INL Program Coordinator

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: INL Program Coordinator

Location: San Salvador, El Salvador

Salary Level:  FS-02 - $102,409-$150,391 (Equivalent GS-14)

Period of performance: The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions.

Issuance Date: Wednesday, November 04, 2026

Closing Date: Monday, November 09, 2026

Closing Time: 3:00 PM ET

Solicitation Number:  PSC-27-002-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:
   1. 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.
   2. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
   3. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
   4. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
   5. 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.

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

Personal Service Contractor (PSC)

Statement of Work (SOW)

U.S. Embassy - San Salvador, El Salvador

INL Program Coordinator

FS-02 (Equivalent GS-14)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT

Mission of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL): 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.

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 keep Americans safe by countering crime and illegal drugs, abroad by prioritizing delivering tangible benefits to the American people through security assistance, criminal deterrence tools, and diplomatic engagement to address threats at their source.

INL directly supports Administration priorities to expand security partnerships and counter transnational threats by degrading transnational criminal organizations and narco-terrorists; reinforces the Administration's focus on stopping significant transnational threats by disrupting drugs and crime harming U.S. communities; and advances U.S. foreign policy in a competitive global environment, where adversaries seek to undermine U.S. interests, by expanding U.S. advantage and access in strategically vital regions. INL's mission is supported by policies, programs, and activities in Washington, DC, and over 90 nations with security assistance programs.

The purpose of the Personal Service Contract (PSC) is to provide an INL Program Coordinator who will serve in El Salvador to assist the Government of El Salvador (GOES) to combat transnational crime, human smuggling, human trafficking, terrorist organizations, and gang recruitment by assisting the INL Section’s implementation of projects and programs.  In support of INL El Salvador programs, the INL Coordinator will bring host government agencies together on projects and programs to build effective coordination and stronger cooperation among Salvadoran institutions. 

The PSC will create platforms for USG agencies, international organizations, Salvadoran counterparts, and other nongovernmental organizations to discuss challenges and propose coordinated solutions and strategies to advance U.S. assistance and Salvadoran security.  The coordinator will provide expertise in developing program strategies and implementation plans within the rubric of current U.S. foreign assistance and local national security strategies and make recommendations to adjust those programs and strategies.

The INL Coordinator will coordinate programs with Salvadoran government entities, interagency partners, other INL advisors and/or contractors working for the INL program in El Salvador, as well as other INL advisors in the region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the INL El Salvador Director or his/her designee, the INL Program Coordinator will perform the following duties:

1. Serves as the INL Coordinator and advise on implementation of the various INL program activities such as criminal deterrence, criminal investigations, human trafficking and smuggling, counternarcotics, transnational crime, and counterterrorism.  The INL Program Coordinator will coordinate these activities with U.S. government agencies operating in El Salvador, international organizations, the appropriate GOES institutions, and nongovernmental organizations.
2. Assists the INL Director and Deputy Director on planning and implementing transnational crime and counterterrorism activities to include policy, training and inter-ministerial coordination.  Build capacity enhancement projects, focused on strengthening El Salvador’s ability to disrupt foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations.
3. Ensures alignment with strategic objectives and foreign assistance priorities established by the White House, the Department of State, U.S. Embassy El Salvador, and INL El Salvador, while prioritizing long-term sustainability and institutional modernization. 
4. Supports a wide range of INL program activities and work closely with U.S. and foreign counterparts on countering transnational crime, counterterrorism, counternarcotics, money laundering, investigations, and anti-gang.
5. Assists the INL Section to assess the current partner governments, civil society, and private sector capabilities to respond to security and law enforcement challenges and make recommendations on effective strategies.
6. Contributes to reporting efforts, including but not limited to reporting on issues and programs, drafting documents and memoranda, and coordinating high-level and strategic planning meetings.
7. Works with GOES to develop security plans during and after the state of exception to maintain and build upon security gains and identify capacity deficits that prevent insecurity.  Ensure that plans are sufficiently comprehensive to cover all aspects of security, including crime and gang recruitment prevention, enforcement operations, prosecutions, investigations, and judicial effectiveness.
8. Develops and supervises a team consisting of locally engaged staff, third-party contractors, and personal service contractors.  Participate in human resources training and programs for staff development.
9. Provides advisory and assistance to the GOES through appropriate advisors, training, and agreements in order to establish strong and professional criminal justice institutions that follow established policies, procedures, and systems required to operate in a challenging global environment.
10. Provides policy analysis and program guidance on issues and strategies such as program milestones, performance measures, and developing new projects to combat transnational crime and terrorist organizations.
11. When required, performs the role of Duty Officer.
12. Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

TRAININGS & DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES

1. Completes the Contracting Officer Representative (PA296) distance-learning (DL) course through the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) within 120 days of arriving at Post.
2. Completes the Introduction to Working in an Embassy (PN113) distance-learning (DL) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within the first six (6) months of arriving at Post.
3. Completes the Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) course (CT650) course through the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) prior to arriving at Post.
4. Completes online EEO and Harassment Training within thirty days of arriving at Post.
5. Works with the INL Program Office/Post to determine a timeline for completing the INL Staff Orientation and Readiness Training (SOAR).
6. Consultations with the INL Program Office may be required.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador.  This position requires travel within El Salvador, as well as occasional (less than 10%) travel to other Latin American countries and to the United States as needed.

