SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Justice Advisor - SF 171
- Notice Date
- 8/9/2018
- 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-18-048-INL
- Archive Date
- 9/7/2018
- 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 SF 171. 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. Senior Justice Advisor Podgorica, Montenegro Issuance Date: 08/09/2018 Closing Date: 08/23/2018 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-18-048-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. 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: 1) Form SF 171 (Completed and signed) 2) Resume 3) Three letters of recommendation OR three references to include contact information 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. *** 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/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-18-049-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 08/09/2018 3. CLOSING DATE: 08/23/2018 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 3:00 PM, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: INL Senior Justice Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE: $105,123- $136,659(FS-01 Equivalent) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Podgorica, Montenegro 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR The Department of State (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is the Bureau charged with foreign policy development relating to international crime, drug trafficking, corruption, criminal justice reform, post-conflict/civilian policing, and related issues. In Montenegro, and throughout the Balkans, INL supports criminal justice sector reforms and facilitates effective cross-border and regional law enforcement cooperation. In Montenegro, INL provides training, technical, and material support to police, prosecutors, and judges. INL has a wide array of partners in this effort, including other U.S. agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and commercial providers. Montenegro is an active recipient of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funding. INCLE funding assists countries in their fight against transnational crime and illicit threats, including efforts against terrorist networks, the illegal drug trade, and other illicit enterprises. Embassy Podgorica receives approximately $1.8M in INCLE funding for an INL justice and a police program, implemented by the Department of Justice's Office of International Criminal Investigative Training and Assistance Program (ICITAP). Montenegro, like every other candidate state for the European Union (EU), must demonstrate its capacity to fight organized crime and corruption and bolster public confidence in its justice sector institutions. INL's capacity-building programs are critical for achieving these goals. Since its independence in 2006, Montenegro has made, and continues to make, fundamental reforms to its criminal justice sector in order to bring it in line with Euro-Atlantic standards. Nevertheless, the establishment of an effective rule of law system in Montenegro remains an unfinished process due to: (a) the continuing presence and strength of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating in Montenegro, which threaten Montenegro, the region, and the U.S. homeland; (b) widespread and endemic corruption, which negatively affects U.S. policy interests in the region by engendering instability; and (c) malign foreign influence from Russia that seeks to take advantage of institutional weaknesses in Montenegro due to the presence of such TCOs and corruptive practices. While Montenegro is moving in the right direction, its ultimate success is not guaranteed. As both the newest NATO member and an aspiring EU Member, Montenegro has already accomplished significant rule of law reforms as part of the Euro-Atlantic integration process. However, U.S. assistance and support is vital to ensure Montenegro integrates successfully into Euro-Atlantic institutions and remain an example for the region. The purpose of this position is to provide a Senior Justice Advisor to U.S. Embassy Podgorica who will serve as the central role in developing and implementing INL programs to support Montenegro's judicial reforms and other rule-of-law initiatives that will help further Montenegro's progress toward EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership. This program will focus on developing the capacity of Montenegro to fight corruption and organized crime through mentoring and practical training for prosecutors and judges. The Advisor will also be expected to formulate innovative, targeted, and sustainable approaches for building the rule of law in Montenegro, including improving the efficiency and quality of criminal proceedings, institutional strengthening and development, and countering malign Russian influence. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Serve as the INL Senior Justice Advisor within INL/EA's overall assistance mission in Montenegro. 2. Manage, coordinate, and supervise all phases of INL rule of law programs in Montenegro, including sustainment upon completion of projects and supervision of local staff. The incumbent should be able to work independently and cooperatively with INL/EA to ensure that the program and administrative budgets are monitored routinely and that the projects fall within program guidelines notified to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 3. Coordinate all training and procurement activities associated with the INL Senior Justice Advisor program. Implement the rule of law program through training and mentoring. Serve as a trainer for INL-funded training programs. Provide mentoring and technical assistance to prosecutors, government officials, and other judicial actors/entities on a range of issues, including managing the activities and assisting with the identification of outside experts, when appropriate, to serve as trainers to the GoM. 4. Provide policy analysis and program guidance to INL, Embassy Podgorica, and other USG entities on effective mechanisms for, progress in, and impediments to, achieving reform objectives in Montenegro. 5. Establish and maintain relationships with Montenegrin justice sector and other government officials, including prosecutors, investigators, judges, parliamentarians, and Justice Ministry officials. Provide day-to-day subject matter expertise on legislative reform pertaining to the reform of the justice sector. 