Senior Aviation Advisor, Guatemala 05/07/2018

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United States

Senior Aviation Advisor, Guatemala

Agency:
Department of State

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

Zip Code:
20037

Contact:
Victoria V. Stewart, Administrative Officer, Phone 321-783-9860 x33478, Fax 321-323-5848, Email stewartVv@state.gov

Link:

Date Posted:
05/07/2018

Classification:
R

Contract Description:
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 Aviation Advisor
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Issuance Date: 06/22/2018
Closing Date: 07/09/2018
SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-18-035-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 SF171 (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/Victoria Stewart
E-mail: StewartVv@state.gov

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Victoria Stewart
E-mail: StewartVv@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-18-035-INL
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06/22/2018
3. CLOSING DATE: 07/09/2018
4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12:00 PM, EST
5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Aviation Advisor
6. MARKET VALUE: $85,181 – $125,091 (FS-02 Equivalent)
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award, with four optional years
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Guatemala City, Guatemala
9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below

A. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT
This position is located in the U.S. Department of State (DOS), Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Office of Aviation (INL/A), with duty in Guatemala City, Guatemala. INL/A provides “cradle-to-grave” aviation support services and contract oversight to various aviation programs in Latin America and the Middle East. INL/A performs this mission using a fleet of more than one hundred and fifty (150) fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The PSC serves as the SAA for the INL/A program in Guatemala. The SAA is the senior in-country aviation advisor, responsible to the INL/A Director and the INL-Guatemala Director for providing program implementation, direction, and execution oversight of INL/A provided aviation assets in support of host nation counter-narcotics (CN) efforts. In this role, the incumbent effects high level interagency coordination/liaising among the American Embassy, host nation CN police and military forces, other military services, aviation support services contractors and other participating agencies. The PSC evaluates training and operational effectiveness of in-country DOS programs, to include providing aviation support to interdiction and eradication operations, ensuring all aviation programs retain requisite operational and logistical fluidity. The SAA will have overarching responsibility for both the Aviation Training Interdiction Support (ATIS) unit and the Government of Guatemala’s Anti-Terrorism Aerial Interdication Task Force (FIAAT). He/she will monitor and evaluate the aviation support services contractor’s performance in safety, maintenance, operations and logistics. The ultimate objective is to gradually transition the ATIS from an operational platform to a training platform for select Government of Guatemala’s FIAAT personnel as the FIAAT simulataneously improves its organic capabilities and assumes primary responsibility for CN aviation operations.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Oversee and liaise with the FIAAT for the purpose of conducting individual pilot and/or mechanic training within the ATIS on a limited basis.
2. Coordinate and deconflict airspace usage within the ATIS and FIAAT areas of operations.
3. Perform oversight and evaluation of contractor operations. Oversight includes, but is not limited to, reviewing and recommending approval of waivers to published directives; authorizing use of INL/A aircraft; reviewing contractor and host nation flight training procedures; host nation flight operations procedures; monitoring contractor/host nation pilot proficiency, and monitoring contractor assistance to the host nation unit.
4. Submit weekly written reports of the contractor’s performance and activities to INL/A.
5. Provide comprehensive monthly award term input to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) regarding contractor performance.
6. Assist INL/A in developing, coordinating, organizing, and implementing comprehensive operational systems and procedures for the INL/A Guatemala aviation program. These operational systems and procedures include, but are not limited to the INL/A Aircrew Training Programs, Aviation Operations Directives, Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, and Standard Operating Procedures for counter-narcotics operations in Guatemala.
7. Develop operational tactics and new training procedures (through the contractor and the INL/A training/standardization staff) for the purpose of enhancing aerial interdiction operational procedures. These tactics and procedures will include, but are not limited to daylight and Night Vision Goggle operations and tactics, multi-ship operations, and internal and external load operations as required.
8. Provide day-to-day operational direction and guidance to the contractor for the purpose of interdicting the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, planning and coordination with U.S. DoD, DoS, DEA, Customs, other federal agencies, and host nation law enforcement agencies for the purpose of intercepting illegal drug shipments through aerial interdiction operations.
9. Implement INL/A flight regulations, aviation training and standardization, and aircrew training programs.
10. Collect and review data on aviation tactics, techniques, and employment for the ATIS.
11. Maintain constant liaison with INL/A and INL Guatemala to keep abreast of current policies, procedures, and rules that pertain to INL aviation operations.

B.-1 TRAINING & 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. Must complete CT650 Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat Course in West Virginia before arriving at Post.

C. RELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent works under the daily supervision of the INL Guatemala Director; however, the individual exercises wide latitude for independent action, initiating projects and coordinating functional activities directly with both the Office of Aviation and the US Embassy in order to meet program objectives.

D. 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 comprehensive 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.

E. COMPLEXITY
This position involves analysis of all facets of aviation operations management and involves a fleet of rotary wing aircraft, which function within an integrated program of diverse counter-narcotics missions. These missions include aerial interdiction, reconnaissance, forward area re-supply, replenishment and sustainment and limited host nation flight aviation training.

F. SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex aviation program The incumbent performs continuous analysis of interrelated issues of effectiveness and efficiency affecting the Office of Aviation’s aviation program that will improve flight safety of aviation operations in support of the counter-narcotics mission.

G. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. U.S. citizenship; able to obtain/maintain Department of State Secret and Medical Clearances, and ethics clearance, if applicable.
2. Knowledge of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, including, but not limited to FAR Part 1, 61, 67, 91, 135, 137, 141, 143, and NTSB 830.
3. Possesses a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution or equivalent (i.e., Associates Degree with five years related experience, or ten years related experience in the military, law enforcement, international development, international affairs, or public administration).
4. In-depth knowledge of tactical employment of rotary wing aircraft in a counter-narcotics environment.
5. Extensive experience as a military or civilian aircraft instructor.
6. Experience as an operations officer/manager in a military or civil organization involved in the training and standardization of rotary wing pilots, the tactical employment of aircraft in a low intensity conflict environment, and experience in the deployment of aircraft to OCONUS locations.
7. Broad knowledge of and a minimum of two-year’s experience in the formulation of plans and policies pertaining to tactical counternarcotics aviation operations
8. Basic knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and flight operations procedures.
9. Proven ability to work effectively with host-nation counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives, in a timely and concise manner.
10. Superior negotiating, interpersonal, and managerial skills.
11. Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
12. Spanish language fluency is required Level III.
13. Knowledge of and skill in operation of desktop computer based word processing systems.

H. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Experience working directly or indirectly for the Department of State.
2. Knowledge of U.S. Government contract administration procedures.

I. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT
The PSC shall be able to use a furnished office space, a computer, office telephone, and other supplies needed for job requirements. This property will be owned and maintained by DoS.

J. EVALUATION FACTORS:

Factor 1: Contract Oversight (30 Points)
Demonstrated ability to oversee and evaluate a major aviation operation mission and develop, edit, and publish evaluation reports on program progress or lack thereof. Ability to implement corrective actions.

Factor 2: Direct and Coordinate Actions (25 points)
Demonstrated ability to direct personnel and coordinate the flight of aircraft for the purpose of general aviation support to include training and operational support for the program.

Factor 3: Management & Communication Experience (35 points)
Demonstrated experience in aviation program management practices, knowledge, and use of regulations and guidelines, budget development and monitoring. interact effectively with others at all levels 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.

Factor 4: Past Performance (10 points)
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.

K. PRE-DEPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
1. If applicable – Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.
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

 

Response Date:
070918

Sol Number:
PSC-18-035-INL