Request for Information: iOS Compatible Biometrics Devices for Biometrics at Sea System

The United States Coast Guard, through the C5I Division 2 Kearneysville under the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking information on commercially available iOS-compatible biometric devices to support the Biometrics at Sea System for countering illicit maritime activities such as narcotics trafficking, terrorism, weapons smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration. This Request for Information, identified as 26OIPL-RFI-26-17, aims to evaluate vendor capabilities under disconnected, intermittent, and low-bandwidth operational conditions. Interested parties must respond by the deadline of June 16, 2026, providing detailed capability statements that include up to three relevant prior projects with contract values, performance periods, and descriptions, alongside confirmation of their ability to meet all technical and operational requirements outlined in the Capability Statement. The devices must meet stringent specifications including compliance with MIL-STD-810 ruggedness standards, ANSI/NIST biometric collection protocols, a weight under five pounds, a minimum of four hours of battery life per charge with hot-swap functionality, and database response times within three minutes of request. Vendors are also required to confirm their commercial availability of the product, business size and socio-economic status, existing contract vehicles, NAICS code recommendations, and OEM support timelines including end-of-life and end-of-support dates. Responses must address questions regarding lead time to performance start, expected RFQ preparation timelines, and subcontracting needs. No set-aside is in effect, and the place of performance is Portsmouth, