Combine Solicitation – Aviation Operations/Training/Safety Advisor, Afghanistan

Notice Type: Combine Solicitation

Posted Date: 17-APR-14

Office Address: Department of State; Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Grants, Acquisitions, Procurement and Policy Division (INL/RM/GAPP); SA-4 Navy Hill, South Building2430 E Street, N.W.Washington DC 20037

Subject: Aviation Operations/Training/Safety Advisor, Afghanistan

Classification Code: R - Professional, administrative, and management support services

Solicitation Number: PSC-14-031-INL

Contact: Cecille Washington, Phone 321-783-9865 x33353, Fax 321-799-3807, Email [email protected]

Setaside: N/AN/A

Place of Performance Country: AF

Description: Department of State

Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

Grants, Acquisitions, Procurement and Policy Division (INL/RM/GAPP)

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 DOS 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. Aviation Operations/Training/Safety Advisor, Kabul Afghanistan

Issuance Date: 04/17/2014 Closing Date: 05/17/2014 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-14-031-INL

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.

HOW TO APPLY Offeror's proposals 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.

Proposals must include the following: 1) Form OF-612 (Completed and signed) 2) Resume 3) Three (3) letters of reference or three (3) references, including contact information

Submit all proposals via e-mail or facsimile to the attention of: INL/Cecille Washington Email: [email protected] Fax: 321-799-3807

Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: INL/Cecille Washington Email: [email protected]

INL will not accept late proposals unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal.

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-14-031-INL 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 04/17/2014 3. CLOSING DATE: 05/17/2014 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 11:59 PM, EST 5. POSITION TITLE: Aviation Operations/Training/Safety Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE: $81,535 - 119,737 (FS-2 Equivalent) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of award and four option years 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below 10. RELOCATION EXPENSES FOR HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS ONLY MAY BE PAID

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR The US Department of State (DOS), , Office of Aviation (INL/A) provides aviation support personnel under Chief of Mission (COM) authority in support of Embassy transport and Foreign Assistance missions. Aviation support includes fixed and rotary wing travel in support of COM personnel to multiple domestic and international locations. Flights, known as Embassy Air, originate from multiple hub locations, service numerous airfields, and helipads/heliports of varying condition. In addition to air transportation missions, Embassy Air is required to perform rotary wing security operations in support of COM personnel ground movements, reconnaissance missions, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Quick Reaction Force (QRF) transport, and medical evacuations (ME). Foreign Assistance counter-narcotics missions in support of INL are also conducted in conjunction with other USG organizations such as DOD and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). These missions conduct tactical counter-narcotics aviation operations supporting interdiction or efforts in eradication of illicit narcotic producing crops. The USG uses a mixed fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft to accomplish its mission. Aircraft perform their missions at any time, day and night, as well as under visual and instrumental meteorological conditions. For specific security missions, meeting the needs of the US Mission require 24-hour a day aircraft and crew availability. Additionally, INL/A assumes responsibility for the management of Life Support Areas (LSAs), Embassy Landing Zones, and other aviation facilities.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the personal services contract is to provide an Aviation Operations, Training and Safety Advisor for US Embassy Air missions. The Aviation Ops/Tng/Safety Advisor serves as the Aviation Operations Advisor in-country, responsible to Aviation Operations Director (AOD).

RELATIONSHIPS: The Advisor works under the direct supervision of the AOD; however, the individual exercises wide latitude for independent action, initiating projects and executing approved new programs under general supervision. He/She may coordinate directly with the INL/A and COM for purposes of this program. Completed work is reviewed for timeliness and effectiveness. This is a field position, and the Advisor performs oversight duties at all Embassy Air contractor locations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Perform oversight and evaluation of contractor operations, training and safety programs. Oversight includes, but is not limited to, monitoring contractor mission briefings, reviewing and recommending approval of waivers to published directives, authorizing use of INL/A aircraft. 2. Review contractor flight operations procedures, and monitor contractor pilot proficiency. Submit periodic written evaluations of the contractor's activities, and provides comprehensive award term input to the AOD regarding contractor activities related to aviation support for inclusion in the monthly award term evaluation.

3. Assist AOD in directing and coordinating aircraft and personnel deployments within Afghanistan for the purpose of providing aviation support. 4. Develop, coordinate, organize, and implement comprehensive operational systems and procedures. Operational systems and procedures include, but are not limited to, DOS Aircrew Training Program, Aviation Operations Directives, Guide to Aviation Training and Standardization, Aircrew Training Manuals, INL/A Standard Operating Procedures for aviation operations in Afghanistan, and Deployment Operations procedures. 5. Develop operational tactics and new training procedures Tactics and procedures include, but are not limited to, Night Vision Goggle tactics, and armed helicopter escort tactics/rules of engagement/aerial gunnery in support of the aviation transportation mission. 6. Provide direction and oversight for contractor. Implement DoS INL, INL/A flight regulations, aviation training and standardization, and aircrew training programs. Provide oversight of the aviation standardization program. 7. Perform supervisory pilot duties in fixed or rotary wing aircraft 8. Collect, review, and disseminate data on aviation tactics, techniques, and employment. 9. Provide direction and oversight for contractor aviation safety training and safety program management. Implement the DoS INL INL/A, Aviation Safety Program. 10. Provide oversight of flight scheduling for internal and international flights.

MINUIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. U.S. Citizen, able to obtain/maintain a Department of State Secret security and medical clearances. 2. Knowledge of Aviation Aircrew Training and Standardization Programs, to include operating directives, training and standardization publications, aircrew training manuals, and related documents. 3. Designation of Military Aviator from any of the US Armed Forces. 4. Qualified and have tactical experience with Night Vision Goggle operations. 5. Basic knowledge of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, including, but not limited to FAR Part 1, 61, 67, 91, 135, 137, 141, 143, and NTSB 830. 6. Possess current US FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate Rotorcraft, Helicopter Instrument and/or Airplane, Single/Multi-Engine Land with Instrument rating. 7. Basic knowledge of FAA Aviation Safety regulations and procedures. 8. Knowledge of tactical employment of aircraft in a high threat environment, including the capabilities, limitations and techniques of employment of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. 9. Broad knowledge of and experience in the formulation of plans and policies pertaining to operations and unit level flight-training activities. 10. Knowledge of command communications, government intelligence procedures, and flight operations procedures. 11. Knowledge of aviation safety program implementation. 12. Specialized skill in operating an aircraft as a pilot. 13. Knowledge of and skill in operation of desktop computer based word processing systems. 14. Ability to obtain/maintain the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) course through the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) within 120 days of arrival at Post 15. Must possess and maintain a current U.S. FAA second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAR Part 67.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 1. Qualification/certification and experience as a military or FAA Certified Flight Instructor in a formal training program involving the qualification and standardization of pilots and other aircrew members. 2. Successful completion of a military or civil aviation safety training courses. 3. Experience as an aviation operations officer in a medium to large aviation organization. 4. Experience as an aircraft operations officer/manager in a military or civil organization involved in the training and standardization of pilots and crewmembers. 5. Experience with the deployment of aircraft to OCONUS locations.

COMPLEXITY: 1. Analyze of all facets of aviation operations management and involve a fleet of tactical and transport aircraft that function within an integrated program of diverse support missions. Missions include passenger/cargo transport, MEDEVAC, and helicopter security force operations. 2. Must apply specialized and professional knowledge to oversee flight training and standardization of contractor pilots, crewmembers and support personnel and at multiple forward operating locations. 3. Oversee aviation training programs, plans, policies, and procedures. Coordinates recommendations from staff officers, consults with the AOD and the Chief of Operations, INL/A. 4. Perform continuous analysis of interrelated issues of effectiveness and efficiency affecting the Office of Aviation's aviation safety program that will improve ground and flight safety of aviation operations.

EVALUATION CRITERIA: Factor 1 Contract Oversight (25%) * Demonstrated knowledge of contract oversight and evaluation of contractor operations, training and safety programs. * Demonstrated knowledge and experience in evaluating and recommending approval/disapproval of waivers to established policies, procedures and regulations. * Demonstrated knowledge and experience in preparing and coordinating periodic reports on contractor performance, both orally and in writing; prepare comprehensive award term input. * Demonstrated ability in providing operations, training and safety program direction and guidance to the contractor

Factor 2 Program Management and Administration (25%)

* Ability to direct, coordinate aircraft, and personnel deployments and provide instruction and guidance regarding operations, training, and safety program implementation.

Factor 3 Develop, Coordinate, Organize, and Implement Operational, Training and Safety Systems and Procedures (25%) * Knowledge in developing comprehensive operational, training, and safety systems and procedures. * Demonstrated knowledge and experience in coordinating and organizing operational, training and safety systems and procedures. * Demonstrated knowledge in the implementation of Aircrew Training Programs, Operational, Training and Safety Regulations, and provide direction and guidance. Factor 4 Past Performance (25%) Past performance evaluation of applicant's ability to perform under a contract. In conducting the evaluation, the 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.

PRE-AWARD ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES 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 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.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE Veteran's preference is not applicable to this position

COMPENSATION: For award, INL will negotiate for this contract based on the following: * Entry-level salary is at Step 1 of the grade range assigned to solicitation * Consideration given for experience relevant specifically to the solicitation requirements * Level and extent of experience dictates the salary level within the grade range

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES: AS A MATTER OF POLICY, INL NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Benefits - If Applicable * Employee's FICA Contribution * Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance * Pay Comparability Adjustment * Annual Increase * Eligibility for Worker's Compensation * Annual & Sick Leave * 401K Plan

Allowances - If Applicable * Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance * Living Quarters Allowance * Post Allowance * Supplemental Post Allowance * Separate Maintenance Allowance * Education Allowance * Consumable Allowance * Education Travel * Post Differential * Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure * Danger Pay

Link/URL: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/INL/INL-RM-MS/PSC-14-031-INL/listing.html