Multi-Energy Portal (MEP) Systems Task Order

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Enforcement Contracting Division, under the Department of Homeland Security, has issued a task order under the Multi-Energy Portal (MEP) Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Rapiscan Systems for the recapitalization and installation of Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) systems at designated U.S. Ports of Entry, particularly along the Southwest Border. This action is justified under 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(7) as an other-than-full-and-open competition due to the unique, non-transferable proprietary knowledge and established operational relationships Rapiscan holds with CBP personnel and infrastructure, which ensure seamless integration and uninterrupted mission continuity. The contract is limited to the three original IDIQ awardees—Leidos, Rapiscan, and Smiths Detection—but sole-source award to Rapiscan is warranted because no other vendor possesses the institutional expertise, system familiarity, or port-specific working relationships necessary to avoid operational disruption and maintain mission effectiveness. The task order, issued as a Firm Fixed Price arrangement under IDIQ contract number 70B03C21D00000003, has a base performance period from April 30, 2026, to April 29, 2027, with funding available through Fiscal Year 2028 via the Working Families Tax Cut appropriation. Performance will occur at operational ports of entry, with inspection and acceptance conducted by CBP at the installation sites following functional validation of system performance in detecting contraband in commercial vehicles. The requirement cannot be segmented or competitively sourced due to the integrated nature of the MEP systems and their reliance on pre-existing technical and human infrastructure. No exceptions to the Buy American Statute are sought, and while no formal options or detailed pricing information is provided, the task order relies on pre-negotiated rates under the base IDIQ. The contracting office, located in Washington, DC, with primary point of contact Aga Frys, ensures compliance with FAR 16.506 and associated procurement procedures, and while no specific clause listings, packaging standards, invoicing methods, or evaluation factors are detailed, the procurement adheres to established federal acquisition guidelines and is supported by technical and operational feasibility determined through prior successful vendor performance.