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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION United States Department of Homeland Security United States Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations 1.0 DESCRIPTION U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is... REQUEST FOR INFORMATION United States Department of Homeland Security United States Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations 1.0 DESCRIPTION U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking information on commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) density meter systems. COTS products by definition are used by the general public or non-governmental agencies for purposes other than governmental purposes and has been sold, leased or licensed to the general public (Federal Acquisition Regulations Section 2.101). THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT. It is for informational purposes only. A solicitation is NOT being issued. This Request for Information (RFI) will allow the Government to identify interested sources and their capabilities in meeting all requirements. The information sought will be used for planning purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. 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 2.1 System Description U.S. Customs and Border Protection is seeking information about a portable, compact, lightweight handheld system used to efficiently and effectively identify density changes that may be indicative of illicit drugs, contraband, explosives, and other hazards hidden in objects such as tires, containers, car doors, fuel tanks, air bags, and automotive engine components. 2.2 Operational Context CBP is responsible for targeting, selecting, and examining conveyances for terrorist-related activity, smuggling of contraband, and trade law violations. These inspections take place at controlled Ports of Entry and Border Patrol Checkpoints, and are aimed at detecting items prohibited from import into or export from the United States. 3.0 REQUESTED INFORMATION CBP is seeking to understand commercially-available non-intrusive inspection contraband detection systems that utilize density meter readings. The following sections outline the information being requested for each system. Vendors are encouraged to provide information about multiple systems or system components. Vendors should submit one response for each complete system. Part I: Yes or No Questions Answer Yes or No to the following questions in the provided Excel template. If not applicable, answer N/A. Fit and Form: The weight and dimensions of the system are set in accordance with MIL-STD-1472G, Section 5.9.17.3.4 "Weight and Dimensions" for portable test equipment Does the total system weight exceed 1.75 lb.? Does the total system weight exceed 2 lb.? Does the total system weight exceed 2.5 lb.? Does the total system weight exceed 3 lb.? Does the system size exceed (6” L X 3“W X 3” H)? Does the system size exceed (5” L X 2“W X 2” H)? Does the system include a holster that secures the system in place to an operator's belt (i.e., the system does not move when not in use)? Does the holster have a provision for securely retaining the system when the operator is moving through open and confined spaces? Can the system be secured in and retrieved from the holster with minimum effort on the part of the operator? Does the included holster have the option to connect to the belt via a magnetic connection that is not easily dislodged? Does the included holster have the option to connect to the belt via a snap connection that is not easily dislodged? Effectiveness: Does the system accurately report a change in density within 5% of the actual density? Does the system accurately report a change in density within 10% of the actual density? In real-time collection mode, does the system provide the user a reading with no discernible time lag between a change in a system condition being controlled or monitored and its indication on a display? In real-time collection mode, does the output on the user display correlate directly to the measurements the device is collecting in real-time? In real-time collection mode, does the system notify the operator via an audible indicator when the device detects a change in density at a configurable value? Will the audible alarm be readily and reliably perceived in all expected acoustic environments? In real-time collection mode, does the system notify the operator via a visual indicator when the device detects a change in density at a configurable value? Can the loudness of the audible alarm be adjusted by the operator, and is the alarm readily perceptible at the lowest setting? In playback mode, does the system allow the operator to collect a reading in hard to reach areas beyond their visual limits then replay that data for the last 10 seconds recorded? In playback mode, does the system allow the operator to collect a reading in hard to reach areas beyond their visual limits then replay the entire scan for a user-selected timeframe longer than 10 seconds? Does the system sample the density of an object at a rate of at least 4 samples per