RFI_Computer-Based Color Vision Testing.pdf

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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Request for Information (RFI)

Computer-Based Color Vision Testing Solution.

1. BACKGROUND

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) mission is to protect the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. To execute its mission, TSA employs approximately 63,000 employees, including a large workforce of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at over 450 federalized airports.

TSA’s Office of Human Capital (HC) provides comprehensive programs and services that attract, build, and inspire a talented and dedicated workforce. As part of the pre-employment screening process, all TSO applicants are required to pass a color vision test in accordance with the TSA Medical and Psychological Guidelines.

TSA has a requirement for Computer-Based Color Vision Testing. Currently this testing is administered externally through a third-party medical services provider. TSA projects it will need to conduct approximately 26,825 medical exams to meet its hiring goals in the next fiscal year. TSA is interested in understanding the current market landscape, available technologies, pricing structures, and implementation models to improve efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and streamline the hiring process, TSA is exploring options to acquire an in-house, computer-based color vision testing solution to be administered by TSA personnel.

2. OBJECTIVE

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) as a means of conducting market research to identify potential vendors and solutions for a computer-based or digital color vision testing system. TSA is seeking a scientifically validated, self-administered, and proctored testing platform that can be deployed across its facilities. This system will provide a clear, immediate pass/fail result to support hiring decisions.

TSA seeks to solve the challenges of high costs, logistical complexity, and lack of direct oversight associated with its current externalized color vision testing process. The goal is to identify a cost-effective, reliable, and secure in-house solution that meets medical and operational standards.

TSA is interested in understanding the current market landscape, available technologies, pricing structures, and implementation models. This may include the potential for an initial pilot program at select locations before a full-scale deployment to approximately 450 sites.

In addition, TSA is requesting feedback from industry in respect to the draft Performance Work Statement, such as suggested areas of improvement, lessons learned from similar projects, areas that may require further clarity, and any questions or comments that the Government should consider before releasing the final solicitation. It should be noted that

2/4 the Government is currently working on updating the PWS to reflect the current requirements for this procurement.

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is anticipated to be 513210 “Software Publishers”. The Product Service Code (PSC) is anticipated to be 7A21 “IT and Telecom, Business Application Software as a Service”. TSA anticipates award of a single contract.

3. RESPONSES TO THIS RFI

Interested parties are encouraged to submit responses to the following sections:

Section 1 – Capabilities Statement

• Company Name, Address, and Website.

• Point of Contact (Name, Title, Email, and Phone Number).

• CAGE Code and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• Socio-economic status

• Relevant federal contract vehicles (e.g., GSA Schedules) under which your solution is available.

Section 2 – Relevant Experience

Provide up to three examples of projects of similar in size, scope, and complexity to the TSA requirements, preferably with the Federal Government. Please include the customer, period of performance, total contract value, and whether the work was performed as a prime or sub-contractor. Briefly describe the scope of work, to include the management and staffing methodology, best practices/lessons learned, and relevant performance metrics.

Section 3 – Draft PWS

The draft PWS is provided as Attachment 1 to this RFI. Please review and provide the following:

3.1. Solution Overview

• Describe your proposed color vision testing solution, including its technical and functional capabilities.

• Explain the hardware and software requirements (e.g., operating systems, processing power, memory, laptop, tablet, screen resolution, range of colors). Does your solution require an internet connection to function?

• Describe how the test is administered and proctored. How are instructions integrated for the user? What is the average time to complete?

• Detail the process for reporting pass/fail results and how data privacy is maintained.

Where is test data stored?

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• What are the screen calibration requirements for the hardware and/or software?

3.2. Validation and Usage

• Provide citations, links, or documentation for the scientific research validating your test's accuracy.

• List any U.S. federal agencies (civilian or defense) currently using your solution.

3.3. Pricing and Implementation

• Describe your pricing model (e.g., per-device license, annual subscription, per-test fee, one-time hardware cost). Please provide a rough order of magnitude (ROM) for a potential deployment to 450 locations.

• Describe your standard warranty, technical support, and training options for proctors.

• Would you be open to a bailment agreement, allowing TSA to test and evaluate your product at no cost?

• Describe your capability and approach for supporting a small-scale pilot program (e.g., 5-10 sites) prior to a full deployment. What would be the estimated cost and timeline for such a pilot?

3.4. Security and Compliance

• Provide your Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on the latest Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) to address Section 508 compliance.

• If your solution involves cloud components or data transmission, describe its current FedRAMP status or path to achieving authorization.

