UK Border Agency tenders for security systems

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) and Border Force is tendering for an integrated border security system.

The UKBA is responsible for controlling immigration to the UK by applying controls on passengers arriving at the border, through visa checks, intelligence and the use of border systems. Border Force currently operates two primary border security systems – Semaphore and Warnings Index – for this purpose.

Under the border system procurement (BSP) channel the UKBA is seeking support and maintenance for existing security systems, along with their convergence and rationalisation; and the delivery of new capabilities – such as the provision of mobile devices – which will include biometric capabilities.

Other BPS requirements will include an Applications Maintenance, Support and Development provider to take over the existing security systems, design and develop applications and testing services, and deliver a single converged application.

The UKBA will also require a system integration to test and integrate additional functional components into the existing and future system.

The Border Force is to test the market for suppliers and has not yet put a figure on the procurement costs. The BPS is separate to the Home Office’s troubled e-Borders project.

The UKBA procurement follows news that some immigrants have been wrongly contacted by the UKBA and told to leave the UK as a result of inaccurate data.