Much of $34 Million in New ACE Funding Already Spoken For, Swanson Says

RANCHO MIRAGE, California -- Much of the $34 million in "additional money earmarked for ACE" within the recent omnibus government funding bill is already "planned out," said Jim Swanson, CBP director-cargo and conveyance security and controls, while speaking at the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America's annual conference on May 1. "That money was to be allocated for new development or enhancements in the ACE process," he said. CBP has a priority list, he said. Among the factors for the priority list was a list of requests provided to CBP from the NCBFAA (see 1802200043).

Some of that ACE money will go toward automation specifically required under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act that wasn't funded as part of that law, Swanson said. It will also help pay for automated processing of de minimis shipments, even though that isn't required under TFTEA. CBP knows filers would like to see house bill release in ACE but it's not a priority for the agency at the moment, Swanson said. People shouldn't expect to see that functionality in ACE for at least a year or two because it's a "major significant investment," he said.

Another big piece is automation of maritime forms, Swanson said. CBP also plans to use the money to address outdated systems that are within ACE, such as the truck manifest system, which will be fully rebuilt, he said. "We are looking to replace our existing truck manifest system as a significant priority because operationally we need it," Swanson said.

Changes to ACE message size limits, the addition of currency exchange rates and Automated Invoice Interface are some of the things "I know are not right now prioritized," said Monica Crockett, director, Entry Summary, Accounts & Revenue Division at CBP. Those items were among issues raised by the NCBFAA for ACE. While there are "competing priorities" involved, Crockett suggested that the trade continue to bring up those concerns to CBP.

Another ongoing effort, which is outside of ACE, would link all the national departments of motor vehicles with CBP to allow the agency to push release information to the DMVs for used vehicle imports and exports, Swanson said. That would reduce the need for stamped paper Form 7501s, he said.