Emerging Technology Advisor and Contracting Officer’s Representative

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is seeking a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to serve as an Emerging Technology Advisor and Contracting Officer’s Representative. The successful candidate will provide strategic guidance and advice on high-priority acquisitions, particularly technologically advanced and complex drone and counter-drone procurements. The position requires experience validating and procuring advanced technology platforms, contracting expertise, and knowledge of foreign assistance. The contractor will work closely with INL staff, U.S. government personnel, vendors, and transportation companies to procure equipment and services. Key responsibilities include serving as the lead Contracting Officer's Representative, supervising locally employed staff, establishing and maintaining comprehensive electronic COR files, and developing and maintaining productive working relationships with American, Ukrainian, ally, and partner law enforcement agencies. • Serve as INL/Kyiv's Lead COR, improving the efficiency and quality of contract oversight for priority programs. • Supervise 3-5 Locally Employed Staff (LES), provide on-the-job training, and advise embedded program CORs and Government Technical Monitors (GTMs) to ensure consistency in guidance and performance evaluation. • Establish and maintain comprehensive electronic COR files (ILMS/A-COR) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), and Department regulations; protect privileged procurement information. • Serve as the primary liaison between contractors and the Contracting Officer (CO); represent INL/Ukraine interests with interagency partners and the Government of Ukraine (GOU). • Develop and maintain productive working relationships with American, Ukrainian, ally, and partner law enforcement agencies, as well as criminal justice stakeholders. • Work with program managers and stakeholders to define contractual scope, requirements, milestones, and technical specifications for equipment and services. • Identify appropriate contracting mechanisms; prepare, assign, and review solicitation packages; and assist the CO with vendor analysis, selection, and negotiations. • Advise on the development and clearance of procurement packages; revise and approve drafts of contracts and purchase orders within ILMS. • Monitor contractor technical progress, expenditures, and adherence to work plans through direct observation, site visits, and review of deliverables. • Provide technical clarification on specifications; ensure contractors meet all terms, conditions, and schedules; and verify the use of key personnel. • Conduct or oversee acceptance tests; identify deficiencies in workmanship or materials; and notify the CO and Contractor in writing of any performance failures or necessary changes to the Scope of Work. • Recommend and implement corrective actions for problems interfering with progress; refer issues involving additional cost or time to the CO. • Verify delivery of items; review and approve invoices for payment; and authorize payments upon satisfactory performance. • Oversee third-party contractor activities regarding budgets, financial projections, recoveries, and general fiscal issues. • Ensure the U.S. government meets obligations to the contractor, such as providing Government Furnished Equipment or timely document reviews. • As needed, update relevant trackers, provide site visit reports, and contribute to the annual EUM Report and CPARS evaluations. • Inform the CO upon work completion and finalize all required closeout documentation. • When required, performs the role of Duty Officer. • Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.