WASHINGTON–U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today the next step in the agency’s expanded use of cameras by releasing a Request for Information (RFI). In the RFI, published on the Federal Business Opportunities website, CBP is soliciting information and recommendations for two camera systems: a Body Worn Camera (BWC) system that can be worn by a CBP agent or officer, and a Vehicle Mounted Camera system that has multi-camera capability and the ability to capture and record audio and video.
Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske chartered an agency-wide working group to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating BWC technology into CBP’s law enforcement operations following a 2013 comprehensive review of CBP’s Use of Force policy. With the completion of the BWC Feasibility Study and subsequent report, as well as a report the Commissioner released on next steps for the Agency, CBP continues to develop an implementation strategy for all camera technology. This strategy includes the creation of a CBP Camera Working Group; evaluation of camera technology; and creation of all necessary policies and procedures for key issues identified in the BWC feasibility study report.
“This solicitation for information on available technology is an important step in CBP’s efforts to determine how expanded camera usage can benefit our agency,” said Commissioner Kerlikowske.
“CBP is committed to this effort and expanded transparency through a number of efforts, including an increased camera infrastructure.”
CBP is interested in utilizing multi-layered camera deployments and product options for CBP’s unique operational environments utilizing the risk-based approach identified in the BWC Feasibility Study for areas at and between the ports of entry, which include:
- Checkpoints;
- Vessel boarding;
- Vessel interdiction operations;
- Outbound operations;
- Pilot certificate inspections;
- Training environments; and
- Other specific high risk areas of operation.
Companies may submit questions regarding this RFI to the Government within five (5) days after release of this RFI. Response submissions and/or questions to this RFI should be submitted by e-mail to:
BWCRFI@cbp.dhs.gov. All questions and responses will be published via https://www.fbo.gov.
Submissions will be due ten (10) days after the government posts answers to industry questions.
The President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2017 calls for $5 million to be used to develop operational requirements for camera technology, conduct technical evaluations, procuring and establishing a camera system that includes body worn cameras, and develop our camera policy.
CBP also continues to meet with experts and review resources made available by the U.S. Department of Justice, state and local law enforcement, and non-governmental organizations.
This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP.