The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is seeking information on industry capabilities and potential sources to provide international air transportation of CIS for sensitive cargo, specifically Security Risk Category III and IV (Low Risk) material such as night vision devices and small arms. This is not a solicitation and only constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information allowing interested industry parties the opportunity to provide comments on their capability. The Government is neither negotiating nor calling for offers at this time. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay for any response preparation cost. The government will not make a contract award on the basis of this Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information synopsis. Copies of information submitted by interested parties will be reproduced and submitted to a USTRANSCOM team for review and will be used to develop the requirement. Normally, sensitive material is required to move in military-controlled channels, however many locations, especially countries supported through various Foreign Military Sales programs, are not serviced by our organic, military-controlled Defense Transportation System, except for exclusive use Special Assignment Airlift Missions (SAAMs). Often the quantity of material is too low to justify the cost of a SAAM. Therefore, USTRANSCOM is seeking information on industry capabilities and potential sources that can fill this transportation option. Initially our focus is on a capability to move low risk sensitive (Security Risk Category III and IV) material which requires CIS in the commercial transportation system. Currently, no commercial air carriers have been approved for CIS outside the continental United States (CONUS). This request seeks information from the industry on customized commercial services currently available that will meet CIS standards. Key provisions of this service requested are: 1. Carrier provides for constant surveillance over a shipment during movement and includes use of a Signature and Tally Record (DD Form 1907) or equivalent carrier-furnished signature and tally record. 2. Carrier representatives designated by carrier or terminal management to attend a transportation conveyance are aware of the sensitivity of the material moving under CIS, and know the safety, security, and emergency procedures that must be followed. 3. For parked aircraft which contains material requiring CIS, ensure aircraft is parked within the confines of a commercial airport that has access control under Federal Aviation Agency or equivalent international rules and guidelines or on a military installation or DOD contractor location. If the aircraft is parked anywhere else, or if the sensitive cargo is removed from the aircraft or awaiting loading or unloading, the shipment must be under required degree of observation by employees of the airline transporting it as required by the terminal standards for CIS. As an alternative to observation, the shipment may be placed in an appropriate security cage. 4. Observation of the shipment is not required during the period it is stored in an aircraft in connection with flight transit provided the shipment is loaded into an appropriately secured, approved container. 5. Observation is required during loading and unloading operation and at any intermediate stops along the flight route. 6. Be able to trace a shipment in less than 24 hours. 7. Provide immediate telephonic notification to consignee if shipment cannot reach consignee within 24 hours of agreed upon time of arrival. 8. Carrier may need to assign one or more qualified escorts to accompany the cargo in the international environment to ensure these standards are maintained. USTRANSCOM is asking for industry input and comment on this requirement to include commercial best practices and customized services that will provide these capabilities. All interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit a response to this RFI. Responses should be concise and include the following: 1. Specific details outlining your company’s ability to provide international CIS service requirements. 2. Identification of any limitations that would impact your company’s ability to provide international CIS service. Send responses to John Wright at
[email protected] no later than close of business on 22 May 09. No phone or FAX responses will be accepted. Please ensure “USTRANSCOM Constant Surveillance Service for International Air Cargo Market Survey” is listed in the subject line of your responses.