U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that a new proposal from the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority has been selected to engage in further planning and development activities as part of the Donations Acceptance Program. The Donations Acceptance Program enables CBP and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to explore, foster and facilitate partnerships for port of entry infrastructure and technology improvements.
The Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority proposed upgrading existing air conditioned dock space at the Nogales West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) to food safety certified refrigerated space. The Nogales West LPOE processes more fresh produce than any other LPOE along the U.S.-Mexico border. The proposed upgrades seek to support the region’s growing produce industry by improving CBP’s ability to safely handle and inspect seafood, berries, avocados and other temperature-sensitive commodities.
This is the first proposal selected under CBP’s small-scale process for proposals valued at $3 million or less. The small-scale donation proposal process is a new offering and avenue for stakeholders interested in investing in and expediting small-scale, high impact border infrastructure, technology and other related improvements. Proposals that qualify as small-scale may be submitted year-round and in turn evaluated 60 to 70 percent faster than proposals submitted during the DAP’s annual cycle for mid to large-scale proposals. Criteria and guidance for submitting a small-scale donation proposal can be found on CBP.gov/DAP.
Pursuant to Section 559 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, CBP and GSA are authorized to accept donations of real property, personal property (including monetary donations) and non-personal services from private sector and government entities. Accepted donations may be used for port of entry construction, alterations, operations, and maintenance activities.