QAS Q1 FY27 Industry Call (Final).pdf

Associate Chief CO Requirement Slide # Draft / Final

Question Response

Roughly what share of the Office of Contracting's FY27 forecast is planned as a small business set-aside, and is any portion anticipated as a women-owned small business set-aside? We have been tracking USCIS postings on SAM.gov since the spring and have seen relatively few WOSB set-asides, and we are trying to understand whether that reflects the forecast itself or simply the timing of what has been posted so far

The appearance of USCIS having few WOSB set-asides on SAM.gov is a reflection of early-fiscal-year timing rather than a shift in our forecast strategy. USCIS has a strong track record of supporting women-owned businesses; in FY2026, we exceeded our 5.0% WOSB goal by achieving 7.7%. Many FY2027 requirements are still moving through the early stages of acquisition planning and market research. We recommend continuing to track both SAM.gov and the DHS Acquisition Forecast, as a wider variety of set-aside opportunities will be released as the fiscal year progresses.

How much of the Office of Contracting's professional services and training spend is placed through GSA Multiple Award Schedule versus open market? We do not currently hold a Schedule contract, and we are trying to assess whether one is effectively a prerequisite for doing business with USCIS or a matter of convenience.

Holding a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract is not a legal or administrative prerequisite for doing business with USCIS. However, in alignment with federal category management and strategic sourcing directives, USCIS is required to prioritize existing Department-wide and government-wide contract vehicles (such as GSA MAS) before establishing new, stand-alone contracts on the open market. Because purchasing through GSA Schedules streamlines the acquisition timeline and ensures pre-negotiated, fair and reasonable pricing, USCIS leverages GSA MAS for our requirements when market research determines it is the best approach. While open-market awards are possible, having a GSA Schedule or sub-contracting through a Schedule is an option for vendors.

Are the large support-services prime contractors at USCIS currently meeting their small business and women-owned small business subcontracting goals? If there are shortfalls in particular categories or capability areas, we would welcome that insight so we can approach the primes where a specialist subcontractor would genuinely be useful.

USCIS adheres to Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 19 subcontracting plan requirements on large prime contractors, and our primes are actively seeking capable small business partners to meet their socio-economic targets across all functional areas. We encourage you to engage directly with our large prime contractors' Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs), who manage their respective supplier diversity pipelines and can speak directly to their current teaming gaps and subcontractor needs. The DHS OSDBU website maintains an active list of prime contractors and their designated Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs) listed for each prime. In addition, consider accessing SBA's SUBNet website (https://legacy.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/prime-subcontracting/subcontracting-opportunities); a subcontracting network site that helps large federal prime contractors find small subcontractors. Small businesses can browse the listing to find subcontracting opportunities. You can filter the listing by state or keyword, or sort the listing by clicking a column header.

How does USCIS currently receive and evaluate unsolicited technology submissions from industry, and which office owns that process?

Please review the guidance for submitting unsolicited proposals. USCIS accepts valid unsolicited proposals that present new and innovative ideas consistent with our mission; however, requirements for contractor resources are normally program-specific and must be responsive to USCIS needs. Companies interested in submitting an unsolicited proposal should follow the guidance in Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Subpart 15.5 (https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-15), including the preparation requirements in RFO 15.503. Unsolicited proposals may be submitted to: unsolicited.proposal@uscis.dhs.gov

Which upcoming USCIS requirements cover case workflow, adjudication support or data integration, and how can small businesses engage the program offices before those requirements are written?

Current Opportunities: Please Monitor SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/): All current USCIS (and DHS) contracting opportunities, requests for information (RFIs), and solicitations are published on SAM.gov. Setting up alerts will ensure you do not miss official opportunities to submit quotes/proposals and present your capabilities for current requirements.

Access to Forecasted Opportunities: USCIS and broader DHS procurement forecasts are publicly available within the Advance Acquisition Planning: Forecast of Contract Opportunities located at https://www.dhs.gov/advance-acquisition-planning-forecast-contract-opportunities. Because DHS migrated to this new site on 11/5/2026, records are now synchronized with the industry-facing site only once each day, at approximately 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In December 2026, DHS plans to restore automated notifications and subscription services. Search, filtering, and alerts will be available at that time as well.

Below provides a sample size of USCIS forecasted opportunities (not all inclusive) that you may want to consider and serves as a brief example of how you can leverage APFS to research opportunities at USCIS based on key words that align with your capability (i.e. case workflow, adjudication, data integration) - Forecast Record Number: F2025069599, NAICS: 541512, Forms Support and Services (FSS);

Forecast Record Number: F2026075277, NAICS: 561210 National Benefits Center (NBC) Records Operation Contract (ROC) Forecast Record Number: F2026073271, NAICS: 541512, Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

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.

