Border Force is a professional law enforcement command within the Home Office (the “Authority”) responsible for securing the UK border and preventing illegal immigration. The Authority’s search of vehicles operations at the juxtaposed ports in northern France currently includes the use of Passive millimeter-wave imaging (PMMWI) technology on moving freight vehicles to check for the presence of persons illegally stowed within trailers.
The Authority currently deploys five (5) PMMWI systems; two (2) systems at Calais, two (2) systems at Coquelles and one (1) system is also deployed to the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium.
The Authority requires next generation fast screening technology for moving freight vehicles which is capable of responding to the changing patterns on concealment where persons illegally stowed are increasingly hidden deeper within trailer loads.
The intention is to expand the number of systems deployed to include ports of Dunkerque and Oostende.
The fast freight screening technology solution needs to be able to be operated outside in harsh sea-port environments and provide:
a. effective freight screening technology compliant with French Ionising Radiation Regulations;
b. the ability to scan 200-250 vehicles per hour at the busiest ports, Calais and Coquelles, in order to maintain traffic fluidity;
c. machine learning threat assessment software and data storage, facilitating screening and searching activity and performance improvement for users;
d. Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capability to identify vehicles;
e. the option to deploy some units as a mobile screening solution;
f. remote diagnostic capability;
g. remote software updates; and
h. planned preventative maintenance and repair services for the life of the technology
Companies which are able to offer a viable technological solution are requested to send an expression of interest to Amanda Hallinan, Home Office Commercial at amanda.hallinan@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
It is anticipated that supplier engagement meetings shall be held 14.5.2018 — 25.5.2018.