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Port of Entry Project
Background
Douglas is currently being served by the Raul H. Castro Port of Entry which was constructed in 1933 and expanded in 1993. In a 2019 feasibility study conducted by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), it was determined that the Raul H. Castro Port of Entry cannot adequately meet traffic demands nor the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) mission requirements.
The existing port maneuvers inbound and outbound commercial traffic within the same undersized commercial vehicle inspection compound, which slows traffic. There is a need to relocate overweight and oversized trucks that interrupt cross-border traffic regularly. Additionally, trucks carrying hazardous materials pose a safety risk for the Douglas/Agua Prieta region.
Upcoming Federal Construction Contracts
Resource Page
Welcome to the resource page dedicated to helping contractors and job seekers prepare for upcoming major federal construction contracts in our community. Here, you'll find valuable information, resources, and guidance to ensure you're ready to participate and benefit from these opportunities.
For Contractors
1. Understanding Federal Contracts
- Overview of Federal Contracting: Learn about the federal contracting process, including key terms, regulations, and requirements.
- Types of Contracts: Familiarize yourself with different types of federal contracts, such as fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and time-and-materials contracts.
https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting
- Arizona resource for profit businesses to prepare for the federal marketplace.
The new commercial port of entry contract has been awarded by the Federal Government to Hensel Phelps. Hensel Phelps has a resource page with information on qualifying for proposal opportunities and to receive applicable notifications.
https://www.henselphelps.com/trade-partners/
Hensel Phelps will be holding an information Session on April 9, 2025. See attached flyer to register: Attachment
2. Getting Started
-Register Your Business: Ensure your business is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) https://sam.gov/content/home.
- Obtain a DUNS Number: Learn how to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, a requirement for federal contracts.
https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html
- Certifications: Explore necessary certifications, such as Small Business Administration (SBA) certifications, and how to obtain them.
https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs
3. Finding Opportunities
- Federal Business Opportunities (FBO): Use the https://sam.gov/content/opportunities portal to search for federal contracting opportunities.
4. Preparing Your Bid
- Proposal Writing Tips: Access resources on writing competitive proposals and understanding evaluation criteria.
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan
- Cost Estimation: Learn about accurate cost estimation and budgeting for federal projects.
5. Compliance and Regulations
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR): Familiarize yourself with FAR, which governs the acquisition process.
https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far
Labor Laws and Safety Standards: Understand compliance with labor laws and safety standards, such as OSHA regulations.
https://www.osha.gov/construction
For Job Seekers
1. Understanding the Construction Industry
- **Industry Overview**: Gain insights into the construction industry, including common roles and career paths.
https://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag23.htm
- Skills in Demand: Identify the skills and qualifications most sought after in federal construction projects.
https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Industries/construction.aspx
2. Training and Certification
- Vocational Training Programs: Explore local vocational training programs and apprenticeships in construction trades.
- Certification Courses: Find certification courses, such as OSHA safety training and specialized trade certifications.
3. Job Search Resources
- Job Boards: Utilize job boards and websites that specialize in construction jobs, such as https://www.indeed.com/q-Construction-jobs.html
https://www.constructionjobs.com/
- Networking Opportunities: Attend local job fairs, industry events, and networking sessions to connect with potential employers.
4. Resume and Interview Preparation
- Resume Writing Tips: Access resources on crafting a strong resume tailored to the construction industry.
https://www.careeronestop.org/ResumesInterviews/Resumes/ResumeGuide/Resume-Guide.aspx
- Interview Preparation: Prepare for interviews with common questions and tips specific to construction roles.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/construction-interview-questions-2061238
5. Local Support Services
- Career Counseling: Take advantage of career counseling services offered by local workforce development agencies.
- Job Placement Assistance: Learn about job placement programs and services available in the community.
See Resources Below:
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Small Business Development Center
- Community College Programs: Job & Workforce Training
- Arizona@Work Home | ARIZONA@WORK
Stay Informed:
-Resource Page Updates:
- Contact Us: For further assistance, contact our support team at 520-417-7410 or carlos.valdez@douglasaz.gov
The 2019 feasibility study's findings concluded that a two-port solution will best address the concerns of the existing facility. The Two-Port Solution includes the construction of a new commercial port and the expansion and modernization of the existing Raul H. Castro Port of Entry.
The Douglas Commercial Port of Entry is a planned commercial land port construction project 4.5 miles west of Douglas city limits. Once completed, CBP will relocate commercial inspection operations from the Raul H. Castro Port of Entry to the newly constructed dedicated commercial port. The new port will expand commercial vehicle inspection capacity and allow the processing of oversized mining equipment that is too large to cross through the Raul H. Castro port.
Additionally, GSA will modernize and expand the Raul H. Castro port of entry which will be strictly dedicated to pedestrian, passenger vehicle, bike, and bus traffic.
The site of the new commercial port of entry will be on an 80.49-acre parcel that was donated to the GSA from the City of Douglas. The Two-Port Solution project received funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). More than $400 million has been allotted to the project with approximately $216 million dedicated to the development of the new commercial port and $195 million dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Raul H. Castro Port of Entry.
The proposed location of the commercial port is on undeveloped land without a roadway or utility infrastructure. The city along with its partners are working together to ensure that the infrastructure necessary to support this investment is brought to bear in a timely fashion to support the ports of entry and the anticipated investment in commercial, industrial, and related developments.
GSA completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which examined the possible effects that could arise from the expansion of the Raul H. Castro Port of Entry and the development of a new commercial port of entry.
GSA began its programmatic environmental impact statement process in Spring 2022 and finalized it on June 20, 2024. GSA selected Alternative 2 from the EIS which entails concurrent construction and westward expansion as the preferred environmental strategy. As part of the EIS process, GSA conducted public meetings and gathered input from the local community and key stakeholders. The EIS documents are available for review.
Find out the latest update on the project's progress by viewing the POE Fact Sheet (PDF).