Securing Our Borders: Biometrics Assessment Event

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)

Technology Transfer and Commercialization (T2C)

1.0  General Information  

1.1   Introduction

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) issues this Request for Information (RFI) on behalf of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Technology Transfer and Commercialization Branch (T2C).

NOTE: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for market research, information, and planning purposes; it does not constitute a solicitation or any commitment or intent to issue a solicitation in the future. DHS intends to use the results of this RFI to select respondents to participate in an Assessment Event scheduled for October 7-9, 2025. This RFI does not commit DHS to contract for any supply or service. DHS is not seeking proposals at this time. Respondents are advised that DHS will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI or for participating in the scheduled Assessment Event. All costs associated with responding to this RFI and participating in future demonstrations will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation if one is issued. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on DHS.

1.2   Program Information

a. Program Name: Securing Our Borders: Biometrics Assessment Event (AE)

b. Managing Program Office: Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS)

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2.0 Technology Requirements

2.1 Introduction

The Homeland Security Innovation Hub, HSWERX, in partnership with the DHS S&T Technology Transfer & Commercialization Branch (T2C), will host an Assessment Event (AE) searching for biometric solutions related to screening at U.S. ports of entry.  
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2.2 Requiring Activity Background

DHS is looking for validated biometric technologies to integrate into current port of entry infrastructure and seamlessly identify and validate traveler identities without creating bottlenecks or disrupting port operations.

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2.3 Request for Demonstration Areas

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This RFI will be used to invite selected respondents to participate in the AE. The AE will focus on the following:
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2.3.1 Capability Requirements

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A successful solution will incorporate as many of the following as possible:

• Automatic detection and collection of biometric information from all travelers subject to biometric identity verification.
• Comparison of collected biometrics against a list of known or trusted travelers as well as watchlists of known or suspected terrorists, criminals, and immigration violators.
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2.3.2 Salient Characteristics and Performance Attributes

• Ability to integrate with current Port of Entry facilities/capabilities
• Ability to be easy to operate automatically with minimal operator supervision and training required
• Ability to positively confirm the claimed identity of an individual standing, walking, or within a vehicle who is subject to biometric identity verification
• Ability to alert if an individual has derogatory information associated with his/her encounter history
• Ability to conduct capture and analysis in low light or extreme heat and cold
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2.3.3 Intended Operational Use

The technology would be deployed to locations to monitor and identify travelers as they enter or depart the country. The technology should be able to seamlessly confirm identities of individuals standing, walking, or in automobiles without interrupting processing at ports of entry.

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2.3.4 General Operational Conditions

The technology should function reliably in all environmental conditions that vehicles are expected to operate in. The technology should be rated for extreme levels of heat, and low levels of light. The technology should be able to execute identity confirmation of walking individuals in real time.

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3.0 Why You Should Participate

DHS may seek to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably assessed by DHS Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).   

 
4.0 What to Expect

Event Timeline

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Phase 1 – September 4, 2025 to September 21, 2025 Submissions to the AE are Open

Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of DHS are encouraged to submit their capability for DHS review. To submit your technology for potential Phase 3 attendance (see below), please review the assessment criteria and follow the instructions for submitting a white paper below under “How You Can Participate.” (Submissions due NLT September 21, 2025)

Phase 1a – September 12, 2025 Q&A Session

Interested offerors may participate in a virtual Q&A session to better understand DHS’s specific technology objectives. The session will take place on September 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET. Click Here to RSVP (NLT September 11, 2025)

Phase 2 – September 22, 2025 to September 26, 2025 Selections

DHS SMEs will select those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably assessed submissions will receive an invitation to attend the AE on/around September 29, 2025.

Phase 3 – October 7, 2025 to October 9, 2025 Assessment Event

During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the DHS assessment panel to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss their solutions. The forum will include a Q&A portion, and discussions may continue outside of the event. Guidelines for solution briefing presentations will be outlined in the event invitation, and solutions will be assessed according to the criteria in the link provided below. If the DHS Assessment panel favorably assesses a solution briefing, negotiations for Phase 4 may begin immediately.
 
This event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Phase 4 - Path Forward

Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories:

• Business-to-business research and development agreement as a sub-award through the HSWERX Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) under 15 U.S.C. 3715
• OTA for research or prototype projects  
• Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (15 U.S.C. 3710a)
• Prize competitions (15 U.S.C. 3719)
• FAR-based procurement contract  

NOTE: Awardees may need to be compliant with NIST SP 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Non-Federal Systems and Organizations.

5.0 How You Can Participate

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Industry, Academia, National Labs, and Non-Traditional Attendees:

1. RSVP to attend the September 12 Q&A Session: Click Here to RSVP
2. Review Assessment Criteria: Click Here to Review
3. Download the White Paper Template: Click Here to Download
4. Complete the Submission Form: Click Here to Submit (NLT September 21, 2025)
   

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6.0  Review of Vendor Responses

Responses to this RFI will be reviewed by Government technical experts drawn from staff within DHS. The Government will review vendor responses for potential participation in the AE. The Government does not intend to provide a response to submissions for this RFI, but the Government reserves the right to meet with respondents, either individually or as a group, regarding this RFI. These meetings may be scheduled at the Government’s discretion but not guaranteed.

6.1 Special Notice

While only federal employees will participate in the final selection process, Government support contractors may review and provide support during the application assessment process. All participants involved in the assessment process, including those in support roles, will sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to such involvement. Submissions in response to this RFI constitute approval to release the applications to the assessment team that may include Government support contractors.

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Contact Information

DHS Point of Contact:

John Clemmensen

John.Clemmensen@hq.dhs.gov

HSWERX Point of Contact:

Bridget Bailey

bbailey@hswerx.org

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