Request for Information DHS S&T Office of University Programs (OUP) Centers of Excellence (COEs) Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs)
ID: 70RSAT25RFI000013Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OFOFFICE OF PROCUREMENT OPERATIONSSCI TECH ACQ DIVWASHINGTON, DC, 20528, USA

NAICS

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541990)

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; BASIC RESEARCH (AJ11)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/9937ff060db7445496985e3d777a2858/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the establishment of Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) for its Centers of Excellence (COEs), which will support research, analysis, and technical services related to national security. The BOAs will cover three primary thrust areas: Arctic Domain Awareness, Cross Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense, and Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education, with a focus on both unclassified and classified projects. This initiative is crucial for enhancing national security through university-based research and collaboration, with task orders valued between $0.25 million and $7 million over a five-year period. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses within 30 days, and inquiries can be directed to Debra Bryce at debra.bryce@hq.dhs.gov or Danette Williams at danette.williams@hq.dhs.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Debra Bryce
    (771) 208-1739
    debra.bryce@hq.dhs.gov
    Danette Williams
    danette.williams@hq.dhs.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    70RSAT25RFI000013 Request for Information final.pdf
    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is soliciting information from the scientific community regarding the continuation of Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) with Centers of Excellence (COEs). DHS plans to issue five-year BOAs for unclassified and classified research, technical services, and other pertinent operations related to its Homeland Security mission. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to assess market capabilities and does not obligate the government to enter any contracts. DHS's Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) seeks input on the use of BOAs to fulfill various research, analysis, and technical service needs. These could include projects addressing Arctic Domain Awareness, supply chain defense, and counterterrorism efforts. The RFI outlines specific questions for respondents to address, focusing on their experiences with FAR-based contracts, capabilities for handling sensitive tasks, and preferences for contract types. Responses to the RFI are requested within 30 days, and while providing feedback is not mandated, acknowledgment of received submissions will be given upon request. The document outlines submission requirements, including response format and necessary organizational details, underscoring that participation in this RFI does not guarantee future contract awards.
    Attachment 1 ADAC-ARCTIC Phase X BOA SOW.pdf
    The DHS Center of Excellence Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) aims to establish an Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC-ARCTIC) focused on interdisciplinary research, education, and collaboration to tackle homeland security issues tied to the rapidly changing Arctic environment. This BOA, set for five years and valued between $0.25 million and $6 million per task order, responds to an increasing demand for directed research from various DHS components, including the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA. The ADAC-ARCTIC will drive research centered around understanding Arctic environmental changes and their implications for DHS operations, enhancing risk management in disaster response, and fostering a skilled workforce in Arctic science and engineering. The center will also aim to collaborate extensively with relevant federal, state, and local agencies to provide actionable insights and solutions for diverse threats in the Arctic region. Regular performance evaluations will monitor progress, with the focus remaining on advancing situational awareness, risk understanding, resilience adaptation, and collaboration within the homeland security sector. This initiative demonstrates DHS's commitment to leveraging scientific and technological advancements to meet emerging challenges in the Arctic, ultimately enhancing national security.
    Attachment 2 CBTS Phase X BOA SOW.pdf
    The draft Statement of Work outlines the establishment of a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Center of Excellence on Cross Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense (CBTS). This initiative, part of DHS's broader mission to enhance national security, aims to develop research and solutions for detecting and responding to biological threats that could impact public health, agriculture, and the economy. The CBTS will focus on integrating various research objectives including improving threat detection capabilities, leveraging advanced analytics, and enhancing supply chain security through novel operational methods. The BOA, intended to last five years, will enable DHS components to issue task orders valued between $0.25 million to $5 million annually, reflecting a growing demand for directed research services. The work will involve collaboration with academic, industry, and governmental partners to bolster workforce training and improve operational protocols. Critical attention will also be given to emerging technologies and methods for effective response and risk mitigation related to high-consequence biological threats at borders and within the supply chain. This document highlights a strategic approach by DHS to address evolving threats through enhanced research and development capabilities.
    Attachment 3 NCITE Phase X BOA SOW.pdf
    The document outlines the draft Statement of Work for the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE), forming part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Centers of Excellence (COEs) program. Established under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, COEs are intended to enhance national security through university-based research and education. NCITE aims to develop capabilities to detect and respond to terrorism and related threats over a five-year Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) with an estimated value of $0.25 to $7 million per task order. The scope includes activities focusing on understanding terrorism, enhancing counterterrorism capabilities, and integrating new technologies for better response. Key research themes involve analyzing terrorist tactics, cybersecurity measures, and evaluation of existing prevention programs. The BOA also emphasizes the importance of partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies, and encourages the development of a skilled workforce for long-term resilience against threats. Overall, the document highlights DHS’s strategy to leverage academic partnerships for operational resilience against terrorism, guiding future engagements by identifying relevant research and operational needs.
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