Counternarcotics Program Coordinator
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is seeking a Counternarcotics Program Coordinator for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) position in Mexico City, Mexico. This role involves managing and coordinating programs to enhance the capabilities of the Government of Mexico (GOM) agencies in curtailing illegal drug manufacturing, trafficking (with a focus on synthetic drugs like fentanyl), arms, and transnational organized crime. The position offers a salary range of $102,409 - $150,391 (FS-02/GS-14 equivalent). Applications are due by March 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
The selected individual will serve as the in-country program coordinator for INL counternarcotics programs in Mexico, reporting to the INL Director. Key responsibilities include providing management and coordination for programs enhancing GOM agencies' capabilities in drug interdiction, developing and refining counternarcotics strategies, managing multi-million-dollar budgets and staff, and overseeing the full project cycle from assessment to monitoring. The coordinator will also develop strong working relationships with GOM officials and U.S. law enforcement agencies, provide technical assistance, and draft reports for Congress and the Department of State. The role requires expertise in counternarcotics, particularly in fentanyl investigations, aviation, maritime, and K-9 operations.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Personal Services Contractor (PSC)
- Location: U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico (with up to 25% travel)
- Salary Level: FS-02 equivalent ($102,409 - $150,391)
- Period of Performance: 12 months from award date, with four (4) optional one-year extensions.
- Set-Aside: None specified (open to qualified U.S. citizens).
- Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain Department of State Secret level security clearance (potential upgrade to Top Secret).
Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Form SF 171 (Completed and signed).
- Complete Resume: Must explicitly detail experience, job titles, locations, dates (month/year), hours per week, and specific duties.
- Evaluation Factor Document: Address each of the four evaluation factors (Strategic Planning, Supervision in an Embassy, Diplomacy and Leadership, Subject Matter Expertise) with responses limited to 500 words per factor.
- Professional References: Three (3) names and contact information of current/previous supervisors. The total proposal package must not exceed twenty (20) pages. A single PDF attachment is highly recommended.
Minimum Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to obtain Secret level security clearance.
- Bachelor's degree + 10 years as senior investigator/prosecutor OR 15 years as senior investigator/prosecutor with a U.S. federal or state law enforcement, justice, or regulatory agency.
- 5 years experience with Latin American law enforcement in counternarcotics operations/investigations (synthetic drugs focus, aviation/maritime/K-9 assets).
- 2 years project management experience (developing strategies, budget forecasting, implementation, measuring impact).
- Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and leading teams.
- Professionally proficient in Spanish (reading and speaking).
Evaluation Criteria
Offerors will be evaluated based on:
- Evaluation Factors (70 points total):
- Strategic Planning and Implementation (15 points)
- Supervision in an Embassy (20 points)
- Diplomacy and Leadership (15 points)
- Subject Matter Expertise (20 points)
- Interview Performance (30 points).
- Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (Pass/Fail). The most qualified candidates may be interviewed.
Key Dates & Contact
- Issuance Date: February 20, 2026
- Closing Date: March 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET
- Contact: Dominique Chittum, INL/SAO/IM PSC Team, ChittumDA@state.gov