Border Police 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: Border Police Advisor
Location: San Salvador, El Salvador
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: May 13, 2026
Closing Date:   May 28, 2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number:  PSC-26-031-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,

Deborah Dietzel
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.  

The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) in El Salvador implements programs funded by the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (INL/WHP).  The Bureau is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, and supervision of international narcotics control, law enforcement activities, and international criminal justice issues for the DOS.  

The purpose of the Personal Service Contract (PSC) is to provide a Border Police Advisor who will serve in El Salvador on the full range of border security-related law enforcement issues confronting the Salvadoran National Civilian Police (PNC), Directorate of Migrations (DGME), Customs (DGA), and Port Authority (CEPA) to evaluate training, and assist the Government of El Salvador’s border security component agencies with implementing "best practices" to enhance border security, reduce narcotics and illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities.  The Border Police Advisor will manage projects/programs that provide technical law enforcement expertise, policy guidance, technical assistance, and training on behalf of INL in support of host-nation efforts to improve border security techniques and infrastructure and reduce illicit drug trafficking activity at and between El Salvador’s ports of entry.  

The Border Police Advisor may provide significant input in strategic planning and developing of possible future law enforcement projects in El Salvador, notably counternarcotics projects aimed at stemming the flow of illicit drugs through El Salvador, port security enhancement, and process and procedural alignment between border component agencies in El Salvador.  The Border Police Advisor will serve as INL’s main point of contact for Border Security, often working with the interagency (DEA, FBI, DHS, USCG, and DOD) to design and implement strategies and projects intended to increase interdiction capacity in El Salvador.  In addition, the Border Police Advisor will provide assistance to the PNC’s Anti-Narcotics Division (DAN), which seeks to increase Salvadoran capacity to integrate its units and their focus on countering narcotrafficking into standard operating procedures at ports of entry to enhance a wholistic approach to border security in EL Salvador.  

The Border Police Advisor will coordinate programs with Salvadoran government entities, interagency partners working on border security and counternarcotics programming on behalf of the U.S. Embassy, other INL offices in the region, and other police advisors and/or contractors working for the INL program in El Salvador.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the San Salvador-based INL Program Officer or his/her designee, the Border Police Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Review and assess the organizational and operational capacities of the Government of El Salvador (GOES), including the PNC’s Border Police, and Antinarcotics Division, DGME, DGA, and CEPA on border security and counternarcotics operations.  In consultation with INL/ES leadership, develop and maintain an assistance plan that will promote effective and sustainable policing practices with a focus on illegal drugs and illegal migration trends.

2.    Establish collaborative partnerships between the GOES and the individuals and organizations they serve to develop solutions to problems and increase trust in PNC, DGME, DGA, CEPA, and other Salvadoran entities with equities at the borders, including the military. 

3.    Assist the GOES to develop best practices to oversee, coordinate, and establish a secure border security posture, which includes emphasis in countering illegal migration, transnational crime, and illicit drug trafficking aimed at stemming the flow of illicit drugs, illegal migrants, and other contraband through El Salvador destined for the United States.

4.    Initiate, coordinate and advise on activities related to preventing and reducing illicit migration through crime in El Salvador; improve PNC effectiveness in investigating major crimes while working with U.S. vetted and specialized units and executing counternarcotics activities aimed at stemming the flow of illicit drugs and transnational crime through El Salvador. 

5.    Assist the GOES to implement, oversee, and coordinate best practices for developing an effective, efficient approach to wholistic border security posture leading to crime reduction, the interdiction of illicit drugs, and eliminating the transit of illegal migrants destined for the U.S. border.

6.    Work with the other INL advisors to identify PNC personnel training needs to enhance border security and counter-narcotics capabilities. Propose training options/course availability in the region or the United States.

7.    Work with the other INL advisors to execute projects in accordance with the objectives and terms established in letters of agreement, work plans, or similar documents. 

8.    Provide advice and assistance to prepare documentation for technical services, training, and commodities, as well as monitoring procurement actions, including drafting source-origin waivers, bid solicitations, scopes of work, and delivery and acceptance of procured items. 

9.    Work with the INL personnel to prepare quarterly and annual progress reports.  Prepare an annual strategic plan for each project of responsibility.

