The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) component is looking for technology to enable remote exam proctoring, according to a Nov. 16 solicitation post on Beta.Sam.gov.
CBP is looking for remote proctoring services for its Customs License Broker Exam (CBLE), a semi-annual test given in order to license Customs Brokers. Currently, the test is offered in April and October every year, and is given in-person. CBP wants to move to 100 percent virtual testing by October 2021.
According to the solicitation, the eventual contractor will have to deliver an online, remotely proctored exam delivery system, and administer the CBLE. As part of the exam, the contractor will need to provide a number of services, including: hosting and proctoring the internet-based CBLE; facilitating examinee registration; checking-in examinees on the day of the CBLE; providing appropriate technology and support for disability accommodations; and reporting out exam results and analysis.
CBP said it is planning to take a phased transition to remote proctoring beginning with the April 2021 exam. The first phase will entail administering the exam at in-person exam centers and through online remote proctoring for a limited number of registrants. CBP noted that the April 2021 exam will be the first CBLE administers with a remote proctoring option.
Following the April exam, CBP said it will evaluate the user experiences of examinees measured via a survey, compare pass/fail rates to identify any statistically significant differences between exam delivery modalities, and assess frequency and severity of technical challenges in administering an online, remotely proctored exam. CBP intends to move to 100 percent remote proctoring for the October 2021 exam.
Looking to the future, CBP said it may pursue additional technology enhancements, such as AI-assisted proctoring solutions, in subsequent phases.
Submissions are due Dec. 09 by 12:00 pm EST. Following the submission and review process, CBP intends to issue a five-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.