second? Does the system sample the density of an object at a rate of at least 8 samples per second? Does the system detect a change in density representative of known illicit targets through at least 6 mm of steel without damaging the object of interest? Does the system detect a change in density representative of known illicit targets through at least 8 mm of steel without damaging the object of interest? Calibration Does the systems automatic calibration compensate for decay of the source as well as routine internal component aging? Will the system indicate performance degradation in terms of sensitivity and accuracy? Does the system alert the user when calibration is no longer valid? Does the system automatically calibrate without user interaction? Does the system indicate the time of the most recent calibration? Does the system calibration routine execute from start to finish in less than 30 seconds? Does the system alert the user after calibration is successfully completed? Can the system withstand an accidental fall from any orientation at a height of 6 feet Can the system withstand an accidental fall from any orientation at a height of 3 feet Power: If the system contains an integrated, rechargeable battery does the system need to be on a base to charge? If the system contains an integrated, rechargeable battery can it be fully charged within 4 hours? Does the system have sufficient power to complete a minimum of 30 continuous hours of operation before batteries are replaced or recharged? Does the system have sufficient power to complete a minimum of 45 continuous hours of operation before batteries are replaced or recharged? Does the system display the expected remaining operating battery life in terms of percentage based on the conditions under use? Does the system have sufficient power to maintain four (4) months of capacity of standby time before batteries are replaced or recharged assuming systems are shelved (not in use)? Does the system have sufficient power to maintain four (7) months of capacity of standby time before batteries are replaced or recharged assuming systems are shelved (not in use)? Environmental Suitability: Does the user display have a backlight for use in low-light conditions that can be turned on and off by the end-user? Does the user display have an independently operated backlight for use in low-light conditions that can be turned on and off by the end-user? Does the user display have the ability to display readings clearly in high-sun exposure environments? Is the brightness of the display adjustable by the operator? Is the user display readable when the user is wearing polarized sunglasses? Is the user display sufficiently ruggedized to minimize damage in expected operational conditions? Is there an optional user display screen protector that would provide additional shielding while not degrading screen readability? Is there an alternative rugged plastic housing that will be suitable for constant daily use? Can the entire system be manufactured in black or dark grey to blend in with CBP-issued equipment worn on the user’s belt? Is the system rugged enough to withstand an accidental fall onto concrete from any orientation from 3ft without system performance degradation in accordance with ANSI N42.34 Section 9 [Vibration, Mechanical Shock, and Impact]? Is the system rugged enough to withstand an accidental fall onto concrete from any orientation from 6ft. without system performance degradation in accordance with ANSI N42.34 Section 9 [Vibration, Mechanical Shock, and Impact]?? Does the system have a third-party verified Ingress Protection Rating of 52 (reference: IEC 60529)? Does the system have a third-party verified Ingress Protection Rating of 56 (reference: IEC 60529)? Can the system operate and survive in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees (40 degrees below 0) Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit without system performance degradation? Human System Interface Does the system design allow the batteries to be replaced in field conditions (i.e., day, night, wearing gloves in rain, sleet or snow) without any specialized tools in less than 5 minutes? Does the system provide an audible alert when the user turns the system on for active scanning? Does the system provide an audible alert/confirmation when the user turns the system off for storage? Is the screen size sufficient (minimum 2.5”L x 2.5” W ) to enable end users to visualize the level-of-detail required to read outputs without error? Is the screen resolution sufficient (minimum 400 x 240 pixels) to visualize the level-of-detail required to read the outputs without error? Can the operator readily read the display in all expected illumination conditions from darkness to full sunlight? Does the system provide a range of selectable high contrast text color and typefaces to allow for the operator to optimize the display for readability as dictated by the operational environment? Can the system be operated without degradation when the user is wearing any type of gloves (i.e., leather, latex)? Can the system be gripped and operated without degradation when the user’s hands are not