FY27 Q1 Industry Call Q&As (Oct 27, 2026)

PRE-CALL SUBMITTED QUESTIONS

General OCON

Question Response FY27 Q1 Industry Call Q&As (Oct 27, 2026)

1) If a specialized commercial product may address a USCIS operational need but falls outside the scope of existing contracts, what process should a provider follow to have that capability considered during market research and future acquisition planning?

2) Which office should receive the platform’s capability documentation?

Please review the guidance for submitting unsolicited proposals. USCIS accepts valid unsolicited proposals that present new and innovative ideas consistent with our mission; however, requirements for contractor resources are normally program-specific and must be responsive to USCIS needs. Companies interested in submitting an unsolicited proposal should follow the guidance in Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Subpart 15.5 (https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-15), including the preparation requirements in RFO 15.503. Unsolicited proposals may be submitted to: unsolicited.proposal@uscis.dhs.gov.

1) What acquisition pathways may be available to a small U.S. business offering an annual subscription for specialized government-source data and information-verification services? 2) If direct acquisition is not appropriate, how can a provider identify prime contractors whose existing contract scopes permit the acquisition of such services?

General: Language Services

Slides 11 and 67 are the entries we identified as related to language services. Is there a USCIS point of contact or process through which vendors can brief language technology capabilities outside the forecast, for example during market research for future requirements?

The Industry Liaison (USCIS-vendoroutreach@uscis.dhs.gov) is the best POC for questions not specifically related to a known USCIS requirement. Should a vendor offer a capability that might be beneficial to USCIS, they should either coordinate with the Industry Liaison who can assist with coordination a potential briefing, or, alternatively, should consider utilizing the Unsolicited Proposal process.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

Are there USCIS-side limits on how often new-hire training classes can start during performance, such as content approval, EOD timing or equipment availability? Will training time for new hires after transition be paid separately from contact handling?

There is no limit on training classes. All required system access training will be provided/paid by the Government separately from contact handling.

OPERATIONS DIVISION

1.) Available Acquisition Pathways:

For a small U.S. business there are several federal acquisition pathways that may be utilized depending on agency-specific requirements. Examples are as follows:

a. Open Market opportunities: All current USCIS (and DHS) contracting opportunities, requests for information (RFIs), and solicitations are published on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Setting up alerts will ensure you do not miss official opportunities to submit quotes/proposals and present your capabilities for current requirements.

b. U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) — a government agency that connects government buyers with contractors — is a great way to start. Securing a contract with the GSA is also called “getting onto the GSA Schedule,” which means you’ve been approved to do business with the government.

-GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS): This is a common pathway for commercial subscription and IT services. Vendors can apply to get their services placed on a GSA Schedule contract, allowing agencies to purchase directly or compete requirements via GSA eBuy or GSA Advantage.

c. Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs): are also frequently used

d. The Small Business Search (SBS, formerly known as the Dynamic Small Business Search) is a database that government agencies use to find small business contractors for upcoming contracts. Small businesses can also use SBS to find other small businesses to work with.

e. Contract opportunities:

- We encourage you to monitor SAM.gov for active opportunities that match your expertise. When you see relevant Sources Sought notices or Requests for Information (RFIs) posted, we strongly recommend submitting comprehensive responses. These market research tools are the formal mechanisms the government uses to evaluate industry capability. Your active participation in the RFI stage is a great way to demonstrate your capabilities.

Access to Forecasted Opportunities: USCIS and broader DHS procurement forecasts are publicly available within the Advance Acquisition Planning Forecast of Contract Opportunities located at https://www.dhs.gov/advance-acquisition-planning-forecast-contract-opportunities. Because DHS migrated to this new site on 11/5/2026, records are now synchronized with the industry-facing site only once each day, at approximately 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In December 2026, DHS plans to restore automated notifications and subscription services. Search, filtering, and alerts will be available at that time as well.

f. Option of Unsolicited Proposal:

You may also wish to review the guidance for submitting unsolicited proposals. USCIS accepts valid unsolicited proposals that present new and innovative ideas consistent with our mission; however, requirements for contractor resources are normally program-specific and must be responsive to USCIS needs. Companies interested in submitting an unsolicited proposal should follow the guidance in Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Subpart 15.5 (https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-15), including the preparation requirements in RFO 15.503. Unsolicited proposals may be submitted to: unsolicited.proposal@uscis.dhs.gov.

2.) Subcontracting Opportunities: We encourage you to engage directly with our large prime contractors' Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs), who manage their respective supplier diversity pipelines and can speak directly to their current teaming gaps and subcontractor needs. The DHS OSDBU website maintains an active list of prime contractors and their designated Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs) listed for each prime. In addition, consider accessing SBA's SUBNet website (https://legacy.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/prime-subcontracting/subcontracting-opportunities); a subcontracting network site that helps large federal prime contractors find small subcontractors. Small businesses can browse the listing to find subcontracting opportunities. You can filter the listing by state or keyword, or sort the listing by clicking a column header.

