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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: Senior Corrections Advisor

Location: Washington, DC

Salary Level: GS-14 - $132,368 - $172,075

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: October 23, 2023

Closing date: November 7, 2023

Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET

Solicitation Number: PSC-24-009-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.

Equal employment opportunity policy - The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service 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.

INL is the lead bureau responsible for narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the U.S. Department of State. INL’s Office of Knowledge Management and its Technical Advisory Division (INL/KM/TAD) provides technical assistance and advisory services to INL program offices in addressing the full range of criminal justice development issues in over 70 partner countries around the globe. INL/KM/TAD assists the Bureau develop strategic partnerships with U.S. state, county, municipal, and federal law enforcement, justice sector, and corrections agencies and institutions to bring up-to-date and relevant expertise to bear on INL programs.

Criminal justice assistance is a core component of rule of law development, which is critical to help countries fight destabilizing crime and corruption and promote good governance. Currently, INL designs, implements, and monitors criminal justice programs in numerous countries, employing hundreds of people in the field to implement these programs. Programs include training and building capacity of civilian security and justice sector institutions; helping host countries develop new legal framework or institutions to combat corruption, financial crimes, trafficking of illicit goods, and other transnational crime; deployment of mentors, trainers, or other technical advisors; and provision of infrastructure and equipment.

The Senior Corrections Advisor is expected to provide guidance and assistance on a full range of legal and criminal justice reform issues as a corrections expert. The Senior Corrections Advisor will provide technical criminal justice and corrections expertise within INL, and on behalf of the bureau, in interagency and international settings. S/he will serve as a resource for INL program managers by providing expert guidance in how to assess, design, and monitor corrections programs (ex: classification, prisoner security, alternatives to incarceration) that are consistent with U.S. foreign policy goals and directives.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based INL/KM/TAD Team Lead or his/her designee, the Senior Corrections Advisor will perform the following duties:

1. Serve as a senior corrections expert within INL/KM and advise on such matters to the Bureau. Provide technical advice to inform the design and implementation of U.S. foreign assistance programs related to corrections and criminal justice reform, as well as INL Bureau policy and strategy guidance in these fields.

2. Conduct corrections assessments and review criminal justice system in partner countries and existing INL program and procedures. Write and contribute to assessments and other relevant reports in a timely manner as assigned, as well as any GOR/COR related reports, trip reports, strategy and policy analysis and recommendations as may be assigned by the INL/KM Team Leader. [Note: all assigned reports are due no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of this contact and such reports shall be submitted to the INL/KM/TAD Division Chief or his/her designee.]

3. Develop and assist other INL staff to develop corrections programs for INL which are coordinated with other criminal justice sector reform programs. Draft and/or review statements of work, reports, program plans, training curricula, policy guidance, program plans, or other materials as needed that support the effort of INL and program offices in this endeavor.

4. Serve as an advisory resource for the Bureau, including program managers in Washington and in the field on specific aspects of corrections reform efforts, especially to inform strategy, doctrine, policy, and program design.

5. Participate in and/or lead overseas assessments of corrections capacities and structures in countries where future missions are being considered, as well as assessments and evaluations of the impact of ongoing programs. Contribute to written assessments and other relevant reports in a timely manner, providing well-written, thoughtful analysis and actionable recommendations to INL program offices.

6. Participate in outreach activities and represent INL, as needed, at domestic and international conferences on international corrections issues. Attend Bureau, interagency, and international meetings and events on behalf of INL.

7. Prepare background materials, speeches, talking points, Congressional testimony, briefings, and reports for a range of Department of State staff, including but not limited to Bureau and office leadership.

8. Participate in outreach activities with domestic and international law enforcement communities to increase awareness of INL programs and policies and solicit greater cooperation and participation.

9. Assist with recruitment of corrections personnel for INL programs.

10. Plan and deliver informational, educational, and training sessions for INL on a variety of corrections issues.

11. Prepare and deliver training curricula as necessary to support the INL mission.

12. If necessary, act as a Grants Officer’s Representative (GOR), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) in support of INL/KM/TAD criminal justice programs and perform program management and design functions.

13. Establish direct and frequent liaison with appropriate counterparts of relevant U.S. Government federal agencies, state and local agencies and institutions, private sector, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations in order to coordinate on relevant corrections trends, best practices, policies, and programs.

