U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have made 11 tentative selections for new reimbursable services agreements, noting the effort would enhance security, promote cross-border trade and facilitate domestic essential travel.
“Reimbursable services agreements are a fundamental component of CBP’s resource optimization strategy,” William A. Ferrara, executive assistant commissioner of the CBP Office of Field Operations, said. “These innovative agreements enable CBP to work with public and private sector partners to process additional travelers and cargo, thereby improving our border security and enhancing America’s economic competitiveness.”
The public-private partnerships allow approved private sector and state and local government entities to reimburse CBP for expanded services for incoming commercial and cargo traffic and international traveler arrivals in California, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Washington.
Reimbursable services agreements are authorized by Section 481 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, officials said, noting reimbursable services agreements bolster CBP’s ability to provide new or enhanced services on a reimbursable basis by creating partnerships with private sector and government entities.
Reimbursable services are limited to overtime costs and support services for airports with 100,000 or more arriving international passengers annually, with authorities noting airports with fewer than 100,000 arriving international passengers each year may offset CBP for the salaries and expenses of not more than five full-time equivalent CBP officers.
CBP noted reimbursable services serve as a key component of the agency’s Resource Optimization Strategy and allow CBP to provide new or expanded services at domestic ports of entry reimbursed by the partner entity.