SAMDaily.us | PRESOL | 99 | Human Rights Advisor

SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 SAM #7961
SOLICITATION NOTICE

99 -- Human Rights Advisor

Notice Date: 9/12/2023 7:31:00 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-23-069-INL
Response Due: 9/26/2023 12:00:00 PM
Archive Date: 10/11/2023
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: Human Rights Advisor Location: Bogota, Colombia 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: September 12, 2023 Closing date:�� September 26, 2023 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number:�� PSC-23-069-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 and its citizens by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation. � The INL section at U.S. �Embassy Bogota, established in 1985, is among the largest and most complex INL offices in the world. �INL Bogota is charged with developing strategies and programs to achieve international narcotics control, law enforcement, and justice foreign policy objectives. � INL Bogota�s Rule of Law Division implements and oversees justice sector reform technical assistance; human rights programming; anti-money laundering and asset forfeiture assistance; counter-organized crime programs, including crimes with a negative environmental impact; corrections capacity-building; and drug demand prevention and anti-gang interventions. �INL Bogota requires a Human Rights Advisor to develop and implement programs that improve the capacity and capabilities of Colombian institutions, focusing in particular on designing, implementing, and monitoring justice sector assistance and reform projects focused on protecting human rights. �This position may also support INL Bogota efforts to support Colombian institutions expand government reach, combat corruption, impunity, and transnational organized crime, and increase efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to support, assist, and advise INL on the development, implementation, and oversight of justice sector programming including contracts, grants, interagency agreements (IAAs), and letters of agreement. �The HRA will liaise with host government, interagency, multilateral, and implementing partners. �The HRA will also advise on issues and developments in Colombian rule of law through regular consultations with host country counterparts/interlocutors and provide subject matter expertise on human rights and the Colombian criminal justice system. � DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based INL Rule of Law Chief, or his/her designee, the Human Rights Advisor will perform the following duties: 1.�� Serves as the Human Rights and Rule of Law expert within INL Bogota. 2.�� Establishes and maintains strong relationships with justice and human rights institutions, including but not limited to local governments, police, inspectors general, prosecutors, judges, and civil society to facilitate programmatic development and oversight.� 3.�� Serves as a grant, agreement, and/or contracting officer representative. �Ensures USG-provided commodities are effectively utilized and no fraud, waste, or mismanagement occurs in the program through continuous oversight and end-use monitoring at all training sites. 4.�� Ensures that project implementers prepare spot reports, monthly reports, and quarterly reports, and will review reports to monitor performance and maintain agreement files. � 5.�� Responsible for ensuring all project in his/her portfolio provide timely written reports, metric, and evaluation data (M&E), and remain within budget. � 6.�� Under the supervision of the INL Bogota Rule of Law division chief and in coordination with INL/WHP counterpart will recommend program amendments, extensions, or identify gaps in programming. � 7.�� Maintain security awareness and safeguards for classified information and ensures adherence to the letter and the spirit of U.S. government equal employment opportunity principles. � 8.�� Coordinates human rights and justice activities with DOJ, USAID, and other USG partners, as well as with international donors. 9.�� Works closely with counterparts in the Rule of Law unit and other INL units to create and implement joint and/or mutually reinforcing programming.� 10.�� Organizes and attends meetings and conferences covering human rights, justice, anticorruption, and other rule of law priorities.� 11.�� Drafts policy and advocacy papers to inform policy makers and as requested by rule of law division chief. 12.�� Prepares presentations that graphically capture complex information to inform and persuade diverse audiences.� 13.�� Incorporates best practices regarding diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility in all aspects of the job.� 14.�� Supports VIP visits, drafts reporting cables, and prepares other documents and reports. 15.�� When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. 16.�� 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). � 4.�� If applicable - Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required. 5.�� Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) distance-learning course through Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. �Obtains Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting Officer�s Representative (FAC-COR) Level III Certification within 120 days of arriving at Post (see http://www.fai.gov for details). 6.�� Completes PA454- Annual Ethics Training within one month of arriving at Post.� 7.�� Completes (PT144) course within the first 90 days of assignment.� PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance is the US Embassy, Bogota, Colombia. However, regular travel to rural areas, and occasionally to large cities throughout Colombia is a requirement of this position. �Many of these areas in Colombia are conflict zones where insurgent groups are based, criminal organizations operate, and crime is generally high. �In addition, many of these areas in Colombia are tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, and minimal infrastructure. � RELATIONSHIPS The HRA will report to the INL Bogota Rule of Law division chief or their deputy and operate under the guidance of INL Bogota leaders. The HRA will coordinate closely with INL/WHP. �The HRA will also coordinate closely with interagency partners and other implementers on the development, implementation, and oversight of rule of law programming. The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. �In no instance shall the INL/Bogota Rule of Law Division Chief 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. COMPLEXITY This position involves complex planning, organizing, and completing financial and organizational analysis. �Normal routine will involve meeting with Government of Colombia officials, organizing training activities and workshops, and designing and overseeing justice sector reform initiatives. �The ability to effectively analyze data and make recommendations based on this analysis is essential. � SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS The HRA 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 Bogota, 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.�� Advanced degree in justice studies, international law, or a law degree. 3.�� A minimum of seven (7) years of experience implementing, managing, or directing international rule of law, human rights, or anticorruption programs. 4. � Demonstrated excellent oral and written English communication skills, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. 5. � Demonstrated excellent oral and written Spanish communication skills. 6.�� Demonstrated experience planning, strategizing, implementing, and reporting on projects. � 7.�� Demonstrated experience with metrics and evaluation and reporting.� 8.�� Demonstrated experience working with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives. 9.�� Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. � EVALUATION CRITERIA (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:�� Coordination and Collaboration�� (20 points) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner, and to interact effectively with national government, civil society, international donors, U.S. Embassy personnel, and/or others in order to prepare, analyze, explain and defend policies, programs, and projects. �Demonstrated experience promoting or supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Demonstrated ability to advise on project implementation and provide guidance on policy decisions related to project goals. � FACTOR 2:�� Program development/Implementation�� (15 points) Demonstrated ability to identify macro- and micro-level gaps in institutional capabilities, especially related to protecting human rights, and subsequently design appropriate interventions to address these identified areas of need. �Demonstrated experience designing projects based on empirical data, academic studies, and lessons learned. �Demonstrated experience coordinating host country government, civil society, U.S. Embassy, international donor, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, non-duplicative interventions. �Demonstrated ability to review technical program requirements and make recommendations to senior managers on appropriate course of action on specific projects and issues.� FACTOR 3:�� Knowledge and Ability�� (15 points) Demonstrated ability to develop and implement justice sector, anticorruption, criminal justice, and/or human rights programs overseas. Demonstrated understanding of both civil law and common law systems of justice, as well as prior expertise or knowledge of systems transition from one style of jurisprudence to another. �Comparative legal system expertise and demonstrated experience implementing foreign assistance programs relevant to this position in Colombia or the Western Hemisphere preferred. FACTOR 4:�� Program Management�� (20 points) Demonstrated ability to effectively manage programs, including the ability to prioritize requests, develop and track program plans and implementation timelines, and monitor and evaluate results to ensure programs meet objectives. �Experience with U.S. government contracts, grants, interagency agreements, or contributions to international organizations. �Prior INL and/or USAID coordination experience preferred. 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 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 � 15 Factor #3 � 15 Factor #4 � 20� 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/8300415f21d7497581fff29f82e85e13/view)
Place of Performance: Address: Bogota, COL; Country: COL
Record: SN06828644-F 20230914/230912230109 (samdaily.us)
Source: SAM.gov Link to This Notice
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99 -- Human Rights Advisor