RELATIONSHIP

The INL Program Coordinator will report to the INL El Salvador Director, through the INL Deputy Director,  at U.S. Embassy San Salvador.  The INL Program Coordinator will work in partnership with INL section personnel, the U.S. interagency, Salvadoran institutions such as the Attorney General, Minister of Public Security and Justice, National Civilian Police leadership, Migration leadership; and with relevant civil society and international organizations.

The Contract Administrator shall be the INL Contracting Officer in Washington.  In no instance shall the INL El Salvador Director 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.

COMPLEXITY

The coordinator must be able to review host country law enforcement needs and capacity to increase the scope and effectiveness of operations; develop and manage relationships with multiple INL personnel, law enforcement units, host government officials, and interested parties in Washington, DC, to ensure sustainability of projects by providing planning, communication, and defined operational standards; and have the ability to integrate competing needs of partner nation law enforcement units into a coherent and comprehensive transnational approach.

The work involves managing and providing technical expertise on a number of different assignments to various offices and implementers. This position involves planning, organizing, and completing law enforcement operations 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 will perform broad and extensive assignments related to programs spanning the full range of INL program activities in a very dynamic and complex environment supporting the full range of the INL mission.  The PSC performs broad and extensive assignments related to a complex program spanning the full range of law enforcement, judicial, prosecutorial, and countering transnational crime and counterterrorism programs in El Salvador, which is of significant interest to the public and to Congress.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance, medical clearance, and ethics clearance (if applicable).  (Security clearance upgrade to TS level may be required).
2. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in the field of criminal justice, in a related field from an accredited institution.
3. A minimum of ten (10) years of demonstrated experience related to project management, international development, international affairs, political science, and/or public administration.
4. Demonstrated experience in designing, managing, and overseeing international foreign assistance projects, including managing U.S. Government (USG) contracts, grants, interagency agreements, and/or donations to international organizations.
5. A minimum of eight (8) years of demonstrated experience working on justice sector and law enforcement programs in Latin America.  Expertise in understanding security needs in Latin America and demonstrated experience creating effective strategies to address needs.
6. A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience managing citizen safety, law enforcement, and/or countering transnational crime programs aimed at achieving U.S. national security interests and objectives, including managing U.S. bilateral and/or multilateral programs such as counternarcotics, citizen security and law enforcement; and justice strengthening and reform.
7. Demonstrated ability to read and speak Spanish at the professionally proficient level.
8. Demonstrated ability to work independently on projects and issues within overall policy guidelines.

EVALUATION FACTORS

(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to other offerors.) Offerors should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor.  Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor.  Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.

Factor 1      Coordination and Collaboration                                       (20 points)

Demonstrated relevant experience planning and developing foreign assistance programs and strategies; ability to coordinate with host-country government officials, international organizations, and donor community; ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural and overseas environment; and experience deploying techniques for improved police institutions, notably modern police philosophies and countering transnational criminal organizations. Demonstrated ability to advise program officers on project implementation and provide guidance on policy decisions related to project goals.  Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with high-level officials (both foreign and domestic/governmental and non-governmental.) and the U.S. interagency.  Preferred experience and ability in managing police assistance programs to counter gangs and gang recruitment.

FACTOR 2:         Development/Implementation                               (15 points)

Ability to coordinate law enforcement program management, bring together and coordinate high level host nations officials, coordinate with all relevant bureaus and agencies. Effectively conducting in-depth assessments on technical aspects of program requirements and making recommendations to senior managers and host nation officials on appropriate course of action on specific strategic issues.  Preferred demonstrated experience successfully working with and building consensus among high-level contacts within the host government and/or Embassy setting.

FACTOR 3:         Knowledge and Ability                                           (15 points)

Demonstrated knowledge of program management, concepts, practices, and principles to analyze and develop recommendations for program implementation and USG objectives.  Demonstrated ability to manage resources, influence by design, and effectively collaborate to further goals, objectives, and activities.  Ability to provide advice, guidance, and consultation to high-level officials with regard to the interpretation and application of analysis and changing U.S. priorities. Ability to apply specific knowledge of the Central America region in developing briefing materials, contributing to policy and strategy planning documents, and in making recommendations to senior staff and high-level host nation officials on managing USG programs and bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

FACTOR 4:         Program Management                                            (20 points)

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a timely and concise manner, and to interact effectively with others at all levels, in order 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.  Demonstrated knowledge of concepts, practices, and principles, including the ability to prioritize requests, develop and track program plans and implementation timelines, and analyze results in order to effectively manage programs that meet United States government objectives.  Excellent interpersonal skills and history of accomplishment working and coordinating collaboratively at all levels of a work-place environment. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-cultural team-oriented environment.  Prior INL and/or USG foreign assistance experience, preferably in the Central American context.

The Offeror Rating System is as Follows:

Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:

Factor #1 – 20

Factor #2 – 15

Factor #3 – 15

Factor #4 – 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