SOLICITATION NOTICE
Q -- Contracting Officer Representative (COR) - OF 612
- Notice Date
- 3/14/2016
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541690
— Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Grants, Acquisitions, Procurement and Policy Division (INL/RM/GAPP), SA-4 Navy Hill, South Building, 2430 E Street, N.W., Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20037
- Solicitation Number
- PSC-16-020-INL
- Archive Date
- 4/12/2016
- Point of Contact
- Deborah Strom,
- E-Mail Address
-
StromDG@state.gov
(StromDG@state.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- To be considered responsive to the solicitation, you must submit a completed and signed OF-612. Otherwise, your submission is considered non-responsive and will not be considered. 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. Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for CARSI Washington, DC Issuance Date: 03/014/2016 Closing Date: 03/28/2016 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-16-020-INL 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. Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages: 1) Form OF-612 (Completed and signed) 2) Resume 3) Three letters of recommendation OR three references to include contact information *** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VETERAN'S PREFERANCE Veteran's preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214. Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of: INL/Deborah Strom E-mail: StromDG@state.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Deborah Strom E-mail: StromDG@state.gov INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-16-020-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 03/14/2016 3. CLOSING DATE: 03/28/2016 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: Contracting Officer Representative (COR) 6. MARKET VALUE: $108,887 - $141,555 (GS-14 Equivalent) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR: The US Department of State (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs' (INL) mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States and its Citizens through global cooperation. INL's Office of the Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP) develops narcotics control and anticrime policy initiatives for narcotics producing and transit countries in Latin America, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and Canada. The Office provides overall program and policy direction for INL bilateral narcotics and anticrime assistance programs at overseas posts, develops and revises drug and crime strategies, and coordinates their development with other U.S. agencies. In addition, INL/WHP has responsibility for coordinating policy and programs with other United States Government (USG) departments and agencies involved in international narcotics control and crime activities, particularly with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, and the Agency for International Development. The purpose of the COR is to support and assist with contract development, implementation, and oversight needs of INL programs in the seven (7) Central American counties as well as provide assistance throughout the acquisition process. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the guidance of the CARSI Team Lead in Washington, and in coordination with INL/RM, CARSI program officers, and INL Directors in Central America, the COR will complete the following duties, either directly or through supervision of team members/staff: 1. Work with project stakeholders to analyze program needs, define and document the program's contractual scope, schedule, site-specific considerations, work requirements, milestones and activities. 2. Assist program managers and INL Directors from inception to completion of the contract to develop clear, accurate, current, detailed contractual requirements, provide COR support for field-based oversight of contracts, and provide program managers with oversight best practices. 3. Represent INL CARSI interests and priorities when coordinating contracting projects among multiple federal agencies and organizations internal and external to DOS. Facilitate the regular flow of information among stakeholders, such as by organizing, hosting and documenting project meetings. 4. Evaluate contractor performance and deviations from the contract requirements through surveillance techniques, including direct observation at the contractor's work site. Review and document performance in relation to original contract award amount and completion time, ensuring appropriate approvals. Monitor, prepare progress reports, and update plans and schedules. Review, monitor, and report the status of multiple contractor projects to ensure the results achieve the Bureau's goals. 5. Identify and recommend solutions or corrective action to resolve any problems that interfere with contract progress and with the completion of the contracted project. In those cases where problems cannot be resolved within the COR's realm of authority, make recommendations to INL management, INL Director's in the field and the Contracting Officer on appropriate corrective action, and implement these actions upon approval. 6. Develop and maintain effective contract administration processes, such as invoice review, quality assurance/surveillance, and project file maintenance. 7. Serve as a technical COR to INL management in Washington and in the field on contract terms and conditions, performance requirements and operations, providing updates as required. Review reports and papers from staff and contractors to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with Bureau and Department objectives, policies, and guidelines. 8. Deploy based on successfully completing training required to receive the Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representatives (FAC-COR.) SPECIFIC COR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES COR, responsibilities shall include the following: 1. Coordinating with the contractor on all technical matters, which may arise in the administration of this contract. 