Loren Data's SAM Daily™

SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF JANUARY 15, 2025 SAM #8450
SOLICITATION NOTICE

99 -- Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation Advisor (Multiple Positions)

Notice Date

1/13/2025 12:41:33 PM
 

Notice Type

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
 

NAICS

921190 — Other General Government Support
 

Contracting Office

ACQUISITIONS - INL WASHINGTON DC 20520 USA
 

ZIP Code

20520
 

Solicitation Number

PSC-25-015-INL
 

Response Due

1/24/2025 12:00:00 PM
 

Archive Date

02/08/2025
 

Point of Contact

Dominique Chittum
 

E-Mail Address

chittumda@state.gov
(chittumda@state.gov)
 

Description

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: Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation Advisor (Multiple Positions) Location: Washington, DC Salary Level: GS-14 - $142,488 - $185,234 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: January 13, 2025 Closing date: January 24, 2025 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number: PSC-25-015-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, Margaret Renee Gaudreau Contracting Officer, U.S. Department of State SUBJECT A solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The United States Government (USG), represented by the DOS, seeks applications from US citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in this solicitation. PRE-AWARD ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PSC (JUN 2011) This solicitation may result in the award of one or more personal services contracts as defined in FAR 2.101. Prior to contract award, all offerors or quotes must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have a personal conflict of interest, such as a financial conflict, that would prevent them from either meeting the requirements of the clause entitled, �Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractors,� or otherwise objectively performing their contractual duties upon contract award. HOW TO APPLY Offerors proposal shall be in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation at the place and time specified. A proposal will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for consideration unless all required documents and information are included in the submission. Offerors shall ensure their resume demonstrates their possession of the minimum qualifications outlined in this Solicitation, as well as their ability to fulfill all required duties. The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred by the offeror during the solicitation process. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates the Department of State to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit the Department of State to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages (additional pages will not be accepted or reviewed): 1. Form SF 171 (Completed and signed) 2. Resume 3. Evaluation Factor Responses 4. Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references. Note: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. Additional documents submitted beyond the requirements will not be accepted or reviewed. *** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VETERAN�S PREFERENCE Veteran�s preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NONDISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. Equal employment opportunity policy - The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of: INL/Dominique Chittum E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Dominique Chittum E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov INL will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT Mission of the U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President�s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State�s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world. Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is part of the Under Secretariat for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (J) within the Department of State (DOS). INL�s mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States and its citizens by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation. INL�s Offices of Europe and Asia (INL/EA) and Africa and the Middle East (INL/AME) develop, manage, and oversee United States Government (USG) foreign assistance programs to support comprehensive criminal justice sector capacity development in countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. INL/EA comprises a Europe Division with three program teams, an Asia Division with three program teams, and a Cross-Cutting Team (CCT). INL/AME includes five teams � two covering Sub-Saharan Africa, two covering the Middle East and North Africa, and a Cross-Cutting Team (CCT). Staff members include Foreign Service Officers, Civil Service Officers, Personal Services Contractors, and Third-Party Contractors. Broadly speaking, in Europe, programs augment our partners� capacity in the justice and law enforcement sectors to combat transnational organized crime, reduce corruption, and counter Russian influence. Bilateral and regional Central Asia programs target counternarcotics, strengthen border security, and deepen judicial reform. In East and South Asia, programs focus on maritime, rule of law, law enforcement, transnational crime, and counternarcotics. Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa support democracy and stability; reduce transnational crime such as illicit drug; address financial crimes and money laundering; and fight corruption. In the Middle East and North Africa, programs build the capacity, professionalism, and responsiveness of criminal justice sector institutions. The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to fill two Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DME) Advisor positions. The Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DME) Advisors are expected to provide a broad range of support to all programs in INL/EA or INL/AME in all matters related to DME. The DME Advisors report directly to the Cross-Cutting Team Lead to provide updates on progress toward meeting DME requirements in all projects and analysis of programs� and projects� progress toward achieving intended goals and objectives. The DME Advisors also actively participates in INL�s DME network to stay abreast of DME best practices and ensure the application of Department and Bureau-wide DME standards in all INL projects. The DME Advisor PSC will provide policy guidance, oversight, and program management on behalf of INL in support of host-nation capacity-building and reform. The PSC will provide specialized expertise to design, monitor, and evaluate programmatic initiatives to support criminal justice sector capacity development in countries in Europe Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. The PSC will assist INL in ensuring monitoring systems that assess the extent to which these programs are achieving intended outcomes, and where appropriate, evaluation approaches to assess impacts. The PSC must be able to work effectively, responding to multiple and evolving priorities while advancing INL�s overarching objective to counter crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. The position requires foreign assistance design, monitoring, and evaluation subject expertise and foreign assistance program management experience to enable the incumbent to assess what new assistance is needed, make programmatic recommendations, design appropriate performance measures, and coordinate with implementing partners in order to report on INL program impact and effectiveness. