Regional Port Security Advisor

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: Regional Port Security Advisor 
Location: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Salary Level:  FS-02 - $102,409-$150,391 (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: April 29,2026
Closing Date: May 13,2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:  PSC-26-028-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: 

U.S. Department of State, ATT: INL/SAO/IM PSC Team, INLPSCTeam@state.gov 

Sincerely,

Jamillah Timmons
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/SAO/IM PSC Team
E-mail: INLPSCTeam@state.gov 

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/SAO/IM PSC Team
E-mail: INLPSCTeam@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 Arms Control and International Security (T) 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 Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP) develops narcotics control and anticrime policy initiatives for countries in the Western Hemisphere that produce and transit narcotics.  INL/WHP provides overall program and policy direction for INL bilateral narcotics and anticrime assistance programs at overseas posts by developing and revising drug and crime strategies and coordinating program development with other U.S. agencies.

INL/WHP is responsible for coordinating policy and programs with other U.S. government (USG) departments and agencies involved in international narcotics control and crime activities, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Department of War (DOW), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of the Treasury.

The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to fill the position of Regional Port Security Advisor responsible for designing programs, monitoring agreements, providing technical advice, and mentoring in the development of several port security projects throughout Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) member states. The PSC Regional Port Security Advisor will work with existing implementing partners and port operators to improve the performance of port security initiatives and will work with partners throughout CBSI to develop and implement new strategies and projects to further INL’s goals of countering transnational criminal and foreign terrorist organizations (TCO/FTOs), stopping narcotrafficking from bringing dangerous drugs to America’s shores, and expanding access for U.S. companies abroad. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Santo Domingo-based INL Director or his/her designee, and working closely with INL/WHP CBSI program officers, the Port Security Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Assist INL/Santo Domingo (INL/SDO) and other INL sections in CBSI countries in planning, developing, implementing, managing, and monitoring INL-funded programs that increase port security and deter illicit trafficking through regional ports, with a focus on countering maritime trafficking.  Ensure INL port security projects meet strategic objectives and foreign assistance priorities set by the White House, the Department of State, the INL bureau, and Embassy Santo Domingo.

2.    Serve as subject matter expert for INL/SDO and INL/WHP on all issues related to port security.  Advise INL/SDO and INL/WHP program officers in the development of strategic program objectives as they relate to foreign assistance-funded port security projects and other projects as assigned.

3.    Review and assess the organizational and operational capacities of the Dominican Republic and other CBSI partner government port security systems to include physical security, cargo monitoring and inspection systems, customs procedures, interagency coordination, and law enforcement.

4.    Provide subject matter expertise to INL/SDO, other INL sections in CBSI countries, and INL/WHP in matters pertaining to port security.

5.    Review and assess the performance of ongoing CBSI port security projects including projects implemented by UNODC, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and World Customs Organization (WCO).  Evaluate and advise on the foreign assistance implementers’ organization, methods, and procedures through site visits, data analysis, and review of quarterly reports.

6.    Serve as the coordination point between INL’s maritime interdiction programs and port security programs to ensure that they complement one another and that the U.S. posture with the host nation is unified and consistent.

7.    Establish collaborative relationships with CBSI partner governments and with existing INL port security implementers including but not limited to UNODC, USCG, WCO, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

8.    Advise on, initiate, and coordinate new programs and activities related to preventing and reducing trafficking through ports in the Dominican Republic and other CBSI partners. Review support requests for accuracy and applicability.

9.    Advise and develop, in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), a regional port security communication system and other regional programs, as appropriate.

10.     Assist the Dominican Republic government, private sector port operators, and other regional partners to implement, oversee, and coordinate best practices for strengthening professionalism and reducing malfeasance that places the United States at risk in customs and port security agencies. 

11.     Collaborate with INL sections in the Caribbean to develop integrated and strategic approaches to port security.

12.     Provide advice and assistance in the preparation of procurement documentation for technical services, training, and commodities, as well as monitoring procurement actions. 

13.     Prepare monthly and annual progress reports regarding each project undertaken.  Prepare and maintain an annual implementation plan for each project of responsibility. 

14.     Research and investigate new or improved methodologies and technologies to meet unique program objectives. 

15.     Participate in relevant Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) and review cost proposals. 

16.     Serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Agreements Officer’s Representative (AOR), and/or Grants Officer’s Representative (GOR).

17.     Represent INL in internal and external meetings, ceremonies, and representational events, as required.  Articulate and promote USG, Mission, and INL policies and goals.

18.     Draft letters, cables, and other reports on INL activities under the general guidance of the INL Director.  

19.     When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.

20.     Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this SOW.

TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1.    Completes the Grant Officer Representative (GOR) and Contract Officer Representative (COR) distance-learning course through the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) within 120 days after arriving at post. 
2.    Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning course through NFATC within the first six months of arriving at post.
3.    Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to post. 
4.    Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR).
5.    Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is the U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Travel will be required throughout the Caribbean, as well as occasional travel to Washington, D.C. for briefings, consultations, and training.  Travel could also be required infrequently throughout the Western Hemisphere.

RELATIONSHIP
The Port Security Advisor reports to the INL/SDO Director/INL Officer, in coordination with INL/WHP, GA, or other INL contracting officers.  The Advisor will work at the INL/SDO office in close coordination with the rest of the INL team there.  There will be frequent travel to the field as needed, to include areas throughout the Caribbean. 

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the INL Director 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 INL Director will provide yearly performance reviews to the INL/SAO/IM Contracting Officer in Washington, D.C. to contribute to the incumbent’s official yearly review.

COMPLEXITY
This position involves planning, organizing, executing, and closing foreign assistance projects, as well as developing strategies and reporting in a number of regional countries.  Due to the high visibility, political sensitivity, and multifaceted nature of INL programming, the incumbent will be challenged to identify the nature of the problem set and develop and execute a coherent solution.  

SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS
The Advisor performs broad and extensive assignments related to complex administrative and financial programs spanning the Caribbean region and the full range of port security projects, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.

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 REQUIRED
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.    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience; or,
a)    A minimum of fifteen (15) years of professional work experience, of which a minimum of five (5) years should be related to port security, involving program development and implementation, as well as counternarcotics or transnational crime.
3.    Demonstrated experience in port security policy development.
4.    Demonstrated familiarity with port logistics and security operations, including operations to counter illicit trafficking.
5.    Experience in planning, strategizing, implementing, and reporting on port security-related projects.
6.    Demonstrated familiarity with the politics, culture, and security environment of the Caribbean region and/or Western Hemisphere.
7.    Demonstrated experience working or coordinating closely with other relevant U.S. government or international agencies (to include DEA, HSI, CBP, UNODC, and USCG).
8.    Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level. 

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:    Professional Expertise                     (35 points)
Demonstrated expertise in the field of port security and the maritime transportation industry. Well-developed capabilities to manage relationships with senior host government officials, port operators, and third-party project implementors.

FACTOR 2:    Program Development and Project Management (20 points)
Demonstrated experience in developing strategic approaches to port security that incorporate U.S. government policy objectives. Ability to advise, design, and assess technical port security projects.  Ability to work independently using refined organizational skills and proper judgement to decide when to seek supervisor’s guidance on sensitive issues

FACTOR 3:    Overseas Experience                     (15 points)
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the Caribbean or other similar overseas environments. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience managing U.S. government assistance programs and working with mid and senior-level personnel in a U.S. Embassy overseas.

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 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 – 35 
Factor #2 – 20 
Factor #3 – 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 FS-02 equivalent level ($102,409 - $150,391 per annum). 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