Austria’s central purchasing authority has launched a major procurement effort for the nationwide deployment of biometric visa kiosks, with an estimated value of €10.8 million. The tender, issued by Bundesbeschaffung GmbH (BBG), calls for the supply of “VISA-Stelen” biometric scanners and accessories, along with associated warranty and support services, for use across the country.
The kiosks are intended to support identity verification during visa application processes and border security operations. According to the procurement notice, the contract will cover both hardware and service components over a four-year period starting February 16, 2026. The winning bidder will be responsible for full delivery and integration of biometric equipment in accordance with Austria’s security and public administration requirements.
Framework Agreement and Scope
The tender is structured as a negotiated procedure with prior publication, following EU Directive 2014/24/EU and Austria’s BVergG 2018 procurement law. Only one supplier will be awarded the framework agreement, which will not involve further competitive calls once awarded. The scope includes biometric sensors classified under CPV 35125110 and broader security equipment categories.
Interested vendors must submit a request to participate by May 26, 2025, at 11:00 CEST, through Austria’s e-procurement portal. Proposals must be submitted in German, and all communication—including ordering, invoicing, and payment—will be conducted electronically. The process is open to small and medium-sized enterprises, and the contract is subject to the terms of the WTO’s Government Procurement Agreement.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To qualify, bidders must meet criteria relating to economic standing, technical capacity, and professional reliability. Vendors are barred from participation if they have been found guilty of serious misconduct, fraud, corruption, or other violations outlined under Austrian procurement regulations. The contract does not include EU funding but is considered a strategic national acquisition to strengthen border and visa management infrastructure.
The notice, published in the Official Journal of the European Union under reference number 266456-2025, signals Austria’s continued investment in secure and modern identity verification systems. The full documentation is available via the BBG portal at bbg.vergabeportal.at.
Source: TED
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April 30, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