6. Develop assistance programs for prosecutors concerning the investigation and prosecution of cases. Ensure program activities develop local capacity. Conduct local case study workshops, conferences, and a guest speaker series that develops the Montenegrin prosecutors' trial preparation skills and on the implementation of new criminal procedure code tools such as task forces, prosecutor-led investigations, plea bargaining and cross-examination. 7. Manage rule-of-law programs for Montenegro in partnership and coordination with other implementers in the international donor community, including the European Commission, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other countries. Coordinate with local civil society organizations to develop an understanding of their challenges and needs, assess political developments in the country, plus opportunities for INL support. The Advisor will collaborate closely with the International Criminal Training and Assistance Program (ICITAP) on program implementation and training. 8. Provide comprehensive training programs on implementation of the new Criminal Procedure Code and amendments to the Constitution with an emphasis on plea bargaining and prosecutor-led investigations. 9. Ensure adequate follow up with study groups and training (train-the-trainer, alumni conferences). 10. Assist Montenegro in attaining EU accession goals by meeting EU benchmarks related to judicial reform and fair trials by hosting local workshops and practical case studies. Allow time for the participants in the system - including prosecutors, judges and police -- to learn, and prepare for, their new roles under a new Code of Criminal Procedure by sponsoring joint practical trial advocacy and skills development workshops. 11. Provide mentoring on key judicial and anti-corruption concepts and tools to improve the justice system's capacity efficiency and effectiveness to address corruption, including prosecutor-led investigations, plea-bargaining, and expanded use of special investigative techniques, are distributed to line prosecutors. Provide guidance to Embassy Front Office and INL/EA on legislative developments impacting the criminal justice sector and share monthly, and after-action reports for all discrete training and assistance activities conducted in accordance with the work plan with the Embassy Country Team. Assess the impact of political developments on U.S. policy objectives and make recommendations on action to the Country Team, and keep INL/EA updated on these developments. Develop legal memoranda and technical support on legal issues that may arise in connection with policy or program issues. 12. Cooperate with other sections of the Embassy and other regional INL-funded advisors to facilitate program implementation. TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES 1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arriving at Post. 2. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post. 3. If applicable - Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (OT610) prior to deployment to Post. RELATIONSHIPS The Advisor will receive guidance from the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) on program policies and priorities, and the INL/EA Program Officer on program implementation and INL bureau objectives. The Advisor is also expected to coordinate closely with the rule of law political officer in Embassy Podgorica. The Advisor is responsible for in-country management of INL judicial reform programs and ensuring that these programs are meeting expectations. The Advisor coordinates activities with the Deputy Chief of Mission, the rule-of-law pol/econ officer in country, and the INL Office of Europe and Asia (INL/EA) Program Officer in Washington, DC. The Advisor also works closely with the management section at Post to ensure proper execution of INL programming. INL seeks applicants with the requisite technical expertise, and a strong management background who are able to operate independently and work with limited resources. The Advisor program is part of a much larger effort aimed at achieving a core U.S. national security objective. One means to this end is the promotion of greater security and rule of law in areas under the Government of Montenegro's (GoM) control, support that buttresses the foundations of a democratic state. 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 SOW consist of the following: • Annual Work Plan. The Senior Justice Advisor, in cooperation with the INL/EA program officer, shall prepare a work plan within 90 days of the beginning of the date of the contract. Work plans must be approved by INL/EA and the DCM. • Three-Year Program Strategy. The Senior Justice Advisor, in cooperation with INL/EA program officer, shall prepare a three-year program strategy, outlining the priorities and proposed activities. • Successful completion of the Distance Learning (DL) FSI Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) course within six (6) months of assignment. Certificates: The PSC shall obtain/maintain Basic Federal Acquisitions Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC P/PM) provided by a combination of INL in-house, distance learning and outside contractor coursework within six (6) months. Monthly status reports: Monthly reports shall be submitted to the INL Program Officer and the DCM. Items that shall be reported upon include: • Feasible opportunities to train and equip criminal justice sector actors with specific emphasis on program and financial management and sensitivity to Embassy policy goals. • Readouts and analysis of meetings with key Montenegrin interlocutors, to include those attended with other Embassy personnel. • Updates on program activities, to include grant monitoring, demonstrating implementation of the work plan. • Ad hoc tasks completed for the Embassy. • Updates on noteworthy policy and political developments impacting the rule of law. • Updates on major criminal and corruption cases, which involves tracking successful prosecutions. • Readouts of trainings conducted by both the PSC and the LES staff. • Description of upcoming activities. The PSC shall coordinate assistance activities with the INL-funded law enforcement program manager at Podgorica, and identify opportunities for cooperation. The PSC shall participate in twice monthly calls, unless rescheduled, with the INL Program Officer to provide updates on program activities, Embassy priorities, and other relevant Embassy activities. The PSC shall schedule and facilitate meeting requests from INL during program reviews and assessments. The PSC shall assist in the full range of activities required to identify, acquire, and deploy services and commodities necessary for project implementation. These activities include: • Development/identification of project services and commodity requirements including discussions with host nation counterpart personnel. • Conduct of market research to determine potential sources of supplies/services. • Contact with other USG agencies with similar requirements. • Acquisition planning. • Drafting statements of work/specifications and evaluation criteria for use in solicitations. • Development of independent government estimates of the cost/price of project commodities and services. 