2. Giving technical clarification as to the meaning of the specifications, including inspection, testing, and acceptance procedures. 3. Monitoring and inspecting the contractor's technical progress and performance and the expenditures of resources to assure compliance with the contract terms and conditions. 4. Inspecting and accepting deliverables (supplies, services, and/or reports) on behalf of the Government. 5. Verifying satisfactory delivery of contract items and preparing receiving reports and/or approving invoices for payment. 6. Verifying efficient and satisfactory performance of work by the contractor. 7. Authorizing payments. 8. Notifying the CO and contractor in writing of any deficiencies in workmanship or materials immediately, and monitoring response and repair items as stipulated in the contract. 9. Notifying the CO in writing of any performance or schedule failure by the contractor. 10. Verifying contractor receiving, inspection, and acceptance reports. 11. Maintaining constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract terms on the part of the contractor. 12. Resolving technical issues arising under the contract which fall within the scope of the COR's authority, and referring to the CO any issues which cannot be resolved without additional cost or time. 13. Informing the CO in writing of any needed changes in the scope of work or specifications. 14. Ensuring the Government meets its contractual obligations to the contractor, e.g., providing Government furnished equipment and services and timely Government review and approval of documents if such reviews are required by the contract. 15. Knowing and understanding the terms and provisions of the contract. 16. Knowing the scope and limitations of COR authority. 17. Protecting privileged and sensitive procurement information. 18. Periodically visiting the contractor's workplace to check on the work of the contractor. 19. Serving as the designated property administrator for the contract. 20. Serving as the primary liaison between the contractor and the CO. 21. Ensuring consistency among multiple GTMs under a single contract when providing guidance to the contractor and evaluating the contractor's performance. 22. Performing all acceptance tests required by the contract. 23. Establishing and maintaining adequate COR files. 24. Preparing statements of satisfactory performance or deviations, shortages or deficiencies. 25. Monitoring the contractor's use of key personnel and notifying the CO of any changes in key personnel proposed by the contractor. 26. Reviewing and approving the contractor's vouchers or invoices. RELATIONSHIPS The COR shall work under the supervision of the INL/WHP Team Lead for the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) program and receive official designation as COR from INL/RM. It is expected that this position will require considerable time traveling in the field. To ensure appropriate communication and oversight, the COR shall meet weekly (in person or by phone) with the INL CARSI Team Lead and provide written reports of work performed within one week of travel back from the field. The COR will also report regularly in writing as well as in person when traveling, to the INL Directors in the region to keep INL regional management informed of progress and issues. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is delegated the authority to act for the Contracting Officer in matters concerning technical clarification, inspection and, after concurrence by the Contracting Officer, acceptance of Contractor performance under the contract, including preparation of receiving reports, and the authorization of progress payments when appropriate. The COR will coordinate all work with the Contractor and review Contractor's performance at significant stages of its development. In no instance, however, shall the COR be authorized to alter or modify the specifications or the contract terms and the conditions or waive the government's requirement, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions. Such changes must be authorized, in writing, to the Contracting Officer. DELIVERABLES/REPORTS Deliverables are required under this PSC and shall include; monthly status reports, monthly evaluation of contractor performance, special reports when required and "Completion of assignment report," which shall be a compressive review of the projects in which the contractor was involved. Each report shall include a critique of and recommendations for the various projects. The completions of assignment reports are due no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of this contract. The Personal Service Contractor shall submit two (2) copies of each report as required to the following; 1. INL/WHP Director(s) and; 2. INL/WHP Team Lead Per FAR Part 4, the above referenced documents shall be incorporated and copies stored in the PSC's hard file under Section V.; Tab E - Receiving Reports. The Contractor shall prepare and submit two copies of each technical report required by the schedule of this contract (e.g., progress reports, final reports, etc.), to the Embassy INL Section and to the Program Officer, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Department of State Washington, DC. The title page of all reports forwarded pursuant to this paragraph shall include a descriptive title, the author's name(s), contract number, project number, and title, contractor's name, name of the State Department project office, and the publication or issuance date of the report. When preparing reports, the Contractor shall refrain from using elaborate artwork, multicolor printing, and expensive paper/binding, unless it is specifically authorized in the Contract Schedule. Wherever possible, pages should be printed on both sides using single spaced type. COMPLEXITY This position involves planning, organizing and completing financial and organizational analysis of enormous complexity. Due to the high visibility and political sensitivity of the issues in which INL is involved, there is extreme difficulty in identifying the nature of the issues and