Regional Port Security Advisor

Quick Summary

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is seeking a Regional Port Security Advisor for a Personal Services Contract (PSC). This position is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with required travel throughout the Caribbean and occasional travel to Washington D.C.

The advisor will be responsible for designing, monitoring, and providing technical advice for port security projects across Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) member states. The primary goal is to counter transnational criminal and foreign terrorist organizations (TCO/FTOs), stop narcotrafficking, and expand access for U.S. companies abroad. The salary range for this FS-02 equivalent position is $102,409 - $150,391. Proposals are due by May 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

Scope of Work

The Regional Port Security Advisor will:

• Plan, develop, implement, manage, and monitor INL-funded programs to enhance port security and deter illicit maritime trafficking.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on port security for INL/Santo Domingo and INL/WHP.
• Assess the organizational and operational capacities of port security systems in the Dominican Republic and other CBSI partners.
• Review and evaluate ongoing CBSI port security projects implemented by partners like UNODC, USCG, and WCO.
• Coordinate INL's maritime interdiction and port security programs to ensure unified U.S. posture.
• Establish collaborative relationships with CBSI partner governments and implementers.
• Advise on and initiate new programs to prevent and reduce trafficking through ports.
• Assist in developing a regional port security communication system with CARICOM IMPACS.
• Prepare procurement documentation, monthly/annual reports, and annual implementation plans.
• Participate in Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) and serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Agreements Officer's Representative (AOR), and/or Grants Officer's Representative (GOR).

Contract Details

• Contract Type: Personal Services Contract (PSC)
• Solicitation Number: PSC-26-028-INL
• Period of Performance: 12 months from award, with four (4) optional one-year extensions.
• Set-Aside: Not applicable (Individual Personal Services Contract).
• Place of Performance: U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
• Issuance Date: April 29, 2026
• Closing Date: May 13, 2026, 3:00 PM ET

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and possess:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (Top Secret may be required).
• A Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience, OR 15 years of professional experience (with 5 years related to port security, program development/implementation, counternarcotics, or transnational crime).
• Demonstrated experience in port security policy development, logistics, and operations (including countering illicit trafficking).
• Experience in planning, strategizing, implementing, and reporting on port security projects.
• Familiarity with the Caribbean region/Western Hemisphere's politics, culture, and security environment.
• Experience coordinating with relevant U.S. government or international agencies (e.g., DEA, HSI, CBP, UNODC, USCG).
• Professional proficiency in Spanish (reading and speaking).

Submission Requirements

Proposals must be emailed to INLPSCTeam@state.gov and include:

1. Form SF-171 (Completed and signed).
2. Complete Resume: Must explicitly detail experience, dates, locations, hours, duties, supervisor contacts, education, and U.S. citizenship.
3. Evaluation Factor Document: Address each of the three evaluation factors (max 500 words per factor).
4. Professional References: Three (3) names and contact information (phone/email) of current/previous supervisors.

Note: The entire proposal, including all required documents, should not exceed twenty (20) pages. Submission as one PDF attachment is highly recommended. Veteran's preference is not applicable.

Evaluation Factors (70 points)

• Factor 1: Professional Expertise (35 points): Expertise in port security, maritime transportation, and managing relationships with host government officials, port operators, and implementers.
• Factor 2: Program Development and Project Management (20 points): Experience in strategic approaches to port security, ability to advise/design/assess technical projects, and independent work with organizational skills.
• Factor 3: Overseas Experience (15 points): Ability to work effectively in the Caribbean or similar overseas environments, managing U.S. government assistance programs, and working with Embassy personnel.

Additional evaluation includes interview performance (30 points) and satisfactory professional reference checks (Pass/Fail).