US-VISIT RFP released

US-VISIT request for proposals

The long-awaited request for proposals was released Friday for a prime contractor for Homeland Security Department's massive entry/exit system.

The scope of the contract for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program includes all activities for tracking foreign visitors, including biometrics. The contractor is expected to design, integrate and implement processes, systems, training and management.

The minimum value of the contract issued through task orders will be $10 million, and the maximum value through indefinite delivery/indefinite quality requirements will be $10 billion. It will be a five-year base contract with five one-year options.

DHS officials will award the contract by May 2004. The field of potential bidders was narrowed down to Lockheed Martin Corp., Accenture and Computer Sciences Corp.

Homeland Security officials want commercial companies to present the best solution for the program's goals.

"The US-VISIT program is seeking a combination of business, technical and management capabilities to meet the broad range of legislative mandates, operational needs and government business requirements," the acquisition document states. "The contractor shall provide an innovative, comprehensive solution that identifies long-term, high-level strategic goals and actions, while meeting the near-term requirements of the US-VISIT program."

The scope of work includes:

* Program and technical management of individual task orders.

* Program integration of all US-VISIT related activities.

* Strategic planning and analysis to support the program office.

* Process re-engineering and organizational change management.

* Systems engineering and architecture for integration of multiple projects.

* Design, development and implementation for each phase of the program.

* Development of a training program.

The first task order outlined in the request calls for a program and project management process to support the US-VISIT program office. The order includes nearly two dozen subtasks, such as program planning, cost estimation methodology and transition strategy.

The second task order covers implementation of an entry solution for secondary inspection points at the highest volume land ports. This phase of US-VISIT, known as Increment 2B, is expected to be in place by the end of 2004. This phase also includes exit systems for land ports by June 2005.

A pilot to test US-VISIT technology is underway at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. The pilot, started in November, is expected to run through December. The system will be rolled out at major airports and seaports on Jan. 5, 2004.