CBTS released its 2024-25 general request for proposals (RFP) in late May, eliciting thirteen candidate proposals across the three topical areas of interest for CBTS: Port Capacity, Public Health, and Latin America Supply Chains. With the Latin America Supply Chain topic area, CBTS expressed interest in the opportunities and challenges associated with ‘nearshoring’ or changes in previously lengthy supply chains. The Public Health topic area focused on data and facilitation of disease detection and control, looking at systems improvement that may advance public health and related security. The Port Capacity topic looks for implementation of better tech and technique to maintain the trade facilitating capacity of ports while increasing security through more accurate threat detection and better inspection processes.
These topics represent a sub-selection of the overarching Borders of the Future concept under which CBTS works and develops research projects. The Center selected roughly half of the original thirteen proposals for additional scientific peer reviews and scientific and relevancy review conducted by DHS. Those reviews are concluding. In October, we will start working with the investigators of selected proposals to develop complete project workplans and budgets.
Upcoming RFP
Be on the lookout for the 2025-2026 general CBTS RFP. Once our stakeholders review the RFP, it will be announced on November 15. Although the selection of specific research proposal topics is underway, the general areas of interest related to enhancing threat and vulnerability detection and port capacity include 1) Determining how to provide greater visibility into firms’ foreign supply chains; 2) Assessing the potential development of AI-enabled tools to facilitate the inspections and movement of shipments; and 3) Examining novel tools that support non-intrusive inspection of cargo. We look forward to receiving proposals soon.