Having successfully used CBP’s Automated Commercial System (ACS), Automated Manifest System (AMS) and Automated Targeting System, McDaniel volunteered to become an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) on-site support ambassador. On-site support ambassadors serve as subject matter experts during CBP deployment efforts, assist with local instructor-led training for CBP personnel and provide “over-the-shoulder” guidance in support of the transition from ACS to ACE. This past June, McDaniel was able to assist the ACE instructor in training Port of San Francisco employees on the ACE reports tool and its functions.

The upcoming release of ACE rail and sea manifest capabilities will greatly impact the Port of San Francisco because of its large volumes of ocean cargo. As a CBP officer, McDaniel will be impacted firsthand by rail and sea manifest enhancements. “The Windows-like format of ACE is very user friendly and will be a definite advantage. Instead of memorizing AMS function codes, ACE will introduce Web-based navigation, which includes drop-down menus and radio buttons to more efficiently process our work,” said McDaniel.

McDaniel began working with CBP after owning and operating an automobile accessory business in Miami. He was a code enforcement officer at Miami International Airport before coming to CBP. Since becoming a CBP officer, McDaniel has worked in passenger and baggage inspections at San Francisco International Airport and with the Oakland, Calif., seaport office. He worked at length in processing ocean cargo and has also served with the Contraband Enforcement Team, Cargo Document Analysis Unit and Trade Inspection Branch.

In his work with the Trade Inspection Branch, where CBP officers perform merchandise examinations and determine admissibility of foreign importations, integrity is paramount. With the authority to detain and seize imports as well as issue penalties comes a great responsibility – one that McDaniel does not take lightly. McDaniel says he is “honored [to work] for a government agency that has such an important mission.” He explains, “I’m very proud to know that my work directly contributes to the fulfillment of the CBP mission, which helps to protect the American public.”