CBP Posts Jan 2012 Status Update on ACE Cargo Release, Etc.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted a January 2012 update on its progress with various Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) capabilities and other projects, such as Document Image System (DIS), PGA Message Set, e-Manifest: rail and Sea (M1), ACE Truck, Automated Export Processing etc. With this update, CBP states that in addition to allowing the trade to electronically transmit document images and associated data to CBP, the DIS will support processing single transaction bonds submitted by the trade. CBP also notes that as of January 2012, it deployed M1 at 17 ports (from 13 ports in December 2011).

Contract Award for ACE Cargo Release Now Targeted for 2012

CBP also provides several updates regarding ACE Cargo Release. CBP previously stated that the design and acquisition phase for Cargo Release would begin with an anticipated contract award in the third quarter of FY 2012; however, CBP now anticipates the award to be made at an unspecified time in 2012.

Preliminary Draft Cargo Release Functional Requirements Completed

CBP newly states that a preliminary draft Functional Requirements Document was completed in December 2011, and that an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), which evaluates effectiveness, suitability, and financial justification for each viable cargo release implementation alternative, is currently in progress.

First Simplified Entry Expected to be Filed in March 2012

Lastly, CBP has developed a pilot schedule for the simplified entry capability that begins testing in late-January followed by production in late-February to early-March. The first Simplified Entry is expected to be filed in March. (See ITT's Online Archives 12012322 for additional details on the SE pilot.)