USCG Contraband Detection (Trace)

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Capability Needs Statement (CNS) from the U.S. Coast Guard, dated May 2026, concerning Contraband Detection. It outlines the operational requirements for a portable, environmentally rugged, and technically adaptable detection system to counter illicit drug trafficking. The CNS details the current threat landscape, operational context, and future environment, emphasizing the need for modernized detection capabilities to address evolving synthetic drugs like Fentanyl.

This document serves as an informational statement of the U.S. Coast Guard's needs for a contraband detection capability. It details:

• Operational Context: Harsh maritime environments and the evolving nature of illicit drugs.
• Mission Objectives: Enhancing personnel safety, enabling defensible law enforcement actions, and generating actionable intelligence.
• Key Areas for Improvement: Technology, environmental resilience, threat library updates, data management, and sensor durability.
• Capabilities Needed: Rapid and accurate detection of a broad spectrum of illicit substances, ruggedized hardware, reliable data extraction, and full lifecycle support.
• Performance Attributes: Specific targets for probability of detection, false alarm rate, analysis time, operational availability, battery life, and environmental hardening.
• Interoperability: Requirements for standard data export formats and wireless transmission.
• Use Cases: Examples of how the capability would be used in vessel boardings, cutter-based processing, port security, intelligence operations, and training.

This CNS provides potential vendors with insight into the U.S. Coast Guard's requirements and desired attributes for future contraband detection systems.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct market research and solicit information from industry partners regarding commercially available technologies for portable trace detection of narcotics. The government is seeking information on systems suitable for a demanding maritime operational environment. This is not a request for proposals, and the government will not pay for any costs incurred.

Vendors are requested to provide comprehensive responses addressing:

• Detection Capabilities: List of detectable substances, library size, ability to detect both narcotic and explosive traces, minimum detection limits for key substances, and configurability of the substance library.
• Operational Performance: Analysis time, system warm-up/initialization time, calibration frequency, and data on false positive/negative rates.
• Physical and Environmental Characteristics: Dimensions, weight, portability, power source, battery life, ruggedness (IP rating, shock/vibration, salt fog resistance), and required consumables.
• Data Management and Security: Onboard storage, data export methods, and cybersecurity features.
• Fleet Management and Updates: Remote health monitoring, configuration management, software/firmware updates, and threat library update processes.
• Human Factors and Usability: User interface operability (e.g., with gloves, readability in various light conditions), and audio/visual alerts.

Responses should include:

• Company Profile (Name, Address, Website, POC, Socioeconomic Status, UEI, CAGE Code).

• Overview of company experience with federal/law enforcement agencies.

• Detailed technical specifications datasheet.

• Technology Readiness (commercial availability, operational use).

• Support and Maintenance plan (warranty, repair, long-term parts availability).

• Training recommendations for operators and maintenance personnel.

• Estimated, non-binding pricing for a single unit, annual consumables, and training courses.

• Delivery timeline.

• Availability via GSA eBuy, NASA Sewp IV, or other strategic sourcing vehicles.

• Questions Due: 12:00 PM (EST), May 21, 2026.

• Responses Due: 12:00 PM (EST), June 3, 2026.

• Format: Electronic submission, not exceeding 10 pages (excluding cover page), formatted in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Adobe.

• Submission Method: Email all questions and responses to Brenda E. Oberholzer (Brenda.E.Oberholzer@uscg.mil) and Cora B. Good (Cora.B.Good@uscg.mil).

• All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

• No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included.

• The Government reserves the right to use any information provided.

• Failure to respond with sufficiently detailed information may impact future consideration for solicitations.