Canada’s Border Agency Issues FRT RFI

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) as it seeks to explore and potentially adopt new smartphone-based facial recognition solutions. Its inquiry is aimed at gathering information to assess and compare the technical performance of various biometric FRT solutions against those currently in use within the Canadian context.

The RFI specifies that interested respondents must meet certain qualifications to participate in future procurement processes related to this technology. Respondents must be based in a country that is a member of either NATO or the Five Eyes alliance, highlighting the security-sensitive nature of the technology in question.

The Five Eyes alliance is an intelligence-sharing agreement originally established between the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It facilitates cooperative intelligence operations and the sharing of signal intelligence among member countries to enhance mutual security and defense interests.

Notably, the procurement is covered under the National Security Exceptions (NSE), exempting it from the provisions of Canada’s trade agreements. By invoking the NSE, the CBSA can implement stricter security and confidentiality standards and restrict participation in the procurement process to entities from countries deemed highly trustworthy, specifically NATO and Five Eyes alliance members. The exception is important in ensuring that the adopted technologies align with national security priorities and mitigate risks associated with foreign suppliers that could pose a threat to sensitive governmental operations.

Canada’s border agency currently uses various types of biometric technology, primarily for identity verification and border security purposes, including fingerprint recognition and facial recognition systems. The CBSA has integrated biometric verification within its various entry and security processes at borders, notably in programs such as the NEXUS program which facilitates expedited border crossing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

The deadline for submission of all required documentation and responses for the CBSA’s latest RFI is May 21, 2024, at 14:00 EDT.

Source: MERX

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April 22, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy