BITMAP

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI), through its Investigations and Operations Support office in Irving, Texas, has issued a sole-source justification for the continuation of the BITMAP program under solicitation number 192126OIOHQ19. This action is grounded in FAR 6.102(b)(2), recognizing Parsons as the only responsible source capable of providing the proprietary Ares suite of biometric identification systems, which includes the Ares gateway, device user applications, and supporting infrastructure. The system, developed over 15 years, is deeply integrated into U.S. government databases and foreign partner operations, making replacement or replication financially and technically infeasible without substantial disruption to mission-critical international law enforcement efforts. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price arrangement with performance based in Washington, D.C., and is funded under fiscal year 2026 program funds. The acquisition is non-competitive, with no formal evaluation factors or pricing details provided, as the award is driven solely by the technical uniqueness and irreplaceability of the Ares ecosystem. The contract supports essential ongoing operations through Q2 2026, with the previous iteration ending March 31, 2026, and options likely in place to maintain continuity. Compliance with the Buy American Act is affirmed with no exception, and all services are delivered by Parsons, whose proprietary technology and extensive institutional knowledge serve as de facto key personnel requirements. Although no specific CLINs, pricing, packaging, inspection criteria, or invoice methods are detailed, the justification cites national security relevance under RFO 6.103-6, emphasizing the system’s role in sustaining operational trust with international allies. Submission of proposals was required by June 15, 2026, via SAM.gov, and while no unique entity ID, size status, or socioeconomic certifications are disclosed, the procurement intentionally bypasses competitive processes due to the singular technical capability of the contractor. No formal representations, certifications, or standard FAR clauses are included, as the document is a justification for other than full and open competition rather than a binding contract or solicitation with detailed terms.