CBP Launches Program to Accept Donations for Port Improvement Projects
CBP on Oct. 1 announced the launch of its Donation Acceptance Program, under which the agency may accept donations from the private sector and other government agencies to develop its port infrastructure. Faced with “a growing demand for facilities and renovations at aging ports of entry,” the joint CBP-General Services Administration effort will allow for an alternative source of funding through donations from “private corporations, public entities, municipalities, port authorities, consortiums, and any other private sector or Government entity.” Donated money, property, and services may be used for activities related to the construction, alteration, operations, and maintenance of an existing CBP or GSA port of entry, including land acquisition, design, and the deployment of new equipment and technology. The program was authorized by the Consolidated Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2014 (see 14011423).
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CBP and GSA have established a framework for reviewing proposals for donations (here). CBP will begin accepting proposals on Oct. 20, and the submission period will last for 60 days until Dec. 23, it said (here). CBP and GSA are now accepting questions from potential donors (here); the agency won’t respond directly, but will use any questions received to put together a questions and answers document for posting to its website. CBP and GSA also plan to hold a live teleconference in early November to answer questions from potential donors, said CBP.