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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: Corrections Training Liaison

Location: Cañon City, Colorado

Salary Level: GS-14 - $119,000 - $154,698

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: February 22, 2023

Closing date: March 22, 2023

Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET

Solicitation Number: PSC-23-021-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.

INL’s Office on Knowledge Management (INL/KM) is responsible for combining and applying subject matter expertise, design and learning, and training to create and disseminate knowledge, improve program design, and measure impact in support of INL goals to maximize the impact of INL’s foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement. The KM office provides criminal justice subject matter expertise, training, and best practices to the development, preparation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of INL programs globally in the anti-crime, counternarcotics, law enforcement, and rule of law and justice sectors. Training of foreign partners supports INL’s efforts to enhance foreign law enforcement and criminal justice systems for more effective partners in global efforts to combat transnational organized crime, including all forms of trafficking, as well as to set the conditions for durable law enforcement, corrections, and administration of justice systems.

INL/KM supports outreach and partnership efforts to utilize the expertise of U.S. corrections organizations and experts to implement and provide training and support to INL corrections development and assistance efforts. INL/KM ensures best practices in adult education and training are embedded in INL’s foreign assistance funded training programs overseas for our foreign partners, as well as for INL staff. This includes best practices for both training content and curricula, as well as overall training approaches.

The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to perform the responsibilities of a Corrections Training Liaison (“Liaison”) within the Continuing Education and Training Division of INL/KM (“INL/KM/CET”). The Liaison will support expanding and standardizing the external training programs, by providing specialized corrections training expertise to develop, coordinate, enable the implementation of, and monitor and evaluate corrections training, specifically corrections training, for partner nations globally. The Liaison will manage partnerships with U.S. federal, state and local agencies, professional associations, and individual experts to collaborate on developing training programs for international corrections colleagues. Working closely with the INL/KM Technical Advisory Division (TAD) advisors to assess and evaluate appropriate corrections training needs and with State and Local partners to tailor curricula, the Liaison will ensure adult-centric learning techniques and country-specific needs are incorporated into training courses. The Liaison must be able to work with multiple training requests involving different countries and courses at any given time. The position requires corrections subject expertise and experience to enable the individual to determine what training is needed and identify appropriate implementing partners and to ensure smooth and timely implementation and execution of the training requirements. The liaison will also work to identify and formalize training relationships with agencies in support of INL’s mission, as well as provide government oversight of grants, contracts, and other activities.

In addition to being responsible for coordinating State and Local partners’ corrections trainings for INL programs worldwide, the incumbent also serves as the Liaison to the International Corrections Academy – Colorado (ICA-C) and the International Corrections Academy – Maryland (ICA-MD). These training programs, implemented in partnership with Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS), are two of INL’s most successful partnerships. These programs provide up to 36 trainings per year, with the majority of the training being held at the ICA-C in Cañon City, Colorado. Classes are held year-round, training approximately 1,000 international corrections officials from countries all over the world. To support the operations at the ICA-C and logistical aspects of INL-funded corrections training, the Liaison will oversee a logistical support cooperative agreement. The Liaison will facilitate coordination between the logistical support grantee, the academies, and INL sections overseas to ensure successful corrections trainings.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based INL/KM/CET Partnership Training Coordinator, or his/her designee, the Liaison will perform the following duties:

1. Function as INL’s on-site representative to the ICA-C.

2. Serve as the INL contact to the ICA-C, ICA-MD, and logistical support grantee for all trainings, including response to emergencies as they occur. Be available to respond swiftly to medical or other unexpected events involving trainees and provide a full report within 24 hours of the incident, or ongoing reporting as events develop, submitted to the INL/KM/CET Partnership Training Coordinator and relevant INL program officer(s.)

3. Coordinate grantee logistical support with the relevant INL program officers and the INL Embassy point of contact on all out-of-country logistical issues, including vetting, flights, hotels, meals, interpreters, cultural events, and other support as requested.

4. Provide strategic and operational advice to INL on the operation of ICA-C and ICA-MD.

5. Ensure grant requirements are met and conduct oversight for INL’s cooperative agreement with the CDOC, MDPSCS, other U.S. corrections department implementers, and the logistical support grantee, serving as the Grants Officer Representative (GOR).

6. Function as INL’s subject matter advisor on corrections training and provide operational advice on standardizing, to the extent possible, corrections training and curricula.

7. Serve as INL’s point of contact for corrections training requests as part of INL foreign assistance programs worldwide, including working with program officers and other subject matter experts to determine the appropriate training and identify an implementing partner. Coordinate the completion of the appropriate implementing mechanism for each corrections training.

8. Foster coordination between the implementing partner, Washington-based INL program offices, and U.S. Embassies/Posts. Serve as a conduit between the implementing partner’s trainers and INL program officers/embassies and organize planning calls with U.S. Embassies, INL program offices, INL/KM, and the implementing partner’s staff in advance of a course to ensure the stakeholders agree on the course content and learning objectives, and to discuss logistics and administrative issues.

9. Work with other subject matter experts, partners, and Embassies, to evaluate corrections training needs and conditions abroad in order to modify training curricula to address country-specific needs, as required.

10. Work with implementing partners to schedule training courses and to make schedule changes in the event of cancellations or other unforeseen events. The ability to remain flexible and manage changing needs and schedules is essential.

11. Work with implementing partners’ curriculum to ensure adult-centric learning techniques are incorporated into training courses.

