General Directorate of Passports initiates procurement process for electronic passport infrastructure

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Passports (DGP) has initiated the procurement process for the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of infrastructure enabling the issuance of electronic passports with biometric data for Dominican citizens.

Released on May 22 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex), the Expression of Interest document invites national or international companies to express their intent to participate in this endeavor aimed at enhancing passport security.

This initiative follows President Luis Abinader’s decree 282-23, declaring all aspects related to the procurement of services, equipment, and maintenance for electronic passports a matter of national security, nearly ten months ago.

Under the “exception” modality mandated by National Security, as outlined in the Law on Purchases and Contracting, this process allows the Executive Branch to obtain necessary goods or services to address or prevent threats to public interest.

Interested parties must submit required documentation (expression of interest letter, professional summary, and a copy of the State Supplier Registry) from May 22 to May 27, 2024, during business hours.

The exception procedure will be activated approximately ten days after the Expression of Interest phase concludes.

Services for issuing electronic passports will be contracted for a five-year period, as reported by Diario Libre.

The implementation of the Dominican Electronic Passport, a key goal of the Abinader Administration, will provide citizens with a secure travel document featuring a chip, ensuring international recognition and facilitating visa-free entry to several countries, as outlined in the DGP document.