Solicitation Number:

HSTS02-08-R-TTC519

Notice Type:

Presolicitation

Synopsis:

INTRODUCTION



The purpose of this Pre-Solicitation Notice for the Transportation Threat Assessment & Credentialing (TTAC), Hazmat Threat Assessment Program (HTAP) office is to request contractor support a single-point information management system and web site tool that enables applicants to submit biographic and biometric (fingerprints) information, collect fees, and provide applicants information on services and enrollment locations. The system will operate totally from the established fees collected according to DHS, TSA, and Hazmat Fee Rules: Fees for Security Threat Assessments for Hazmat Drivers; Final Rule (49CFR Part 1572 January 13, 2005).



BACKGROUND



The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act was enacted on October 25, 2001. Section 1012 of the USA PATRIOT Act amended 49 U.S.C. Chapter 51 by adding a new section 5103a titled Limitation on Issuance of Hazmat Licenses. Section 5103a prohibits a State from issuing to any individual a license to transport hazardous materials in commerce unless a determination has been made that the individual does not pose a security risk. The risk assessment includes checks of relevant criminal history databases, immigration and legal status, and relevant international databases where applicable.



The TSA Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program meets this statutory mandate and conducts a Security Threat Assessment (STA) for anyone who seeks to apply for, renew or transfer a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on their state-issued Commercial Drivers License (CDL). The TSA security threat assessment includes a (1) fingerprint-based FBI Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), (2) an immigration/legal status check and (3) an intelligence-related check for ties to terrorism.



Applicants must forward biographical and biometric (fingerprint) information to TSA in an approved and established format to facilitate the security threat assessment process. TSA allowed States to elect to perform the biographical and biometric collection, or utilize a TSA-contracted agent to perform these functions on their behalf. Fifteen States currently collect the required biographical information and biometric data through their individually established and maintained programs. Thirty-Seven States and the District of Columbia utilize the TSA-contracted agent (for the purposes of this document it is understood the term State or States includes the District of Columbia). Additionally, drivers registered in a state serviced by the contractor (TSA Agent) may be fingerprinted in any other state serviced by the TSA Agent.



CAPABILITIES COVERAGE



Congress has directed that this program be fee-based and self-sustaining. TSA established fees to fund the threat assessment after providing the public an opportunity to comment on proposed fees. The fee per applicant is comprised of three elements:



(1) the cost for collecting and processing fingerprint and application information (vendor fee);

(2) the fee the FBI charges to run the fingerprints against the criminal history records; and

(3) a TSA program fee to cover costs to administer the program, including conducting the security threat assessments.



Payment of the Federal fee is a requirement to undergo the TSA security threat assessment, and is established through the Federal rule-making process. Vendors must have capability to remit fees collected, directly to TSA.



TSA seeks to identify a vendor that can provide the following services above. The system is comprised of the following broad categories:



(1) Enrollment

(2) Fingerprint Collection

(3) Help Desk

(4) Web site

(5) Fee Collection and Reconciliation

(6) DHS/TSA IT system requirements



ADMINISTRATIVE

The TSA intends to solicit for a Fee Based, Firm Fixed Priced (FFP) contract on or around the August 29, 2008. This solicitation will be for a one-year base period and (three) one-year option periods. This will be a best value procurement.



Any questions or inquiries must be emailed to the TSA Office of Acquisition to Audrey.Taylor@dhs.gov and to Ricky.McGlothin@dhs.gov.





Contracting Officer: Ricky McGlothin 571-227-1770

Contract Specialist: Audrey Taylor 571-227-1582

Technical Point of Contract: Jill Smith 571-227-2329



This is only a PRESOLICITATION NOTICE.

Contracting Office Address:

601 S. 12th Street
TSA-25, 10th Floor
Arlington, Virginia 22202

Place of Performance:

Main place of performance is the contractor s enrollment locations and/or travel site. This location may vary within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

United States

Primary Point of Contact.:

Secondary Point of Contact: