RFI_Chem ID Equipment.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) Program

TITLE: Chemical and Narcotics Detection and Identification Devices ISSUANCE DATE: January 15, 2025

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) nor a promise to issue an RFP or other solicitation. Furthermore, those who respond to this RFI should not anticipate feedback about its submission, other than acknowledgment of receipt. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is not currently seeking proposals. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay any cost incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the expense of the respondent. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. All submissions become the property of the Federal Government and will not be returned.

1.0 Background

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to seize an increasing number of opioids, narcotics, and other illicit substances at and in-between the nation’s borders. Of significant concern is the spike in fentanyl seizures. To combat this threat and many others, CBP implements a layered enforcement strategy that incorporates a broad range of tools and capabilities essential to the detection and interdiction of illicit materials smuggled into the United States.

CBP, Office of Field Operations (OFO) seeks to purchase handheld/portable chemical-and-narcotics detection and identification systems for use at Ports of Entry (POE), United States Border Patrol (USBP) operations between official ports of entry, and other CBP operational locations. The detection equipment will be used by CBP Officers, USBP Agents, and other CBP operators that can identify a wide range of narcotics, controlled substances, and other chemical materials such as additives, pharmaceuticals, explosives, inert substances, and other materials.

The objective of this program is to rapidly and accurately detect, identify, and interdict contraband illegally arriving in the United States.

Requested Information

CBP is seeking information from interested vendors that could provide handheld chemical analyzers for the Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) program.

Responses received from interested parties should:

• Demonstrate the respondent's ability to meet the specifications attached or provide alternate device designs that can satisfy the requirement,

• Provides the company name and address, point of contact with phone number and e-mail, business size, DUNS number, and

• Provide any other pertinent information related to the desired capability.

Responses are due no later than January 28, 2025, at 11 A.M ET. Responses must be submitted via e-mail in MS Word or Adobe PDF format to Contracting Officer, Aga Frys, at aga.frys@cbp.dhs.gov.

2.0 System Requirements

General Requirements - The Contractor shall perform the work necessary for the fabrication, integration, test, delivery, training, logistics, warranty and on-demand support of Handheld chemical, explosives, and narcotics analyzers.

CBP is seeking information from vendors that can supply a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) system following a future, near-term Request for Proposal (RFP). The system should be readily available to procure, train, deploy, and maintain without further development.

Interested parties should provide the following information and responses to the information requested below.

1. Documentation: System name, description, specifications, pictures, technical information, briefings, data packages, training materials, and any other salient documentation that can provide an understanding of the system.

2. Test Reports: Any vendor or third-party test reports on the system.

3. Current Users: A list of other government (international, federal, state, local, tribal, and/or territorial) agencies who have procured or use the device in question.

4. Questions: Details and answers to the below information and questions:

Specification Name Information Requested Notes:

Size What are the dimensions of the system? Include information on base system plus size with any necessary peripherals.

The system should be human portable, preferably with one hand.

Weight What is the weight of the system? Include the weight with batteries and ready for operation, as well as the weight of any peripherals.

The system should be lightweight.

Operating Temperature and Environmental Conditions

What are the operating temperatures of the system?

What relative humidity can the system operate in? Are

The system should be operable in all expected CBP operating temperatures and conditions there other environmental condition limitations?

Ruggedization Has the system been ruggedized to any MIL-STD or other specification?

The system should be ruggedized for field use.

Power How is the system powered?

If the system has batteries, how long do they last in constant operation on the device? How long is the device powered when idle?

Can you plug the system into a car charger or other standard power cords such as

USB-C?

The system should be battery powered with non-proprietary batteries, should be able to plug into a standard 120V AC wall outlet, should have hot-swappable batteries, and should have a long operating time on the batteries.

Peripherals What peripherals come with the system?

For example: carrying case, battery charger, cleaning kit, or other add-ons for use with the system.

Display What is the size of the display to provide the operator the operating and analysis information? What is the resolution of the display? Is the display legible in full sunlight?

Input How is the system controlled (e.g. touchscreen, buttons, etc.)

Analysis Method What is the analysis method (e.g., Raman, FTIR, ion mobility spectrometry, etc.)

The system should provide a data output option for further analysis.

Analysis Results How does the system display analysis results, such as detection or identification?

How many substances can the system presumptively identify at one time (e.g., can the system identify only one substance at a time, or multiple substances if there is a mixture?)

The system should be able to detect and identify all substances of interest present.

Analysis Accuracy What is the detection probability of the analysis?

