U.S.–Montenegro Intergovernmental Agreement on Strategic Projects
NATIONAL SERVICED INTEGRATED CARGO SCANNING AND BORDER CONTROL MODERNIZATION PROJECT
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
U.S. Company Participation in Project Development
Response deadline: September 8, 2026
U.S.–Montenegro Strategic Projects Framework
On July 24, 2026, the Governments of the United States of America and Montenegro signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation for the Implementation of Strategic Projects. The Agreement establishes a bilateral framework for advancing strategic projects and deepening economic cooperation between the two countries. As implementation begins, the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica is inviting U.S. companies to express interest in participating in the National Serviced Integrated Cargo Scanning and Border Control Modernization Project, one of the strategic project opportunities being advanced under this framework.
National Serviced Integrated Cargo Scanning and Border Control Modernization Project
The Government of Montenegro is seeking to modernize and expand the Customs Administration’s capability to strengthen cargo inspection, facilitate legitimate trade, improve detection of prohibited and undeclared goods, combat tax evasion, foster local capacity building, while generating year on year revenue collection for the Nation’s State budget.
In accordance with these strategic objectives, the National Serviced Integrated Cargo Scanning and Border Control Modernization project will establish a 24/7 advanced operational scanning solution including operational support to sustain the project throughout the lifecycle of the project.
The initial project scope provides priority deployment at the Port of Bar and key road-border crossings, with the Customs Office Podgorica Terminal identified as an additional priority location.
As a summary, the serviced integrated solution scope will include the following deliverables:
- Construction work at scanning sites and analysis center
- Supply, commissioning and integration of multiple non-intrusive cargo inspection systems
- Analysis center for centralized operational oversight and image adjudication by Customs
- Integration of scanning sites with analysis center
- Additional services to Customs: traffic management support at the scanning sites; image technical assistance services; data security & cybersecurity protocols; in-country maintenance services; image analysis training.
Relying on the Government and the Customs Administration’s risk assessments and operational needs, the solution will provide agility and resilience for further potential expansion and relocation of some of its inspection capabilities.
Call for Expressions of Interest
The U.S. Embassy in Podgorica invites qualified U.S. companies interested in participating in the National Cargo Scanning and Border Control Modernization Project to submit an expression of interest. The purpose of this initial outreach is to identify U.S. companies interested in continued engagement as the Government of Montenegro further develops the project and defines detailed requirements, specifications, criteria, and implementation arrangements.
At this initial stage, interested companies should provide:
- Company name and U.S. headquarters/location;
- A brief company profile highlighting relevant experience and capabilities related to the project; and
- Name, title, email address, and telephone number of the company point of contact.
Please send expressions of interest to: IGAprojects@state.gov
Suggested subject line: National Serviced Integrated Cargo Scanning and Border Control Modernization – Expression of Interest
Next Steps
Following the initial expression-of-interest period, the Embassy will provide the Government of Montenegro with the list of interested U.S. companies. As project development advances and additional project specifications, requirements, criteria, and other relevant information become available, further communication regarding the opportunity will continue with the companies that expressed interest through this call.
Important Notice
This call does not constitute a public procurement process or an invitation to submit bids, nor does it create any obligation for the Government of Montenegro to conclude a contract. Its sole purpose is to establish a pool of one or more interested participants for a subsequent procedure, which will be limited to entities that respond to this call. The Government of Montenegro reserves the right to amend, supplement, or cancel the process, and all costs associated with participation shall be borne exclusively by the interested entities. The Government of Montenegro is not obligated to choose any U.S. company provided in the list of interested companies.