United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is seeking United States-incorporated/based non-Federal partners (“Collaborators”) in industry and/or academia to consider for entry into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), as described in 15 USC 3710a, with the Government to produce collaborative studies illustrating potential future capabilities for USTRANSCOM.  These studies will examine and demonstrate methods of improving the rate of throughput for customs clearance in nations with the most stringent requirements.  Requirements may include:  agricultural inspection; sanitation, cleaning and decontamination processes; adherence to standard practices (pre-cleaning, inspection and operator training) addressing destination nation requirements; proven support equipment for detection and mitigation methods for chemical, biological and pest detection; adoption of best practices from other nations and 3rd party logistics providers; improved training for logistics operators at origin and enroute; and which current and emerging successful processes and technologies should be adopted by the Department of Defense (DoD).

This is not a solicitation for a procurement contract, nor should this announcement be construed as implying any future solicitation by USTRANSCOM or any other government agency in this area.

Interested parties may respond with white papers by 7 March 2025 by 0000 (12:00 midnight, U.S. Central time) by unclassified e-mail to transcom.scott.tcj5j4.mbx.orta@mail.mil by submitting an UNCLASSIFIED written white paper in format described below.  Hardcopy submittal is not allowed. 

Potential topics for collaboration follow, based on gaps in the clearance process.  Details of the actual exploration, resource commitments, schedules, research deliverables (technical findings), and work to be assigned to the Parties in the agreement will be determined by discussions after initial whitepaper selection.

USTRANSCOM is considering identification and possible future adoption of any technologies or techniques across the full origin-to-destination and return transportation lanes, and also systemic considerations including training and internal enforcement methods.

Field trials may take place to coincide with DOD unit movements from CONUS to OCONUS, or reverse, to provide information on real-world performance of the improvements.

Submitters should confirm their willingness and ability to provide subject matter experts to participate in these field trials in U.S. and en route and overseas locations. 

Your proposal to enter into a CRADA should include a brief description of the following challenges you will address and the expected research outcomes for each.  It should also describe what Government data, access to facilities, or subject matter expertise should be added to the collaboration with your organization to make the research productive.

•     Information, processes and technologies you propose for expedited DoD customs clearance may include, but are not limited to:

1.  Understanding the most important contributors of customs clearance throughput pace for various nations and identification of common requirements that impact multiple nation import restrictions.
2. Technologies for detection of biological agents/pathogens, agricultural products, insect and animal pests and invasive species, chemicals and radioactive materials.
3.  Rapid assessment of cargo status/cleanliness level compared to export destination requirements for entry clearance.
4. Techniques and technologies for cleaning and decontamination at cargo origin, at ports of debarkation, in transit, and at entry to destination country.
5. Ongoing research and development to advance technologies contributing to the above challenges and opportunities to influence the project direction for DoD cargo in global destinations.
6. Industry practices proven successful for high assurance of rapid customs/agricultural clearances for nations with extensive and strict requirements.
7. Success stories.  Examples where techniques and technologies have been especially successful for industry or Government use in global supply chains achieving efficient and rapid customs clearances.
8. Other topics as determined by discussion.

Collaborative work may be paper studies, or field trials/tests or demonstrations, as necessary to develop the concepts to demonstrate value to USTRANSCOM.

USTRANSCOM may provide (as determined by discussions):

• Description of current observed customs clearance performance and known shortfalls.
• Access to Government subject matter experts.
• Performance, cost and information and infrastructure security goals.
• Access to Government facilities for