Sweden’s Migration Board has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from the market on potential solutions for an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). The advance notice, published on March 12, 2025, indicates that the agency is exploring options for a biometric system to enhance its identification and verification processes. The procurement process is still in the planning phase, with this RFI serving as an initial step before a formal tender is issued.
The Swedish Migration Board is the contracting authority for the procurement, and the project is expected to be implemented in Östergötland County. The estimated contract value, excluding VAT, is set at 40 million Swedish kronor.
The agency has not yet committed to any specific solution but is seeking industry input to understand what biometric technologies and systems are available. Suppliers in the biometric and identity management sectors are encouraged to participate in the process by providing details about their offerings.
An Automated Biometric Identification System is a software-based platform designed to capture, store, and analyze biometric data such as fingerprints, facial images, and iris scans. These systems are widely used in border security, law enforcement, and immigration management to verify identities with a high degree of accuracy. By issuing this RFI, Sweden’s Migration Board appears to be evaluating potential upgrades or replacements for its existing biometric infrastructure.
Interested vendors can access the procurement documents via the online platform Tendsign. The agency has set a deadline of March 20, 2025, for any additional requests for information. While the RFI does not constitute a formal procurement process, it signals the government’s intention to invest in new biometric technology and could lead to a competitive tender in the near future.
The Migration Board’s decision to explore ABIS solutions aligns with broader trends in government adoption of biometric systems for identity verification. Many European nations have expanded their use of biometrics in recent years, particularly in immigration and border security applications. Sweden’s interest in a new ABIS suggests a focus on improving efficiency and security in identity management processes.
Legal oversight for the procurement falls under Directive 2014/24/EU, which governs public procurement within the European Union. The Swedish Administrative Court in Linköping is listed as the review body for the process, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. Given the legal framework, the eventual procurement process is expected to be transparent and competitive.
With the RFI now open, industry stakeholders will be watching closely for further developments. The information gathered from this process will likely inform the specifications of a future procurement notice, which could be issued in the coming months.
Source: TED
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March 17, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim
