Counternarcotics Technical 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: Counternarcotics Technical Advisor Location: Bogota, Colombia 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: September 28, 2026 Closing Date: October 13, 2026 Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET Solicitation Number: PSC-26-041-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, [email protected] 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: [email protected] Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/SAO/IM PSC Team E-mail: [email protected] 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 (WHP) develops and manages U.S. government assistance to countries in the region, including Colombia. The INL section at U.S. Embassy Bogota, established in 1985, is among the largest and most complex INL offices in the world. INL Bogota is charged with developing strategies and programs to achieve international narcotics control, law enforcement, and criminal deterrence foreign policy objectives. The purpose of the Counternarcotics Technical (CN) Advisor Personal Services Contract (PSC) is to support the deployment and management of a UAS/ISR/C-UAS program with the Colombian National Police, Colombian Army, Colombian Navy, and Colombian Air Force. INL Bogota provides these tools to host nation forces for the purpose of executing counternarcotics and anti-crime operations. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Bogota-based INL Aviation Division Chief or his/her designee, the Counternarcotics Technical Advisor will perform the following duties: 1. Serve as the principal INL Bogota advisor on the creation and management of an Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) system for the Colombian police and military services, whose elements include collection platforms, sensors, associated infrastructure, and exploitation and analysis capability. 2. Manage the procurement, maintenance, training, and use of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) within Colombian police and military services as part of the overall ISR program, as well as counter-UAS (C-UAS) to protect personnel, equipment, and critical infrastructure. This may include UAS and C-UAS at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels as well as associated infrastructure. Ensure program meets all airworthiness and aviation standards as applicable under Department of State regulations. 3. Manage the procurement, development, maintenance, and use of software systems underlying the ISR program, to include software for real-time transmission of video, image archiving, data analysis, and mission planning. This includes the Common Operating Picture program currently employed by INL Bogota. 4. Manage the procurement, maintenance, training, and use of sensor platforms attached to manned and unmanned aerial assets for bilateral ISR programs. 5. Provide contract administration to the third-party contractor team composed of UAS and C-UAS trainers, UAS and C-UAS technicians, geospatial analysts and program management specialists supporting the ISR program. 6. Advise and assist Colombian government in the application and use of ISR assets for counternarcotics missions. 7. Manage the procurement, maintenance, training, and use UAS within Colombian police and military services for coca eradication and other emerging counternarcotics operations. 8. Establish relationships with the Department of War, U.S. interagency, and other providers of similar technology in Colombia. 9. Ensure INL Bogota is integrated into INL and Department of State ISR, UAS, and C-UAS efforts. As requested, and in coordination with INL Air Wing (ACB/A), advise and assist INL programs globally and regionally on UAS/ISR/C-UAS programs and procurements. 10. Serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Government Technical Monitor (GTM), Agreement Officer Representative (AOR), or Grants Officer Representative (GOR) for contracts, inter-agency agreements, or grants related to the requirements above. 11. Assist in the preparation of required reporting, such as the annual budget request for International Narcotics, Crime and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funds and the Mission Resource Request. Help administer and monitor the expenditure of funds provided to Colombian military forces and the Colombian National Police (CNP). Prepare program documentation and procurement requirements for UAS/ISR/C-UAS projects. Help prepare regular reporting, including monthly status reports. Apply program management skills and COR certification to support and advise on related Colombian public force counternarcotics programs to include project design and implementation. 12. Establish and maintain appropriate internal management control systems. Ensure that INL Bogota programs are not subject to waste, fraud, or mismanagement. Help manage and monitor the use of all U.S.-provided commodities. 13. Participate, as directed, in INL Bogota’s End-Use Monitoring program for assets and supplies the USG provides to GOC counternarcotics forces. 14. Assist in briefing Department, Congressional, and other international dignitaries orally and in writing on the INL-funded programs in Colombia as directed by the Director and Aviation Division leadership. Serve as control officer as necessary for official visitors. 15. Maintain security awareness and properly handle classified and controlled items and information. 