TSA wants help with hazmat screening

The Transportation Security Administration wants a contractor who can collect and process fingerprints and other personal information for individuals seeking to transport hazardous materials in 37 states.

TSA published a presolicitation notice today for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program.

Under the program, applicants who seek a hazardous materials endorsement on their driver's license must undergo a security threat assessment that includes a criminal background check, immigration status check and international database checks for links to terrorism.

The notice requests contractor support for an information management system and Web-based tool that would enable applicants to submit biographical information and fingerprints, would collect fees, and would provide applicants with information on services and enrollment locations. The system operates on established fees.

TSA handles applications for drivers in 37 states and the District of Columbia, while 15 states perform those functions on their own.

The contractor must be able to meet TSA and Homeland Security Department information technology system requirements and perform enrollment, fingerprint collection, help-desk support, Web site operation, and fee collection and reconciliation.

The fixed-price contract is expected to have a one-year base period with three one-year options.