Motor Vehicle Operationalize RFI_v6.1.docx

U. S. Customs and Border Protection Request for Information

Draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) For

Motor Vehicle Operationalization

November 12, 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Enterprise Services (ES) Acquisition Portfolio Management Office (APMD) Mobile Assets Program Management Office (MAPMO)

Request for Information (RFI) For Motor Vehicle Operationalization (upfits) RFI Number: 111111-11111 Isssue Date: 11-12-2025 Response Due Date and time:

Confidentiality:

Primary RFI Coordinator: Deric Sims Title: Future Fleet Division Director Phone: (202) 815-2929 Email: deric.j.sims@cbp.dhs.gov

Secondary RFI Coordinator: TJ Ames Title: Acquisition Program Manager Phone: (202) 615-2239 Email: tj.ames@cbp.dhs.gov

INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRACTOR:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research on available vehicle operationalization (upfit) options that aligns with the requirements and standards of Enterprise Services- Mobile Assets Program Management Office (MAPMO) and Acquisition Portfolio Management Directorate (APMD).

This RFI is for informational and forecasting purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid (IFB), or any other type of solicitation. This RFI shall not commit or obligate the Government to further action. Respondents will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred in preparing and submitting information in response to this RFI.

Viable responses shall guide the Program Directors refine its fleet operationalization (upfitting) acquisition strategy, improve timeliness and define compulsory deliverables and requirements set forth by our customers i.e., CBP’s law enforcement officers and agents.

The contractor shall explicitly and completely identify any and all exceptions taken to the requirements of this specification. Drawings, literature, and any other information submitted with an offer do not constitute a stated or implied exception unless specifically identified in writing as an exception and accepted and implemented by an amendment to the solicitation or modification to a contract. Any exception deemed acceptable by the Government shall only apply to the specific item, requirement, etc. cited, and shall not extend to any other requirement.

The contractor proposing other than brand name items identified, when an “or equal” may be acceptable, shall furnish with their offer all technical data information, product descriptions, etc. to ensure that a determination may be made as to the equality of the product(s) offered (see provision titled “Brand Name or Equal” set forth in Section 52.211-6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations).

1.0

PURPOSE

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is in the process of developing a requirement for law enforcement vehicle upfitting services for all of their individual components.

The CBP team is interested in incorporating commercial and industry practices that will support this type of procurement. To accomplish this, CBP intends to make industry a partner in all facets of the acquisition process, specifically by providing existing market capabilities, strengths and weaknesses for the acquisition of this commodity.

Responses to this RFI will allow the CBP team to incorporate industry input into the initial stages of the program. Note: RFI responses will NOT be shared with other industry suppliers and will solely be used as part of the contract planning process.

Law enforcement vehicle operationalization (upfitting) these law enforcement transformations encompass the integration of essential equipment such as lights, sirens, covert lights, cargo barrier, K9 package, communication systems, weapon storage/racks, lock boxes, winch kits, partitions, auxiliary power systems to run computers and other electronic equipment, navigation apparatus, and other advanced technologies.

The purpose of this RFI is to gather information from industry experts, vendors and suppliers on the types of commercially available operationalization options (upfits) that aligns with CBP’s specialized law enforcement operations. Operationalization (upfit) is a mission critical tool for CBP’s law enforcement. The goal is to expand operationalize (upfiting) services to vendors that can keep up with CBP’s high quantity demand while maximizing vehicle performance, safety, efficiency, quality assurance and adhering to strict timelines set forth by the agency. In addition, operationalization or upfitting features shall be in compliance with GSA and CBP’s law enforcement operations standards.

2.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The work to be executed under this contract shall be performed at the contractor’s facitlites. The contractor’s facilities shall be in the Continental United States of America (CONUS). The contractor shall provide vehicle transportation services from the contractor’s facilities to the government specified addresses.

The contractor’s facilties and personnel shall be authorized by automotive and approved Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to provide emergency law enforcement equipment suppliers and installation (operationalization).

The contractor shall disclose the location and vehicle storage capacity of its place of performance to the Government prior to the award of this contract.

