Request for Information (RFI) -Services to Electronically Transmit Airline Data
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is conducting market research through this Request for Information (RFI) to understand available options for services to electronically transmit airline passenger and cargo data. This RFI aims to identify vendors capable of providing the necessary infrastructure and services to obtain Passenger Name Records (PNR), air cargo manifests, Advance Passenger Information (API), and other airline-related data. Responses are due by March 13, 2026.
Scope of Interest
CBP requires services for obtaining names and related information of passengers arriving and departing the U.S. on commercial airlines, as well as manifests of cargo. The objective is to support CBP's mission to screen people and cargo entering, exiting, and overflying the U.S. Key capabilities sought include:
- Managed Network and Messaging Services: IP network access, Socket to Socket TCP/IP connections, and IBM MQ Messaging Queuing Services.
- Airline Connectivity: Established connectivity with the airline community, ability to test and certify with air carriers, CBP, and TSA.
- Data Handling: Support for 7-letter IATA Addressing, unlimited Type B messaging (IATA standard for API), and connections for data routing from the Dominican Republic and Barbados.
- Infrastructure: Provision of physical space at vendor datacenters for CBP co-located equipment (e.g., routers), including environmental controls and secured access.
- Security & Support: Compliance with DHS encryption standards (FIPS 197, FIPS 140-2, NSA Type 2/1, PKI), continuous monitoring strategies (asset, vulnerability, configuration, malware, log, SIEM, patch management), specific protections (security operations, incident response), and 24/7 global aviation industry expertise and customer service.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Special Notice (Market Research Only)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 13, 2026, by 11:59 PM
- Published: February 19, 2026
Response Guidelines
Responses should be limited to 4 pages (8.5x11, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, Microsoft Word format) and emailed to Ronetta Sweeney at ronetta.m.sweeney@cbp.dhs.gov. The subject line must be: CBP Services to Electronically Transmit Airline Data. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to a future solicitation.