Question Response FY27 Q1 Industry Call Q&As (Oct 27, 2026)

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Does USCIS anticipate having a dedicated industry day for the CCT1 procurement before issuing the final RFP?

No, the responses to the RFIs have given us confidence in moving forward towards solicitation.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Does USCIS anticipate issuing another RFP for the Contact Center after the conclusion of this contract? If so, what would the estimated scope of work be?

Prior to expiration of the pending contract the Government will evaluate the necessity of the future requirement, including estimated scope.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

How will USCIS evaluate compliance with the limitation on subcontracting at the order level? Will it evaluate the experience and past performance of proposed subcontractors and contractor teaming arrangement members, and if so, under which factors?

At this stage the Government is currently finalizing all evaluation factors and the final evaluation factors will be included in the publicized RFP.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Slide 35 lists the Small Business Program as "SB." Can USCIS confirm that the CCT1 order will be a total small business set-aside under NAICS 561422, and say whether a socioeconomic set-aside is still under consideration?

As of now this is open to all SB and is not anticipated to set aside beyond all SB.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Slide 35 lists the Small Business Program as "SB." Can USCIS confirm that the CCT1 order will be a total small business set-aside under NAICS 561422, and say whether a socioeconomic set-aside is still under consideration?

As of now this is open to all SB and is not anticipated to set aside beyond all SB.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

The 2021 RFQ rated Demonstrated Capability pass/fail. It required staffing and inquiry reports from one previous contract "from the prime quoting contractor alone" showing at least 150 agents, at least 1 million inquiries a year, and a staff ramp-up within 90 days.

Prime contact center contracts at that scale are uncommon among small businesses. If USCIS keeps a capability gate for a small business order, would it consider accepting contact center work the quoter performed as a subcontractor, counting the experience of proposed team members, or setting a recency window?

At this stage the Government is currently finalizing all evaluation factors and the final evaluation factors will be included in the publicized RFP. However, at this time the Government doesn't anticipate any constraints on teaming or subcontracting.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 The FY26 Q4 Q&A said USCIS plans to hold a CCT1 industry day after a pre-solicitation notice. Does that plan still stand, and will USCIS release a draft PWS or draft RFQ for comment before the final RFQ?

No, the responses to the RFIs have given us confidence in moving forward towards solicitation.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 The Industry Day slides suggest that the value of the contract is $100M and above. What is the anticipated dollar range for this contract?

At this time the Government doesn't have a specific dollar value for this requirement, but we do know the anticipated total dollar value will exceed 100 million.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

The RFI asked industry whether each baseline CLIN should use volume ranges or a ceiling cap. Has USCIS settled that structure? Will pricing remain a fixed price per contact, and will the RFQ set a minimum quantity per period so the contractor can hold trained staff through a sag?

At this time the Government doesn't have specific information of the CLIN structures. It is anticipated that the CLIN structure include surge CLINS.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

USCIS changed the procurement mechanism for CCT1 to a small business set aside and the period of performance to 2/13/2027-8/12/2029. Do the recent changes to the procurement mechanism and shortened period of performance indicate a significant shift in USCIS’s overall strategy for the contact center? If so, should Offerors anticipate any substantial changes to the scope of work outlined in the PWS?

The Government is reassessing the requirements upon re-compete and can't provide any guarantees on scope of work prior to releasing the solicitation.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 USCIS changed the procurement mechanism for CCT1 to a small business set aside and the period of performance to 2/13/2027-8/12/2019. Does USCIS anticipate a subsequent consolidation or modernization effort for CCT1?

The Government is reassessing the requirements upon re-compete and can't provide any guarantees on scope of work prior to releasing the solicitation.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

When government-furnished systems are unavailable (telephony, CRM, VPN or network access), agents cannot handle contacts but stay on paid status. Under per-contact pricing the contractor absorbs that cost. Will the RFQ include a price adjustment, a separate line item, or excusable-delay treatment for downtime caused by government-furnished systems?

This will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Which positions will be designated key personnel in the final PWS, and will resumes and letters of commitment be required with the quote?

At this stage the Government is currently finalizing all key personnel positions and the final positions will be included in the publicized RFP. However, at this time the Government doesn't anticipate requiring letters of commitment.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

Which SCA occupation classes does USCIS expect for Tier 1 agents and supervisors? Will wage determinations be incorporated for each remote place of performance, as the 2021 RFQ provided through FAR 52.222-49? Is a collective bargaining agreement in force on the current order?

