Senior Law Enforcement and Counternarcotics Advisor
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 Senior Law Enforcement and Counternarcotics Advisor for a Personal Services Contract (PSC) in San Salvador, El Salvador. This role supports the Government of El Salvador (GOES) in enhancing law enforcement capabilities and combating narcotrafficking. Applications are due by March 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
The Senior Advisor will provide technical law enforcement expertise, assistance, and training to improve operational planning, investigation, apprehension, and criminal prosecutions in El Salvador. The mission is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the U.S. and its citizens by fostering global cooperation and effective foreign assistance. This is an advisory position with no law enforcement authority in El Salvador.
Key Responsibilities
- Review organizational and operational capacities of the National Civilian Police (PNC) and related entities.
- Develop assistance plans to promote effective policing and counternarcotic efforts.
- Foster collaborative partnerships within the community and among law enforcement agencies.
- Coordinate national and international interdiction programs against illicit trafficking.
- Assist the PNC in developing best practices for crime reduction, specifically targeting illicit drug trafficking.
- Assess PNC training needs and propose options for improving antinarcotics division tactics.
- Ensure INL projects align with objectives and terms, and monitor procurement actions.
- Advise on programming for testing precursor chemicals and improving prosecutions.
- Provide oversight for INL counternarcotics foreign assistance projects and personnel.
- Contribute to INL's budget process and perform Duty Officer roles when required.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must be U.S. citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (Top Secret may be required), medical, and ethics clearances. Required education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, International Relations, or a related field, OR a minimum of twenty (20) years of professional law enforcement experience. Candidates need at least fifteen (15) years of experience in law enforcement operations, management, and training, including implementing programs in Latin America. Demonstrated experience in managing partner nation policing programs, overseas program resources, stakeholder communication, and professional Spanish proficiency are essential.
Submission Requirements
Proposals must not exceed twenty (20) pages and include:
- Form SF-171 (Completed and signed). The SF-171 Continuation Sheet (SF-171A) can be used for additional work experience details.
- A complete resume detailing paid/non-paid experience, job titles, locations, dates (month/year), hours per week, specific duties, and supervisor contact information.
- An Evaluation Factor document addressing each of the three factors, limited to 500 words per factor.
- Three professional references (names and contact information of current/previous supervisors). Submissions must be emailed as one PDF attachment to INLPSCTeam@state.gov by the closing date and time. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Veteran's preference is not applicable.
Evaluation Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated based on:
- Factor 1: Oversight (25 points) - Knowledge of LE/counternarcotics strategies and coordination.
- Factor 2: Development/Implementation (20 points) - Mentoring, strategy development, relationship building, training.
- Factor 3: Program Management (25 points) - Project management concepts, budget formulation/execution.
- Interview Performance (30 points)
- Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (Pass/Fail) The most qualified candidates may be interviewed.
Contract Details
This is a Personal Services Contract (PSC) with a salary range of FS-02 ($102,409-$150,391 annually), equivalent to GS-14. The initial period of performance is twelve (12) months from the award date, with four (4) optional one-year extensions. Benefits and allowances, such as FICA/Medicare, health/life insurance contributions, annual/sick leave, 401K, and various DSSR allowances (e.g., housing, post allowance, danger pay), are normally authorized if applicable.