Miami Region
This Information Bulletin is issued to announce the solicitation for applications to operate a Centralized Examination Station (CES) for Miami International Airport, to ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) compliance with Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 118 (19 C.F.R. §118.2). The solicitation period commences September 24, 2025, and expires on November 23, 2025. The initial phase of the selection process will consist of a sixty(60)-day application period, or "open season." Public comments are also invited.
The Port Director has determined that one (1) or more CES facilities are required to properly meet the needs of CBP and the trade community. One (1) or more applicants may be selected from this solicitation.
DEADLINES
• Public comments must be received by 5:00 P.M. on October 24, 2025, (30 calendar days from the date of this Information Bulletin)
• Applications to operate a CES must be received by 5:00 P.M. on November 23, 2025, (60 calendar days from the date of this Information Bulletin). Applications received after this date and time will not be considered. Applications found to be incomplete may not be considered.
SCOPE
This solicitation is for applicants within the Miami International Airport area of jurisdiction in the State of Florida. The length of the CES agreement will be for a minimum of five (5) years. The agreement is not extendable and will not exceed a total of five (5) years in duration.
The CES is where CBP physical examinations are conducted. Where cargo is designated for inspection at a CES, the importer, carrier, exporter, or its agent is responsible for choosing the CES to be utilized for examination, arranging the bonded transfer of the merchandise to the CES, and paying the costs of the transfer, as well as any fees charged by the CES facility for its service.
The only exception to the above provision is when a specific commodity requires special handling, equipment, or when CBP determines it necessary. In instances where the Port Director has determined it necessary, he or she may designate the CES at which any examination must take place pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § l51.15(d). The trade community, by designating its choice of CES, mainly determines the workload of each CES.
In all cases, the importer, carrier, exporter, or its agent is responsible for paying the costs of the transfer, as well as any fees charged by the CES for its service.
BACKGROUND
On January 22, 1993, a final rule was published in the Federal Register amending Chapter 19 of the C.F.R. enacting 19 C.F.R. Part 118, CES effective February 22, 1993. This change was the result of efforts by CBP to improve productivity and service by focusing resources and minimizing travel time required in performing cargo examinations at multiple facilities within a Port of Entry (POE).
Applicants should be aware that as a result of advancements utilizing information technology as well as high-tech equipment, CBP examinations of cargo have become more selective. Consequently, the number of physical inspections may fluctuate. CES applicants should recognize that minimum numbers of examinations cannot be established.
CES OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The applicant, tentatively selected to operate a CES must sign a written agreement with CBP before commencing operations (19 C.F.R. § 118.3). Failure to execute a written agreement with CBP in a timely manner will result in the revocation of that application's tentative selection and may result in tentative selection of another applicant or republication of the notice soliciting applications.
By signing the agreement and commencing operations as a CES, the CES Operator agrees to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in 19 C.F.R. § 118.4 to include any reasonable requirements imposed by the Port Director pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § 118.4(k). As outlined in these regulations, the applicable provisions of the FAR, Executive Orders 12989 and 13465, and the CES agreement, the CES selected to operate in Miami International Airport agrees to:
a) Comply fully with the requirements of Executive Order 12989, dated February 13, 1996, as amended by Executive Order 13465, dated June 6, 2008, and particularly with Sections 1(a)-(c), which pertain to the unlawful employment of aliens and to the anti-discrimination requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and of any other applicable law.
b) Maintain the facility designated as the CES in conformity with the security standards outlined in the approved application (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(a)), as well as the standards outlined in Appendix G Physical Security Standards for CBP Bonded Facilities.
c) Provide adequate personnel and equipment to ensure reliable and expeditious service for the opening, presentation for inspection, and closing of all types of cargo designated for examination by CBP. Such service must be provided on a "first come-first served" basis, unless otherwise directed by CBP (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(b)).
d) Assess service fees as outlined in the fee schedule included in the approved application or as changed according to 19 C.F.R. § 118.5 and bill users directly for services rendered (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(c)).
e) Assume responsibility for all charges and expenses incurred in connection with the operation of the CES (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(d)).
f) Maintain, at his/her own expense, adequate liability insurance with respect to the property within his/her control and with respect to persons having access to the CES (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(e)).
g) Keep current a list of names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and fingerprints of all employees, to include full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary employees, filed with the Port Director pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § 118.11(f) and 19 C.F.R. § 118.4(i). Additions to, or deletions from the list must be submitted in writing to the Port Director within 10 calendar days of the commencement or termination of an employee's employment (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(f)).
h) Utilize “E-Verify” for anyone employed by the CES in any capacity (see the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify for more information regarding enrollment and use).
U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States, either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This diverse workforce contributes greatly to the vibrancy and strength of our economy, but that same strength also attracts unauthorized employment. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. E-Verify is fast, free and easy to use and it’s the best way employers can ensure a legal workforce.
i) Maintain a CBP Form 301, custodial bond in an amount of $150,000 set by the Port Director and comply with the terms of the custodial bond pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § 113.63.