Which SCA occupation classes does USCIS expect for Tier 1 agents and supervisors? This hasn't been determined at this time.

Will wage determinations be incorporated for each remote place of performance, as the 2021 RFQ provided through FAR 52.222-49? Is a collective bargaining agreement in force on the current order?

No the wage determinations will not be incorporated, the quoter should propose labor costs in accordance with the GSA standards.

Is a collective bargaining agreement in force on the current order?

No

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

Will CCT1 remain a staffing requirement, with contact center technology acquired separately under Enterprise Contact Center Experience 2 (APFS F2026074826)? The FY26 Q4 Q&A said the future role of automation and AI had not been decided. If that changes before release, will the RFQ say how automation that moves volume away from live agents is reflected in quantities and pricing?

The Government can't possibly project future needs based on currently evolving AI/Automation Technology.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

Will USCIS publish with the RFQ historical actuals, by channel and by month, for contact volume, the English and Spanish split, average handle time, and the share of contacts transferred to Tier 2? Actuals would let quoters price against current performance rather than the planning estimates in the RFI and draft PWS.

The pricing workbook will have staffing levels of calls / emails / text in each CLIN along with optional CLINS with same staffing as needed for heavier contact times. Previous actuals will not be posted.

Question Response FY27 Q1 Industry Call Q&As (Oct 27, 2026)

Victor Martin Joshua Riley

Digital Immigration Document Solution - Office of Intake and Document Production

70SBUR26I00000010

Does USCIS have any updates regarding the Digital Immigration Document Solution RFI or anticipated next steps?

No further updates at this time.

Chandani Hangilipola

Language & Interpretation Support Services (Operations Division Awards)

(APFS# F2026073570)

Final # 12

When does USCIS expect to begin market research or acquisition planning for the follow-on to this requirement, and does USCIS intend to consider technology-enabled approaches, such as human-verified machine translation and speech translation, within the next period of performance?

The task orders under APFS notice F2026073570 has already been awarded. Only the current IDIQ holders will be eligible for the next fair opportunity notice.

Eric Bishop Greg Forrest

National Benefits Center (NBC) Records Operation Contract (ROC). SAM.gov

70SBUR21C00000011 (APFS

#2026075277)

Final #16

The National Benefits Center Records Operations sources-sought notice issued in September bundled mailroom management, file control, scanning, background interviews and program management into a single requirement. Is the current acquisition plan to keep that as one award, or is USCIS considering breaking out the interview and quality-review components, where a smaller specialist firm could compete directly?

APFS record is accurate with no intention to deviate.

Victor Martin Rachel Turner USCIS Vetting Center (UVC) Consulting Support (APFS #2026075843)

Final #35 APFS lists this as an OASIS+ Small Business requirement. Is OASIS+ the confirmed vehicle, or is an 8(a) or open-market small business set-aside still under consideration?

APFS is accurate.

For document-processing and reporting needs that sit alongside an existing intelligent document processing platform, does USCIS anticipate acquiring complementary components separately, or only through the platform's prime?

Unknown at this time. Please refer to APFS records, RFIs, and/or solicitations to understand USCIS’ requirements.

Andres Fuentes Andres Fuentes Cyber Security Support Services (C3S) Architecture II

(APFS #3035070335)

Final #59

APFS lists this under GSA HACS as an 8(a) requirement. Is the HACS vehicle confirmed, or could it be competed as an 8(a) set-aside outside the Schedule?

The subject RFQ will go to a selected and eligible pool of GSA HACS MAS SIN 54151 8(a) quoters selected based on the results of market research that identified a competitive number of GSA HACS MAS SIN 54151 8(a) quoters that can meet the Government’s needs.

Sara Putnam Lora Gross Enterprise Contact Center Experience 2

(APFS# 2026074826)

Final #71

The description lists Language Services Support (LSS) within the current Enterprise Call Center. Is multilingual support, including real-time speech and text translation, expected to be within the scope of this requirement or procured separately, and will USCIS hold a market research step, such as an RFI or industry day, before the estimated March 1, 2027 solicitation release?

The scope of the requirement is still being refined and is not yet finalized. USCIS is planning to conduct another Request for Information under RFI 70SBUR27I00000002 which we anticipate posting to GSA e-Buy and SAM.gov the week of 10/26/2026.

Patrick Gadwah Amir Hrnjic Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

(APFS #)2026073271

Final #49 For EGIS, will the firm-fixed-price structure separate steady-state operations, modernization, and demand-driven enhancement work into distinct CLINs?

Additional information will not be provided at this time.

Patrick Gadwah Amir Hrnjic Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

(APFS #)2026073271

Final #49 As this is forecasted to be conducted under FAR Subpart 8.4 and GSAM/R Subpart

538.71 procedures, has the Government finalized the contract holders that the solicitation will be released to?

