Construction Management Specialist

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: Construction Management Specialist
Location: Washington, DC
Salary Level: GS-13 - $121,785-$158,322 
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: September 17, 2026
Closing Date: September 25, 2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-26-039-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.  

The INL Office of Security Assistance and Operations/Accountability and Training (SAO/AT) Division empowers domestic and overseas INL staff through data-driven, INL-specific training and on-the-job reinforcement, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to execute and manage INL programs effectively.
 
INL/SAO/AT safeguards resources and affirms compliance with U.S. federal laws and Department of State protocols and regulations through the identification of deficiencies, assessment of risks, recommendation of solutions and implementation of proper management controls. This includes ensuring compliance with property procedures, construction standards, and ad hoc Contracting Officer Representative (COR) support and transparency and coordination with the oversight community. 

The purpose of this Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to fill the Construction Management Specialist (CMS) position. The CMS will provide technical support to INL Program Offices in the development, planning and coordination of various construction projects which support the INL mission worldwide. On occasion, the CMS may deploy overseas to assist INL Program Offices with the development of design/program requirements, and possibly the development of the acquisition plan, for program support initiatives related to all types of construction and renovation projects. The CMS will also be responsible for tracking the status and costs of all construction-related projects within their regional portfolio. Additional possible responsibilities include: developing the Request for Proposal (RFP) and associated design documents for the solicitation; coordinate responses to requests for information from interested vendors; assist in coordinating site visits for interested vendors and stake holders; participate as a member of the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP); serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on Design Build, and Design-Bid-Build construction projects and related matters; and provide guidance to the Program Office on construction-related issues to include OSHA and environmental concerns. The CMS in conjunction with the specific embassy program officer will coordinate with various foreign government personnel to develop the design requirements for construction projects in support of the INL program office objectives.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based INL/SAO/AT/A Branch Chief or his/her designee, the Construction Management Specialist will perform the following duties:

1.    Assist the Program Office in the preparation of program objectives as they relate to construction projects, construction specifications, cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports.
2.    Provide program and construction-related financial guidance (e.g., materials and labor cost estimates) to program managers and other INL employees in program countries.
3.    Provide advice and assistance to other staff members, as appropriate, and senior managers on program management and construction contracting problems or issues. 
4.    Work closely with the Program Managers, INL Directors, Division Chief(s) and other senior staff to develop a construction management program in support of program objectives at various embassies and consulates. 
5.    Analyze and evaluate (on a quantitative or qualitative basis) cost proposals for construction projects and related services.
6.    Assist the program office in the development of work requirements for construction contracts on Design Build and Design Bid Build projects in support of INL initiatives in foreign countries.
7.    Conduct field inspections for various construction projects, evaluate compliance with International Building Codes, verify compliance with OSHA and EPA requirements, and compliance with requirements noted in contract documents (construction documents).
8.    Evaluate and advise on the organization, methods, and procedures for providing administrative support systems such as records, communications, directives, forms, files, and documentation as it relates to construction management.
9.    Research and investigate new or improved construction methodologies and technologies to meet unique program objectives. 
10.    Assist in the review of construction submittals, change order requests, and value engineering proposals and recommend actions on behalf of the program office. 
11.    Liaise with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or other Federal Agencies, on construction projects.
12.    Serve as advisor to the INL COR on general construction matters. 
13.    Audit the processes and procedures for the inspection and testing of construction materials.
14.    Monitor and inspect construction projects when properly delegated.
15.    Assist in developing engineering specifications and drawings.
16.    Review field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, and buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
17.    Assist the Program Office in other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.
18.    Review and document performance issues in relation to original contract award amount and completion time, ensuring appropriate approvals; review progress reports, updates, plans and schedules. Review, monitor and report the status of multiple contractor projects to various program offices and the INL/SAO/AT/A Branch Chief to ensure the results achieve the bureau’s goals.
19.    Review job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
20.    Monitor the contractor’s requisition of supplies and materials to complete construction projects.
21.    Assist the Program Office in the preparation and submission of budget estimates and progress and cost-tracking reports for each construction project.
22.    Review quality control assurance program implemented by the Contractor.
23.    Review and approve submittals such as mobilization and demobilization plans, area use plans, and security plans.
24.    Participate in Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) and review cost proposals.
25.    When under Contracting Officer (CO) delegation as a Government Technical Monitor (GTM), the CMS will monitor and evaluate Contractor performance throughout the life of the contract and provide the CO with Contractor Performance Assessment Ratings (CPARs).
26.    With prior notification to the CO, conduct site visits to the recipient’s place(s) of performance, evaluate progress and identify problems, as appropriate.
27.    Tracks the status and costs of all construction projects within their regional portfolios within the assigned office construction management dashboard. 
28.    Ensures the branch chief and other construction management team members are kept apprised of all construction project communications through the use of the construction team email distro and inbox.  
29.    Maintains security awareness and properly handles classified and controlled items and information.  
30.    When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
31.    Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.
32.    Performs 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. 
TRAINING & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1.    Candidate must possess all pre-requisite experience for the Federal Acquisition Certification Program for Contracting Officer Representatives (FAC-COR) Level II Certification in order to be considered for award but will be granted 30 days to take the online or in-person training to receive a DOS FAC-COR Level II Certificate.  The full performance level for this position is at the FAC-COR Level III.
2.    This position requires the PSC to acquire FAC-COR certification within 120 days of award.
3.    Complete the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) within one year of assuming the position. 
4.    Complete the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR) within 1 year of assuming the position.
5.    Take additional training courses as applicable and required by the INL/SAO/AT/A Branch Chief.  