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 The Advisor must be able to assess host country criminal justice reform needs and anti-corruption programs and policies, and develop and manage organized crime and corruption projects in coordination with host-country officials. The Advisor must also ensure sustainability of projects through provision of appropriate training and maintenance. The Advisor must have the ability to integrate competing needs of U.S. criminal justice, development, and security agencies, and host government entities involved in the criminal justice sector. The work involves planning, organizing, and managing day-to-day administration and oversight of a large number of organizational initiatives and training details. The ability to effectively manage large quantities of ever evolving data is essential. SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS: The Advisor performs a broad range of tasks related to a complex foreign assistance program in the Republic of Montenegro. INL programs have a significant impact on embassy operations, including those of other USG agencies. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. U.S. citizenship; able to obtain/maintain Department of State Secret and Medical Clearances, and ethics, if applicable. 2. J.D. degree from an accredited institution. 3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a translator. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. 5. Demonstrated ten (10) years of professional-level experience as a U.S. prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, or international justice sector subject-matter expert. Demonstrated experience instructing and implementing rule of law or criminal justice sector reform projects, analyzing and determining comprehensive program requirements, and proposing feasible solutions for problems in implementation of projects. 6. Demonstrated knowledge with best practices in investigating criminal and/or corruption cases either as a prosecutor, defense attorney, or a judge. 7. Excellent oral and written English communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write senior officials. 8. Demonstrated experience in administration and management of international criminal justice sector or anti-corruption projects in foreign countries, including preparation of budgets, procurement of goods and services, and implementation and oversight of projects 9. Demonstrated five (5) years of successful supervisory and leadership experience, preferably in a multicultural environment. Demonstrated experience in program management. PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 1. Familiarity with project design and development, program evaluations, strategic planning and performance metrics. 2. Experience in rule-of-law development in an international environment. 3. Experience serving as a trainer and/or advisor in an international context. 4. Experience working or coordinating with other relevant USG agencies (e.g., INL, Department of Justice, and USAID) or international donors (OSCE, European Commission, etc). 5. Knowledge of American criminal justice system and demonstrated understanding of the major legal systems throughout the world. 6. Ability to integrate projects into the broader goals of an organization without confliction. 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 Frequent travel to local locations will be required. Occasional travel to other countries in the region and the U.S. may also be required. EVALUATION CRITERIA Factor 1 Knowledge and Experience (35 points) Applicant demonstrate the knowledge of all phases of U.S. criminal justice operations, particularly related to public corruption cases, based on professional legal experience. Expertise should include field, institutional, line, and management operations, organizational development, planning, and training. Factor 2 Leadership and Management (35 points) Applicant demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner and bear responsibility for several simultaneous projects while keeping the overall program goals in perspective. Previous management experience should include managing staff from diverse backgrounds (preferably international); making decisions about resource allocations; and familiarity with project design, development, implementation and evaluation. Factor 3 Communication (15 points) Applicant demonstrate the ability to communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, both orally and in writing. Factor 4 Interpersonal skills (10 points) Applicant demonstrate a proven record of accomplishment working in a team environment; with a diverse group of stakeholders. Factor 5 Past Performance (5 points) Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under the 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. 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 a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, INL reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. 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 (provided by DOS Med) ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARDIZED REGULATIONS (DSSR) - IF APPLICABLE • Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) or Per Diem upon arrival at Post • Housing Allowance • Post Allowance • Supplemental Post Allowance • Maintenance Allowance (SMA) • Education Allowance • Educational Travel (full-time United States based secondary) • Post Hardship Differential • Danger Pay • Shipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/INL/INL-RM-MS/PSC-18-048-INL/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: US Embassy, Podgorica, Montenegro
- Record
- SN05029050-W 20180811/180809231141-fe4f9812726d8d53cc617b072c5535ca (fbodaily.com)
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