As stated, we plan to utilize a limited distribution approach under GSAM/R. Market research is ongoing.

Patrick Gadwah Amir Hrnjic Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

(APFS #)2026073271

Final #49 For EGIS, can USCIS confirm the acquisition schedule, NAICS 541512, applicable GSA Schedule SINs, and total-small-business set-aside strategy?

We anticipate: 541512, GAS MAS IT, Total SB set-aside.

Patrick Gadwah Amir Hrnjic Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

(APFS #)2026073271

Final #49 For EGIS, does USCIS envision a "show me" challenge and if so, will USCIS consider providing a challenge environment that every offeror must utilize?

Yes, we anticipate a technical challenge. Additional information will not be provided at this time.

Patrick Gadwah Amir Hrnjic Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

(APFS #)2026073271

Final #49

For EGIS, does USCIS expect offerors to demonstrate direct integration experience within USCIS, or will comparable enterprise integration work across DHS and other federal civilian agencies satisfy relevant past-performance requirements?

Additional information will not be provided at this time.

Patrick Gadwah Amir Hrnjic Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

(APFS #)2026073271

Final #49 Has the government concluded their market research? Market research is ongoing.

Patrick Gadwah Amir Hrnjic Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III

(APFS #)2026073271

Final #49 How will USCIS distinguish the existing EGIS integration and sustainment requirements from the new AI, fraud analytics, and advanced decision-support objectives?

Additional information will not be provided at this time.

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #66

Has USCIS selected the vendors that will receive the IBIS RFQ under the limited release?

If so, would USCIS provide the list of selected vendors to allow time for companies to form teams bringing a cohesive and innovative solution in their offers?

We are currently finalizing the acquisition strategy. Once that process is complete, we will issue a solicitation directly to selected vendors. No additional information is available at this time.

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #66

In the Q&A for the July 28 call, USCIS stated that after the RFI closed it met with a number of small and large GSA MAS contract holders, and that sources for solicitation may be identified through RFI responses, one-on-one discussions and other market research tools. For IBIS, was every RFI response evaluated against the same written criteria before any contractor was invited to a one-on-one session or placed on the distribution list, and is that evaluation documented in the market research that will support the distribution decision under GSAM/R 538.7103-3(a)(2), the provision the RFI cited?

The RFI was released as part of market research efforts. Based on responses, as well as other market research efforts, USCIS met with a select number of small and large businesses to gain insight on market conditions, commercial pricing practices, etc. The RFI was not a solicitation, and was not a formal phased evaluation process. USCIS intends to follow the GSAR 538.7103 process for distribution of any resultant RFQ.

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #66 On Slide 61 of the FY27 Q1 Industry Day presentation, can USCIS clarify what “(Direct)” means in the Estimated Solicitation Release Date field?

This procurement will use the direct solicitation method, whereby USCIS will issue the solicitation directly to a select number of GSA MAS IT contract holders

TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

Question Response FY27 Q1 Industry Call Q&As (Oct 27, 2026)

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #66

Since one-on-one sessions were held with selected MAS contract holders after the RFI, will any requirement, evaluation or acquisition strategy information discussed in those sessions that does not appear in the RFI or the posted Q&A be incorporated into the RFQ or released to every contractor solicited, so that no contractor quotes with information others did not receive? And for the sessions USCIS held with large MAS contract holders, did those sessions inform the small business set-aside determination, the requirement, or the distribution list?

Recipients of the RFQ will all be presented with the same PWS (i.e. government requirements), terms and conditions, and evaluation criteria, to ensure fairness.

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #66

The RFI invited suggestions on technical demonstrations and evaluations, and slide 61 describes IBIS as scheduling, biometrics and identity management, entity resolution and analytics for both internal and public-facing applications. If the evaluation includes a coding challenge or live demonstration, as BIMS did, will it exercise the identity flow end to end, from the appointment event through biometric capture and identity resolution to the result landing in the adjudication system such as ELIS or CLAIMS 3, rather than biometric capture alone? Will the government furnish interface specifications or mock endpoints for OBIM, NASS and the downstream consumer so offerors demonstrate integration and not only a user interface?

Any formal evaluation process, including the use of a coding challenge, will be communicated to vendors receiving the solicitation through RFQ issuance. No further information will be provided at this time.

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #66

The RFI’s first technical experience question asked for DevSecOps/AI/ML experience on contracts of 100 or more FTEs over five years, and the number of FTEs cleared and on contract within 60 days. If that threshold was used to screen RFI responses, or will be used as a corporate experience criterion in the RFQ, what is the government’s basis for it on a requirement set aside for small business? And will experience an offeror performed as the managing member of a small business joint venture be credited to that offeror on the same basis as prime experience?

