RFI_HE Rail.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Large-Scale (LS) Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) Program

TITLE: High Energy Rail (HE-Rail) Large-Scale Fixed Systems

ISSUANCE DATE:

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.

Background U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for targeting, selecting, and examining railcars, high-speed trains, and cargo transported via rail systems that are deemed high risk for terrorist-related activity, smuggling of contraband, and trade law violations. CBP Officers and United States Border Patrol (USBP) Agents ensure the flow of legal and legitimate trade and travel across U.S. borders while maintaining security.

CBP has an ongoing requirement to interdict contraband, including weapons, explosives, illegal drugs, and currency, through the examination of rail conveyances and cargo containers. As part of its layered enforcement strategy, CBP officers utilize Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) systems to examine railcars and containers for illicit goods. To enhance its inspection and interdiction capabilities, CBP deploys High Energy Rail (HE-Rail) large-scale fixed systems at and between land Ports of Entry (POE). These systems are used to inspect railcars, cargo, and intermodal containers. This deployment aims to increase inspection capacity while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of CBP operations.

CBP’s long-term strategy for rail system security focuses on expanding the use of automated tools and processes, integrating multiple sensors, technologies, and data platforms, and leveraging advanced systems to optimize NII operations and strengthen border security efforts, trade, and travel security across rail systems.

Purpose The purpose of this project is to deploy state-of-the-art HE-Rail large-scale fixed systems to meet the CBP operational requirements and mission for rail system security. The HE-Rail Systems shall meet requirements and specifications prior to deployment. Deployment of HE Rail Systems includes installation and support services for effective operational integration.

Scope To meet CBP’s objectives, the contractor shall manufacture to specifications, deliver, install, and maintain HE-Rail Systems. HE-Rail Systems shall allow for vehicles to be scanned while occupied by drivers and passengers. The systems shall utilize commercial technology and adhere to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) safety standards to ensure that exposure rates are minimized. The HE-Rail System shall be a self-contained inspection system.

Additional requirements and specifications are provided in other sections of this Statement of Work (SOW) and its attachments. These requirements include the manufacture, delivery, and installation of equipment as well as associated tasks such as civil works, image formatting for compatibility with CBP systems, testing, verification, documentation, interconnectivity, lifecycle support, warranties, and logistics. Each HE-Rail System will be deployed in accordance with the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) requirements specific to each land POE.

Future Task Orders (TOs) will specify the particular services, resources, equipment, supplies, and materials to be provided. TO requirements may modify certain aspects (e.g., labor qualifications, training) with prior written approval from the Contracting Officer (CO). Such modifications will apply only to the specific TO.

Delivery CBP plans to procure up to ten (10) HE-Rail systems during the base year. In the first contract option period, the maximum anticipated quantity is four (4) HE-Rail systems. For each of the remaining three option periods, CBP estimates procuring one (1) HE-Rail systems annually.

Requested Information U.S. CBP is seeking feedback from industry on draft requirements documents related to NII HE-Rail large-scale fixed systems. Your insights are crucial in ensuring that our upcoming acquisition accurately reflects current technological advancements and best practices. We invite you to thoroughly review the requirements documents provided and submit comments focusing on areas that may be unclear, requirements that do not fully capture the latest technological capabilities, or specifications that might inadvertently limit the inclusion of newer, yet proven, technologies.

Please note that this is a request for information and not a solicitation for proposals. While the government will not be providing direct responses to individual questions posed within your comments, any questions submitted will be carefully considered and may be utilized to clarify and refine the final requirements documents. To streamline this process, please refrain from submitting capability statements. Our primary interest is in your expert feedback on the draft requirements themselves.

We request that all comments be submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of this request. Your timely and detailed input is highly valued as we work to enhance our NII capabilities and secure our nation's borders. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to your contributions.

Note: There is no page limit for this request.

Responses are due within fifteen (15) calendar days of this RFIs published date. Responses must be submitted in the attached Microsoft Excel response template to contracting officer Aga Frys, aga.frys@cbp.dhs.gov and Acquisition Specialist Kaitlin Merli, kaitlin.h.merli@associates.cbp.dhs.gov.

Questions While the government will not be providing direct responses to individual questions, they may be submitted in writing via e-mail to the Contracting Officer, aga.frys@cbp.dhs.gov and Acquisition Specialist Kaitlin Merli, kaitlin.h.merli@associates.cbp.dhs.gov. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Any questions submitted will be carefully considered and may be utilized to clarify and refine the final RFP documents.

Summary THIS IS ONLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) to identify any areas of improvement on the draft requirements documents. 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 become Government property and will not be returned.