The overall objective of the project is to build capacities at Points of Entry (PoE) to effectively respond to spread of infectious diseases/pandemic and facilitate seamless PoE operations in a safe, secure and process efficient manner in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) recommendations and standards to build traveler confidence and revitalize international travel and a return to pre-pandemic levels of cross-border mobility for economic recovery, resilience and growth of the implementing countries.

The project will support improved safety, security, and process efficiency at Sri Lanka and Maldives primary PoE’s for international arriving passengers from air and sea during a pandemic. In particular, the project aims to improve the efficiency of passenger processing and to avoid congestion at key PoE’s. These include introduction of automated border control systems (e-Gates) and associated sub-systems, biometric based access control system, and improving passport application process with application of biometrics, document examining equipment, as well as support for specific infrastructure, equipment, and procedures to directly support enhanced safe passenger screening. The proposed interventions will support in making the PoE’s better prepared for health emergencies and ensure preventive measures for COVID-19 are practiced ensuring safe passenger and staff screening at the PoE’s. These measures will be supported through introduction of required policies, legislation, SOP’s, and training of PoE personnel.

Towards delivering the project outcomes, IOM seeks the service of a national ICT consultant to support IOM on ICT related PoE activities. More specifically, the consultant is expected to deliver the following responsibilities:

1. In consultation with IOM and end user/s, prepare reports/documents outlining detailed technical, functional specifications, integrations, procedural requirements, and other recommendations as per international standards and latest technology for introduction of the following systems.                                                                  a. Passenger pre-registration system for Automated Border Control (ABC) Gate system.                                  b. Online traveler self- declaration form for ABC Gate users, and its integration with the main border control system
2. Preparation of detailed technical/functional specifications for required application programming interfaces (API) to upgrade the existing Travel Document application processing and back-end IT system modifications to facilitate introduction of the online travel document application processing with application of biometrics.
3. Preparation of detailed technical/functional specifications for hardware required for collection of ICAO compliant biometrics and integration with DI&E systems.

Deliverables, timeline and payments

Deliverables: Technical report/documents outlining the detailed technical, functional specifications for introduction of the items mentioned above (1, 2 and 3).

Timeline: all three deliverables should be completed within six months.

Payment Terms:

1^st Installment – 40% Upon completion of deliverable 1 (a&b)

2nd and Final Installment – 60% upon completion of 6 (2 and 3)

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

1. Technical reports submitted by the consultant are accepted by IOM as agreed mutually.
2. List of meetings/ workshops/ consultations attended by the consultant over the contract period.

1. University Degree in a relevant field with at least ten years of experience in preparing system design/ specification reports in immigration/ border control/ travel document areas is required.
2. In depth knowledge and previous experience designing biometrics applications for complex solutions and sound knowledge on biometrics technologies / equipment is required.
3. Exposure to passenger clearance procedures and technologies will be added advantage.
4. Excellent English language and communication skills with ability to write reports in a concise and clear language.
5. Previous local and international exposure handling such consultancies with specific experience in point of entry (PoE) domains of ICT, Immigration, border and related technology and processes will be a distinct advantage.