would prevent them from either meeting the requirements of the clause entitled, �Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractors,� or otherwise objectively performing their contractual duties upon contract award. � HOW TO APPLY Offerors proposal shall be in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation at the place and time specified. �A proposal will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for consideration unless all required documents and information are included in the submission. �Offerors shall ensure their resume demonstrates their possession of the minimum qualifications outlined in this Solicitation, as well as their ability to fulfill all required duties. �The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred by the offeror during the solicitation process. � � NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION� This solicitation in no way obligates the Department of State to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit the Department of State to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages (additional pages will not be accepted or reviewed):� 1.�� Form SF 171 (Completed and signed) 2.�� Resume � 3.�� Evaluation Factor Responses 4.�� Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references. � Note: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. Additional documents submitted beyond the requirements will not be accepted or reviewed.� *** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VETERAN�S PREFERENCE Veteran�s preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NONDISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of: INL/Dominique Chittum E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Dominique Chittum E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. � GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT� Mission of the U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President�s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State�s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world.� Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (J) within the Department of State (DOS). �INL�s mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States. � INL�s Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP), is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination, and implementation of international narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the Department of State. �The Mexico program builds on efforts begun under the Merida Initiative, with a shift away from expensive equipment and towards supporting the Mexican government�s institutional reforms and strengthening the Rule of Law. �The INL Office in the Embassy in Mexico City (INL?Mexico) manages the Merida Initiative program funded through the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) account and destined for Mexico. � � INCLE-funded assistance to Mexico�s justice sector began in FY2009 under the Merida Initiative and continues under the Bicentennial Framework. �This activity complements the Mexican government�s investment in promoting rule of law, providing for citizen security, and reforming state institutions towards greater transparency, responsiveness, and respect for human rights and expanded efforts at state and local institutions. �It also complements activities funded by USAID�s Economic Support Fund in the areas of security, rule of law, and community development. �The goal of this program is to ensure Mexico consolidates a sustainable and transparent accusatorial criminal justice system nationwide and, over the long term, to reinforce the rule of law in Mexico to reduce impunity, support human rights, and significantly enhance Mexico�s ability to bring transnational criminal organizations to justice. In 2008, Mexico passed a constitutional amendment to transition from a traditional mixed inquisitorial justice system toward a more efficient oral, accusatorial model. �Mexico�s continuing efforts to build strong criminal justice system institutions provides an important opportunity for advancing our shared interests, particularly by making the system more accountable and transparent thereby improving its public image for fairness and effectiveness and increasing citizen engagement. �INL Rule of Law programs focus on creating efficiencies to increase successful prosecutions and reduce impunity, as well as to address weaknesses in justice sector administration, autonomy, and institutional capabilities. � Rule of law assistance is a core component of the USG contribution to stability and reconstruction operations worldwide. �INL currently manages criminal justice policy and programs in many international locations and oversees over 1,000 personnel deployed in the field to implement these programs. �� The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to support, assist, and advise INL and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico in their efforts to help Mexico consolidate a more effective criminal justice system. �Besides managing training and mentoring projects and administering equipment procurement supporting Mexican prosecutors, judges, and other justice sector actors, the Justice Advisor will also liaise with, and coordinate, the activities of USG agency implementers in the justice sector reform area. �The Justice Advisor will play a lead role in shaping, strategizing, and managing programs for over $150 million in assistance to the Government of Mexico. � The Justice Advisor may lead one or more Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) that assist INL/Mexico on the full range of criminal justice issues with focus on four strategic areas: disrupting the capacity of the organized criminals to operate; institutionalizing the rule of law; creating a 21st Century border; and building strong and resilient communities. �S/he would play a key role in contingency planning and development of future INL?Mexico investment in the justice sector. �S/he would also serve as a resource for other SMS program managers, providing expert guidance to assist in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating U.S. foreign policy directives regarding the development of criminal justice sector reform projects managed by INL?Mexico. � � DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Mexico City-based INL Rule of Law Program Officer or his/her designee, the Justice Advisor will perform the following duties: 1.�� Serve as the senior Rule of Law expert within INL/Mexico. 2.�� Oversee the work of a team of one Locally Engaged Staff (LES) and two Third Party Contractors (TPCs), directing their performance of tasks related to rule of law program design and management. 3.�� Provide analysis of trends and developments in the area of judicial reform and rule of law to INL/Mexico and Embassy front offices.� 4.�� Conduct assessments of Mexican justice and security agencies and institutions and their training academies and facilities.� 5.�� Develop program designs which incorporate all aspects of development planning, budgeting, procurement, contracting, and monitoring and evaluation planning for projects in support of judicial reform and improving the rule of law. � 6.�� Draft policy, legal analysis, and advocacy papers, attend meetings and conferences regarding rule of law, justice sector reform, and related topics. � 7.�� Facilitate exchange of information and practices to ensure robust communication on rule of law issues within INL/Mexico, as well as with other USG agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations working in area of Rule of Law in Mexico. � 8.