Industry Call FY25 Q4 QA.pdf

CO Division Slide posted/updated

Question Response

Small Business

Love the Small Business Prime achievement numbers shown. Does the Small Business Office have similar goals for 2026?

Typically our goals are not finalized until the 1st or 2nd quarter of the fiscal year. The process for our goals is that the Small Business

Administration (SBA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) negotiate goals that apply at the Department level. Once those are finalized, DHS works with each component to establish component level goals. So, USCIS will likely have goals at some point in the second quarter, if not late first quarter. As soon as information related to

FY26 goals is available we will be sure to share that with industry at that next engagement event.

Disclaimer: The response to the questions provided herein may differ from the solicitation that is released for the requirement. Industry should reference the released solicitation and not hold the government liable for any responses listed herein.

FY25 Q4 Industry Call Q&As (July 29, 2025)

PRE-CALL SUBMITTED QUESTIONS

HOST

General OCON

Small Business

Would the small business office be open to holding their own, separate Industry Engagement calls (if they do not already)?

For these quarterly engagement events, we try to pull a lot of different participants into the same space to make it as meaningful as possible. On the call today we have many industry partners, contracting officers, Office of Contracting leadership, small business specialists, industry liaison, and often times we also have some of our program office folks or other guest speakers from USCIS or DHS joining as well. Our intent is to really make these quarterly calls as valuable as possible and also to respect everyone’s time, so with that being said, rather than holding a separate event, if there are any suggestions on how to better support small businesses through this event we would love to hear that feedback and you can feel free to email me (Danielle.L.Hubbard@uscis.dhs.gov). Additionally, if you are a small business and are looking for an opportunity for a brief meeting with the SBS and industry liaison team to learn some basics on how to do business with USCIS or DHS as a whole, we participate in monthly Vendor Outreach Sessions (called the VOS program) where we hold 15-minute, one on one sessions with small businesses to answer any questions they may have and to provide some resources for how to get started. Information regarding these events and how to register can be found here: https://www.dhs.gov/osdbu/small-business-vendor-outreach-sessions

Monty Kurtz 54

The RFI mentions 34 internal applications. Can you clarify which ones are highest priority for modernization in the upcoming award, and why?

As the landscape will change a lot between now and the solicitation, it is difficult to guarantee which apps will be the priority. FY25-26 priorities include 1) replacing our enterprise correspondence application with modernized architecture and capabilities. 2)

Migrating features from applications built on ColdFusion to modern platforms. As these goals are accomplished, the program’s modernization plan will be updated.

Monty Kurtz 54

Does USCIS intend to phase modernization efforts by application or domain (e.g., wave releases), or expect a simultaneous multi‑app rollout under this task order?

This program currently has multiple teams working simultaneously and multiple applications can be rolled out at once if there is coordination with the user groups.

TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

OPERATIONS DIVISION

Monty Kurtz 54

What improvements do you plan over the existing CI/CD pipelines? For example, will SBOM generation, container vulnerability scanning, or compliance automation be mandatory in the next phase?

Those are handled by an external team. Pipelines are being migrated to Harness.io in 2025. All teams must adhere to the enterprise CI/CD Pipeline Standards across all stages throughout the pipeline. The standards include documentation, vulnerability scans and automation.

Monty Kurtz 54

Are there required core technologies (e.g., AWS GovCloud, Kubernetes, React) or is there flexibility to propose alternative stacks—particularly for modernization or emerging tech pilots?

The PWS will identify the required core technologies to maintain the existing portfolio of applications. Innovation and experimentation with emerging technology is encouraged.

Monty Kurtz 54

The forecast indicates a full Small Business set‑aside. Are there specific SB categories (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB) you aim to include, and what SB participation percentages are anticipated?

We anticipate this acquisition will be a total small business set-aside.

Monty Kurtz 54

Will the task order allow for pilot programs or POCs—for example, AI-based automation, low-code solutions, or user experience enhancements—as part of performance deliverables? Yes, within the guidelines set by DHS and USCIS.

Vic Where do you foresee PACTS requirements going? GSA or other SSVs

Who is the new Director? Joseph B. Edlow

With the requirement of the Secretary signing off on all contracts >100k, how much time has this added to the awarding of USCIS contracts? Each procurement varies.

Tech Who is the new USCIS CIO? David Blair is currently Acting

To whom should we direct our inquiries at the Small

Business Office? Danielle Hubbard or Scott Stewart, Daniel Knapp is industry liaison

As a result of the recent change for all procurements exceeding $100,000 to be reviewed and approved by the

DHS Secretary's office, does USCIS Contracting know how many procurements are currently backlogged? All actions are actively being worked to ensure timely award is made.

For Cyber DOME, can we request a meeting at this point with Emily Rankin, David Shamburger and/or Aaron

Maddox?

Meetings can take place when procurments are in the market research phase.

Is there any update on Requirements Title: Application

Security Platform (ASP) Static Application Security Testing?

Is the program open to meeting new firms who excel in such services?

Meetings can take place when procurments arein the market research phase. Please reach out to the CO for this requirement.

During and Post Call Questions and Answers

USCIS Small Business Specialist

General

Greg Schroeder OPS 14 Will FOSS be SDVOSB set-aside? TBD

Greg Schroeder OPS 14 the release is 2025? or 2026 as in the slide? Oct-25

Greg Schroeder OPS 14 Will an RFI or SSN be issued for FOSS? Still in market research phase, this is to be determined

Eric Bishop OPS 16 Will an RFI or SSN be issued for ROSS?

Answered during Call. This is TBD after further market conditions are evaluated

Eric Bishop OPS 16 will there be site visits for ROSS? No

Eric Bishop OPS 16 Do you know when the ROSS RFI will come out No, additionally, RFI is still to be determined

Victor Martin OPS 25

Is the Background Investigation Services primarily Security

Support Services such as staffing PERSEC, INFOSEC specialists? Or is it actually investigators conducting interviews. Please provide added clarity on the scope.

Thanks.

The BPA holders on the Background Investigative Services II BPA have access to the Performance Work Statement that details the scope in which to conduct the investigations.

Michael Hodahkwen OPS 23

Wasn't the name changed for the IDEA opportunity to RAIO

Innovation Support for Immigration Enforcement Process and Systems (ISIEPS)? This is an active RFP out right now that has very similar/same requirements and came out on

OASIS+ 8a as well.

Yes, there was a name change. RFQ1768827, Innovation Support for

Immigration Enforcement Process and System

Mary Shinney OPS 33

Is CCT1 different from the THDSS opportunity? Or have they been consolidated? I don't see anything regarding the

THDSS opportunity and would like to see if this is still going to be released?

CCT1 and THDSS have been separate requirements. The Gov is reviewing both requirements to determine future need and potential for combining into one requirement.

Mary Shinney OPS 33

Good afternoon, ref CCT1: with the solicitation on hold, what confidence do you have that the RFP date will remain

Nov 1? And, if you anticipate a change in scope will there be a new RFI request and or a draft RFP release?

It is possible that there will be a second RFI posted for the CCT1, if the requirement is retained and/or changed from its current scope. The Nov

RFP release date is tentative and will be updated as we firm up requirements.

Mary Shinney OPS 33 When do you think you will have a decision on CCT1 on wether this service will be needed?

The Government is evaluating this requirement and will update the APFS once more information is known about the future need for this service. We do not have an anticipated date at this time.

Mary Shinney OPS 33 For the Contract Center, if this work has taken place in the past, why would it be cancelled? If is is cancelled, how will this Contact Center service be fulfilled going forward?

The Government is evaluating this requirement and will update the APFS once more information is known about the future need for this service. We do not have more information at this time as it is an evolving discussion within the Government.

David Hershey OPS 35 Can you provide more insight on the Period of Performance for Regulatory Support Services (APFS 2024068055)? It is currently listed as starting 7/14/25

The previous contract for this work has expired and the Government is currently experiencing a gap in service, pending DHS Secretary approval.

The period of performance will begin after S1 approval and contract award.

David Hershey OPS 37 For the FedHR Navigator opportunity, is the award pending

DHS or DHA approval? DHS

OPERATIONS DIVISION

Kenneth Brumfiel OPS 42 Does USCIS have a company in mind to sole source the

Administrative & Clerical Support for OCC work (slide 42)? If not, is the CO open to speaking with companies that excel in this type of work?

The Government will be awarding the requirement to an 8a firm. Further industry input is not being sought for this requirement. That being said, the

Government is always seeking to expand its industrial base, in that vein, the

Government would be interested in receiving any information from companies interested in this type of work in the future. Information gathered will be considered for market research purposes only.

Kenneth Brumfiel OPS 42

For the Admin/Clerical Spt Svcs for OCC -- please confirm the contract vehicle "Definitive Contract"? Does this mean any 8a can compete e.g. Full and Open for 8a only? Is this still being released this week? Assume this is a brand new requirement given no incumbents? Is a draft PWS or RFP available prior to Final RFP? What are the prescribed LCATs and est. workload (total hours)? Has a Direct Award strategy been decided?

"Definitive Contract" refers to a stand-alone USCIS Contract. This requirement. The Government will be awarding the requirement to an 8a firm. Further industry input is not being sought for this requirement.

Contract award is imminent and may occur any day now. Correct, this requirement is brand new and does not have an incumbent. Yes, a direct award strategy has been approved.

Kenneth Brumfiel OPS 42 Was there an RFI for OCC requirement? The OCC requirement was posted to AFPS 2025069318.

How will the upcoming EIS Contact Center II requirement differ from the current Contact Center Tier I (CCT1) slide 33 which is on a hold pattern. Does EIS replace CCT1? Is there a draft available for EIS to better understand requirements prior to the RFI in Q1? Is the Program POC open to meet with industry?

The EIS contract supports platform technology. The CCT1 contract scope does not cover technology - only help desk operations. They are separate requirements.

TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

Monty Kurtz Tech 53 Will there be a draft PWS for PLANXS II? And will it be just a draft PWS or draft RFP? We intend to issue draft documents.

Patrick Gadwah Tech 54

For QSTAG: the incumbent's scope of work is largely focused on IV&V. Is QSTAG also intended to be an IV&V program for the OIT enterprise? I ask because the program description doesn't specifically mention IV&V and reads as if the scope may be different from the incumbent's work.

Thanks. QSTAG will not be focused on IV&V.

Monty Kurtz Tech 53 Is PLANXSII going to come out on GSA MAS as a Small

Business set aside? We anticipate GSA MAS total SB set-aside.