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 - $99,172 - $128,920
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: August 23, 2019
Closing date: September 9, 2019
Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET
Solicitation Number: PSC-19-077-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:

Dominique Chittum
U.S. Department of State
INL/RM/GAPP
ChittumDA@state.gov

Sincerely,

Anthony Pierce
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.

Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of:
INL/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: ChittumDA@state.gov

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to:
INL/Dominique Chittum
E-mail: ChittumDA@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): INL is under the Under Secretary for Democracy and Human Rights (J) and works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

The Executive Office(EX) is responsible for the development and execution of the Bureau's budget, and for the administration of all INL's international counter-narcotics and law enforcement programs, i.e., financial, personnel, administrative, acquisition, information management, and post conflict and emerging program development and program evaluation and oversight. INL programs overseas are managed by US Embassy Foreign Service and personal services contract personnel serving in Narcotics Affairs and Law Enforcement Sections (NAS and LES) who work with their host nation counterparts to develop requirements and oversee project implementation.

The Management Assistance and Program Support (MAPS) Division provides INL with the means to manage these financial and contract functions by supporting and interfacing with the relevant entities within the bureau (regional and functional program offices, other divisions within INL/EX), as well as with Embassy staff and appropriate elements within the interagency. MAPS is comprised of professionals with expertise in program management, financial management, and contract management who serve on specific program and project teams. MAPS works closely with regionally-focused and functionally-focused program officers, as well as interagency and Embassy staff, all of whom are responsible for developing and implementing INL's foreign assistance programs overseas.

The purpose of this Personal Services Contract is to fill a new Construction Management Specialist (CMS) position within INL/EX/MAPS. The CMS will serve as a member of a team with responsibility to provide technical support to the various INL Program Offices in the development, planning and coordination of various construction projects which support the INL mission worldwide. Each team member is responsible for managing the full post-award life cycle of assigned contracts to optimize INL's accountability on these high visibility projects. The CMS on occasion may deploy overseas to assist INL Program Offices with the development of design/program requirements for program support initiatives related to all types of construction and renovation projects. The CMS may be deployed prior to the delegation of a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to assist the Program Office in development of the acquisition plan as well as the design requirements for the program. The CMS may act on behalf of the Program Office in developing the Request for Proposal (RFP) and associated design documents for the solicitation; coordinate responses to Requests for Information (RFI) from interested vendors; assist the office of Acquisition Management (AQM) 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 AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based INL/EX/MAPS Section Chief or his/her designee, the CMS 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 Rule of Law 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) Advise on the distribution of work among positions and organizations and the appropriate staffing levels and skills mix.
9) 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;
10) Assist in the review of invoices and/or help draft justifications for program increases or changes in the budget submissions, particularly those requiring contract actions.
11) Research and investigate new or improved construction methodologies and technologies to meet unique program objectives.
12) Assist in the review of construction submittals, change order requests, value engineering proposals and recommend actions on behalf of the program office.
13) Liaise with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or other Federal Agencies, on construction projects.
14) Serve as advisor to the INL Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on general construction matters.
15) Audit the processes and procedures for the inspection and testing of construction materials.
16) Monitor and inspect construction projects when properly delegated.
17) Assist in developing engineering specifications and drawings.
18) 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.
19) Assist the Program Office in other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.
20) 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 to ensure the results achieve the bureau's goals.
21) Review job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
22) Monitor the contractor's requisition of supplies and materials to complete construction projects.
23) Assist the Program Office in the preparation and submission of budget estimates and progress and cost-tracking reports for each construction project.
24) Review quality control assurance program implemented by the Contractor.
25) Review and approve submittals such as mobilization and demobilization plans, area use plans, and security plans.
26) Participate in Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) and review cost proposals.
27) When under Contractor Officer (CO) delegation as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or 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 Ratings (CPARs).
28) Perform 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.
29) Assist the AO in ensuring servicing agency compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the award.
30) Prepare internal documents to support amendments to the agreement award for the AO's evaluation. All amendments to the award can only be issued by the AO.
31) Assist the GO in determining whether a payment request should be approved.
32) With prior notification to the GO, conduct site visits to the recipient's place(s) of performance, evaluate progress and identify problems, as appropriate.
TRAININGS AND DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES
1. Obtains required Federal Acquisition Certification Program for Contracting Officer Representatives (FAC-COR) Certification within 30 days of contract start. This position requires a FAC-COR Level 2. The Department's Procurement Information Bulletin 2012-15 provides the required training and experience requirements to obtain the FAC-COR Certification. The PSC must have all the requisite experience for obtaining a FAC-COR Level 2 in accordance with PIB 2012-15 prior to coming on board but will be granted 30 days to take the Department of State specific online or in-person training to receive a DOS FAC-COR Level 2 Certificate.

2. Obtain GOR certification by completing by successfully completing A/OPE/FA required courses.

3. Completes the mandatory Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Course (CT650) prior to any long-term deployments to Post or to Posts that require it due to the threat nature.

