Identity-Based Biometric System RFI

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses from the FBI to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding the Identity-Based Biometric System Request for Information (RFI).

• Incumbent Contracts: The FBI will not disclose incumbent contract information or vendor names.
• Data Environment: Solutions must run entirely within FBI-approved systems (on-premise or government cloud). No data should be stored or copied into external vendor systems.
• FedRAMP Authorization: While vendors are not required to host the environment, government-accredited IT space will be required.
• Subcontractor Clearances: If prime contractors require security clearances, all associated subcontractors must also have them. Personnel working with classified information or systems may require clearances.
• ABIS Connectivity: There is no current requirement for connectivity to the ABIS platform.
• Data Format & Standards: While no specific standard is promulgated, vendors should assume one will be established. The FBI is looking for vendors to identify available solutions.
• Data Volume: Vendors can assume 600 million identities and records per modality for planning purposes.
• System Hosting: The system is expected to reside within the FBI's environment or government cloud; there is no expectation for vendors to host the system in their own cleared facilities.
• Cross-Domain Solution: There is a requirement for a FBINET to SCINET cross-domain solution.

This Q&A document clarifies requirements and expectations for vendors responding to the RFI, particularly concerning data security, system architecture, and operational environments. It helps vendors understand the constraints and specific needs of the FBI for this biometric system.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for market research purposes to identify available software solutions for storing and searching subjects at the classified level. The FBI is seeking information on systems that can support data feeds from external systems at the Secret and/or Top-Secret/SCI level.

• The solution must be identity-based, linking biometric and biographic information for individuals.

• Must allow enrollment and searching of face, fingerprint, palmprint, and iris biometrics, with the ability to add more modalities in the future.

• Must be flexible and scalable to accommodate increasing capacity and new identities.

• Must provide the ability to export customizable packages of identity records.

• The solution should be COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) and deployable in government cloud environments, adhering to stringent security, compliance, and data protection standards.

• Responses are due by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on February 20, 2026.

• Questions or comments are due by February 2, 2026, with responses provided by February 5, 2026.

• Submissions should be in Word, Excel, or PDF format, no more than 15 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins, Times New Roman.

• Submissions must include company name, business size, evidence of capability, GSA Schedule/GWAC information, licensing/pricing models, and availability of test licenses.

• Demonstrations may be requested.

• Open to manufacturers of software and platforms.

• Prioritizes COTS solutions in a Government Cloud.

• Small businesses should provide an explanation of their ability to perform at least 50% of the tasking.

• This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposal or quote.

• No funds are available to pay for the preparation of responses.

• All submissions shall be unclassified.

• Responses to this RFI will not be returned, and no costs will be reimbursed by the FBI.