How to Apply
To request participation in this program, a detailed letter of application should be submitted to RSP@cbp.dhs.gov.
The submission period will remain open indefinitely, with three evaluation windows annually, as described in the table below.
| Application Received Between the following Dates | Evaluation Begins | Decisions Expected |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024 | November 2024 | February 2025 |
| November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 | March 2025 | June 2025 |
| March 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | July 2025 | October 2025 |
| July 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025 | November 2025 | February 2026 |
Requesting parties will be notified of receipt of their letter of application and may be asked to provide additional information. Each application will be evaluated and CBP will select those who have demonstrated a need for CBP services and a commitment to entering into a partnership.
If possible, interested applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the affected CBP Field Office and ports of entry in developing their letters of application.
Application Requirements
At a minimum, please address the following questions regarding services requested, location, facilities, funding and other considerations in your submission:
| Category | Questions to Answer |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder Information |
|
| Services Being Requested |
|
| Location of Requested Services | Provide requested services location address and description. |
| Available Facilities To Perform Requested Services | Provide a general description of the current facilities at the location of requested services. |
| Funding For Requested Services |
|
Evaluation Criteria
CBP will consider the following factors in evaluating applications:
| Criteria | Example Evaluation Factors |
|---|---|
| Impact on CBP Operations | Whether the application poses an adverse impact or future benefit to CBP operations. |
| Community and Industry Concerns | Whether the application has the support of impacted local and regional stakeholders. |
| Health & Safety Concerns | Whether the application has any health and safety concerns for employees or the public. |
| Local/Regional Economic Benefits | Whether the application presents measurable local, regional, and national economic and community benefits, including enhanced travel and trade. |
| Feasibility of Program Use | Whether the program will be utilized by the applicant and/or if services are able to be provided by CBP. |
Program Requirements
If tentatively selected, applicants must meet the following requirements for implementation of services at the requested POE:
- Complete a Non-Disclosure Agreement if applicable; (and agriculture compliance agreement if applicable);
- Agree to offset CBP costs for services requested as required by Section 481 of the Homeland Security Act, 2002, as amended by the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, 2016;
- Costs include the overtime rate, benefits and a 15% administrative fee (19 CFR 24.21).
- Agree to either remit payments to CBP within 15 days of billing via the Department of Treasury’s Pay.gov system, or to enter into an advanced payment plan, if determined necessary by the Commissioner;
- Complete a site visit where CBP officials visit to discuss workload and services, and verify that facilities and equipment meet CBP’s specifications as required by Section 481 of the Homeland Security Act, 2002, as amended by the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, 2016;
- Sign a binding standard fee services agreement; and
- Sign a local memorandum of understanding outlining the services, schedules, and other conditions for the location(s) covered by the agreement.
Notice
Pursuant to 19 U.S. Code § 267, CBP employees are subject to overtime cap compliance of annual amounts established by Congress. Services performed by CBP employees in response to voluntary stakeholder requests are still subject to these annual requirements.