OCC Paralegals for Real Estate Support

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), issued a Request for Information (RFI) on April 8, 2026, seeking market research on industry capability to provide professional real estate paralegal support services. The services required include staffing nine paralegals and one program manager to support CBP's legal and administrative processes related to land acquisition for border barrier systems and related infrastructure along the southwestern United States border. Key requirements encompass five core task areas: title review and conveyancing analysis, due diligence support for property surveys and deed analysis, appraisal report review for federal compliance, land acquisition and negotiations support with documentation preparation, and litigation support and FOIA assistance for real estate-related matters. Responses must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via email to Contracting Officer Paul Barrett at paul.barrett@cbp.dhs.gov no later than 5:00 PM ET on April 16, 2026, addressing the attached Market Research Questionnaire, which evaluates industry experience with similar projects, staffing capabilities, staff credentials and certifications, innovative quality assurance tools, recommended labor categories and rates, and project management approach. The Government clarifies that this RFI is solely for planning and market research purposes, does not constitute a binding Request for Proposal or commitment to contract, and will not reimburse respondents for their participation costs.

This RFI carries no small business set-aside designation, though small businesses are specifically encouraged to participate. The contract structure contemplates a 12-month base year with three optional 12-month renewal periods, with principal performance locations designated in Texas and Arizona along the southern border, though other locations may be designated as needed. No current incumbents or potential award values are identified in this pre-solicitation notice. Key deliverables include a post-award kickoff meeting within 15 days of contract award, submission of a Quality Control Plan within 30 days of award, monthly status reports due by the 10th of each month, and a transition-out plan 60 days prior to contract expiration. The Government indicates a potential future pursuit of this requirement via GSA Schedule contracting vehicles and notes that not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any subsequent formal solicitation if issued. All submissions will become Government property and will not be returned to respondents.