Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

The Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. CA is responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad, for... The Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. CA is responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad, for the issuance of passports and other documentation to citizens and nationals, and for the protection of U.S. border security and the facilitation of legitimate travel to the United States. CA also has a significant domestic presence, most notably U.S. Passport agencies and centers. These far-reaching consular activities have broad foreign policy and domestic political implications and involve serious legal, humanitarian, and management concerns. Responsibility for these functions is vested within the Department of State in the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs and for their implementation in consular officers assigned to embassies and consulates abroad. In response to a need for expert technical knowledge of ICAO specifications related to the issuance of electronic Machine Readable Travel Documents (eMRTDs). Passport Services (PPT) seeks support for testing of individual travel documents for ICAO and ISO conformance and training, education, coaching that builds governmental capacity in managing and overseeing ICAO conformance. Audiences for ICAO training include USG and foreign government personnel.