Counter Narcotics Strategic 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: Counter Narcotics Strategic Advisor
Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala
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 5, 2026
Closing Date: May 19, 2026
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-26-029-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 and manages law enforcement, counternarcotics, border and port security, and criminal deterrence programs and contributes to policy formation on civilian security issues for countries in the Western Hemisphere. INL/WHP is responsible for coordinating policy and programs with other U.S. government departments and agencies involved in anticrime and narcotics control activities. 

The Guatemala Counter Narcotics Strategic Advisor Personal Services Contract (PSC) will serve as a key advisor in country to assess and sustainably integrate law enforcement activities across air, maritime, and land counter narcotics initiatives, including enhancing coordination and operations by Guatemala and U.S. advisor-supported law enforcement units.  The Strategic Advisor will also support Ministry of Health efforts to regulate controlled chemicals and strengthen the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) capacity to detect and identify illicit substances.  The Strategic Advisor will seek to build on existing capabilities of law enforcement units in Guatemala, particularly vetted, trusted, and specialized units, and establish regional networks for operational, training, and coordination purposes to improve the impact of national law enforcement forces to jointly address common threats to security.  The Strategic Advisor will implement "best practices" for reducing Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), transnational, and narcotics-related crime, and other criminal activities within Guatemala that impact the United States.  The Strategic Advisor will work with INL advisors and INL supported interagency personnel to plan and coordinate the implementation of projects and operations designed to link national-level law enforcement actions.

The Strategic Advisor will provide expertise in the strategic planning and development of land, border, and maritime law enforcement programs with the goal of implementing and expanding operations among existing law enforcement units such as DEA’s vetted unit and other trusted and specialized vetted units associated with the National Civil Police (PNC) and Naval Special Forces Command (COFEN) of Guatemala.  The Strategic Advisor will provide expert advice to a range of law enforcement units, in coordination with relevant INL or INL-supported personnel.  Operational objectives include counter narcotics and anti-trafficking operations, precursor chemical detection and identification, drug trafficking investigations, as well as the establishment or expansion of intelligence platforms for information sharing and best practices for regional coordination and cooperation when aligned with U.S. interests.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Guatemala-based INL Counternarcotics Program Officer or his/her designee, the Counter Narcotic Strategic Advisor will perform the following duties:

1.    Serve as the INL Strategic Advisor in Guatemala to assist in the coordination of operations, intelligence-sharing, and joint training opportunities for law enforcement units in country, with particular focus on unifying interagency efforts and information sharing among like-minded units (e.g., anti-gang and counter narcotics units).
2.    Provide strategic and tactical information and recommendations on the organizational and operational capacities of host nation law enforcement units, particularly regarding their interaction with other Government of Guatemala units and partner nation units. 
3.    In consultation with the antinarcotics police of Guatemala (SGAIA), DEA’s supported Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and DEA’s money laundering unit, develop and maintain a plan for operational, informational, and networking opportunities that will promote effective and sustainable regional coordination on land, border, and maritime law enforcement activities.
4.    Build and foster collaborative partnerships in the community between host government law enforcement entities, defense ministry, health ministry, and INACIF to strengthen coordination of information sharing and operational  activities, as appropriate.
5.    Develop best practices to oversee, coordinate and administer law enforcement activities to combat transnational crime. Implement best practices in coordination with INL personnel and INL-supported interagency personnel, as well as with host government law enforcement units.
6.    In collaboration with the relevant INL staff, identify joint training needs for law enforcement units to strengthen host government skills in conducting cross-border operations, information sharing, and networking to combat illegal trafficking of drugs and precursor chemicals. Identify training options/course availability in the region or the U.S.
7.    Provide strategic planning and process development, in coordination with the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATIF), for coordination of multiple law enforcement units, to include logistics, budgeting, and administrative and legal concerns.
8.    Provide weekly reporting to INL Guatemala (INL/G) on activities, achievements, challenges and next steps. Reporting shall include key metrics, as  identified by INL/WHP and INL Directors.
9.    Attend meetings with U.S. and host-government officials as requested.
10.     When required, perform the role of Duty Officer.
11.     Perform other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

TRAINING AND DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1.    Complete the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 90 days of arriving at Post.
2.    Complete the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning course through the FSI within six months of arriving at Post.
3.    Complete 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 Guatemala City, in Guatemala.  Travel throughout Guatemala to work with, train, and advise Guatemalan officials on port of entry management, and monitor and evaluate policy implementation and training impacts will be required. 

RELATIONSHIP
The Strategic Advisor reports directly to the Counternarcotics Program Officer at U.S. Embassy Guatemala and will have close working relationships with the INL-G Deputy Director, Director, Counternarcotics Advisor, and INL sections and offices in Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama). This position must also closely coordinate with the U.S. interagency team and Law Enforcement Working Group at U.S. Embassy Guatemala. The Strategic Advisor will provide weekly updates to the Counternarcotics Officer in Guatemala. 

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the Counternarcotics 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 Counternarcotics 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
The Strategic Advisor must be able to review host country law enforcement needs and capacity to increase the scope of operations and information-sharing; develop and manage relationships with multiple INL personnel, law enforcement units, and host government officials spanning the seven countries of Central America and Washington D.C.; ensure sustainability of projects through provision of planning, communication, and operational standards; and have the ability to integrate competing needs of partner nation law enforcement units into a coherent and comprehensive transnational approach.

SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS
The Strategic Advisor performs a broad range of coordination tasks related to development of law enforcement capacity in a complex foreign assistance environment in Guatemala, 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. 
3.    A minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a sworn civilian law enforcement officer or as a military officer with security related duties in an organization of at least twenty-five (25) personnel.
4.        A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.
5.    A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the area of law enforcement operations, management, or training. 
6.    Demonstrated experience implementing law enforcement programs in Latin America, including specific experience with police liaison activities and establishing a police presence in difficult high-crime zones/areas.
7.    Demonstrated experience working with partner nation policing programs, policing tactics and theories, and management of resources.
8.    Demonstrated relevant work experience in law enforcement program management and problem-solving methodologies.
9.    Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level. 
10.     Demonstrated knowledge and experience with U.S. Government (USG) regulations, standards of conduct, and ethics.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.)  Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor.  Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

 Factor 1:    Work Experience                                                       30 Points
Demonstrated work experience in counternarcotics as a law enforcement officer, or an advisor to law enforcement officers. Experience abroad managing bilateral or multilateral law enforcement, citizen security, and/or security assistance programs.  

Factor 2:     Program Budget Experience                             10 Points                                                                                
Demonstrated experience preparing budgets, spend plans, statements of work, procurement orders, purchase requests, sole-source justification waiver requests.

Factor 3:    Management Experience                                     15 Points
Demonstrated experience managing law enforcement, rule of law, and/or security related projects, include determining requirements, developing plans, managing implementation, conducting oversight, and reporting on results.  Demonstrated experience managing and motivating teams and individuals to achieve their potential. 

Factor 4:   Communication Experience                     15 Points
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English and    Spanish, both orally and in writing; interact with stakeholders at all levels; prepare, analyze, and defend determinations on legal and regulatory compliance; and advise program officials. 
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who clearly meet the Minimum 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: 
 
Written Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:  
Factor #1 – 30  
Factor #2 – 10  
Factor #3 – 15 
Factor #4 – 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, 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