10.    Coordinate with INL’s monitoring and evaluations advisor, program officer, and other personnel to create and improve INL’s monitoring activities.

11.    Supervise two-three Locally Employed Staff (LES) and oversee one-two Third Party Contractors (TPCs) operating under their purview as required. Work collaboratively with two Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Advisors detailed to INL/ES.

12.    Attend meetings with U.S. and host-government officials as requested, including regional working group meetings.  

13.    When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.

14.    Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1.    Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) within 120 days of arriving at Post.
2.    Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.
3.    Completes the required Grants Officer Representative distance learning (DL) courses through the Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) and obtains GOR certification within 90 days of arriving at Post.  Certification must continue throughout life of contract.
4.    Completes the Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course (CT650) course through the Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) prior to arriving at Post.
5.    Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR).
6.    Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance is the US Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador. This position requires travel within El Salvador, as well as occasional (less than 10%) travel to other Central American countries and to the United States as needed.  

RELATIONSHIP
The Border Police Advisor reports to an INL Program Officer at U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador. The Border Police Advisor is required to have effective and professional relationships with all members of the INL/ES team, coordinating efforts across programs, and ensuring an efficient and positive work environment. 
The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the INL Program Officer 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 Program Officer 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 and completing financial and organizational analysis of enormous complexity.  Due to the high visibility and political sensitivity of the issues in which INL is involved, there is extreme difficulty in identifying the nature of the issues and planning, organizing and determining the scope and depth of studies/audits to be undertaken.  The PSC is expected to address difficult scenarios by separating the substantive nature of the programs or issues into their components and determining the nature and magnitude of programs or issues, as well as discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions.

SCOPE AND EFFECTIVENESS
The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex administrative/financial program spanning the full-range of border security, migration policy, counter terrorism, citizen safety, law enforcement, and counternarcotics programs in El Salvador, 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
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; or, 
a.    A minimum of twenty (20) years of experience as a sworn civilian law enforcement officer working in a border environment.
3.    A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.
4.    A minimum of five (5) years of police program experience, such as experience with border security, police liaison activities, counternarcotics policing, and narcotics interdiction efforts.  
5.    Demonstrated experience in training police tactics and theories, managing resources, and working with partner nation policing programs. 
6.    Demonstrated experience interacting with high-level officials, governmental and non-governmental.
7.    A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in law enforcement program management, training, and problem-solving methodologies. Demonstrated experience in designing, managing, and overseeing international foreign assistance projects, including managing U.S. Government (USG) contracts, grants, inter-agency agreements, and/or donations to international organizations.   
8.    Demonstrated experience in reporting and program budget execution.  Familiarity with metrics and evaluation. 
9.    Demonstrated experience in a liaison capacity, working with a wide variety of governmental, public, or private sector representatives.
10.    Demonstrated relevant work experience in Latin America.
11.      Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient         
  level. 
12.    Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USG regulations, standards of conduct, and ethics. 

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:    Coordination and Collaboration                              (25 points)
Demonstrated experience planning and developing border security and counter-drug programs; coordinating with host-country officials in multicultural environments overseas; strengthening police institutions; and advising on implementation and policy. Preferred experience managing border security assistance programs.

Factor 2:     Development/Implementation                                            (15 points)
Demonstrated ability to model innovative approaches and build collaborative relationships to improve border security in remote, under-resourced environments; use expertise to influence and educate others. Ability to promote modern policing philosophy and integrated border security techniques within organizations. Preferred experience building consensus among high-level Embassy and host government contacts.

Factor 3:    Knowledge and Ability                                          (20 points)
Demonstrated knowledge of modern border security concepts to analyze programs and support USG objectives.  Ability to manage resources, collaborate, and influence outcomes.  Experience in Latin America on law enforcement, border security, counternarcotics, foreign assistance, and biometrics.  Strong communication skills for policy planning and recommendations.  Preferred experience managing U.S. assistance programs over $5 million.

Factor 4:    Program Management                                  (10 points)
Demonstrated knowledge of program management concepts, practices, and principles including the ability to prioritize requests, develop and track program plans and implementation timelines, and analyze results in order to effectively manage programs that meet USG objectives.  Prior INL and/or USG law enforcement/ border security coordination experience, preferably in the Central American context.

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 – 25
Factor #2 – 15
Factor #3 – 20
Factor #4 – 10
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