All RFI responses were reviewed in their entirety. Evaluation criteria for any resulting RFQ have not been finalized yet. Details of the evaluation criteria will be released only to those vendors directly invited to submit a quote.

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #66

USCIS has stated that it is not limited to soliciting RFI respondents, that the CO may solicit sources identified during market research that did not respond to the RFI, and that capability information submitted outside an RFI may or may not be reviewed. Other than the RFI responses and the one-on-one sessions already held, what market research method is USCIS using to identify capable MAS contract holders for IBIS, and is there a point of contact and a date by which capability information will be considered before the distribution list is set? Given the government’s statement that sufficient small businesses are capable of meeting the need, what consideration was given to publishing the RFQ on eBuy under 538.7103-3(a)(1), which reaches every 54151S small business without a distribution list?

As stated, USCIS may employ any number of market research techniques to gain information about potential sources and marketplace conditions and commercial practices. No further information about what specific tools or strategies USCIS employed will be shared at this time.

USCIS does not intend to post any resultant solicitation to GSA E-Buy.

Jonathan Latson Patricia Simon Security Operation Analytics Rigor (SOAR)

(APFS# 2026073388)

Final #65 In FY26 Q4, this was listed on the slides as a SB set aside. Is this still anticipated to be a small business set aside as reflected in the APFS record?

Yes

Jonathan Latson Patricia Simon Security Operation Analytics Rigor (SOAR)

(APFS# 2026073388)

Final #65 On Slide 60 of the FY27 Q1 Industry Day presentation, can USCIS clarify what “(Direct)” means in the Estimated Solicitation Release Date field?

This procurement will use the direct solicitation method, whereby USCIS will issue the solicitation directly to a select number of GSA MAS IT contract holders

Jonathan Latson Jonathan Latson (IBIS) / Patricia Simon (SOAR)

Security Operation Analytics Rigor (SOAR)

(APFS# 2026073388) /

Immigration Biometrics and Identity Services (IBIS) (APFS# F2026074005)

Final #65 & #66

For IBIS and SOAR, USCIS has said the solicitations will be emailed to selected GSA MAS contract holders. Will USCIS accept GSA Schedule Contractor Team Arrangements on those orders, so that a selected holder can add other schedule holders as teammates?

At this time, it is anticipated that IBIS will permit CTA arrangements; we do not anticipate that SOAR will permit CTAs. Final guidance will be included in the issued RFQs.

Would USCIS consider attaching to the APFS listing the past RFQ package (Instructions and PWS/SOW/SOO) for an incumbent contract so that businesses can prepare for a procurement, and us that information to determine their bid/no bid decision.

That is not a capability in the APFS system at this time. Please reach out the OCON POC for solicitation related questions.

FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

MODERNIZATION (FSM)

SUPPORT, Contract Number :GS35F142BA Task Order Number

:70SBUR26F00000236

Is this re-competing soon under GSA MAS? Task Order 70SBUR26F00000236 Financial Systems Modernization was awarded on 9/20/2026.

The estimated ultimate completion date is 9/29/2028.

If we have a new cyber technology and approach, what's the best way to get that in front of key stakeholders that might be interested?

I would say it depends; depends on what the technology or approach is. But some avenues that you can take: You can reach out to a contracting officer, you can reach out to a program point of contact at OIT (Office of Information Technology). You could also reach out to our small business specialist or industry liaison and they can connect you with the right people, then we can try to get a meeting together. It always helps if you can provide as much information upfront in your initial submission so we can see exactly what the best fit might be or if a follow-up meeting is needed.

General During and Post-Call Questions and Answers

Question Response FY27 Q1 Industry Call Q&As (Oct 27, 2026)

Has the forecast for the fiscal year of 2027 been released? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Forecast of Contract Opportunities includes projections of all anticipated contract actions above $350,000 that small businesses may be able to perform. Beginning Nov. 5, 2026, please go to the DHS Advance Acquisition Planning Forecast of Contract Opportunities website (Link: https://www.dhs.gov/advance-acquisition-planning-forecast-contract-opportunities) to view anticipated contracts for FY27 and thereafter. This is the new platform that replaces the legacy DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast System (APFS).

I know under the old the FAR rules, anybody who asked were able to get a copy of the solicitation. Now that that has changed, if something like this happened in the future and somebody requested it, would you include them in the solicitation even though they didn't make your down select?

