Purchase of High Security Seals

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION United States Department of Homeland Security/United States Customs and Border Protection 1.0 DESCRIPTION U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking information from interested vendors that could provide High Security Seals (HSS) that can preserve the integrity of cargo leaving CBP possession. The HSS should meet the baseline threshold CBP capability requirements listed below in paragraph 3.0. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT. It is for informational purposes only. A solicitation is NOT being issued. This RFI from industry will allow the Government to identify interested sources capable of meeting all requirements. The information sought will be used for planning purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. The Government will not award a contract on the basis of this RFI, nor will the Government pay for any information submitted by respondents. All proprietary or sensitive corporate information shall be clearly marked. This announcement in no way obligates or commits the Government to acquire any product or service. There shall be no basis for claims against the Government as a result of information submitted in response to this RFI. 2.0 BACKGROUND CBP is seeking to establish uniform procedures concerning the sealing of cargo capable of accepting security seals at the conclusion of a CBP inspection. The objectives are: To preserve the integrity of cargo leaving CBP possession; eliminate any potential security breaches while cargo is in transit from the Federal Government to the private industry trade community that might result in the refusal of delivery or unnecessary delay of legitimate cargo entering the United States commerce; and standardize the type of seal CBP officers are authorized to affix. 3.0 REQUESTED INFORMATION CBP is seeking information on the availability of HSS in the marketplace that can meet the criterial listed below. CBP also requires that all vendor-purchased HSS are ISO 17712 certified. Vendors responding to this RFI must provide the following: Lab Test Classification of "H" from an accredited 3rd party testing laboratory with ISO 17712 in its scope of accreditation; Inspection certificate/report verifying that seal is compliant with ISO 17712 Annex A, Seal Manufacturers Security-Related Practices; and Evidence of Tampering Inspection certification/report verifying compliance with ISO 17712, Clause 6, from accredited 3rd party process review organization. The report must list the specific seal models covered by the certification. Additional information is requested for one alternate or multiple seal design options; where one design option provides the baseline threshold requirements and other design options meet or exceed CBP's HSS baseline threshold requirements. If a vendor wishes to provide information about two or more designs, that vendor should address the capabilities for each design in the written portion of their response. CBP requests information on any of the following capabilities: Multiple locking mechanisms per seal; Tamper evident technology; Compatibility with all modes of transportation (air, sea, rail and truck). CBP also seeks information regarding each vendor's warranty coverage options. Response Format and Limits Responses received from interested parties (not exceed fifteen (15) pages in length), must, demonstrate the respondent's ability to meet or exceed the capability requirements and the additional capability options listed above; provide the company's name and address, point of contact, telephone number, e-mail, business size, C-TPAT current status, and DUNS number; any other pertinent information, such as assumptions made relating to the ability to satisfy specific capability requirements. If a vendor's proposed solution is available under a GSA schedule, please indicate this. All responses shall be submitted electronically (MS Word and Excel 2013 compatible or Adobe PDF format) and include a written portion. Responding to this RFI is not a perquisite to bid on a subsequent Request For Proposal, if one is issued at a later date. Responses are due no later than May 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM ET. Responses must be submitted via e-mail, to Contracting Officer, Aga Frys at contact@example.gov. 5.0 SUMMARY THIS IS ONLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. The information derived from this RFI will assist CBP in ascertaining the current state-of-the-art solutions and to identify sources that can provide High Security Seals that meet the requirements and objectives stated above. The information and specifications provided in the RFI are subject to change and is not binding on the Government. CBP has not made a commitment to procure any of the items presented, and release of this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.