Field Operations & CUstomer Support (FOCUS)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is announcing a pre-solicitation for its Field Operations & Customer Support (FOCUS) Task Order, aiming to establish an enterprise-wide IT help desk and specialist support. A Virtual Reading Room (VRR) containing Sensitive Security Information (SSI) will be available to approved GSA Multiple Award Schedule vendors to aid in proposal preparation. Access to the VRR is restricted, requiring vendors to designate a Senior Corporate Official as a single point of contact for sensitive information. This official must certify adherence to protection protocols every 60 days. Individuals seeking VRR access must pass a Security Threat Assessment, which may include background checks and security clearances. Vendors must provide specific corporate and employee information, including personal details for up to three individuals, by December 18, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST. All individuals granted access must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (DHS Form 11000-6) and return all SSI before proposal evaluations to avoid penalties.

The Department of Homeland Security's Non-Disclosure Agreement outlines the terms and conditions for individuals granted access to Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII), Sensitive Security Information (SSI), and Other Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) information. Signatories must comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and directives governing the handling, dissemination, and safeguarding of these categories of information, including the Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 and 49 CFR Part 1520. The agreement emphasizes the obligation to protect information from unauthorized disclosure, report security violations, and return all materials upon request or project completion. Violations can lead to the cancellation of access, administrative, disciplinary, civil, or criminal action, and the assignment of royalties from unauthorized disclosures to the U.S. Government or the owning entity. The agreement also clarifies that it does not supersede whistleblower protections or disclosures to Congress or authorized officials.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is announcing a pre-solicitation for the Information Technology Field Operations & CUstomer Support (FOCUS) task order. This initiative aims to establish a new Task Order for enterprise-wide Single Point of Contact IT help desk and headquarters/field IT Specialist support. To facilitate vendor preparation, TSA will provide access to a Virtual Reading Room (VRR) containing Sensitive Security Information (SSI). Access to the VRR is restricted to approved vendors and individuals who must undergo a Security Threat Assessment. Vendors must designate a Senior Corporate Official as a single point of contact for sensitive information, ensure data protection measures, and provide specific employee information for security vetting. The deadline for submitting a list of up to three individuals for VRR access is December 18, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST. Failure to comply with these requirements or a failed security assessment will result in denied access to SSI. All individuals granted access must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement and return all SSI prior to proposal evaluations. TSA plans to release a Draft RFP Instructions in late December 2025.