3.5. Industry Recommendations for Future Solicitations (RFP)

TSA is committed to drafting a solicitation that is clear, competitive, and aligned with industry capabilities. Please provide your feedback on the following:

• Requirements Clarity: Are there any requirements outlined in this RFI that appear ambiguous, overly restrictive, or commercially impractical? If so, how would you recommend refining them?

• Key RFP Questions: What specific questions should TSA ask in a future RFP to effectively evaluate and differentiate the technical capabilities, scientific validity, and reliability of competing color vision solutions?

• Performance Metrics: What key performance indicators (KPIs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), or quality control metrics should TSA establish in the PWS to ensure long-term system accuracy and operational availability?

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• Cost Drivers: What are the primary cost drivers or risk factors associated with deploying and maintaining this solution across approximately 450 geographically dispersed sites that TSA should consider when structuring the pricing model?

• Suggestions: Areas of improvement, lessons learned from similar projects, areas that may require further clarity, areas that appear outdated, and any questions that the Government should consider before releasing the final solicitation.

Information Security & Deployment: What specific information security, network integration, or hardware approval questions should TSA address early in the procurement lifecycle to expedite the Authority to Operate (ATO) process?

4. REVIEW OF RESPONSES

The Government will review interested party responses for market research purposes only.

The Government does not intend to provide responses to RFI submissions or questions directly, but will consider or incorporate responses into any future solicitation relating to these requirements. The Government reserves the right to arrange a technical information exchange, demonstration, or pilot program directly with all or select respondents following review of submissions.

5. SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Responses to this RFI shall be submitted via email no later than 12:00 PM EDT on October 19, 2026 to Jason.Richards@tsa.dhs.gov and Tiara.jones@tsa.dhs.gov. Responses not received by the closing date and time may not be considered or reviewed by TSA. Questions in support of this RFI will not be addressed.

Responses to this RFI shall not exceed 8 (8) pages, submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format with standard margins, 8.5”x11” paper size, and minimum of 11-point font.

6. DISCLAIMER

This RFI and draft PWS are issued solely for informational and planning purposes and do not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.101(c), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract, nor do they affect a potential offeror's ability to respond to any future synopsis/solicitation, which may or may not follow or restrict the Government's eventual acquisition approach. The Government will not provide reimbursement for any information that may be submitted in response to this notice, and no basis for a claim against the Government shall arise from a response to this notice or Government use of any information provided. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.

7. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 – Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) mailto:Jason.Richards@tsa.dhs.gov

Computer-Based Color Vision Testing Solution

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

1. Background Information

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) mission is to protect the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. To execute its mission, TSA employs approximately 63,000 employees, including a large workforce of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at over 450 federalized airports.

TSA’s Office of Human Capital (HC) provides comprehensive programs and services that attract, build, and inspire a talented and dedicated workforce. As part of the pre-employment screening process, all TSO applicants are required to pass a color vision test in accordance with the TSA Medical and Psychological Guidelines.

Currently, this testing is administered externally through a third-party medical services provider.

TSA projects it will need to conduct approximately 26,825 medical exams to meet its hiring goals in the next fiscal year. To improve efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and streamline the hiring process, TSA is exploring options to acquire an in-house, computer-based color vision testing solution to be administered by TSA personnel.

2. Scope

The proposed solution should meet the following core requirements:

• Platform: A computer-based solution that can operate on a standard computer, laptop, tablet, or a vendor-provided dedicated workstation.

• Administration: The test must be self-administered by the applicant with clear, integrated instructions that require minimal intervention from the TSA proctor.

• Results: The system must automatically display a definitive pass or fail result at the conclusion of the test. It should not provide diagnostic data beyond the pass/fail outcome.

• Validation: The test must be scientifically validated for accuracy and reliability.

Respondents should provide references, supporting research, and/or evidence of use by other U.S. federal agencies or military services.

• Compatibility: The solution must either be compatible with standard TSA-approved hardware and operating systems or be provided as a self-contained system (e.g., a pre-loaded tablet).

• Security & Data Privacy: All test data and results must be handled securely. If data is stored, it must be maintained locally on the device or within a secure, government-approved environment. Solutions requiring cloud-based data storage must address federal security compliance (e.g., FedRAMP).

• Accessibility: The solution must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure it is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

3. Known Constraints and Concerns

• IT Security: Any software-based solution will be subject to a thorough review by TSA’s IT division to assess security vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies.

• Device Management: For solutions involving vendor-supplied hardware, TSA requests additional information on lifecycle management, warranty, and replacement costs for damaged or obsolete devices.

• Calibration: Solutions requiring frequent or complex device calibration are less desirable due to the scale of deployment and need for operational consistency.