14. Maintain knowledge of contemporary, professional correctional operational and management principles, techniques, and issues which are appropriate for international application.

15. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.

16. Perform other duties as requested and assigned directly related to this Statement of Work.

17. Perform services that fall within the general scope of work and overall INL mission at physical locations other than Washington INL headquarters, including within other INL offices, bureaus or other USG agencies for a period not to exceed six (6) months.

TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES

1. Completes the COR training course (PA296) and GOR training course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of contract start date, as needed/if requested by supervisor.

2. Completes all on-line training mandated by the Department of State (e.g., HTSOS, ethics) within 120 days of contract start date.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The place of performance for this position is Washington, D.C. Frequent domestic and overseas travel is required.

RELATIONSHIPS

The Senior Corrections Advisor will report to the INL/KM/TAD Corrections and Justice Team Lead who reports to the INL/KM/TAD Division Chief. This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the INL/KM/TAD Corrections and Justice Team Leader 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 INL/KM/TAD Corrections and Justice Team Lead will provide yearly performance reviews to the Contracting Officer in INL/EX/GAPP to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

TELEWORK

This position has been designated as 80% telework and will require the incumbent to report to the physical work location two days per pay period. This designation does not guarantee telework privileges for the PSC; INL reserves the right to expand the requirement for in-person presence at the physical work location if the PSC is unable to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position remotely. INL may also require the incumbent to report to the physical work location additional days within a pay period as required to support office or program needs.

Telework must be authorized in advance by the PSC’s supervisor and the INL Contracting Officer (CO).

COMPLEXITY

This position involves managing and providing technical expertise for various corrections sector reform programs, simultaneously. The ability to perform complex analysis, meet short deadlines and to multi-task successfully is essential. 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 range of tasks and assignment related to criminal justice sector efforts and practices, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress. Knowledge of development practices and approaches coupled with technical experience is necessary to help design well-conceived justice programs that produce viable results.

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 QUALIFICATIONS

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. A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a U.S. corrections system, including institutional security operations, community corrections, management, organizational development, planning, and/or training.

3. A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a U.S. corrections system at the level of deputy warden, chief of security, chief of classification, chief of prisoner programs, or an equivalent rank and position.

4. Demonstrated experience working on or knowledge of international corrections issues and reform.

5. Graduate of a U.S. federal or state P.O.S.T. certified corrections or probation/parole academy of at least 120 hours in length.

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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: Knowledge of Corrections Sector (25 Points)

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with a range of corrections issues, especially in an international setting, to include issues related to prison management, classification, prisoner/staff safety, alternatives to incarceration, operations, training, etc. Demonstrated ability to provide subject matter expertise on corrections issues. Demonstrated knowledge of correctional best practices, as well as familiarity with different corrections systems throughout the world. Demonstrated knowledge of access to justice and DEIA issues in the context of the corrections sector.

Factor 2: Program Management (20 Points)

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to assess, develop, monitor, and evaluate corrections assistance programs anywhere in the world. Experience assessing corrections sector capabilities, including the ability to provide policy and programmatic technical guidance to U.S. government agencies and international partners. Demonstrated skill and ability in managing multiple concurrent activities of varying complexity including changing priorities and short turn-around times. Experience in strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of major agency-level programs, and demonstrated ability in managing multiple concurrent activities of varying complexity including changing priorities and short turn-around times.

Factor 3: Interpersonal and Communication (15 points)

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner, and to interact effectively with others at all levels, in order to prepare, analyze, explain, and defend determinations and requirements with respect to conformance to applicable laws, policies, and other regulatory guidelines, and advise program officials. Demonstrated ability to liaise with members of relevant U.S. agencies and the international community for the purpose of gathering and disseminating information and developing complementary policies and programs. Successful track record of working in a team environment. Ability to speak foreign languages, especially Spanish, French, or Arabic.

Factor 4: International and Interagency Experience (10 points)

Demonstrated experience working or coordinating with other relevant U.S. government agencies (e.g., Departments of Justice and Defense, USAID), international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, especially related to the corrections field. Experience working on international criminal justice issues and reform, including working overseas on a foreign assistance mission, in an embassy, or for a non-governmental organization, multilateral organization, or private company.

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 – 25

Factor #2 – 20

Factor #3 – 15

Factor #4 - 10

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 GS-14 equivalent level ($132,368 - $172,075 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

Attachments/Links