planning, organizing and determining the scope and depth of studies/audits to be undertaken. The PSC is expected to address difficult scenarios by separating the substantive nature of the programs or issues into their components and determining the nature and magnitude of programs or issues, as well as in discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions. SCOPE AND 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/WHP, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress. REGULATIONS, POLICY, GUIDELINES, LAW The COR must follow the following guidelines which consist of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Department of State Acquisition Regulations, the CO's letter of delegation of authority appointing the COR, the terms and conditions of the specific contract, and official INL bureau guidelines. The COR must be able to determine application of basic administrative policy statements concerning the issue or problem being studied, which may include reference to pertinent legislative history, related court decisions, state and local laws, or policy initiatives of agency management. The COR must also consider and adhere to various other existing federal regulations, and the interaction between DOS policies, legislation, the Foreign Assistance Act, and other authorization and appropriations in the INL account, applicable National Security and Presidential Decision Directives, OMB Circulars, the Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and DOS financial operating procedures and policies. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • U.S. citizen, obtain/maintain Department of State Secret security and Ethics clearance. • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution or substituted with 12 years of experience performing related functions in program management and oversight. • Able to obtain a Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level III Certification within 60 days of assignment.(see http://www.fai.gov for details) • A total of ten (10) years' professional work experience, of which four years should be directly related to performing functions in program management and/or contractor oversight. • At least five (5) years of previous COR experience on contracts of moderate to high complexity that required significant acquisition investment. • Training or experience in contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures. • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, to include customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. • Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. • Judgment and decision making, considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. • Demonstrated ability to facilitate win-win outcomes and reconcile competing or opposing points of view. • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both English/Spanish both orally/written. • Active listening giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. • Demonstrated ability to engage constructively with senior government and industry officials. ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS: • In performance of this contract, the contractor shall be subject to the ethics rules applicable to Department of State employees under 5 CFR Part 2635 (Standards of ethical conduct for employees of the Executive Branch), 2 FAM 700 (Ethics), and 3 FAM 8610 (Domestic Staff Employment) and 4170 (Official Clearance of Speaking, Writing and Teaching). Contractor shall also be subject to five CFR Part 2637 (regulations concerning post-employment conflicts of interest). • Conditions for Contracting Prior to Receipt of Ethics Clearance: The Contractor may commence work prior to the completion of the ethics clearance. The Contractor shall not perform Contracting Officer Representative functions until clearance received. Further, if Contractor does not obtain ethics clearance within 30 days of commencing work, this contract may be terminated in accordance with paragraph (a) (2) of General Provision 16 of this contract. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT The PSC shall be able to use a furnished with office space, a computer, office telephone, and other supplies needed for job requirements. This property will be owned and maintained by the Department of State DoS. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The work of the COR may be conducted by telework, but the COR is expected to come to Washington, D.C. on at least a monthly basis (and more frequently as required) to meet with INL personnel, and to travel to the field at least quarterly (and more frequently as required) regularly for meetings, conferences, inspections, and evaluations. EVALUATION FACTORS FACTOR 1: Program Management (25 points) Experience in providing contractor oversight on high dollar contracts, ensuring contractor requirements are being fulfilled per the Statement of Work and other deliverables; evaluating and documenting contractor performance, especially through a well-developed Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). FACTOR 2: Federal Acquisition (FAR) (25 points) Comprehensive understanding of contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). FACTOR 3: Department of State (25 points) Knowledge of Department of State INL programs and experience working programs or projects in Central or Latin America. FACTOR 4: Past Performance (25 points) Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under a contract. In conducting the evaluation, the 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. COMPENSATION (BASE PAY) 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 Reimbursement 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
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/INL/INL-RM-MS/PSC-16-020-INL/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Department of State, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Record
- SN04049193-W 20160316/160314234557-52c2b72ca187981f43cb6306f8cc5d5b (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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