FBI Seeks Info from Vendors for Somalia ABIS

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from vendors interested in supporting the Somalia Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). This initiative, undertaken by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, aims to ensure the continued operation, maintenance, and potential enhancement of Somalia’s ABIS system through fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The RFI, designated DJF-25-RFI-01102025, outlines the technical and logistical requirements for the project, inviting qualified vendors to demonstrate their capabilities in managing and supporting the advanced biometric system.

The Somalia ABIS was developed as part of a United States Government initiative led by the Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (DOS-CT) in collaboration with the FBI. The system is hosted at a secure facility within the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, and is supported by biometric enrollment workstations and administrative tools. The ABIS database has the capacity to store 2,000,000 ten-print records and 50,000 latent records, providing critical capabilities for identifying individuals involved in criminal and terrorist activities.

The RFI outlines several key responsibilities for prospective vendors, including maintaining software licenses, hardware, and biometric matching technologies. Vendors will also be required to provide on-site and remote technical support, conduct quarterly training sessions for Somali Police Force (SPF) personnel, and facilitate database integrations with other biometric systems. Additional tasks may include procuring and deploying biometric collection platforms and developing automated pathways for record sharing.

Submissions must demonstrate relevant experience and technical expertise and are due by January 24, 2025.

The FBI’s involvement in Somalia’s ABIS project may seem unusual at first glance, as it concerns a foreign country. However, the initiative aligns with the broader U.S. counterterrorism strategy. Somalia has long been a hub for terrorist groups, such as Al-Shabaab, which pose not only regional threats but also global risks, including potential attacks on U.S. interests. Strengthening Somalia’s law enforcement infrastructure is seen as critical for disrupting terrorist networks and enhancing global security.

The FBI’s expertise in biometric technologies makes its CJIS Division a natural partner in this effort. The FBI has significant experience in developing and maintaining automated biometric systems, and its involvement ensures that the Somalia ABIS adheres to high standards of accuracy and security. The initiative also reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to capacity-building in fragile states, providing Somali law enforcement with tools to operate more effectively within the rule of law.

The RFI emphasizes that this initiative is in the planning and information-gathering phase, with no obligation for the government to award a contract. Nonetheless, it highlights the FBI’s role as a key player in global efforts to use advanced technology to combat crime and terrorism. Interested vendors are encouraged to provide innovative solutions that could enhance the system’s efficiency and effectiveness, furthering the U.S. and Somalia’s shared security objectives.

Source: SAM.gov

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January 13, 2025 – by Cass Kennedy and Alex Perala