Biometrics Advisor

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United States

Biometrics Advisor

Agency:
Department of State

Official Address:
SA-4 Navy Hill, South Building
2430 E Street, N.W.
Washington DC 20037

Zip Code:
20037

Contact:
Dominique A. Chittum, Contract Specialist, Email ChittumDA@state.gov

Link:

Date Posted:
08/05/2019

Classification:
99

Contract 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: Biometrics Advisor
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Salary Level: FS-02 – $86,374 – $126,843 (Equivalent GS-14)
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: May 8, 2019
Closing date: May 22, 2019
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-19-052-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.

Supplemental document specifically addressing:
f. Each of the three (3) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. 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.

3. 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/RM/GAPP
ChittumDA@state.gov

Sincerely,

 

Andrew J. Lloyd
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 and Evaluation Factor Responses
3) 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): INL is under the Under Secretary for Democracy and Human Rights (J) and works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

INL’s Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) develops and manages criminal justice sector reform programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues in the region. INL/WHP and INL personnel in the the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City administer U.S. government assistance to Mexico in order to develop its criminal justice sector, reform its security sector, and disrupt transnational organized crime.

The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to perform the duties of Biometrics Advisor at U.S. Embassy Mexico City. The Biometrics Advisor will provide specialized biometrics expertise to develop the INL biometrics program in Mexico, and oversee all management aspects of the program (to include funding, training, equipment accountability, and implementer performance). The Biometrics Advisor also will provide internal controls and accountability for the delivery of equipment, technical assistance, training, and other assistance to the Government of Mexico. The Biometrics Advisor must be able to work rapidly, responding promptly to multiple and evolving priorities in a difficult and demanding environment. The contract requires expertise in biometric data support to the criminal justice sector, and experience to enable the incumbent to determine what assistance is required, within what timeframe it must be implemented, and how such assistance must be supervised to ensure its effectiveness. When needed, the incumbent must be prepared to provide support to other border security and port of entry technology projects under the supervision of the Border Security Program Officer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Mexico City INL Border Security Program Officer or his/her designee, the PSC Biometrics Advisor will perform the following duties:

1. Provides advice and support to the Border Security Program Officer, other INL colleagues, and representatives of law enforcement agencies at the Embassy. Works closely with a range of Government of Mexico (GOM) agencies, federal entities and state governments as required. All of entities have roles coordinating and implementing counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, anti-crime measures and border security.
2. Manages all biometric-related project under the guidance of the Border Security and Immigration Control Program Officer and keeps him/her informed of the details of such implementation, including progress and problem areas.
3. Serves as INL Mexico City’s biometrics subject matter expert and provides expert advice, project design and planning, and project execution to provide biometrics solutions to border and migration management, counterterrorism and counter-narcotics efforts. Works with GOM border management agencies to enhance their capability to collect, store, analyze, and transmit biometric data in support of border security and migration control objectives.
4. Coordinates with other U.S. Government law enforcement agencies represented in the Embassy and their GOM counterpart agencies to ensure biometric project design and implementation fully support integrated border security, migration control, counterterrorism, and counter-narcotics objectives under the Merida Initiative. Represents INL and the U.S. Government in coordination and planning meetings with the GOM.
5. Provides strategic planning and development of all phases of biometrics projects, under the guidance of the Program Officer. Such efforts include the complete project implementation cycle and management phases, including research and development, acquisition and implementation, planning, scheduling, budgeting, contracting, and project monitoring. Responsibilities include being the Government Technical Monitor (GTM), and coordinating among the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) team, vendors, contractors and GOM officials. These duties will also include supervision, work guidance, and conflict resolution to contract and locally employed staff.
6. Performs feasibility studies and analysis to implement biometric solutions to border security projects that meet new requirements through the use and implementation of emerging technologies and processes in response to emerging operational challenges in border security. Implements training programs and acts as a technical expert on border security technology and operations, to include such areas related to information, electrical, communications, and computer technologies. Conducts technical and operational analysis, appraisals, and estimates to include project assessments related to civil works, electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications facilities.
7. Ensures interoperability of biometrics projects and close coordination with complementary INL programs such as maritime security, airport security, cross-border communications, and developing trustworthy institutions. Provides advice and assistance on other law enforcement projects related to border/POE security and counterterrorism efforts. Conducts technical reviews and recommendations for INL Border Security procurement projects.
8. Offers advice and assistance in preparing documentation for the procurement of systems and equipment, including drafting purchase requests, bid solicitations, statements of work
(SOW), requests for source-origin waivers, sole-source justifications, and delivery and acceptance of procured systems, services and equipment.
9. Serves as a conduit for regional cooperation on biometric identity information exchange strategies and technological implementations for the purposes of achieving country specific, regional, and INLWHP specific goals.
10. Serves as either a COR or a GTM for assigned projects in accordance with the Contracting Officer (CO). Must successfully complete required COR training within three months of arriving at Post.
11. Drafts and provides advice and assistance in the preparation of reports, including those to the U.S. Congress, INL, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other U.S. federal agencies.
12. Attends general and law enforcement meetings, national and international conferences and seminars, and meetings with GOM officials, reporting on discussions, activities and/or decisions.
13. Provides advice and assistance in end-use monitoring (EUM) of U.S. Government-supplied commodities and services, preparing an input for the annual EUM report to the U.S. Congress.
14. Provides advice and assistance in the formulation of INL input to the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS).
15. Participates in visits by senior officials and serves as an escort or control officer, including the arrangement of itineraries and logistical support for official visitors.
16. Briefs DOS, U.S. Congress and other visiting officials and Embassy staff on the role of INL and the status of U.S.-Mexico border/POE security projects and related initiatives.