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The place of performance for this position is Washington, DC. Occasional travel will be required.    
    
RELATIONSHIPS
This position is located in the INL/SAO office. The incumbent of this position serves as a Construction Management Specialist in the Accountability and Training Division, Accountability Branch, and for oversight purposes reports to the Accountability Branch Chief.  The CMS carries out duties on behalf of the Bureau – through the INL/SAO/AT/A branch chief - who receives directions from the INL program offices, Posts, SAO leadership and FO principals. The CMS works in conjunction with the COR and CO but reports to the INL/SAO/AT/A Branch Chief.  

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the INL/SAO/AT/A Branch Chief, 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/SAO/AT/A Branch Chief 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.

TELEWORK 
This position allows for situational telework. Telework is authorized by the supervisor and CO and is subject to change based on Bureau or office needs.

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 in discerning the intent of the legislation and policy statements and determining how to translate the intent into program actions.

SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS
The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex administrative/financial program spanning the full range of citizen safety, law enforcement, rule of law, and counternarcotics programs across the globe, 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 Top Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable). 
2.    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in civil or construction engineering, technology, science or construction management.
3.    A minimum of ten (10) years of professional work experience, of which: 
a.    A minimum of two (2) years include monitoring projects of a scale, scope, and complexity commensurate with multi-million-dollar projects performed around the world, to include work performed in austere environments.   
4.    A minimum of four (4) years of experience in senior project management roles that involve strategic planning, project management using critical path methodology, resource management, quality control processes, and budgeting: or,
a.    A minimum of two (2) years of program/contract management oversight OCONUS, in a high threat, austere environment; or,
b.    A minimum of four (4) years of experience with Facility Management and/or maintain a Facility Management Specialist (FMS) designation through the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI); or,
c.    A minimum of four (4) years of experience in modular design and construction, general design and construction or permanent infrastructure design/build projects; or, 
d.    A minimum of four (4) years of experience in construction cost estimating.
5.    Demonstrated training or experience in contract administration principles, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and agency-specific policies, regulations, and procedures.
6.    A minimum of twelve (12) months of previous COR experience as defined below:
•    Activities experience -- Performing acquisition-related activities, such as performing market research, writing specifications, Statements of Work or Statements of Objectives, developing quality assurance surveillance plans, assisting the Contracting Officer (CO), COR or GTM as a technical monitor, and participating as a subject matter expert on a technical evaluation team; and/or
7.    Demonstrated superior administrative and management skills. For example:
a.    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
b.    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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:     Technical Expertise                        (30 points)
Demonstrated technical expertise and ability to manage complex, multifaceted international projects, e.g. determine needs, define goals, and develop work plans for multi-million dollar projects, and as part of a professional team, carry out the full range of responsibilities from inception to completion. 

Factor 2:     Project Management Knowledge & Abilities        (25 points)
Demonstrated ability to work with public and private contracting or consulting firms to analyze project needs, define project scope, and determine the schedule and budget required for project completion. Demonstrated skill interacting with professionals and support personnel to provide guidance and assistance, make sound decisions, and offer insightful, effective recommendations to senior management on project implementation issues affecting post-conflict programs. Demonstrated ability to assist the contracting officer in the architect-engineer source selection process.

Factor 3:     Management & Communication Experience        (15 points) 
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner; 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. 

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 – 25 
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 GS-13 equivalent level ($121,785 - $158,322 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