What this opportunity is
The State Department is seeking non-litigation legal services in Guinean labor law and immigration law, specifically under NAICS code 54119, which covers other management consulting services. This procurement is set aside for small businesses, making it a suitable opportunity for eligible companies. As a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, the notice indicates that the government will track responses, and interested parties should monitor the solicitation for updates and instructions.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Statement of Work: Non-Litigation Legal Services in Guinean Labor Law & Guinean Immigration Law
1. PURPOSE
This Statement of Work (SOW) establishes the terms and scope under which a qualified legal services provider ("Contractor") will furnish non-litigation legal advisory services to the U.S. Mission in Conakry ("the embassy") in the areas of Labor Law and Immigration Law .
2. BACKGROUND
The embassy requires expert legal counsel to support its operational, administrative, and policy functions related to workforce management and the movement of personnel across international borders. These services are strictly non-litigation in nature and are intended to provide proactive legal guidance, compliance support, and risk mitigation.
3. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Post acknowledges specific needs for legal assistance on the following matters, but reserves the right to seek advice on related matters not stated herein:
3.1 Labor Law Services
The Contractor shall provide legal advisory services in the following areas:
Employment Compliance: Advise on applicable domestic and host-country labor laws, regulations, and standards governing the Department's locally employed (LE) staff and other personnel.
Revision of and Application of Mission Human Resources policies: Routine Mission management notices and regulations must be updated on a regular basis, and legal advice is required to maintain their integrity and alignment with the Local Labor Law. The current labor law is quite complicated, and changes are expected any time
Local Compensation Plan: Once the labor law changes are implemented our LCP will require major changes in addition to the changes we have already made.
Ongoing possibility of legal dispute : Post is comfortable administering disciplinary procedures. However, due to the complexity of the local labor law and because assistance is needed to follow all the steps required by local labor law, it is prudent to have “for cause” terminations reviewed by an experienced local lawyer. Additionally, disciplinary actions must be carefully reviewed by a local labor lawyer before deciding the correct course of action due. The Mission seeks legal counsel in advance of disciplinary dismissals to ensure that all steps have been followed as per Local Labor Law.
Employee involuntary downgrades, reductions in force and/or changes to work schedules: U.S. Embassy Conakry is in the process of reviewing all position descriptions and reclassifying those that are not up-to-date. Due to this ongoing evaluation process, some positions are being reclassified to lower grades, and post requires legal advice to explain possible wage changes to affected employees.
Workplace Policies: Review, draft, and update employment policies, handbooks, and internal regulations to ensure legal compliance.
Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures: Advise on legally compliant disciplinary processes, grievance mechanisms, and separation procedures.
Wage & Hour Compliance: Counsel on compensation structures, overtime, leave entitlements, and benefits in accordance with applicable law.
Workplace Investigations: Provide legal guidance on conducting internal investigations into workplace complaints, including harassment, discrimination, and misconduct allegations.
Training & Awareness: When necessary, deliver legal briefings or training sessions to Department staff on labor law obligations and best practices.
3.2 Immigration Law Services
The Contractor shall provide legal advisory services in the following areas:
Visa & Work Authorization: Advise on visa categories, work permit requirements, and authorization processes for Department personnel, contractors, and dependents operating in or traveling to relevant jurisdictions.
Residency & Status Compliance: Provide guidance on residency requirements, status maintenance, and compliance obligations for foreign nationals employed by or associated with the Department.
Immigration Policy Analysis: Monitor and analyze changes in host-country and U.S. immigration law and regulations; advise the embassy on implications for operations and personnel.
Document Review & Preparation: Assist in the preparation and review of immigration-related documentation, petitions, and applications (excluding court filings).
Consular & Administrative Liaison: Advise on engagement with consular authorities and immigration agencies to facilitate timely processing of applications.
Repatriation & Emergency Situations: Provide legal guidance on immigration-related issues arising from emergency evacuations, repatriations, or sudden changes in host-country law.
Training & Awareness: Deliver briefings to Department staff on immigration compliance obligations and procedural updates.
4. DELIVERABLES
#
Deliverable
Frequency
1
Legal advisory memoranda and written opinions
As requested
2
Policy and document review reports
As requested
3
Monthly status and activity report
Monthly
4
Legal compliance risk assessment
Quarterly
5
Training sessions and briefing materials
As scheduled
6
Legislative/regulatory update summaries
As changes occur
5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
Base Period: 12 months from the date of contract award
Option Period 1: 12 months
Option Period 2: 12 months
(Exercise of option periods shall be at the discretion of a U.S. Government Contracting Officer.)
6. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE
Services shall be performed primarily at the Contractor's place of business, with on-site presence at Department facilities as required. Remote advisory services via secure communication channels are authorized.
7. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
The Contractor shall ensure that all attorneys and legal professionals assigned to this engagement meet the following minimum qualifications:
Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent legal degree from an accredited institut…
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.