The CES operator will accept and keep safe all merchandise delivered to the CES for examination. The bond will include liability for transporting merchandise to the CES from within the district boundaries (see definition of “district” in 19 C.F.R. § 112.1). The CES operator assumes such liability when he/she picks up merchandise for transportation to his/her facility. The operator also agrees to increase the amount of the bond if deemed appropriate by the Port Director (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(g)).
j) Maintain and make available for CBP examination all records connected with the operation of the CES and retain those records for not less than five (5) years from the date of transaction or examination conducted pursuant to the agreement to operate the CES (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(h)).
k) Provide office space, parking spaces, appropriate sanitary facilities, and potable water to CBP personnel at no charge or at a charge of $1 per year (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(j)).
l) Perform any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Port (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(k), including the provision of any Non-Intrusive Inspections equipment required by CBP at the operation. The operator will be responsible for all required environmental compliances associated with the operation of a CES.
m) Provide transportation for merchandise to the CES from within the district boundaries (see definition of "district" 19 C.F.R. § 112.1) when requested by CBP. In these situations, CES operator shall provide receipt for the merchandise when he picks it up and assumes liability for the merchandise at that time (19 C.F.R. § 118.4(l)).
n) Provide written notification, to the Port Director within 10calendar days of learning that the proposed CES Operator, or any officer, managing official or a person that the Port Director determines is exercising substantial ownership or control over such operator or officer, is indicted for, convicted of, or has committed acts which would constitute a felony, or a misdemeanor involving theft or a theft-connected crime.
o) Ensure that the CES facility complies with all applicable Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements.
p) Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and/or regulations, as they would apply to the fulfillment of the responsibilities and service provisions as a designated CES Operator.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application to operate a CES must contain specific information as required in 19 C.F.R. § 118.11. The service capabilities offered and the operational and facilities characteristics must meet the minimum standards identified in the CES Application Contents and must submit the attached CES Application Form (Appendix C). The applicant must also submit a Fee Schedule to the Port Director by the deadline of this solicitation. Applicants are requested to provide an Authorization for Release of Information Form (Appendix D) for all persons who have a direct or indirect financial interest in the proposed CES operation and are officers and/or managing officials of the proposed facility. The submission of this release is voluntary; however, failure to provide the "Authorization" may hinder the investigation process.
All applicants must submit a corporate resolution authorizing the signatory to act on behalf of the corporation. Any false statements on the application may result in disqualification and possible prosecution under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
All applicants are strongly urged to read 19 C.F.R. Part 118 to obtain a full understanding of CBP's expectations of a CES applicant and operator.
Application must be received by the Port Director on or before November 23, 2025, which is 60 calendar days from the date of this Information Bulletin's issuance. Applications received after the closing date/time will not be considered. Applications found to be incomplete may not be considered. During the first 30 days of this period, the public may submit written comments to the Port Director.
All applications and comments should be addressed to:
Daniel Alonso
Port Director
Miami International Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
6601 NW 25th St
Miami, Florida 33122
At the end of the 60 day application period, CBP will publish a list of applications, including names, facility addresses, fee schedules, equipment, and numbers of employees to be involved in the CES operation. At that time, the public will again be provided 30 calendar days in which to submit written comments to the Port Director. At the conclusion of that time, the Port Director, based upon a review of all applications under criteria set forth in 19 C.F.R. § 118.11 and any public comments submitted under 19 C.F.R. § 118.11 and any public comments submitted under 19 C.F.R. § 118.2 or § 118.12, shall determine whether a CES operator should be selected.
Pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § 118.13, the applicant selected to operate a CES will be notified in writing by the Port Director of his/her tentative selection. The selection shall become final upon execution of the written agreement between CBP and the applicant under 19 C.F.R. § 118.3, and the Port Director will advise the public of the final selection and of the date on which the CES will commence operation under the agreement in accordance with the notice procedures set forth in 19 CFR § 118.2. Each applicant not selected to be a CES operator will be so notified in writing and with a statement of the reason for non-selection.
Applicants should be aware that their designation of CES status covers only the facility described in their application. If any successful applicant changes the location of the facility during the time frame of the agreement, his/her status as a CES is terminated and CBP may initiate a new selection for a replacement CES facility.
The facility rating will be determined based on a standardized points system, relative to the specific evaluation criteria contained in the Miami International Airport Facility Requirements. Additional consideration, in the form of points, will be given to those applicants who exceed the minimum required standards and as applicable to the designated evaluation criteria.
Any questions concerning the application process may be directed to Anthony J. Fortunato, Assistant Port Director, Cargo Operations at 305-869-2750 or e-mail Anthony.J.Fortunato@CBP.DHS.GOV.
DISCLAIMER: This material is intended to serve as a guide. Recognizing that many complicated factors are involved in CBP procedures, an applicant may consider an independent and qualified source for assistance in preparing a complete and qualifying application package for CES Operator under this solicitation. Reliance solely on this information may not be considered reasonable care. Applicants are referred to Treasury Decision 97-96, not provided by this bulletin, which was published in the Federal Register of December 4, 1997, and in Customs Bulletin of December 17, 1997, for in-depth information as to what constitutes reasonable care.
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