�� Prepare background materials and reports to be used by INL/Mexico Director and other US Consulate officials in preparing speeches, briefings, and testimonies to articulate INL/Mexico engagement on Rule of Law issues with the mission.� 9.�� Participate in outreach activities with domestic and international legal communities to increase awareness of INL programs/policies and to solicit greater cooperation and participation. � 10.�� Liaise with members of other U.S. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international community for the purpose of gathering and disseminating information pertinent to justice sector development and USG priorities and activities.� 11.�� When required, performs the role of Duty Officer. 12.�� Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1.�� Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. � 2.�� Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post. 3.�� Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post. � 4.�� Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance for this position is US Embassy Mexico City, Mexico. This position may require regular travel throughout Mexico to meet with justice sector actors and monitor program implementation, as well as occasional travel to the United States or internationally for meetings or conferences. RELATIONSHIPS The Justice Advisor reports to the Rule of Law Program Officer. The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. �In no instance shall the Rule of Law Program Officer or any other individual be authorized to alter or modify the terms and conditions of the contract or waive the Government's requirements, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions. �The Contracting Officer must authorize such changes in writing. The Rule of Law Program Officer will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/EX/GAPP Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent�s official yearly review. COMPLEXITY This position involves planning, organizing, and completing financial and organizational analysis of enormous complexity. �Due to the high visibility and political sensitivity of the issues in which INL is involved, there is extreme difficulty in identifying the nature of the issues and planning, organizing, and determining the scope and depth of studies/audits to be undertaken. �The PSC is expected to address difficult scenarios by separating the substantive nature of the programs or issues into their components and determining the nature and magnitude of programs or issues, as well as in discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions. SCOPE & 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 Mexico, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS � 1.�� U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required.) 2.�� Law degree from an ABA - accredited law school.� 3.�� A minimum of two (2) years of experience as an attorney or judge. 4.�� Demonstrated ability to read, write and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level.� 5.�� A minimum of seven (7) years of experience managing or directing international rule of law or legal/justice reform programs, international law, or the design and implementation of judicial or legal capacity building and training programs. 6.�� Demonstrated ability to perform essential functions under difficult conditions (e.g., limited resources, personal security risks, conflicting and changing priorities, difficult living conditions, language barriers, transportation limitations, disease, etc.).� 7.�� Demonstrated experience with working in a US Embassy overseas. 8.�� Demonstrated experience with procurement, grantmaking, and financial management processes.� EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.) Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.� Factor 1:�� Program Management:�� (20 points)� Demonstrated experience working in Mexico and ability in managing programs, which will enhance the rule of law in Mexico. �Such programs will include capacity building for Mexican judicial and security forces, provision of equipment, training, and technical assistance to prosecutors, investigators, judges, and other legal professionals.� Factor 2:�� Liaison:�� (10 points)� Demonstrated experience with and ability to liaise with members of relevant USG agencies (e.g., Department of Justice, Defense and USAID), host nation representatives, and international community (UN) in strategic planning, policy development, coordination, and implementation of rule of law programs. � Factor 3:�� Subject Matter Expert �� (10 points)� Demonstrated ability to provide expert rule of law subject matter and policy guidance relevant to current judicial situation in Mexico to senior level policy makers within the Embassy and INL. Factor 4:�� Communication:�� (15 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, both orally and in written form. � Factor 5:�� Analysis and Project Design: �� (15 points) Demonstrated ability to accurately perceive and analyze complex fact patterns related to the structure, operation, and deficiencies of foreign criminal justice systems and to employ professional knowledge to develop and apply plans to enhance the effectiveness of prosecutions.� BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Offeror Rating System is as Follows:� Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:� Factor #1 � 20� Factor #2 � 10� Factor #3 � 10� Factor #4 � 15 Factor #5 � 15� Total Possible � 70 Points� Interview Performance � 30 points� Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks � Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Past performance evaluation of applicant�s ability to perform under the contract. �In conducting the evaluation, the U.S. government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the applicant or obtained from other sources.� Total Possible Points: 100 The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. INL will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In the event that an applicant has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, INL reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. COMPENSATION (BASE PAY) This position has been designated at the FS-02 equivalent level ($95,225 - $139,841 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries, including any recruitment supplemental pay that exceeds the listed pay range, will not be entertained or negotiated. For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the market value as outlined above and overall experience relevant to the solicitation requirements. � BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES� BENEFITS - IF APPLICABLE �� Employee's FICA/Medicare Contribution �� Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance� �� Pay Comparability Adjustment� �� Annual Increase� �� Eligibility for Worker's Compensation� �� Annual, Sick and Home Leave� �� 401K Plan� �� MEDVAC (provided by DOS Med) ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARDIZED REGULATIONS (DSSR) - IF APPLICABLE� �� Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) or Per Diem upon arrival at Post �� Housing Allowance �� Post Allowance �� Supplemental Post Allowance� �� Maintenance Allowance (SMA) �� Education Allowance �� Educational Travel (full-time United States based secondary)� �� Post Hardship Differential �� Danger Pay �� Shipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables�
Web Link: SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/febcfa88f99f48fa98eb7554cd9a50b8/view)
Place of Performance: Address: MEX; Country: MEX
Record: SN06651702-F 20230416/230414230113 (samdaily.us)
Source: SAM.gov Link to This Notice
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99 -- Justice Advisor