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Cross-Cutting Team Lead or his/her designee, the DME Advisor will perform the following duties: 1. Project Design � Advise INL/EA or INL/AME program officers and field staff on the application of the INL design standards for projects, including how to write goal and objective statements that meet the change and clarity standards, and how to develop valid indicators for goals and objectives. � Utilize data and provide analysis to inform design choices, such as data from previous or related projects for lessons learned, or contextual data for root cause analysis. � Contribute to and provide technical review of project change map, theory of change, performance monitoring plan, and/or other design documents such as results framework or log frame, as relevant. � Draft the monitoring and evaluation sections of project solicitation documents, and advise program managers on the rigor and feasibility of project proposals. � Draft monitoring and evaluation plans where the INL section is implementing the project directly (without an implementing partner), including training programs. � Ensure use of quality indicators and inclusion of appropriate INL measures for data verification and data quality assessments. 2. Program Design and Monitoring � Advise and support INL/EA or INL/AME program officers and field staff in developing longer-term program-level goals, objectives, and indicators. � Assist relevant DME sections in drafting goals, objectives, and results in Country Program Frameworks (CPFs), the Country Change Map(s), Program Concept Notes (PCNs), and other strategies as applicable. � Develop valid indicators and feasible data collection methods for program-level goals and objectives. � Ensure program-level data is collected from primary and/or secondary data sources and reported at the established frequencies, including supervising other staff in data collection and management activities. 3. Training and Guidance � Lead trainings for colleagues in INL/EA and EA overseas posts or INL/AME and relevant overseas posts on a variety of DME topics and approaches. Trainings will vary in duration and depth in response to team members needs and office priorities; and may be introductory, refresher, or �deep-dive.� Topics could include DME 101, targeted sessions on meeting the INL design and monitoring standards, developing logical theories of change, problem analysis and pre-design approaches, developing and using valid indicators, data quality, or other topics as needed. � Share existing DME guidance documents, training videos, and job aids with program teams and implementing partners. � Advise INL/EA or INL/AME leadership on how the office should approach DME requirements and best practices and lead implementation at an office level. � Develop standard operating procedures for INL/EA and/or INL/AME to implement INL's DME requirements at the project and program level. � Contribute to discussions on Bureau-wide DME approaches and implementation. � In consultation with INL�s Office of Knowledge Management (INL/KM), develop new guidance resources where gaps exist. � Serve as the COR on DME-focused TPC contracts, as requested, and provide on-site guidance to DME-focused TPCs on the CCT. 4. Data Analysis, Visualization, and Data-Driven Learning � Analyze project and program data, conduct evaluations, and other assessments for decision-making purposes as requested. � Use software to create dashboards and visualize reported data on program-level indicators and frequently requested metrics to inform program manager decision-making. � Create knowledge products such as reports, presentations, memoranda, and infographics. � Share and report data as requested by program managers and leadership. � Collaborate with program managers, implementing partners, and/or other stakeholders, such as partner government officials to hold periodic data reviews for individual programs. � Shape strategic or portfolio reviews around available data for decision-making and contribute to knowledge products. � Ensure key take-aways from previous project results are incorporated into the design of new projects and programs. � Brief leadership on progress towards project and program results against targets, as well as findings from evaluations and/or qualitative research. � Develop and manage larger-scale initiatives to learn from, evaluate, and/or assess aspects of programming in INL/EA or INL/AME. 5. Data Management � Work with INL/KM social and data scientists, INL/EA or INL/AME program officers, and field staff to ensure all of INL/EA or INL/AME�s change-oriented projects are enrolled in INL�s performance monitoring database. � Work with INL/EA or INL/AME program officers to ensure baseline data is collected and help to set targets when applicable. � In coordination with INL/EA or INL/AME program managers and officers, conduct data verification activities for ongoing projects, including site visits. � Perform data quality assessments for INL/KM strategic indicators. � Perform data entry and cleaning when necessary. � Assist program officers to review and update program monitoring plans periodically. � Serve as Contracting/Grant/Agreement Officer�s Representative (COR/GOR/AOR) for DME-specific projects (i.e. projects for the collection of monitoring data and project evaluation), and as the primary resource for others taking this role in the office or overseas. � Develop and review data collection tools. � Support annual and ad hoc data calls to projects within INL/EA r INL/AME. 6. Other projects as assigned � Establish and maintain relationships within the DME community of practice, including with Department, interagency, international, and academic counterparts, to coordinate on DME approaches, foreign assistance trends, evidence-based best practices, policies, and programs. � Attend Bureau, interagency, and international meetings and events on behalf of INL, as requested by INL/EA or INL/AME leadership. Participate and represent INL, as needed, in conferences, dialogues, and similar events on DME issues. � When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. � Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work. � 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 all on-line training mandated by the Department of State (e.g., CT401 (Counter Threat Awareness Training), ethics) within 120 days of contract start date. 2. Completes the Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650), if required, within six (6) months of contract start date. 3. Completes the Contracts and/or Grants Officer Representative distance-learning courses through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and obtains/maintains a FAC-COR Certification Level II and/or GOR certificate. 