Frontex issues open tender for biometrics research, opportunities for border control systems

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has announced an open tender procedure to hire a contractor for a high-level research study on opportunities biometrics and biometrics-enabled border control systems could provide for the Agency and the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) community.

Titled Research Study on Technology Foresight on Biometrics for the Future of Travel, the study would investigate opportunities for short (1-5 years), medium (5-10 years) and long term (10+ years), while the contract has a value of EUR 500,000 (US$590,000). The deadline for submissions is September 21, 2020 at 2PM (Warsaw time).

The contractor has to deliver a detailed overview on the Technology Foresight methodology applied, as well as enable access to the supporting tools. Other tasks assigned include developing a glossary of technical terms for biometrics and biometrics-enabled systems and preparing ad-hoc Technology Foresight collaborative activities such as workshops.

Frontex has been looking into testing biometrics and advanced technologies for its smart entry-exit system (EES) at land borders to provide travelers with a seamless and frictionless experience when crossing from one country to another, without jeopardizing national security.

In February, the Agency entered a partnership with the EU Commission to provide best practices in border security to develop biometrics and other advanced security technology for the border and coast guard community to fend off emerging threats.

The Agency hopes independent evidence will encourage EBCG stakeholders to have a more tech focus and will support its decision-making process.

The full tender documentation (in English only) can be reviewed on the eTendering portal of Europa.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  biometrics research  |  border management  |  Europe  |  Frontex  |  national security  |  tender  |  travel and tourism