Down-select is not a proper term to describe the RFQ pool selection because we are not in the evaluation phase of a source selection. As mentioned, the regulations have changed and we are no longer required to provide the RFQ to anyone who asks. Please take note of GAO’s decision on Wilson 5 Service Company Inc., B-424429, July 17,2026, which clarifies that GSAR 538.71 does not require the agency to provide the RFQ to any schedule contractor that requests it. The agency is only required to send the RFQ to as many FSS contractors as practicable, “to reasonably ensure that quotations will be received from at least three FSS contractors.”

Based on the results of market research efforts, USCIS expects to receive at least 3 quotations from the vendors who were issued the RFQ and so we do not intend to provide the RFQ to firms that were not selected to be part of the initial list of vendors.

If we have any further questions or about further bid opportunities, is it OK to talk to with our small business specialist or even the point of contact or contracting specialist?

Yes. Please reach out to the Points of Contact or the USCIS Small Business Specialist if you have questions.

It would be helpful for all of industry once you release an RFP to a limited pool if you could somehow notify industry through APFS.

Please note that the APFS data fields were pre-determined by system requirements and cannot be customized or altered by users. The system permitted updates to indicate the specific date of a solicitation release. Beginning Nov. 5, 2026, please go to the DHS Advance Acquisition Planning Forecast of Contract Opportunities website (Link: https://www.dhs.gov/advance-acquisition-planning-forecast-contract-opportunities) to view relevant details for anticipated contracts for FY27 and thereafter. This is the new platform that replaces the legacy DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast System (APFS).

When USCIS plans to limit competition to a subset of companies that responded to an RFI, will USCIS provide that intent at the time of the RFI release?

Typically, when USCIS has determined a final acquisition strategy, any small business program utilized will be updated to the relevant APFS record.

Eric Bishop Greg Forrest Certified Transcription Services Field Operations Directorate

(AFPS# 2027076003)

Final #17

Our firm provides language services and transcription services as well. You mentioned about the 200 hour recordings that need to be transcribed. My question is if this would be on an annual basis or if that 200 hours is across the lifetime of the contract?

For certified transcription services, the 200 recordings is per year, on an annual basis.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 As USCIS finalizes the CCT1 acquisition strategy, do you anticipate including a separate language-services component under NAICS/GSA SIN 541930, so qualified interpretation and translation firms can participate?

No

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

Based on today’s discussion, should the industry understand that USCIS is no longer considering a significant automation component and that the follow-on will primarily focus on traditional contact center services? And no component of automation is going to be included in the scope of work?

At this stage the Government is currently finalizing all requirements and will include all in the RFP.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Does USCIS anticipate any additional Industry Day or industry engagement before release of the solicitation?

No.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Does USCIS currently anticipate using GSA MAS SIN 561422 – Automated Contact Center Solutions, or are there other acquisition approaches still under consideration?

We have it narrowed down to this one.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Does USCIS still anticipate automation, RPA, AI, or self-service being a meaningful part of the future Tier 1 operating model?

At this stage the Government is currently finalizing all requirements and will include all in the RFP.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 For the contact center, will language services be acquired separately or through prime contractors? And how can qualified small businesses engage early?

Separately. SB's can continue to monitor APFS.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 If a vendor did not submit a response to the market research, would there still be a way to request inclusion, if the solicitation were to be invite-only?

The Government strategy for solicitation has been determined from the responses of 2 RFI's and one SOO. In regards to inclusion, please reference the RFO.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 In reference to CCT1, will the solicitation be open to all SBs or only to a limited distribution? If limited, will the government release the names of the companies identified for this solicitation?

The Government hasn't decided if it will be limited distribution or open to all at this time. Please continue to monitor APFS. If it is limited the Government will not release the names of those companies.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Should industry continue to plan around the historical 400–500 agent staffing level, or does USCIS expect automation and channel migration to materially reduce future staffing requirements?

The Government can't accurately project future staffing requirements. The current staffing level is the Governments' best estimate at this time.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Will commercial past performance be considered? Evaluation criteria is not finalized at this time

OPERATIONS DIVISION

USCIS Small Business Specialist

Question Response FY27 Q1 Industry Call Q&As (Oct 27, 2026)

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Will the USCIS CCT1 RFQ be invite only based on previous RFI responses? We are still making that determination.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 Will this acquisition be primarily for contact center services, or will it also include associated software/licensing procurement?

It will be only for contact center one services.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40 With the anticipated November 1 solicitation release only a few days away, can USCIS confirm the contracting vehicle and applicable SIN that will be used for the procurement?

The SIN will be 561422 on GSA/EBUY.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Contact Center Tier 1 (CCT1)

(APFS# 2024068175)

Final #40

You have sent an RFI to 6 companies on GSA MAS SIN 561422. Are these companies going to get the RFP and if yes for teaming purposes can I get a list of those companies. I understand other companies have been provided the list.