The Contractor ’s facilities and staff shall be authorized by automotive and approved Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to provide emergency law enforcement equipment supplies and installation (upfitting), compatible mobile radio communications service and supply, and motor vehicle graphic design and application with supporting certifications or equivalent authorizations. The contractor shall disclose the location of its place of performance to the Government if a contract were awarded in the future.

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Acquisition Portfolio Management Directorate (APMD) and the Mobile Assets Program Management Office (MAPMO) acquire CBP’s motor vehicle fleet of over 22,000 vehicles used for border security and innumerable law enforcement activities deployed across the U.S. and internationally. The intention is to significantly expand and enhance its upfit efficiency to align with the specifications, requirements and desired timeframe set forth by CBP’s law enforcement community.

Correlation between CBP’s Mission and requirements: CBP operates a diverse fleet of vehicle types to support its law enforcement mission of securing the nation's borders, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and enforcing customs, immigration, and agricultural laws. These vehicles require specialized law enforcement upfits to enhance operational capabilities, officer safety, and mission effectiveness.

CBP Fleet: Acquires, field, sustain, and dispose of vehicles that transport personnel, detainees, contraband, and mission‑essential equipment. This is a critical role in supporting CBP by providing comprehensive fleet lifecycle management services.

Current Environment: Historically, the timeline to upfit (operationalize) motor vehicles for law enforcement adds an additional 3–6 months to delivery timelines after manufacturing. This process, along with supply chain constraints, has become a bottleneck in deploying vehicles to the field in support of the CBP mission, resulting in vehicle deliveries 12 to18 months after procurement. Delays in upfitting vehicles can impact mission readiness and officer safety.

REQUIREMENTS

Materials shall be specified herin. When materials are not specified, the vehicles and all parts thereof shall be furnished to provide the intended function, durability, safety, and maintain good long-term appearance.

All materials shall be new, suitable for intended purpose, free of any characteristics or defects in material and workmanship, which may affect the performance, function, durability, and serviceability of the finished vehicle, or detract from its appearance.

CBP reserves the right to make the final determination of the suitability of all components and its arrangement on and in the vehicle.

All conversions and modifications shall conform to all requirements of the OEM’s Modifier/Operationalizaiton (Upfit) Guide. The contractor shall ensure that the application and installation of major subcomponents and systems is compliant with subcomponent vendors’ requirements and recommendations.

Goods and Services sought:

CBP seeks information from vendors with expertise (greater than 5 years) in law enforcement vehicle upfits, termed “operationalized” for use in CBP that will meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements and sustain the manufacturers’ 5-Star Safety rating and warranty. The U.S. law enforcement motor vehicle operationalized market is a specialized and vital sector within the broader automotive and public safety industries. The vehicle upfitting market focuses on the modification and customization of standard factory vehicles to transform them into fully equipped, mission-ready units tailored for law enforcement agencies. This industry specializes in integrating advanced technologies, safety equipment, and operational tools required for law enforcement operations, such as emergency lighting systems, communication devices, protective barriers, weapon storage, and surveillance systems. Upfitting ensures that vehicles meet the unique demands of law enforcement missions, enhancing functionality, durability, and officer safety while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. To meet the rigorous demands of CBP law enforcement operations, these law enforcement transformations encompass the integration of essential equipment such as lights, sirens, covert lights, cargo barrier, K9 package, communication systems, weapon storage/racks, lock boxes, wench kits, partitions, auxiliary power systems to run computers and other electronic equipment, navigation apparatus, and other advanced technologies.

CBP Fleet Operational Requirements consists of, but not limited to, the following:

· Capable of transporting 1-8 personnel, equipment, and/or 1-15 detainees between Stations/Port of Entries and various destinations within the Area of Responsibility

· Capable of operating in varying operational environments and weather conditions.

· Appropriate security features to securely transport detainees of all ages into custody.

· Appropriate security features to securely transport Law Enforcement equipment and weapons.

· Capable of safe operation for employees, detainees, and the public.

