DESCRIPTION U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking information from interested vendors that could provide strategic level assistance, consultation, recommendations, and support in the following areas: Workforce Planning Data-Driven Strategy Formulation and Analytical Support Strategic Planning Business Transformation The attached DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW) describes the general Professional Consulting requirements for the OT under a proposed Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The Contractor shall provide all support services under subsequent task orders in accordance with the attached DRAFT SOW. The Government will further define specific tasks and deliverables for each task order, which will conform to the general requirements contained herein. This IDIQ contract will be available to support all of CBP. The total maximum IDIQ contract value is estimated to be around $99,000,000.00 for the five-year ordering period, with annual orders valued around $10 million (with potential for additional requirements from outside of Office of Trade). THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT. It is for informational purposes only. A solicitation is NOT being issued. This Request for Information (RFI) from industry will allow the Government to identify interested sources capable of meeting all requirements. The information sought will be used for planning purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. The Government will not award a contract on the basis of this RFI, nor will the Government pay for any information submitted by respondents. All proprietary or sensitive corporate information must be clearly marked. This announcement in no way obligates or commits the Government to acquire any product or service. There shall be no basis for claims against the Government as a result of information submitted in response to this RFI. BACKGROUND The Office of Trade (OT) consolidates the trade policy, program development, and compliance measurement functions of CBP into one office. OT provides uniformity and clarity for the development of CBP’s national strategy to facilitate legitimate trade and manages the design and implementation of results-driven strategic initiatives for trade compliance and enforcement. OT also directs national enforcement responses through effective targeting of goods crossing the border as well as strict, swift punitive actions against companies participating in predatory trade practices. Through coordination with international partners and other U.S. government agencies, OT directs the enforcement of intellectual property rights, the identification of risks to detect and prevent the importation of contaminated agricultural or food products, and the enforcement of free trade agreement eligibility. By promoting trade facilitation through partnership programs, OT intends to streamline the flow of legitimate shipments and foster corporate self-governance as a means of achieving greater compliance with trade laws and regulations. OT implements a risk-based audit program to respond to allegations of commercial fraud and to conduct corporate reviews of internal controls to ensure importers comply with trade laws and regulations. Finally, OT provides the legal tools to promote facilitation and compliance with customs, trade, and border security requirements through the issuance of all CBP regulations, legally binding rulings and decisions, informed compliance publications, and structured programs for external CBP training and outreach concerning international trade laws. REQUESTED INFORMATION CBP seeks information from vendors that can provide commercially available capabilities and services that satisfy the attached DRAFT SOW requirements. Citing two (2) examples, please describe your capabilities and experience meeting requirements similar in scope and complexity to the requirements of the attached DRAFT SOW. In addition to a description of capabilities and experience, CBP seeks responses to the following questions: Discuss expected lead times for onboarding personnel based on the requirements outlined in the attached DRAFT SOW. Are there any obstacles for potential contractors that CBP should consider when deciding on the type of task order to issue under this IDIQ contract (e.g. firm fixed price, labor hour, time and materials, etc.)? Discuss approaches for transitioning in contactor personnel in absence of incumbent contractor personnel. Please include in your response your company’s experience using these recommended approaches and lessons learned. RESPONSE FORMAT AND LIMITS Interested parties should submit a written response, no more than eight (8) pages in length, that: Demonstrates the respondent’s ability to meet or exceed the attached DRAFT SOW requirements; Addresses each of the requests for information; Provides the company name and address, point of contact with phone number and e-mail, business size, UEI number, and available contracting vehicles; Cost/price estimates and an identification of potential cost drivers, tradeoffs, and/or savings; and, Any other pertinent information such as assumptions made relating to the ability to satisfy specific requirements or questions regarding ambiguous or poorly defined requirements. All responses shall be submitted electronically (Adobe PDF format). Responding to this RFI is not a prequisite to bid on a subsequent RFP, if one is issued. Responses may include links to available product demonstration websites or videos. Responses are due no later than 10am ET, May 15, 2023. Responses shall be submitted via e-mail, if possible, to the Contracting Officer –
[email protected]. SUMMARY THIS IS ONLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). The information derived from this RFI will assist CBP in identifying sources that can satisfy the requirements of the attached DRAFT SOW. The information and specifications provided in the RFI are subject to change and are not binding on the Government. CBP has not made a commitment to procure any of the items presented, and release of this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.