The Department of Homeland Security, US Secret Service has a requirement to administer the Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT).

The Secret Service is one of the most elite law enforcement organizations in the world. It has earned this reputation throughout more than 150 years of unparalleled service to the nation. As one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the country, the Secret Service has an integrated mission that is comprised of safeguarding the financial infrastructure of the United States and protecting national leaders (e.g., President, Vice President), visiting heads of state, and heads of government. This includes providing security for special events such as the United Nations General Assembly. Due to this integrated mission, the Secret Service must ensure that individuals selected into the Special Agent and Uniformed Division Officer positions can meet the varied physical demands of the job.

Special Agents carry out assignments to support the organization’s integrated mission of investigation and protection. In addition to protecting members of the executive branch and their families, Special Agents investigate violations of laws relating to financial crimes such as credit card and access device fraud, as well as computer-based attacks on the nation’s banking and telecommunications infrastructure. Special Agents must be available to be assigned to duty stations anywhere in the world.

The Uniformed Division’s mission is to protect facilities and venues secured for Secret Service protectees. In recent years, the Uniformed Division has grown both in size and scope of responsibility and is mandated by law to provide physical security for the White House Complex and the Vice President’s residence at the Naval Observatory. It also provides security for the Treasury Department building and foreign diplomatic missions in Washington, DC.

Based on job analysis and test validation information, a battery of physical ability tests was identified to assess the physical requirements of the Secret Service Special Agent and Uniformed Division Officer jobs. This test battery is called the Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT) and is designed to provide a safe and efficient method of evaluating an applicant’s strength, agility, endurance, and other physical capabilities based on the physical requirements needed upon entry into the Special Agent and Uniformed Division Officer positions. Applicants must successfully pass the APAT before proceeding to the next steps of the hiring process. The APAT consists of the following four components: Push-ups, Sit-ups, Illinois Agility Run, and a 1.5-Mile Run.

• The United States Secret Service (Secret Service) has a requirement for a vendor to administer the Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT) to applicants applying for Special Agent and Uniformed Division positions using indoor and/or outdoor static facilities (e.g., schools, universities, gymnasiums, sport and health clubs, recreation centers, police academies, military bases) that are designated and approved by Secret Service. To alleviate the operational demands, additional manpower, and resources, the Human Resources, Research and Assessment Division’s (HRR) has a requirement for contractor support for the applicant physical abilities testing used for employment consideration and selection of Secret Service law enforcement personnel. More information will be provided at the release of the solicitation.
• The Secret Service seeks contractor support for all aspects of APAT administration including, but not limited to, the following functions:
  • Provide an Application Programming Interface (API) via Real-Time Import by registering Applicant Lifecycle Information System (ALIS) applicants provided by Secret Service for APAT.
    • ALIS is a Secret Service web-based application that allows Secret Service personnel to manage information about applicants for employment and their status in the hiring process.
  • Utilize API to transfer applicant performance and test data between the Contractor and the Secret Service into ALIS.
  • Comply with the procedures established by the Secret Service to obtain an Authority to Operate, as identified in Appendix A.
  • Maintain an automated registration and self-scheduling service for Secret Service applicants using secure individual online accounts, including the capability to send system-generated email notifications to applicants and track undelivered emails.
  • Provide testing facilities and assessment equipment at testing locations throughout the United States (and internationally, if the optional task is exercised).
  • Administer the APAT to applicants, which consists of: Push-ups, Sit-ups, Illinois Agility Run, and a 1.5-Mile Run
    • Provide personnel who are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and fit for duty to administer the APAT.
  • Facilities and assessment personnel must be available to conduct APAT testing during regular business hours, evenings, and weekends.
  • Support Secret Service approved accommodations for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)- related disabilities in accordance with Section 508 Guidelines and provide reasonable accommodation for respective applicants as approved by the Secret Service.
• Tasks
  • Task 1: Develop Data Connections
  • Task 2: Allow for Automated Applicant Registration, Self- Scheduling
  • Task 3: Provide and Maintain Facilities for APAT Administration
  • Task 4: Administer Proctored Assessments in the United States
  • Task 5: Alternate Physical Testing Sites
  • Task 6: Administer Proctored Assessments Internationally
  • Task 7: Ensure Adherence to Test Administration Protocol
  • Task 8: Calculate and Report Assessment Results and Applicant Feedback
  • Task 9: Document Activities and Provide Reports