Dominican Republic Opens Short Window for Biometric e-Passport Solicitation

The General Directorate of Passports (DGP) in the Dominican Republic has initiated a call for bids to acquire, install, and maintain new infrastructure for issuing electronically readable passports. National and international companies are invited to express their interest in providing travel documents with biometric data and enhanced security.

The move follows President Luis Abinader’s Decree 282-23. Issued ten months ago, the decree designates the contracting of services, equipment, and maintenance for these new passports as a matter of national security. Consequently, the contracting procedure will be conducted under an “exception” modality for National Security. This allows the Executive Branch to bypass usual procurement processes to address or prevent threats and safeguard the general interest.

Interested parties must submit their documentation by the end of the afternoon on May 27, 2024, leaving little room for bids from vendors that would not have been apprised of the solicitation when it was announced on May 22. Required documents include a letter of expression of interest, a professional summary, and a copy of the State Supplier Registry. The exception procedure will begin approximately ten days after the Expression of Interest process closes.

According to the daily newspaper Diario Libre, the DGP plans to contract the services for issuing the electronic passports for five years. The new passports will feature a security-enhancing chip, and are seen as a key objective of the Abinader Administration. They are intended to enhance international recognition and facilitate visa-free travel for Dominican citizens to various countries.

Source: Dominican Today

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May 27, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy