UK's National Identity Scheme To Begin Procurement Process

According to a release by the UK's Home Office Identity and Passport Service, the procurement process has begun for a national identity system. The Strategic Action Plan for the National Identity Scheme, published in December, sets out plans for the introduction of biometric immigration documents for foreign nationals in 2008 and identity cards for British citizens alongside the introduction of second-generation biometric passports containing fingerprints in 2009.

"For the first time in the UK there will be a single safe, trusted way for individuals, business and the state to prove identity securely, conveniently and efficiently," said the release. "Through the scheme, identity will be protected from people who might want to misuse or steal it. There will be independent oversight of the system and public accountability for how it is run.

"The National Identity Scheme will be a crucial part of the UK's key national infrastructure," continued the release, "and bring the way we prove identity into the 21st century."

The release goes on to say that traditional methods of proving ID are outdated and inefficient and the scheme will put that to an end.

"This is a groundbreaking project, with the potential for huge benefits for individuals and for the nation. As the Framework Procurement published today makes clear, we are committed to introducing the scheme carefully and securely, minimizing both cost and risk."

The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union inviting expressions of interest from potential suppliers. This paves the way for a Framework Agreement, a contract which creates a list of pre-qualified suppliers, along with a set of agreed contract terms. IPS will then be able to procure its requirements from this pool of suppliers, as and when required. The Framework will also encompass related procurements across the Home Office, such as IPS plans to enhance passport security, and Border and Immigration Agency projects to strengthen border control and enforce immigration rules.

Responding to the Home Office's announcement, Phil Booth national coordinator of NO2ID -- an organization opposed to the plan -- said: "Today's announcement is more spin than substance. The Home Office still hasn't released any specifications, so its figures are pie in the sky. If you bother to read the notice, it's clear that the only projects up for grabs are for passports and visas. We've heard this all before."