FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who should join?
Any company, university, or research organization with expertise in the technology areas specifically related to the HSTech mission.
What are the requirements and responsibilities of being a HSTech member?
- Be a U.S. firm or institution organized or existing under the laws of the United States, its territories, or possessions. For the purposes of this Agreement, any agency or instrumentality of a foreign government and firms, institutions or business organizations that are owned or substantially controlled by foreign governments, firms, institutions or individuals, may only be considered for membership on a case-by-case basis through exception granted by the HSTech Executive Committee, with the concurrence of the relevant Government Program Office.
- If Applicant is a Corporation with subsidiaries or affiliates, Applicant’s membership will include its wholly-owned and controlled and majority-owned and controlled U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates who qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR.
- Any other subsidiaries or affiliates may not participate in the HSTech unless and to the extent approved by the Executive Committee upon a request by the Government.
- Not be barred from contracting with or receiving funds from the United States Government;
- Clearly demonstrate in their membership application that they are capable of making a technical contribution to the advancement of border security related technology;
- Contribute their respective talents and resources to the HSTech for activities such as periodic meeting attendance, committee and subcommittee participation, and other activities as may be appropriate;
- Not transfer membership to any third party;
- Provide all cost and technical data as required in any HSTech solicitation to which it responds
- Abide by the terms of the Base Agreement.
Is there a cost to participate in HSTech?
There is an annual membership fee of $250, which is renewed annually on January 1. Your initial membership dues will be pro-rated by quarter based on the effective date of your membership approval and then annually thereafter. The Award Assessment on HSTech Project Awards is 1.0% of the authorized contract value.
What Do Membership Dues and Project Award Assessments pay for?
Annual dues and project award assessments pay for consortium activities, such as but not limited to: consortium support, meeting costs and support, member application processing, membership management (“good standing” tracking, etc.), executing and managing the financial processes, dues and assessment invoicing and collection, communications efforts, business development and strategic planning efforts, maintaining public and private websites, and supporting any other subcontractors.
What is the definition of a nontraditional defense contractor and how to know if my company is one?
A nontraditional defense contractor means an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one-year period prior to the date of this application, any contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to section 1502 of title 41 and the regulations implementing such section.
For additional information on applicability of cost accounting standards, please click here.
How long will it take to get the membership application approved after a company submits?
Typically 1-2 days if the application is complete. If an application is incomplete, the Consortium Management Firm will reach out to the applicant to discuss any missing elements.