4. Coordinates with INL program office to complete the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR) and Leading INL Programs (P2) Training. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance for this position is Washington, DC. Frequent domestic and overseas travel is required. RELATIONSHIPS The PSC will report to the Cross-Cutting Team Lead in INL/EA or INL/AME or his/her designee. This position does not have any formal supervisory responsibilities. The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the Cross-Cutting Team Lead 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 Cross-Cutting Team Lead 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 is a hybrid position that allows for a combination of in-office presence and regular telework. The incumbent�s actual in-office and telework schedule will be determined by the supervisor and CO and is subject to change based on Bureau or office needs. COMPLEXITY This position involves managing and providing DME technical expertise for a wide portfolio of programs and projects in INL/EA or INL/AME, simultaneously. The ability to perform complex analysis, explain DME concepts clearly and concisely, meet short deadlines, coordinate between many stakeholders, and multi-task successfully is essential. Duties are significantly varied and require many different unrelated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of problems/situations that require a substantial depth of analysis. Decisions that must be made involve major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, interpretation and evaluating processes. There are continuing changes in programming, DME requirements, partner capacity for DME, and political circumstances enabling or restricting programming and DME efforts. The work requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new information. Incumbents typically identify and develop ways to resolve problems or cope with issues which directly affect the ongoing relationships with partners and the ability to gather and use meaningful results data. SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS The PSC performs broad range of tasks and assignment related to the DME of INL�s programs and projects. Assignments for these tasks may often be self-generated and in response broader DME needs, requirements, and efforts in INL/EA or INL/AME. Knowledge and professional experience supporting DME in international development contexts, coupled with subject matter familiarity with INL�s key focus areas, is necessary to support the results-based management of INL/EA�s or INL/AME�s programming. An effective PSC will also contribute to INL/EA�s or INL/AME�s and INL�s bureau-wide culture changes and adoption of measures to use evidence and data to inform policy and programming. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). (Security clearance upgrade to Top Secret level may be required.) 2. A Master�s degree from an accredited institution in the area of Social Science, Management, Program Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Criminal Justice, International Security Studies, International Development International Relations, International Studies, International Affairs, or Political Science. 3. A minimum of six (6) years of experience implementing foreign assistance programs and projects; of which a minimum of three (3) years was performing design, monitoring, and evaluation on foreign assistance programs. 4. A minimum of two (2) years of experience providing oversight and guidance on DME issues. EVALUATION CRITERIA (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: Programmatic DME Experience (20 points) Demonstrated expertise in designing, monitoring, and evaluating complex programs to achieve policy goals, especially in a foreign assistance context. Demonstrated familiarity with results-based project and program management approaches. Demonstrated experience supporting the utilization of evidence, findings, and recommendations from monitoring and evaluation efforts to design and adjust projects or programs. Factor 2: Social Science Expertise (20 points) Demonstrated knowledge of types of evidence, degrees of robustness in evidence, data quality considerations. Demonstrated expertise developing conceptually valid indicators as signals of change for goals and objectives. Demonstrated experience analyzing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data and communicating findings from analysis. Demonstrated ability to review and provide quality control of data and analysis provided by project implementers. Factor 3: Coordination, Communication, and Conflict Resolution (15 points) Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with and resolve problems, disagreements, or challenging situations among different offices, implementing partners, and missions. Demonstrated ability to translate and explain technical language and concepts into common English for a non-specialist audience. Demonstrated ability to work with current technologies, to research, investigate, and communicate complex issues in a timely and concise manner, orally and in writing, and to integrate evidence into advice. Factor 4: Specialized Experience (15 points) Demonstrated ability, through short-term or extended overseas postings, to work effectively in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, or in similar overseas environments. Demonstrated familiarity with criminal justice sector capacity development, transnational organized crime, corruption, civilian security, counternarcotics, or related topics. 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 � 20 Factor #2 � 20 Factor #3 � 15 Factor #4 � 15 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 ($142,488 - $185,234). 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
 

Web Link

SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/76aebd529d084b19a72d48cd5411f8c6/view)
 

Place of Performance

Address: Washington, DC, USA

Country: USA
 

Record

SN07311359-F 20250115/250113230100 (samdaily.us)
 

Source

SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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