Cotton Analysis Request for Information
ID: 20140606Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OFUS CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTIONMISSION SUPPORT CONTRACTING DIVISIONWASHINGTON, DC, 20229, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS- SCIENTIFIC DATA (B529)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/76c665b16c904013881c17e2c4a30b0f/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking technical services for stable isotope analysis to determine the geographic origin of cotton products, particularly in response to concerns regarding forced labor in supply chains linked to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. The CBP's Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) require a contractor capable of providing isotope fingerprinting services, developing a global reference database, and offering training for in-house analysts to enhance their capabilities in analyzing cotton samples. This initiative is critical for ensuring compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which prohibits the importation of goods produced in XUAR, and aims to strengthen CBP's ability to detect illegally sourced cotton while upholding U.S. trade laws. Interested parties must submit their responses to the Request for Information (RFI) by November 25, 2024, with a contract expected to be awarded by January 2025; for further inquiries, contact Richard Kirby at richard.m.kirby@cbp.dhs.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Richard Kirby
    richard.m.kirby@cbp.dhs.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Cotton Analysis RFI.pdf
    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking technical services for stable isotope analysis to determine the geographic origin of cotton products in response to concerns surrounding forced labor in supply chains, especially those linked to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. Following the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) signed into law in December 2021, which prohibits importing goods produced in XUAR, CBP aims to enhance its capabilities in detecting illegal cotton products. The CBP/Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) is looking for expertise in isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to analyze cotton samples and collaborate in building a reference database for geographical attribution. The RFI outlines specific requirements for potential service providers, including details about their laboratory accreditation, statistical models for cotton origin analysis, and output examples from their models. Responses to this RFI are due by November 25, 2024, and will contribute to CBP’s development of a contract expected by January 2025. The inquiry highlights the government's focus on trade compliance, human rights, and economic integrity concerning textile imports while showcasing the role of scientific analysis in policy enforcement.
    SOW Cotton Analysis.pdf
    The Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seeks to enhance its ability to determine the geographic origin of cotton goods using stable light isotope analysis. This initiative is driven by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which restricts imports from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), where forced labor is a concern. CBP's Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) require a contractor capable of providing isotope fingerprinting services, a global reference database, and training for in-house analysts to analyze cotton samples. Key tasks outlined include the licensing of intellectual property for isotope analysis, the provision of a robust database covering major cotton-growing regions, and the development of statistical models to ensure high identification accuracy. Additionally, the contractor will conduct quality control and proficiency testing to maintain compatibility with CBP's analytical efforts. Training initiatives will also be established to enhance CBP's understanding of isotope analysis methodologies. The overall goal is to facilitate the detection of illegally sourced cotton while ensuring compliance with U.S. trade laws. This comprehensive service agreement aims to strengthen CBP's capacity in managing the intricacies of textile imports and combating trade fraud, particularly regarding human rights violations.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Cotton Analysis Request for Information
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
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