USDA APHIS eFile IT services

The effort will continue the integration and maintenance of CARPOL (Certification, Accreditation, Registration, Permitting, and Other Licenses) functions across four APHIS program units (AC, BRS, PPQ, and VS). In addition to the current permit, registration and license implementations, the solution must be scalable to include anticipated future growth that will include additional transaction types for certifications, accreditations, registrations, and licenses. The selected solution must integrate and reuse core components to support CARPOL functions. This effort will support the goal of a single solution with core components.

To date, the program has focused heavily on permits, which are the most complex of the CARPOL processes. Permits require a significant volume of data inputs and are highly variable by program and by type of commodity or permit item. The program has branched out to other CARPOL processes to support the growing needs of APHIS’ regulatory programs. The current work has included release of a BRS permits pilot, initial design and prototype of PPQ And VS permits, implementation of AC permits, implementation of multiple “assistants” to help applicants determine whether they need to obtain an authorization or not, implementation of Registrations and Licenses features for Animal Care (including related regulatory reporting processes) and build of a CARPOL Portal to enable end users to interact with the different features.

Partnering with APHIS, the current contractor has provided detailed strategic and integration services to support the implementation of the CARPOL Program. This has included services to analyze complex business processes, evaluate improvements to the process and technology, integrate functionality through an Agile implementation methodology, utilize human centered design and design thinking methods, analyze and convert legacy data, and maintain the production system. In support of the implementation, the current contractor has also provided a roadmap for implementation of key identified processes, in line with the fiscal year activities outline below:

With this BPA, APHIS seeks to obtain services for the following activities to continue the eFile implementation roadmap:

FY20:

• Continue the current effort to modernize PPQ and VS permit processes on the Salesforce platform. At the end of this phase, PPQ and VS will be able to issue permits for specific areas of their programs (PPQ 587 permits and VS animal product permits)
• Continue the elaboration and documentation of complex business logic scenarios for VS commodities
• Implement additional sub-programs for PPQ and VS as applicable (e.g. VS Organisms and Vectors, PPQ Soil and Pest, or others)
• Migrate AC and BRS permits from Salesforce Classic to Lightning platform
• Implement changes to BRS permits-based potential changes to functional needs
• Complete the implementation of AC processes that will enable AC to retire their legacy AC system ACIS. This will include finalizing the implementation of internal user Registration and License features and inspections processes, as well as legacy data analysis and migration.
• Deliver ongoing Operations and Maintenance services for eFile processes that are live in production

FY 21:

• Implement AC customer application submission process to enable external access to Registration and Licensing features.
• Implement additional sub-programs for PPQ and VS as applicable (e.g. VS Live Animals, PPQ CITES, Plants for Planting, or others) to allow for the retirement of the ePermits system.
• Deliver ongoing Operations and Maintenance services for eFile processes that are live in production.