On-site U.S. Customs has played a key role in the growth of the Sugar Land Regional Airport. In FY19, 433 aircraft cleared Customs at Sugar Land, which is an increase of approximately 20% from the previous year. In FY20, there was a decrease in clearances due to COVID-19 and the travel restrictions implemented to lessen the curve. Recently, the Airport Master Plan consultants reviewed the Customs operation at SGR and recommended continuing the service. Airport staff will be able to market having on-site Customs and attract more international traffic, which will bring in additional fuel sales. The revenue from the increase in traffic will assist in the future development of the airport.
Since the completion of our U.S. Customs building in 2007, The United States Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has changed their minimum requirements for all user-fee facilities. If the Airport wants to continue U.S. Customs services, we will need to comply with the building standards. Since these changes would require a significant amount of money with no grant funding available, CBP allowed the Airport to complete the project over three phases. Phase 1 will include the installation of an 11 camera CCTV system, including 5 interior and 6 exterior cameras, as well as an Access Control System (12 Card Readers), and an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) that includes motion sensors, infrared system, forced door detection, two duress buttons, and 24-hour central monitoring. All proposed devices meet U.S. Customs requirements.
Phase 1 was split into a Base Bid with two alternates:
- Base Bid: Interior & Exterior CCTV System
- Alternate #1: Access Control System (Card Readers)
- Alternate #2: Intrusion Detect System (IDS)
The project was advertised on August 26 and September 02, 2020. Two (2) bids were received and opened on September 10, 2020. The bid summary is presented below:
|
Contractor
|
Base Bid
|
Alternate #1
|
Alternate #2
|
Total
|
|
Intertech Ci
|
$ 57,932.00
|
$ 33,686.00
|
$ 6,374.00
|
$ 97,992.00
|
|
American Renewable Energy
|
$ 70,301.00
|
$ 39,105.00
|
$ 15,977.50
|
$ 125,383.50
|
The Notice to Proceed for the project is anticipated to be issued in November. The work is to be completed within 90 calendar days, placing final completion in February 2021.
The project is located within the U.S. Customs & Border Protection facility at the Sugar Land Regional Airport and will have no impact on residents of Sugar Land. This project will not interfere with international arrivals as contractors will work around U.S. Custom’s operation.
The Airport recommends the authorization of a construction contract with Intertech Ci in the amount of $97,992.00 for Phase 1 of the U.S. Customs Renovation Project. Funding is available from the Airport's FY20 operating budget in the amount of $110,451.00 and will be carried over to FY21 through a future budget amendment.