fully dry? Can the system be reliably retrieved from or returned to the holster without being dropped? Does the system configuration allow it to be operated with one hand? Does the system configuration allow the buttons to be easily pushed with one-hand activation? Does the activating force for physical buttons and keys fall between 0.25N and 3.9N? Does the system provide protection against inadvertently activating buttons? Can the system be operated ambidextrously? Is the system configured such that the system’s center of gravity will prevent it from being “top heavy”? Is the system sufficiently ruggedized to temporarily withstand the weight of the end user operating in prone position without degradation? Radiation Does the system provide a visual indication on the user display when the source shield is open? Does the system provide an audible alarm when the source shield is open after the system has lost physical contact with the scan object? Are all system audible alarms readily discriminable from each other? Is the system automatically shielded if system failure occurs to minimize risk to operator? Is the system automatically shielded if operator failure occurs to minimize risk to operator? Does the system emit no more than 10 microrem per hour (?R/h) above background at 5 cm from all sides of the unit when the source is not in use? Does the system emit no more than 25 ?R/h above background at 5 cm from all sides of the unit when the source is not in use? Does the system emit no more than 50 ?R/h above background at 5 cm from all sides of the unit when the source is not in use? Is the holster constructed or shielded such that when the density meter is in the holster, the dose rate at 5 cm from all sides is no more than 10 ?R/h above local background from all sides of the holster? Is the dose rate to any operator < 0.05 ?R/h (whole body) in accordance with the (CBP Ionizing Radiation Safety Program Directive (5290-018) when the shield is open or closed? Is the dose rate to any operator < 0.025 ?R/h (whole body) in accordance with the (CBP Ionizing Radiation Safety Program Directive (5290-018) when the shield is open or closed? Is the dose rate to any operator < 0.05 ?R/h (whole body) in accordance with the (CBP Ionizing Radiation Safety Program Directive (5290-018) assuming the shield is open 25% of the time and closed 75% of the time? Is the dose rate to any operator < 0.025 ?R/h (whole body) in accordance with the (CBP Ionizing Radiation Safety Program Directive (5290-018) assuming the shield is open 25% of the time and closed 75% of the time? Is the dose rate to any operator < 0.05 ?R/h (whole body) in accordance with the (CBP Ionizing Radiation Safety Program Directive (5290-018) assuming the shield is open 50% of the time and closed 50% of the time? Is the dose rate to any operator < 0.025 ?R/h (whole body) in accordance with the (CBP Ionizing Radiation Safety Program Directive (5290-018) assuming the shield is open 50% of the time and closed 50% of the time? Is the dose to operator when holding the device shall not change appreciably and in no case to exceed < 0.05 ?R/h (whole body) when the source shutter is opened or closed Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Is the expected operating life of the system 5 years from date of system acceptance assuming 16 hours of operation per day 6 days per week, 50 weeks per year? Is the expected operating life of the system 5 years from date of system acceptance assuming 24 hours of operation per day 7 days per week, 2 weeks per year? Is the expected operating life of the system 10 years from date of system acceptance assuming 16 hours of operation per day 6 days per week, 50 weeks per year? Is the expected operating life of the system 10 years from date of system acceptance assuming 24 hours of operation per day 7 days per week, 2 weeks per year? Does the system display the software and firmware versions on the device? Storage and Transport Can the system be stored in temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit without system performance degradation? When the system is in the carrying/shipping case is the dose rate at 5 cm from the surface of the system < 0.020 mR/h at 5 cm from all sides of the case when the system is stored? Training and Training Materials Is the training based on required competencies in terms of knowledge, skills and abilities for user tasks as identified in a job task analysis for selected scenarios or use cases? Does the system training take no more than 8 hours (1 one day)? Does the system operation require any skillsets beyond end users trained in performing routine inspections? Do the training materials provide the expected output readings of both normal and illicit targets for quick reference (e.g., engine, airbags, various levels of packed marijuana, fuel tanks, car fenders, etc.)