Interpol issues require the biometric company to provide mobile data collection devices

Interpol has announced a tender for mobile biometric devices (MBC) for collecting fingerprints and facial images. The project focuses in particular on two ‘lots’ – ‘Highly mobile search-only devices’ and ‘Portable search and storage devices’.

“The purpose of this invitation to tender is to conclude a framework agreement for a period of 5 years with suppliers for the purchase and supply of various MBC devices (hardware and software solution),” the document reads. “Biometrics are a key identification tool used by both Interpol and member countries at international and national levels. The value of biometric data is directly related to the quality of that data; It is therefore crucial to collect high-quality biometric data.”

For both parts, biometric quality control of fingerprints and faces is essential, as is a clean bill of security audit by Interpol. According to the terms of reference, “devices must be able to capture good quality fingerprint and facial image data and then package that data into an Interpol-compliant NIST system that can then be extracted and compared to Interpol biometric databases. Note that in both scenarios the “search” will not be performed locally on the device. The ability to perform identification or verification locally on the device will be considered an optional feature that is worth having.”

In other words, the product may be a software SDK for installation on Interpol devices or a standalone hardware device with integrated biometric functionality. All hardware and software must be delivered “complete and ready for immediate use upon delivery” to the Interpol General Secretariat in Lyon, France, or to a recipient member country designated by Interpol.

At the end of the open call, “The Organization will establish a list of one or more approved suppliers for each Lot.” Suppliers are expected to provide “training on the equipment they supply and indicate maintenance and support procedures, as well as the warranty period.”

An interesting fact included in the tender document indicates an additional opportunity for interested suppliers of biometric solutions and digital identifiers. “In addition to the equipment required in these Technical Specifications,” it says, “Tenderers may submit a catalog of products that, even if not specifically mentioned in the “List of Biometric Data Collection Equipment in Annex 1,” may be considered to be of benefit to Interpol.” The international crime-fighting organization is apparently not opposed to small impulse purchases.

Full technical and financial specifications are available in the downloadable document package.

The deadline for submitting offers is June 28, 2024. Questions regarding the invitation must be submitted by June 14, 2024.

Article topics

biometric matching | biometrics | data collection | facial biometrics | fingerprint biometrics | Interpol | law enforcement | mobile biometrics | soft