Cellular Over the Horizon Enforcement Network (COTHEN) Support Services
ID: 20146945Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OFUS CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTIONINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONTRACTING DIVISIONWASHINGTON, DC, 20229, USA
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking information from industry partners regarding support services for the Cellular Over the Horizon Enforcement Network (COTHEN). The primary objective is to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions for the maintenance, support, and enhancement of the COTHEN infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in long-range communications for border security and drug interdiction efforts since its establishment in 1984. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their capabilities, technical approaches, and preliminary cost estimates by May 28, 2025, with all responses directed to Debbie Dean at debbie.d.dean@cbp.dhs.gov. This opportunity is part of an initial market research effort and does not constitute a solicitation for a contract.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    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.
    Lifecycle
    Similar Opportunities
    Emergency Notification System (ENS)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is seeking a contractor to provide Blackberry AtHoc Emergency Notification System (ENS) licenses and software on an uninterrupted basis. This procurement is critical to ensure the safety of CBP personnel, highlighting the importance of reliable emergency communication systems in maintaining operational readiness. The opportunity is posted as a Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity (JEFO) in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(A), and interested parties can reach out to LaNita Calhoun at lanita.c.calhoun@cbp.dhs.gov for further details.
    Next Generation High Frequency Radio System – Shore (HFRS-S)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Coast Guard, is conducting market research for the acquisition of a Next Generation High Frequency Radio System – Shore (HFRS-S) to replace aging HF communication systems. The objective is to procure a commercially available system that includes transceivers, receivers, high power amplifiers, and associated hardware and software to ensure reliable Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) communications at various shore facilities. This initiative is critical for maintaining operational capabilities, as the current systems are outdated and lack necessary support and spare parts. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their responses, including company capabilities and cost estimates, by December 21, 2025, to Kenneth S. Boyer at kenneth.s.boyer@uscg.mil.
    Archival Message Retention
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking a contractor for the Archival Message Retention project, which involves the Mystic Message Archival Tool. This tool is designed to collect, ingest, and preserve text message records (SMS/MMS) from CBP's government-furnished equipment (GFE) mobile devices, ensuring that only relevant messages are captured directly from wireless carriers like AT&T FirstNet and Verizon Wireless. The importance of this procurement lies in its ability to securely store text message records in a cloud-based environment without requiring additional software or hardware on the GFE devices. Interested parties can reach out to Dawn Ford at dawn.m.ford@cbp.dhs.gov or call 202-344-2845 for further information regarding this opportunity.
    Motor Vehicle Operationalize RFI
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking information through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding motor vehicle operationalization (upfitting) services for law enforcement vehicles. The objective is to gather insights from industry experts on commercially available upfit options that align with CBP's specialized law enforcement operations, which include the integration of essential equipment such as lights, sirens, communication systems, and weapon storage. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the acquisition strategy and improving the efficiency and safety of law enforcement vehicle transformations. Interested vendors are invited to submit their responses by December 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT, and can direct inquiries to Antwanette R. Boone-Murphy or Lloyd A. Burton via the provided contact information.
    Cisco SmartNet 3-month extension
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is seeking a modification to the existing contract with Red River Technology, LLC for the Cisco SmartNet services, which includes a three-month extension for critical maintenance support and on-demand services. This modification aims to increase the ceiling amount and extend the Period of Performance (PoP) of the current firm-fixed-price Task Order 70B04C22F0000248, ensuring continued operational support for essential IT and telecom network services. The services provided under this contract are vital for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the agency's network infrastructure. Interested parties can reach out to Nicole A. Savoy at nicole.savoy@cbp.dhs.gov or Monica Y. Watts at monica.y.watts@cbp.dhs.gov for further details regarding this opportunity.
    Small Business Opportunities FY-25 Q3 / USCG C5I Service Center
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Coast Guard's C5I Division 3 in Portsmouth, Virginia, is announcing Small Business Opportunities for IT and Telecommunications services. This notice serves to inform potential vendors of the designated Small Business Points of Contact (POCs) for future engagements, although it is important to note that this is not a contracting opportunity at this time. The services sought are crucial for enhancing the Coast Guard's operational capabilities and ensuring effective communication and information technology support. Interested parties can reach out to the primary contact, Rick Petersen, at rick.d.petersen@uscg.mil or by phone at 757-295-2270, or the secondary contact, Tanika Posey, at tanika.l.posey@uscg.mil or 703-417-5568 for further information.
    Market Research for Maritime Domain Dominance Technologies/Services for Maritime Applications
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Coast Guard, is seeking market research on technologies and services that can support Maritime Domain Dominance (MDD) Operational Concepts through a Request for Information (RFI). The objective is to identify available and technically ready solutions that can create a unified, real-time MDD capability, enhancing the Coast Guard's ability to detect, identify, and respond to threats along U.S. borders and maritime approaches. This initiative is crucial for improving national security by establishing a "detect-to-act" pipeline that integrates various assets and sensors, thereby enabling faster and more accurate threat detection and response. Interested parties are encouraged to submit detailed technical information by January 2, 2026, to Kiemisha Sweetney at Kiemisha.Sweetney@uscg.mil.
    Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Satellite Air Time
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), intends to issue a sole source contract to Skymira LLC for the procurement of satellite airtime services essential for GPS tracking devices used by CBP officers. This contract will cover the provision of one hundred and twenty (120) ISAT DataPro plans and activations, which are critical for maintaining an uninterrupted connection for tracking and intelligence gathering operations. The period of performance for this contract is set from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, at March Air Reserve Base in California, with security protocols requiring escorted access to the military installation. Interested contractors who believe they can meet the requirements are encouraged to contact the primary contact, Nykia Warren, via email at nykia.warren@cbp.dhs.gov, by the specified response date.
    U.S. Customs and Border Protection Less Lethal Specialty Impact/Chemical Munitions (LLSI CM) Request for Information
    Buyer not available
    The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Department of Homeland Security, is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to explore market capabilities for providing less lethal specialty impact and chemical munitions, specifically distraction devices and munitions that can be hand-delivered or launched from 40mm launchers. This procurement aims to equip CBP and other federal agencies with necessary training and operational tools while achieving cost efficiencies, with a planned 5-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The munitions sought include various types such as smoke, CS, and OC canisters, rubber ball grenades, and specialized training kits, all of which must comply with CBP's Use of Force Policy. Interested vendors should submit their responses via email to Jared A. Tritle at jared.a.tritle@cbp.dhs.gov by 2:00 p.m. EST on October 24, 2025, as this RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to contract.
    Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) to enhance the U.S. Border Patrol's (USBP) operational capabilities. The RFI seeks to identify vendors capable of providing sUAS that meet specific technical requirements, including FAA compliance, autonomy, AI integration, and interoperability with existing systems, while focusing on Group 1 and/or 2 weight classes (≤ 20 – 55 lbs.). This initiative is crucial for improving tactical field operations and ensuring effective border security measures. Interested vendors must submit their responses, including a white paper detailing their capabilities, by December 12, 2025, and can direct inquiries to USBP PMOD SUAS at USBPPMODSUAS@cbp.dhs.gov or Nicole Hubby at nicole.hubby@cbp.dhs.gov.