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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 Justice Advisor (Multiple Positions)

Location: Washington, DC

Salary Level: GS-14 - $126,233 - $164,102

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: December 7, 2022

Closing date: January 3, 2023

Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET

Solicitation Number: PSC-23-009-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.

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 Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is the lead bureau responsible for narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The Office of Knowledge Management’s 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 Justice Advisor is expected to provide guidance and assistance on a full range of legal and judicial reform issues. The Senior Justice Advisor will provide technical criminal justice 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 justice sector programs (including in the areas of civil, common, and mixed judicial systems; access to justice; court administration; legal training; and prosecutorial, defense bar, and judicial reform) that are consistent with U.S. foreign policy goals and directives.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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

1. Serves as a senior criminal justice expert within INL.

2. Conducts assessments and reviews of criminal justice systems in partner countries and existing INL programs and procedures as a predicate to the development and implementation of initiatives and projects designed to improve the criminal justice systems overseas. Writes and contributes to assessments and other relevant reports in a timely manner.

3. Drafts statements of work, reports, program plans, training curricula, or other materials as needed that support the effort of INL and program offices in this endeavor.

4. Serves as an advisory resource for the Bureau, as well as program officers in Washington and in the field on specific aspects of criminal justice reform efforts, especially to inform Bureau strategy, doctrine, policy and program design.

5. Participates as a technical expert in technical review panels for personnel, grants, contracts, task orders, and other foreign assistance projects.

6. Provides professional guidance, assistance, and information to INL staff as required with respect to foreign criminal justice actors and institutions, including in the area of performance measures.

7. Plans educational and training sessions for INL staff on a variety of topics within their field of expertise.

8. Drafts or contributes to strategy, doctrine, policy, and advocacy papers, attends meetings and conferences, and represents INL in interagency and international fora on work related to INL.

9. Facilitates exchange of information and best practices to ensure robust communication on rule of law issues within INL. Remains informed of latest trends, news, and updates in criminal justice sector field.

10. Prepares background materials, speeches and talking points for a range of Department of State staff including but not limited to the INL/KM leadership (e.g., Office Director, Division Chief), INL Front Office, and Department principles.

11. Participates in outreach activities with domestic and international legal communities to increase awareness of INL programs and policies and assists in the recruitment of short and long-term experts for INL projects.

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

13. Establishes direct and frequent liaison with appropriate directors, managers, and officers of relevant U.S. government federal agencies, state and local bar associations, public defender services and district attorney offices, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations in order to coordinate on relevant rule of law programs.

14. Develops a familiarity with Department of State templates and formatting and style requirements and adheres to these guidelines in drafting work products.

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

16. Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

17. Performs 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 Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving within the Division.

2. Complete the Grants Officer Representative (PY220, PY222, and PY224) distance-learning courses through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving within the Division.

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 Justice Advisor will report to the INL/KM/TAD Corrections and Justice Team Leader 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 Leader 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.

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

The work involves managing and providing technical expertise for various justice sector reform programs, simultaneously. The ability to perform complex analysis, meet short deadlines and to multi-task successfully is essential.

SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS

The Senior Justice Advisor performs a broad range of tasks related to providing technical guidance and information to INL bureau staff regarding justice sector efforts. Knowledge of development practices and approaches coupled with technical experience is necessary to help design well-conceived justice programs that produce viable results.

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. Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

3. Either:

a) A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working as a criminal prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, or other position of significant leadership, management, or senior legal advisory responsibility in a domestic court, prosecutorial, or criminal defense organization AND a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working in international justice sector development; or,

b) A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience working in international justice sector development.

4. A minimum of one (1) year working overseas on a foreign assistance mission, in an embassy, or for a non-governmental organization, multilateral organization, or private company.

5. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

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: Justice Sector Knowledge (25 points)

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with a range of justice sector issues, such as prosecution, court management, criminal defense, and civil society, especially in an international setting. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide subject matter expertise on a wide range of rule of law practices, as well as familiarity with different legal systems throughout the world. Knowledge of justice sector reform efforts implemented by INL or other relevant U.S. government agencies (e.g., Departments of Justice and Defense, USAID). Demonstrated knowledge of bilateral and multilateral organizations engaged in criminal justice reform efforts. Experience assessing criminal justice sector capabilities, including the ability to provide policy and programmatic technical guidance to a wide audience of interested U.S. agencies and multilateral partners.

Factor 2: Criminal Justice Sector Development Experience (20 Points)

Knowledge and experience of international criminal justice sector development, reform, and foreign assistance. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to assess, develop, monitor, and evaluate rule of law assistance programs anywhere in the world. Ability to engage with members of relevant U.S. agencies, domestic legal and judicial agencies, and the international community for to coordinate and deconflict policies and programs. Familiarity with project design and development, program evaluations, strategic planning and performance metrics. Demonstrated skill and ability in managing multiple concurrent activities of varying complexity including changing priorities and short turn-around times.

Factor 3: Interpersonal, Communication and Technology Skills (15 points)

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner, and to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of responsibility, in order to prepare, analyze, explain, and defend determinations and requirements with respect to conformance to applicable laws, policies, and other regulatory guidelines. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment while liaising 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. Ability to speak foreign languages, especially Spanish, French, or Arabic. Demonstrated ability to work with current technologies to research and investigate, as well as the ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, both orally and in writing.

Factor 4: International and Interagency Experience (10 points)

Experience working or coordinating with other relevant U.S. government agencies (e.g., Departments of Justice and Defense, USAID), donor countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, especially related to the criminal justice field. Experience working on international criminal justice issues and reform, including working overseas.

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 ($126,233 - $164,102 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