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 required training and achieve Entry Level FAC P/PM certification within nine (9) months of arriving at Post
3. 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.
4. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post.
5. If applicable – Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico. The position requires frequent travel to locations throughout Mexico. Occassional travel may also be required to Washington, D.C. and to Central America.

RELATIONSHIPS
The Biometrics Advisor reports to the Border Security and Migration Team Program Officer for program implementation.
COMPLEXITY
Individual must be able to manage biometrics and other border/POE security projects in a foreign country, including promoting U.S. interests with host-government officials, ensuring sustainability of projects through provision of appropriate training and maintenance, and integrating competing needs of U.S. law enforcement agencies, state and local governments along the U.S.-Mexican border, and GOM entities involved in border/POE security and counter-terrorism activities.
The Biometrics Advisor will work closely with INL personnel, other U.S. Government law enforcement agencies within the Mission, contractors implementing INL projects and GOM counterparts.
SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The PSC Biometrics Advisor performs a broad range of tasks related to a complex foreign assistance program in Mexico. The INL programs have a significant impact on Embassy operations including those of other USG agencies. An essential part of the complexity will be the identification of the project parameters with the GOM counterpart(s) and the subsequent negotiation of goals.
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 and the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State secret level security and medical clearances.
2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution AND five (5) years of related experience in the fields of biometrics development and sustainability.
3. A minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience in project management, including budget preparation, project design and implementation, procurement of goods and services, and monitoring and evaluation, preferably involving biometrics systems, border and port of entry management, counter-narcotics, or counter-terrorism programs.
4. Demonstrated strong working knowledge of U.S. Government biometric systems such as IDENT, NGI, and DOD ABIS.
5. A minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience in liaison work with contractors, contracting officers, and requesting offices as well as a proven working knowledge of U.S. Government procurement and contract administration procedures and regulations, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations.
6. Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills and extensive experience in liaison work, particularly dealing with officials of a foreign government.
7. Demonstrate skill in managing multiple concurrent activities of varying complexity, including managing changing priorities or objectives and short turn-around deadlines.
8. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

EVALUATION FACTORS
(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.) Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

Factor 1: Work Experience (25 Points)
Demonstrated work experience in managing complex security projects which include determining and validating requirements, implementing progress on projects, as well as reporting on border/POE security, counter-terrorism and other law enforcement issues.

Factor 2: Program Experience (20 points)
Experience in preparing counter-drug and/or anti-crime budgets, advance acquisition plans (AAP), statements of work (SOW), procurement orders, purchase requests, sole-source justification waiver requests. Ideally, the candidate demonstrates experience with the biometrics industry and its product development methodologies. Experience in developing IT systems using Agile ® methodologies.

Factor 3: Management & Communication Experience (25 points)
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner, and to interact effectively with others at all levels, in order to prepare, analyze, explain and defend determinations and requirements with respect to conformance to applicable laws, policies and other regulatory guidelines, and advise program officials. Ability to communicate in Spanish language, written and spoken, in interactions with GOM counterparts.

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 – 30
Factor #2 – 10
Factor #3 – 30
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)
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

 

Response Date:
052219

Sol Number:
PSC-19-052-INL