Low Energy Portal Systems

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has awarded a sole-source delivery order (70B03C26F00000573) to Rapiscan Systems under an existing multiple-award IDIQ contract for Low-Energy Portal Type 2 systems, with delivery anticipated by June 29, 2027.

The justification for the sole-source award cites RFO 16.507-6(b)(2), asserting that only Rapiscan possesses the necessary specialized capability and proprietary knowledge. CBP argues that Rapiscan's established relationships with existing Z-Portal systems at the three designated locations, site-specific design and integration expertise, and familiarity with unique operational and construction challenges make it the only responsible source. CBP estimates that transitioning to a new contractor would incur significant duplicative costs: re-engineering of $10–15 million per system, integration costs of $5 million per location, training of $2 million, and operational downtime risks.

The requirement encompasses site preparation, engineering services and support, installation services and civil works, and a three-year warranty with disposal and removal costs at three locations: El Paso Field Office (El Paso, TX), Laredo Field Office (Mission, TX), and San Diego Field Office (San Diego, CA). The underlying IDIQ contract (70B03C21D00000037) was competitively awarded in 2021 to three vendors—Astrophysics, Leidos, and Rapiscan—using full and open competition. CBP has committed to market research, specification reviews, data rights acquisition evaluation, and small business outreach to increase competition in future acquisitions.