The RFI was posted on GSA/EBUY SIN 561422 and every vendor on that SIN had access. At this time the Government hasn't decided which vendors will receive the RFP or if it will be posted. If it is determined that we are doing invite only, the names of those companies will not be provided.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey Daily Executive News Media Briefing

(APFS# 2026073455)

Final #41 How is USCIS performing market research for the media requirement? Is or will there be an RFI?

Market research is currently being conducted for this requirement.

Michael Hodahkwen Jeffrey Bulthuis Home Country Support Services

(APFS# 2027076021)

Final #28

Regarding the home country support services, I'm wondering if there is a need for any multilingual help desk, be it like spoken language or written documentation that needs to be translated into different languages? If so, how can we learn more about this opportunity as well?

As far as the home country services goes, there would be a need for the contractor to have translation capabilities. The sources sought for that one, with a draft performance work statement is expected to be posted to SAM.gov either late this week or very early next week.

And that should give a pretty good picture of the requirements for the home country services.

Michael Hodahkwen Jeffrey Bulthuis Lexis Nexis Subscription

(APFS # 2026075406)

Final #27 When do you anticipate doing market research and RFI data collection prior to the RFP? This requirement is going to be sole sourced through the FedLink contract vehicle

Michael Hodahkwen Jeffrey Bulthuis Lexis Nexis Subscription

(APFS # 2026075406)

Final #27 When you go out for market research for the LexisNexis recompete, will that also be published as an RFI on GSA or another bit board?

This requirement is going to be sole sourced through the FedLink contract vehicle

Ryan Pregot David Hershey OneStream Financial Management Services (APFS# 2026073167)

Final #43 Could you route my question to the appropriate technical specialist and include the answer in the written Q&A? I’d appreciate an introduction if a short follow-up discussion would help

This is an active solicitation, an introduction or meeting with the technical people of the program is not available for OneStream.

Ryan Pregot David Hershey OneStream Financial Management Services (APFS# 2026073167)

Final #43 ONESTREAM FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES, F2026073167,coming in 11/2026 , under Mas?

The solicitation has been released

Ryan Pregot David Hershey OneStream Financial Management Services (APFS# 2026073167)

Final #43

What ERP systems will feed OneStream under this requirement—does that include PeopleSoft? Is there scope for specialist reporting or governed AI capabilities, or is the requirement limited to OneStream implementation and maintenance?

Please email the CO and CS directly. The solicitation is released at this time.

Art Morales Art Morales Records Operations Support Services (ROSS) (APFS #F2024067961

Final #21

How was market research conducted for ROSS as the last RFI was posted Feb 26, and the pool of firms able to bid has changed drastically. Were any firms invited to bid who did NOT respond to the RFI? If so, how were they invited to bid other qualifying firms on the SIN who were not invited to bid. We have been marketing our relevant experience to contracting for months with no response..?

In addition to firms that responded to the market research RFI, we also reviewed the past performance information we received from firms that provided documented past performance information related to large scale records operations. Firms whose past performance were not comparable to the scope and magnitude of our requirement were not included in the pool. Firms that are not registered as eligible 8(a) MAS contractors under GSA SIN 561110 were not included in the pool. Firms that provided past performance information after the release of the solicitation were also not included in the pool.

Art Morales Art Morales Records Operations Support Services (ROSS) (APFS #F2024067961

Final #21

I do understand that they do multiple portions of like redacting as well as other acts. Do these have potential of being broken up whenever they are solicited into different vehicles where more than one bid or process could be handled?

No, at this time we do not anticipate it being broken down into separate requirements. The entire intent of the requirement is to process the FOIA request from start to finish and to include the redaction and the extraction of information. So as of right now it's all just part of one requirement.

Art Morales Art Morales Records Operations Support Services (ROSS) (APFS #F2024067961

Final #21

I heard that ROSS was distributed to a select group of potential respondents. Did I hear that correctly?

Yes that is correct. It was distributed to select vendors that responded to the market research RFI and firms that provided past performance information related to large scale records operations.

Firms whose past performance were not comparable to the scope and magnitude of our requirement were not included in the pool. Firms that are not registered as eligible 8(a) MAS contractors under GSA SIN 561110 were not included in the pool. Firms that provided past performance information after the release of the solicitation were also not included in the pool.

Art Morales Art Morales Records Operations Support Services (ROSS) (APFS #F2024067961

Final #21 So am I to understand that in order to get the RFQ. For example, if you were to miss an RFI, we can send an unsolicited capabilities brief to the contracting officer and then get onto the distribution list that way?

In addition to firms that responded to the market research RFI, we also reviewed the past performance information we received from firms that provided documented past performance information related to large scale records operations. Firms whose past performance were not comparable to the scope and magnitude of our requirement were not included in the pool.