RELATIONSHIP
This position is located in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Executive Office t (INL/EX). The incumbent of this position serves as a Construction Management Specialist (CMS) in the Management Assistance & Post Support Division (MAPS), and for oversight purposes reports to a supervisory team leader. The CMS carries out duties on behalf of the various INL Program Offices and works in conjunction with the COR and Contracting Officer, but reports to the Section Chief for Contract Technical Support, INL/EX/MAPS. The CMS may be delegated authority by the CO, Agreements Officer (AO), or Grants Officer (GO) to act as the interim COR, Agreement Officer Representative (AOR), or Grants Officer Representative (GOR) until a full-time COR, AOR, or GOR is delegated.

PLACE OF PEFORMANCE AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The primary place of performance is Washington, DC.

Occasional short term overseas travel, including travel to austere environments, is anticipated as needed to support construction related programs.

COR AUTHORITIES AND LIMITATIONS
After obtaining the required FAC-COR Certification, the Contracting Officer will designate in writing, the position of COR, to take certain actions under the contract(s) requiring oversight. The designation memorandum will specify the scope and limitations of the authority to be delegated.

The COR is delegated the authority to act for the Contracting Officer in matters concerning technical clarification, inspection and, after concurrence by the Contracting Officer, acceptance of Contractor performance under the contract, including preparation of receiving reports, and the authorization of progress payments when appropriate. The COR will coordinate all work with the Contractor and review Contractor's performance at significant stages of its development. The COR will be responsible for:

• Developing a strong working relationship with the Contracting Officer
• Promptly notifying the Contracting Officer in writing of any noncompliance or deviation in performance or failure to make progress
• Maintaining constant cognizance with respect to technical compliance with contract terms on part of the Contractor
• Knowing and understanding the terms and provisions of the contract
• Knowing the scope and limitations of the COR position's authority
• Using good judgment, skill and reasonable care in the exercise of the COR position's authority
• Protecting privileged and sensitive procurement information
• If appropriate, periodically visiting the Contractor's workplace
• Serving as the property administrator for the contract(s) assigned
• Establishing and maintaining adequate COR files
• Preparing performance assessments for input into the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)

In no instance, however, shall the COR be authorized to alter or modify the specifications or the contract terms and the conditions or waive the government's requirement, price, delivery, or other terms and conditions. Such changes must be authorized, in writing, to the Contracting Officer.

GOR AUTHORITIES
After obtaining the required GOR Certification, the Grants Officer will designate in writing, the position of GOR, to take certain actions under the grant(s) requiring oversight. The designation memorandum will specify the scope and limitations of the authority to be delegated.

AOR AUTHORITIES
After obtaining the required AOR delegation letter, the Agreement Officer will designate in writing, the position of AOR, to take certain actions under the agreement (s) requiring oversight. The designation memorandum will specify the scope and limitations of the authority to be delegated.

DELIVERABLES/REPORTS
Deliverables are required under this PSC and shall include; monthly status reports, monthly evaluation of contractor performance, special reports when required and "Completion of assignment report," which shall be a compressive review of the projects in which the contractor was involved.

Each report shall include a critique of and recommendations for the various projects. The completions of assignment reports are due no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of this contract. The Personal Service Contractor shall submit copies of each report as required to the following:

1. INL/Post Director(s) and;
2. INL/Program Officer

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 AND 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, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State Top Secret level security clearance and Ethics clearance.
• An Associate's Degree from an accredited institution in:
o Civil or construction engineering, technology, or science; or,
o Construction management or technology and management; or,
o Engineering.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional work experience, of which:
o At least 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.
• At least 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,
• At least two (2) years of program/contract management oversight OCONUS, in a high threat, austere environment; or,
o At least four (4) years of experience with Facility Management and/or maintain a FMS - Facility Management Specialist designation through the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI); or,
o At least four (4) years of experience in modular design and construction, general design and construction or permanent infrastructure design/build projects; or,
o At least four (4) years of experience in construction cost estimating.
• Demonstrated training or experience in contract administration principles, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and Agency-specific policies, regulations and procedures.
• Demonstrated superior administrative and management skills. For example:
o 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.
o 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, primarily Microsoft Excel experience and expertise is required.

Substitution of Education for Experience:
A Bachelor's degree in a construction-related discipline may be substituted for one year of specialized experience, or a master's degree in a construction-related discipline may be substituted for two years of experience toward satisfying the minimum requirement for specialized experience.

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; in analyzing project needs, and defining project scope; and in determining schedule and budget required to complete the project. Demonstrated skill in interacting with other professionals and support personnel in order to provide guidance and assistance; and the ability to make decisions and provide insightful and effective recommendations to senior management on project implementation issues which affect the post-conflict programs. Demonstrated ability to assist the contracting officer in the architect-engineer source selection process.

Factor 3: Past Performance 15 points
Applicant's ability to demonstrate recent performance with a high level of quality work relevant to what is contemplated under this statement of work.

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)
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

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