2.0 SCOPE:

The Contractors shall operationalize (upfit) specified equipment listed herein under so that it functions as per the manufacturer’s specification. The Contractors shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of CBP Fleet Program Managers Acquisition Portfolio Management Directorate (APMD), that all equipment is installed correctly. The equipment and quantities to be installed is charted below.

This RFI describes primary requirements to procure, install, and support law enforcement operationalized upfits and graphics for CBP fleet motor vehicles that are necessary to operate in various CBP environments and support the mission.

The scope includes:

Law enforcement vehicle operationalization (upfitting):

Every vehicle build should be tailored to the specifications and operational requirements outlined in operationalization package. Vendors must be at the forefront of law enforcement fleet technology, integrating advanced systems ensuring there is reliable and secure work environment in every patrol, pursuit, detainee transportation or emergency response vehicle.

· Assess CBP's fleet requirements and identify appropriate operationalized solutions.

· Procure and install specialized equipment, including but not limited to emergency lighting, weapons safes and retention systems, sirens, radios, prisoner transport systems, and vehicle armor.

· Provide warranty for installed equipment.

· Identify if the manufacturer warranty would be impacted by the upfit.

· Ensure vehicle safety and security of vehicles while in vendor’s possession.

· Ability to report vehicle status during operationalization with estimated completion timelines.

· Clarify how maintenance and repairs would be conducted (does vendor’s upfit require specialized maintenance and certified/specially trained personnel).

· Deliver vehicles with completed upfits to CBP field locations nationwide.

Certify coompliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as CBP-specific standards.

Description: Communication and Computing Radio Systems: Integration of 2-way LE radios

3.0 OBJECTIVES

Objective 1: Build a Healthy Fleet.

Build an operationally sustainable fleet. Acquisition timelines will be reduced through the introduction of standards, process improvements and vendor engagement to keep the motor vehicle fleet agile. Equip CBP fleet vehicles with standardized, high-quality law enforcement upfits that meet operational requirements.

Objective 2: Improve process to build efficiencies.

Identify and implement efficiencies and foster productive relationship with vendors to shorten upfit timeline, ensuring the CBP fleet remains agile and ready for rapid deployment. Streamline the procurement and installation process to reduce delays and costs. Provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure the reliability and functionality of installed equipment. Minimize downtime for fleet vehicles during the upfitting process and for maintenance/repairs.

PART III: RFI FORMAT

Disclaimer:

Vendors responding to this RFI shall bear all risks and expenses of any resources used to provide the requested information. This RFI is not a guarantee of future procurement. The information gathered may be used to develop specifications for a future RFIs and the government reserves the right to incorporate recommendations submitted in response to this RFI.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP), at its discretion, may request respondents to this RFI to elaborate on information in their written response. All information contained in this RFI is preliminary and is subject to revision and is not binding on the Government.

Freedom of Information (FOIA):

Your response may be releasable to the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, and the DHS FOIA regulation, 6 C.F.R. Chapter 1 and Part 5. If you wish CBP to consider any portion of your response as "confidential commercial information", you should clearly mark the portion as "confidential commercial information". The procedures for identifying "confidential commercial information" are set forth in the DHS FOIA regulation cited above and are available on the DHS website:

http://www.dhs.gov/xfoia/editorial_0579.shtm RFI Format:

To achieve a uniform review process and to obtain a maximum degree of comparability, the Program Managers for Acquisition Portfolio Management Directorate (APMD), requires that information packages be submitted with a signed master marked “Original) and an additional (3) submissions marked “Copy”.

· Submission Format:

· Responses should be submitted in PDF format

· Responses shall not exceed 30 pages in length (excluding title page, index/table of contents, work sample attachments.

· Information in excess of the pages allowed will not be considered.

