HOB Matcher Engine Software (Face)

The Contracting Authority intends to identify an Economic Operator(s) to contract with for the provision of the Biometric Matcher Engine Software (Face) & associated services as part of the Home Office Biometrics (HOB) programme. This includes:

Matcher Engine Software (MES) - a combination of biometric algorithm software and associated components that provide the specialised capability to match a biometric facial image to a known identity held as an encoded facial image; and

Associated Services - May include any / all of the following; design, biometric accuracy testing, collaboration, integration and system testing, transition, data migration, early life support, In life level 4 support, professional services.

Additional information: Prospective suppliers interested in participating in this procurement should adopt the following process:

Each supplier must first register their Company and primary contact(s) (if not already registered) on the CCS eSourcing Suite. Registration can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link 'Register for CCS eSourcing'. Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at:

https://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender

For technical assistance on use of the eSourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service Helpdesk: Freephone: 0345 010 3503 or e-mail supplier@ccs.gsi.gov.uk

Following registration onto the CCS eSourcing Suite, email the project team at HOBSFMLEMatcherBids@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk to register interest and confirm the details of its primary contact(s) (maximum of 3 contacts) as soon as possible. The message must contain organisation name, contact name, e-mail address and telephone number.

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), Security Aspects Letter (SAL) and Security Clearance instructions are available separately from this Contract Notice through the eSourcing Suite. Access to these documents will be granted upon responding to this Contract Notice at HOBSFMLEMatcherBids@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

A signed copy of the NDA and SAL must be returned to the project team electronically at HOBSFMLEMatcherBids@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Both documents are specific to this procurement and must be completed by each interested supplier in order to participate in the procurement irrespective of any other document previously signed. The name of the participant organisation must be included in the file name. Potential Suppliers will not be able to access any further procurement documentation or the Selection Questions until the Authority has received a signed copy of the NDA and Security Aspects Letter.

Suppliers who are successful in progressing through to the ITT phase will be required to participate in Biometric Accuracy Testing as part of the evaluation process. This process requires Security Cleared personnel. Full details on how to handle the Security Clearance requirements will be published on the eSourcing portal and made available to all suppliers who have signed an NDA. This procedure can be time consuming and take several months so suppliers are therefore advised to initiate the relevant clearance or confirmation of clearance process for nominated personnel at the earliest possible time.

Please note that, up to the date of release of an OJEU Award Notice the Contracting Authority reserves the right to not enter into a contract for any services.