? Can the training be deployed by the Train-the-Trainer concept? Can the training include handling, packaging and shipment of HAZMAT materials(batteries) in compliance with USPS and other shipping carrier requirements Part II: Descriptor Summaries Describe the features listed not covered by the questions in Part I. Limit response for each descriptor to 250 words or less and write N/A if not applicable to the system. Describe the density meter: Describe the dimensions and volume of the density meter; Describe the calibration process; Describe any calibration equipment or tools required to support the process; Describe the radiation exposure to the end user in the active mode (ready to scan); Describe the radiation exposure to the end user for a cycle of 50% scanning and 50% storing for a continuous 16 hour shift; Describe the radiation exposure to the end user for a cycle of 75% scanning and 25% storing for at 5 cm from all sides of the holster for a continuous 16 hour shift; Describe the radiation exposure to the end user in the passive mode (stored in holster) for 0% scanning and 100% storing on the end user’s holster at 5 cm from all sides of the holster for 16 hour shift; Describe the radiation exposure to the end user in the off mode (stored in case); Describe the any testing required to support the system; Describe the system training requirements; Describe the human systems interface requirements (e.g. compliance with MIL-STD-1472G, reduced operator/maintainer workload, operator and maintainer user interface usability, ease of training, ease of maintenance, ease of calibration, complete and readable documentation, no special skills for operators or maintainers, no health and safety hazards for operators or maintainers, acceptable operator and maintainer survivability) Describe the system safety/durability/environmental standards (e.g., MIL-STD, IP67, IP68, temperature ranges); Describe previous testing and results; Describe the system maintenance requirements during a ten-year lifecycle; Describe the offered Original Equipment Manufacturer preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance warranties; and Describe the policies relating to returning any sealed radioactive source shall be returnable to system vendor at the end of its useful service life for disposal. Describe the components considered to be hazardous material based on 29 CFR 1910.1200 (e)(i), Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA),the Contractor shall provide a list of all hazardous materials and the corresponding Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each identified Hazardous Material. Describe the procedures that will include the material description, quantity of the material, storage and disposal instructions, exposure risks, symptoms and treatments. Describe the proposed accessories kit per system (e.g., batteries, lanyard, calibration tools, etc.) Part III: Vendor Information Company information, including name, address, and website; Business type (manufacturer or distributor); Point(s) of contact for follow-up information, and the point(s) of contact's name, title, phone number and e-mail address; and Product name(s), specifications and images DUNS number; List of current users in law enforcement communities (if any) Describe other established purchasing agreements (e.g., GSA, DHS Eagle Buy, etc.) Part IV: Cost Identify and describe the cost of the system; Identify and describe the cost of training; Identify and describe cost of maintenance options (e.g., warranty terms and options); Identify and describe the minimum number of system components required; Identify and describe bulk discounts based on quantity purchased; and Identify and describe the timeframe when the system could be delivered (back-ordered, in-stock, etc.). Response Format and Limits Responses received from interested parties must not exceed ten (10) pages in length for Part II through Part IV. Answers all questions listed in Part I as either yes, no, N/A in the provided spreadsheet questionnaire. Provides brief description of requested information as listed in Part III, if applicable Provides the company information as listed name and address, point of contact with phone number and e-mail, business size, DUNS number listed in Part IV; Estimated costs and availability as listed in Part V; and, Any other pertinent information related to the requirements. All responses shall be submitted electronically (MS Word and Excel 2016 compatible or Adobe PDF format) including a written portion and the completed “vendor capabilities” column of the attached questionnaire. Responding to this RFI is not a prerequisite to bid on a subsequent RFP, if one is issued. Responses are due no later than Responses must be submitted via e-mail, if possible, to contract specialist [Insert contract specialist email address]. 4.0 QUESTIONS Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Contract Specialist, [Insert contract specialist email address] before Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Answers to questions that are of interest to all vendors may be posted as an addendum to this RFI on FedBizOps and/or GSA E-buy. Therefore, questions should not include proprietary or classified information. 5.0 SUMMARY THIS IS ONLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). The information derived from this RFI will assist CBP in ascertaining the current state-of-the-art borehole camera technology. 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.