· One page shall be interpreted as one side of a printed, 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper

· Font size shall be no smaller than 12-point. Arial or New Times Roman fonts

· Characters shall be set at no less than normal spacing and 100% scale

· The top, bottom, left and right margins shall be a minimum of one inch each

· Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size not less than 8-point and may be landscape

· Line spacing shall be set at no less than single space

· Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line

· Page numbers, company logos, and headers and footers may be within the page margins ONLY, and are not bound by the 12-point font requirement

· Footnotes to text shall not be used

· Pages in violation of these instructions, either by exceeding the margin, font or spacing restrictions or by exceeding the total page limit, will not be reviewed

· Pages in excess of the maximum will be removed from the end of the response without being reviewed

· The page count will be determined by counting the pages in the order they come up in the print layout view

· Pages not reviewed due to violation of the margin, font or spacing restrictions will not count against the page limitations.

· Footnotes to text shall not be used.

· Pages in violation of these instructions, either by exceeding the margin, font or spacing restrictions or by exceeding the total page limit, will not be reviewed Disclaimer: The following requested information to be provided is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) nor does it restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. The government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Any contract that might be awarded based on information received or derived from this RFI will be the outcome of the competitive process. Please reference question number with each response as follows:

1. Company Name, Company Address, Point of Contact, Telephone Number, e-mail Address, and Size of your Organization (i.e. Large Business, Small Business) using FSC Code N025 and SIC Code 336112 as the basis for your response. In addition, identify whether your company is ISO certified and to what level. Please provide your General Services Administration contract number, if applicable.

1. Responses should identify your organization’s experience with and capability for installation of vehicular equipment components for law enforcement/emergency vehicles.

1. Please provide your manufacturing/installation capacity for completed vehicles on a monthly basis and what quantity could be devoted to CBP.

1. What is the normal lead-time for delivery of completed upfitted vehicle once an order is received?

1. Are you able to produce multiple manufacturers’ configurations for various components (i.e. differing in terms of colors, vehicle types, trucks, sport utility vehicles, etc...)?

1. What is your organization’s process for addressing potential supply chain shortages and do you have the capacity to purchase upfit supplies in advance and store securely until needed?

1. Do you currently maintain or develop a secure web based (i.e. “point and click”) ordering system that can service multiple components/locations?

1. Do you allow Government Purchase Cards as a payment mechanism?

1. Responses should identify any current or potential future environmental, regulatory, or manufacturing concerns.

1. Describe any fleet management services your company offers, including maintenance plans, parts availability, and training for agency technicians.

1. Detail any innovative solutions or emerging technologies that could benefit law enforcement fleet operations.

1. Provide details on warranty programs for law enforcement vehicles and specialty components.

1. Describe your support model for Fleet Managers and how you handle issues specific to law enforcement vehicle operations.

· Response Deadline: All submissions must be received by [12-12-2025 and 5:00PM]

· Contact Information: All questions regarding this RFI must be submitted in writing to

· Deric Sims, Director, Deric.J.Sims@cbp.dhs.gov

· TJ Ames, Acquisition Program Manager, TJ.Ames@cbp.dhs.gov

· Antwanette Boone, CBP Procurement Contract Specialist. Antwanette.R.Boone-murphy@cbp.dhs.gov

· Lloyd Burton, CBP Procurement Contract Specialist, lloyd.a.burton@cbp.dhs.gov

· Proprietary Information: If your response contains proprietary information, it must be clearly marked. Responses will be treated as confidential when requested by the submitter.

Company Qualifications:

· Provide your company’s legal name, address of the office that will be providing services, website and principal contact information.

· Provide the name(s) of the person(s) authorized to make representations for your company, their title(s) and their contact information.

· List any similar prior projects or services provided for governmental or large-scale organizations.

· Provide a summary of your company’s core competencies in the operationalization (upfitting) of fleet vehicle provision.

· Describe your company's experience working with government entities at the federal, state, and local level.

· Detail any maintenance, warranty and service offerings, including any training for fleet operationalization (upfitting) technicians.

Company’s Fleet Services and Support:

· Fleet Management: Describe any fleet management and operationalization services your company offers, including number of facilities and bays per facilty, facility locations and conditions, maintenance plans, parts availability, and training for agency technicians.

· Innovation: Detail any innovational solutions or emerging technologies that could benefit law enforcement fleet operations.