16. When required, perform the role of Duty Officer. 17. Perform 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 National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) within 60 days of arriving at Post. 2. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the NFATC within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post. 3. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to deployment to Post. 4. Consultations with the INL Program Office in Washington may be required. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The place of performance for this position is US Embassy Bogota, Colombia. Regular travel to the CNP training facility (CENOP) in Tolima, the CNP aviation base in Guaymaral, as well as rural areas, small towns, and occasionally to large cities throughout Colombia is a requirement of this position. Many of these areas in Colombia are conflict zones where insurgent groups are based, criminal organizations operate, and crime is generally high. In addition, many of these areas in Colombia are tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, tropical insects and diseases, and minimal infrastructure. The position may require international travel to coordinate on regional contracts, training, and technology initiatives shared between INL Bogota and other INL programs. RELATIONSHIPS The Counternarcotics Technical Advisor will report directly to the Aviation Division Chief but will also coordinate closely with other INL division chiefs for transversal projects. He/she will liaise and coordinate with INL/WHP staff in Washington, DC, as well as INL/ACB/A UAS and C-UAS staff as needed. The Counternarcotics Technical Advisor will provide general administrative and policy recommendations concerning overall program priorities and objectives, as well as work with INL/WHP to develop and manage programs and related issues. The Counternarcotics Technical Advisor will liaise with other agencies/governments active in the fields of aviation, policing, law enforcement, security assistance and cooperation, intelligence, public affairs, and with host government contacts. The Counternarcotics Technical Advisor will monitor ISR, UAS, and C-UAS projects in Colombia, analyzing their effectiveness and suggesting improvements. The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington. In no instance shall the Aviation Division 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 Aviation Division 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. COMPLEXITY This position involves national-level planning, organizing, and financial and organizational analysis of enormous complexity. Due to the high visibility, political sensitivity, and evolving nature of the issues in which INL Bogota is involved, the specific issues and the planning, organizing, and determination of the scope and depth of work will change over time. The PSC is expected to address difficult and evolving 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 legislation and policy statements and translating them into program actions. SCOPE & EFFECTIVENESS The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex administrative and financial program spanning the full range of citizen safety, law enforcement, criminal deterrence, aviation, and counternarcotics programs in Colombia, 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. Minimum of five (5) years related experience in the fields of UAS and/or C-UAS, AND one or more of the following: policing, law enforcement, security, counternarcotics and/or international affairs or business; a. College degree AND a minimum of three (3) years related experience in the fields of UAS and/or C-UAS, AND one or more of the following: policing, law enforcement, security, counternarcotics, and/or Latin American affairs or business. 3. Demonstrated experience in project management, including design, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation. 4. Demonstrated experience drafting analytical briefing papers, memoranda, letters, and reports for review and/or approval by senior leaders. 5. 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: Work Experience (20 points) Demonstrated experience and knowledge in developing, coordinating, organizing, and implementing programs relevant to supporting foreign country security forces, as well as reporting on related issues. Previous substantive security, law enforcement, or related experience overseas, including in Latin America and/or working with the Department of State, is preferred. Factor 2: Program Management Experience (30 points) Demonstrated experience relevant to preparing budgets, spend plans, statements of work (SOW), procurement orders, purchase requests, and sole-source justification waiver requests. Demonstrated experience in initiating, performing oversight, and evaluating security training and logistics or related programs, particularly utilizing UAS/ISR/C-UAS equipment. Experience cultivating networks of interagency and foreign government officials and industry for program implementation is preferred. Factor 3: Substantive Knowledge (20 points) Demonstrated substantive knowledge of UAS/ISR/C-UAS systems to include technical capabilities, training requirements, operational use, safety requirements, and relevant Department of State or other government regulations. 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 – 20 Factor #2 – 30 Factor #3 – 20 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