Bid guide
How to bid on DHS Centers of Excellence Phase XI Basic Ordering Agreements
What DHS is buying and why it matters
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking for universities to provide research, analysis, and training services. These services will be procured through Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) and will cover critical areas such as animal diseases, explosives detection, border security, critical infrastructure resilience, and coastal resilience. This is an opportunity for universities to align their capabilities with DHS's high-priority science and technology needs.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 14, 2026. Responses are due by August 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. This deadline is for submitting your comments and information to DHS regarding the use of BOAs for these services. It is important to submit your response on time for consideration.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for universities with strong research, analysis, and training capabilities in areas relevant to homeland security. This includes expertise in emerging and zoonotic animal diseases, explosives-related threats, border security, trade, immigration, critical infrastructure resilience, and coastal resilience. The goal is to identify universities that can serve as lead institutions for DHS Centers of Excellence.
How to respond
To access the solicitation, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an RFI, clearly articulate your institution's specific capabilities and how they directly address the thrust areas mentioned by DHS. Highlight any unique expertise, facilities, or past successes in relevant research or training. Ensure your response is well-organized and directly answers any questions posed in the RFI document. Focus on demonstrating a strong match between your university's strengths and DHS's stated requirements for Centers of Excellence.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Office of Procurement Operations; the original posting controls.