The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking proposals from small businesses for the recertification of helium tube trailers used in persistent surveillance operations. This contract aims to enhance the agency's capabilities for wide-area detection and monitoring of illicit activities along the U.S.-Mexico border, Florida Straits, and Caribbean regions. The work will involve contracted labor services to support, manage, and maintain the trailers, which are critical for the agency's Air and Marine Operations. Interested parties should note that the Request for Quotation (RFQ) is expected to be released on June 20, 2025, with proposals due by June 25, 2025, and an estimated contract award date of June 30, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Somer Nastick at somer.nastick@cbp.dhs.gov.

The Tethered Aerostats Radar System (TARS) provides for long-range search and track of air and surface targets, providing multi-domain awareness to CBP Air Marine Operations Center (AMOC), Caribbean AMOC (CAMOC), Office of Border Patrol (OBP), United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the U.S. military. The TARS program is comprised of aerostats, aerostat support systems, radars, weather equipment, communications systems, winch systems, facilities, special purpose vehicles, associated equipment, and personnel necessary to accomplish the mission. DLA Aerospace Energy (DLA-E) provides helium product to TARS’ seven operational sites, TMSS two operational sites, and 4 TAS operational sites. All sites require gaseous helium, which is stored in helium tube trailers onsite. Helium provides direct lift aerial support to Aerostat, radar, and other surveillance tools to overcome line of sight constraints to deter illegal activity along the U.S Southern Border, Florida Keys, and portions of the Caribbean. The trailers used to store and provide helium are required to be recertified every 5-10 years to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Material Safety regulations. Currently, TARS has thirty (30) trailers of which fifteen (15) are out of certification or near the end of the certification period. Recertification will avoid disruption of site operations that will create a potential national security crisis due to site Non-Mission Capability (NMC). CBP requires trailer support to ensure 24/7 365 continuous operations and maintenance of TARS operational sites. Due to the potential national security crisis, critical nature of this requirement, timeline, resources, and cost, CBP requests a vendor that can meet and or exceed the requirements to recertify helium trailers and ensure the continuation of TARS operations across the fleet.

Helium Trailer Recertification

Presolicitation+Notice_Helium+Recert.pdf

The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) is announcing an upcoming solicitation for proposals from small businesses to support the recertification of helium tube trailers used in persistent surveillance operations. This initiative aims to enhance wide-area detection and monitoring capabilities against illicit activities along the U.S.-Mexico border, Florida Straits, and Caribbean regions. The acquisition, categorized as a total small business set aside per FAR Subpart 13.5, has an annual receipts size standard of $16.5 million. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) is expected to be released on June 20, 2025, with proposals due by June 25, 2025, and an estimated contract award date of June 30, 2025. A firm fixed-price contract with a three-year performance period, including a 12-month base period and two optional extensions, is anticipated. This notice serves only as a presolicitation announcement; the government will not accept requests for the solicitation and does not guarantee payment or claims arising from responses. The work will be executed at various locations.

The DAPS Directorate is requesting a services-oriented contract that will provide direction and methodology for rehabilitation and requalification of helium tube trailers. Activities will provide continued support of Customs and Border Protection, Air & Marine Operations, providing wide-area persistent long-range detection and monitoring (radar and electro-optical/infrared surveillance) for interdicting low-level air, maritime, and surface illicit activities along the United States-Mexico border, the Florida Straits, and a portion of the Caribbean. The DAPS Directorate requires contracted labor services to support, manage, and maintain all requirements.

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

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