Unknown Results If the system is unable to identify a substance, how does it display the result?

The system should make the user aware if a substance is present that is not in the identification library and provide an option to download the raw data for further analysis.

Algorithm, Firmware, and Library Updates

How does the system receive new algorithm, firmware, software, or library updates from the vendor? Would this incur costs? Would this be something that an active contract is needed to be completed?

Algorithms should be internal to the instrument. CBP must be able to update the system software without sending the system to the vendor.

Library Updates Can the user update, change, or add new substances to the library without action by the vendor?

CBP should be able to edit, add, and update the library without vendor action.

Library How many substances are in the analytical library? Is there a charge for library updates?

Libraries should not be proprietary. Libraries should be internal to the instrument.

Please provide a copy of the full library list of identifiable substances, with specific emphasis on 21 USC 802, 812, 813.

Chemical Classes What classes of chemicals can the system identify? Are there any types of substances that the system will not work for (e.g. plant material)?

For example, narcotics, household chemicals, over the counter medications, explosives, drug precursors, etc.

Offline Analysis Software Does the system have analysis software to further analyze and review information on the most current Microsoft Windows compliant device? What are the capabilities of the software?

Sample Analysis What equipment besides the base unit is necessary for sample analysis?

Software data acquisition, data processing, and interpretation should take place on the system and not require auxiliary components such as a cell phone.

Sample Type Does the system have the capability to analyze solids and liquids?

Sample Preparation Please describe the sample preparation process and nominal times to complete.

Sample Size How large of a sample is required for an accurate analysis?

Vials and bags Can the system identify chemicals contained in glass or plastic containers and/or bags?

“Cleardown time” If oversaturated, how long does it take to clean the system? Does the system perform this function automatically, or does the operator need to manually clean the system? Does the system require a technician to clean the system?

System speed How fast is the system chemical analysis?

Time is from operator initiation of the scan to output of analysis results.

Spectral/Mass Range If the system uses spectroscopy (Raman, FTIR, etc.) or spectrometry (IMS, mass-spec, etc.) what is the spectral or mass range? What is the spectral or mass resolution?

The system information should provide a range it analyzes or scans through.

Remote Operation Can the system be operated remotely connected to a local area network, cell phone, computer, or other device?

Consumables What consumables does the system require? (e.g. swabs, filters, absorber cans, etc.)

Which consumables are proprietary?

System should limit the use of consumables.

Please provide a commercial price list.

Data Storage How does the system store analysis results?

The system should store data in a non-proprietary format.

What are the file types of data storage (e.g., SPC files, etc.)

How many analysis scans can the system store?

The system should be able to store at least 1000 analysis scans without a decrease in access speed.

Data Offloading How does a user offload data from the device for storage and further analysis? Is there an online feature for data uploads? How is data deleted from the system?

The system should be able to export/offload data. Wireless is preferred and should be able to be made security compliant.

Data Encryption What type of encryption is utilized for data transfer and storage?

Data will be limited to transfer within the CBP network.

System Operation Can the system be operated while wearing PPE? Can the system be operated when wearing regular work gloves?

Does the system require PPE for operation (such as laser safety goggles)?

Operation while wearing level A protective equipment is desired

System Training How long does it take for an operator to be trained?

Training should take no more than four hours for device certification.

System Warranty What type of system warranty is offered? Can it be extended for multiple option years?

Maintenance Describe your maintenance strategy. Can CBP technicians be trained to perform repairs?

Are there multiple independent / diverse service providers nationwide?

Is routine maintenance required for the system? If so, please describe. Is an annual calibration required?

CBP Repair Depot maintenance is preferred over factory or O.E.M. preferred provider maintenance

Repair downtime Provide typical maintenance turnaround times for instrument repairs.

System life-cycle support How long does the vendor intend to support the system?

Is there a date when support is expected to end?

For example: the system will be supported by the O.E.M.

for ten (10) years after the last delivery of instruments are accepted to CBP.

Production Volume How many systems could be manufactured in a one-month period, verified, and supplied to CBP?

Service life What is the estimated service life of your system?

Without extenuating factors, the system should be able to operate for at least ten years.

4.0. Questions

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing via e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Aga Frys at aga.frys@cbp.dhs.gov. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted.

Questions will be answered by posting answers as an addendum to this RFI on SAM.gov.

Therefore, questions should not include proprietary or classified information.

5.0. Summary

THIS IS ONLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). The information and specifications provided in the RFI are subject to change and is not binding on the Government. CBP has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed and release of this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions to this RFI shall become Government property and will not be returned.