12. Work with INL/KM Senior Training Advisor and implementing partners to develop assessment tools for training course evaluation and evolution and work with partners to ensure they are being implemented. Report results to the INL/KM/CET Partnership Training Coordinator and other relevant INL program officer(s).

13. Monitor the implementation of training courses and make recommendations for effective program implementation and execution. Work with state and local partnership training program assistants to develop mechanisms to track all training requests from inception to completion.

14. Make recommendations to INL/KM/CET and the relevant INL program officer(s) about attendance by INL personnel at training and coordinate such participation with the implementing partner.

15. Coordinate with INL/KM, INL program offices, and U.S. Embassies after a course is delivered to evaluate the training’s efficacy in country and make recommendations to improve course delivery.

16. Develop and maintain professional relationships with U.S. federal, state, and local corrections partners to ensure close, cooperative working relationships.

17. Brief INL senior management and program offices, Department officials, and other individuals as requested, both orally and in writing (including background and briefing materials, speeches and talking points) on the INL-funded corrections training program.

18. Conduct evaluations and special studies related to training, as directed.

19. As necessary, conduct oversight for additional INL grants with implementing partners, serving as the Grants Officer Representative (GOR). As the GOR, ensure that grant requirements are met successfully. This includes: 1) working closely with the grantee to ensure all mandatory reports meet the required standard and ensure submission in a timely fashion to the INL/KM/CET Partnership Training Coordinator; 2) reviewing all grantee invoices to ensure accuracy and confirm delivery of all services invoiced prior to forwarding them to the relevant INL program officer; 3) monitoring the implementation of all training courses and making recommendations for effective program implementation and execution; 4) conducting end-use monitoring on the provision of any equipment under the grant; 5) coordinating the development of a potential training schedule with INL/KM, U.S. Embassies, and INL program offices; 6) working with INL/KM and the INL program offices to ensure that courses selected advance INL’s corrections programming objectives; and 7) preparing grant amendments and collecting budget data from across INL programs.

20. Make recommendations about and work to implement SOPs, and other forms and templates as needed to improve training, tracking, and implementing U.S. partner training.

21. Assist in identifying potential need and candidates for new partners, as well as support the INL/KM/CET team in establishing new relationships in the area of corrections training.

22. Plan out and maintain yearly training calendars for corrections training efforts.

23. Draft cables, briefing checklists, outreach materials, and other correspondences as needed to support the program.

24. Maintain security awareness and properly handle classified and controlled items and information.

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

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

27. 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 Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).

2. Completes the mandatory High Threat Security Overseas Seminar (HTSOS) Course (HT401) prior to traveling on a TDY assignment, as required.

3. Completes Grants Officer Representative training, as required by Department of State regulations.

4. Completes other relevant training as directed and approved by the supervisor and CO.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The place of performance is Cañon City, Colorado. World-wide travel for short-term TDYs may be required for this position.

RELATIONSHIPS

The Liaison will report to the Partnership Training Coordinator in INL/KM/CET. The Liaison will receive input and requests from INL program officers, INL section staff at posts, and INL/KM/TAD advisors regarding training, and will liaise and coordinate with INL Program Office staff, INL/KM/TAD Corrections Advisors, INL Sections at posts, State and Local Corrections partners, and other implementing partners, as needed, to address the request.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the Partnership Training Coordinator 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 Partnership Training Coordinator 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 60% telework and will require the incumbent to report to the physical work location four times 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 required organizational analysis of substantial scale and impact regarding extremely complex subjects. 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 INL, 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 QUALIFICATIONS

1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required).

2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution and a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively more responsible experience as a program manager or a combination of corrections and program management experience; or,

a. A graduate degree in related field from an accredited U.S. institution and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience as a program manager or a combination of corrections sector and program management experience.

3. A minimum of eight (8) years of program management and/or corrections sector and corrections training experience.

4. Demonstrated ability in developing/modifying/evaluating training curricula and assessing/evaluating training courses.

5. Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple projects and/or training courses at one time.

6. Demonstrated ability to interact with a range of personnel at all levels of an organization.

7. Demonstrated ability to draft a variety of documents for a variety of audiences.

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: Subject Matter Experience (30 Points)

Demonstrated experience designing and/or implementing corrections programs; planning or implementing programmatic activities involving foreign officials, including senior-level officials, particularly in the area of corrections; familiarity with training, including developing and/or conducting courses; working with U.S.-based corrections institutions; and an understanding of challenges working in correction systems. Ability to perform analysis in these areas.

Factor 2: Interpersonal and Communication Skills (30 points)

Demonstrated experience interacting effectively with others at various organization levels and with other U.S. government agencies (e.g., Departments of Justice and Defense, USAID) or domestic corrections agencies for purpose of gathering and disseminating information for the development and/or implementation of a corrections program or training. Interactions with U.S. corrections agencies or officials regarding programs or trainings. Successful track record of working in a team environment. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner; and to advise program officials.

Factor 3: Program Experience (10 points)

Demonstrated experience managing several tasks at once, performing forward planning, assessing the efficacy of programs, and assisting in developing and implementing plans for program improvement; experience managing, implementing or overseeing grants or contracts; and performing liaison with partner agencies to accomplish common goals or tasks.

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 you 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 – 30

Factor #2 – 30

Factor #3 – 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 ($119,000 - $154,698 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

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