· Warranty: Provide details on warranty programs, length of warrantied material and locations to return for warranted items for law enforcement vehicles and speciality components.

· Support: Describe your support model for Fleet Managers and how you handle issues specific to law enforcement vehicle operations.

Interested parties are encouraged to respond to this notice if they have the capability to meet the functionalities identified herein. Questions related to this RFI are due by 5:00 PM EDT on Friday, December 12, 2025 and should be forwarded via email to CBP will provide a timely response to all RFI questions. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), at its discretion, may request respondents to this RFI to elaborate on information in their written response. All information contained in this RFI is preliminary and is subject to revision and is not binding on the Government.

PART IV: Requirements Materials shall be as specified herein. When materials are not specified, the vehicle and all parts thereof shall be furnished to provide the intended function, durability, safety, and maintain good long-term appearance. All materials shall be new, shall be suitable for the intended purpose, and shall be free of any characteristics or defects in material and workmanship, which may affect the performance, function, durability, and serviceability of the finished vehicle, or detract from its appearance. The government reserves the right to make the final determination of the suitability of all components and their arrangement on and in the vehicle All conversions and modifications shall conform to all requirements of the OEM’s Modifier/Upfitter Guide. The contractor shall ensure that the application and installation of major subcomponents and systems is compliant with subcomponent vendors’ requirements and recommendations.

Attached are CBP operationalization builds for your review.

Standard Features Included in Upfit Package

CBP Marked Vehicle Requirements SIN: 17, 112, 100L, 105F, 105C, 55C, 57, 55L

Wire Package (All wire and fuse blocks necessary to connect up-fit equipment to the vehicle)

Hardware Package (All hardware required to install up-fit equipment, i.e. screws, washers, nuts, and rivets etc.)

Equipment Mounting Plate

DHS Branding Decal Kit to Include unit "Fleet Number" & "Honor First" Trademark;

Interior Flush Mounted Security Partition with no gaps, and w/Mount and Kick Panel with sliding spit tray

Rear Cargo Barrier for SUV, With Mount

Window Security Screens (Includes All Passenger Area Windows), robust enough to prevent kicking through detainee window areas, riveting in place.

Aluminum Door Skins

Plastic Detainee Seats with door facing seat belts for Officer Safey purposes.

Manual Locking (Lock Out Pin) Device in front of rear passenger of doors accessible by agents through rear of front door jab by Agents Only.

Rear Door Electrical Door Switches mounted inside water barrier to prevent electrical shorting.

Dual Gun Blac Rac Equivalent Assembly with safety trigger guard to prevent unintentional weapon discharge while stowing and removing weapon with mounting pads with gun locks

Multi-Color Lightbar, LED, with Solar Charger, Traffic Advisor and Full Takedowns Combinations

Front Intersection Lights - 1 Red/White Split (Driver Side) and 1 Blue/White Split (Passenger Side), 180 Degrees;

Alternating Front Headlight Flasher or Wigwag in Front Grille;

Intersection Lights - 1 Rear Facing Red (Driver Side) and 1 Rear Facing Blue (Passenger Side);

Rear Facing Interior Red/Amber/Amber/Blue LED Lights W/ Cover;

Alternating Rear Tail Light Flasher;

Standard Siren (Plug-in) with Traffic Advisor Controller;

Protective Interior Floor Mat/ Driver and Passenger Side;

Programmable Battery Saver (30 Minute Timer);

Syn Tech AIMS Module Installation in order to be able to refuel at USBP Locations or FIT COMPASS Device to meet CBP telematics requirements.

Credit Card Pouch to prevent Fleet Card Loss, Manufacturer's Info & Pouch, Fire Stick, and attached DHS Plates

35% Window Tint - 24" Wide, Covers All Windows Except Front Windshield Only Include Eyebrown Tint

Interior Side Facing Lights: Red/Blue Split, Driver and Passenger Side Cargo Area Window Mount w/cover

Standard Fuel Fee (5 Gallons or 1/4 Tank) for Delivered Vehicles

Mobile TAK Device Mount with Juggernaut Case

Single vs. Multiband Antennas

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