The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) focused on sourcing innovative and cost-effective maintenance and enhancement solutions for the Cellular Over the Horizon Enforcement Network (COTHEN). This network provides essential long-range communication to various agencies, contributing to border security and drug interdiction efforts since its inception in 1984. The RFI serves as an initial step for market research and does not imply a commitment to issue a solicitation or procurement contract. CBP seeks vendor inputs on capabilities related to HF radio network support services, technical approaches for system enhancement, security compliance, and preliminary cost estimates. Respondents are encouraged to provide detailed company information and examples of previous work while adhering to specific submission guidelines. The RFI aims to identify qualified vendors and gather information on potential solutions to strengthen COTHEN's operational integrity. All responses must be submitted by May 28, 2025, with associated documents adhering to specified page limits and formats.
The document outlines the requirements for bidding on the COTHEN Support Services contract (PR # 20146945), which includes Labor, Software Licenses, and On-Demand services priced under a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure. Key details encompass labor categories, expected tasks, and associated costs for multiple contract years, with a total estimated labor cost reaching $38,400 across various roles, including Program Manager and IT Systems Engineer. The document emphasizes validation of pricing formulas and fills in cost information in designated areas.
It further details travel expenses capped under a Not-to-Exceed (NTE) arrangement and specifies cost analyses for repairs and software licenses required for operational support. Additionally, the vendor must provide documentation justifying any travel and material expenses in compliance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR). The summary serves as a comprehensive overview of the contract specifications, bidding process, and cost estimations necessary for potential contractors participating in this government RFP, ensuring adherence to compliance and logistical requirements.