Tower Climbing Training & Equipment

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is seeking market information through a Request for Information labeled 20156930 for Tower Climbing Training and Equipment to support Border Patrol Agents assigned to Integrated Fixed Towers. The solicitation, posted on May 1, 2026, with a response deadline of May 12, 2026, falls under NAICS code 237130 and is classified as a sources-sought notice with no set-aside, indicating it is open to all eligible businesses. The goal is to gather industry input on viable vendors, industry practices, equipment specifications, and training methodologies to inform a future firm fixed price contract. The proposed scope includes a base period of one year with up to four additional one-year option periods, requiring comprehensive, performance-based training delivered by qualified instructors with documented experience in fall protection, tower climbing, and rescue operations. Training must occur at the contractor’s facility located within 100 miles of a major commercial airport and must accommodate up to 25 students in both indoor and outdoor environments year-round. All training must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 1926, ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 for fall protection systems, and ANSI/ASSE Z490.1 for safety training practices, and the contractor must maintain current IACET accreditation. Equipment delivered must be new, non-refurbished, TAA-compliant, and include a minimum one-year warranty, with specific items such as high-strength kernmantle ropes, rope wrenches, first aid kits, harnesses, and descent devices required. Deliverables include a Training Plan within ten days of award, detailed equipment specifications with the proposal, a training schedule at kickoff, materials on day one of each course, attendance rosters within five days of course completion, certificates of completion, and post-training reports within fifteen days. Inspection and acceptance responsibilities rest with the Contracting Officer’s Representative, with compliance enforced through the listed standards. No government-furnished equipment or information will be provided, and all materials must be supplied independently by the contractor. Responses must be submitted electronically via email to starla.r.vanwinkle@cbp.dhs.gov by 2:00 p.m. ET on May 12, 2026, and should include company details, UEI, NAICS classification, lead time, and GSA contract status. While no formal evaluation factors, pricing tables