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Application Guidance

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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, 2023 to October 31, 2023 November 2023 February 2024
November 1, 2023 to February 28, 2024 March 2024 June 2024
March 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 July 2024 October 2024
July 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024 November 2024 February 2025

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
  • What is your contact information and do you have the designated authority to apply on behalf of your organization?
  • What is the legal name of the organization applying to the program?
  • Does your organization have the legal authority to enter into an agreement with CBP?
Services Being Requested
  • Provide a general description of the activities requiring CBP services.
  • What is the environment of requested services (airport, seaport, land border)?
  • What are the targeted days and hours for service requests?
  • What is the frequency of services (daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, holidays, etc.)?
  • What is the projected monthly hours of requested services based on frequency?
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
  • What is the source of funding for requested services?
  • What is the applicant’s available program budget for the first fiscal year (month and quarter)?
  • Does the applicant have an established account to make direct funds transfers to CBP via Pay.gov?

 

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.

 

Last Modified: Feb 27, 2024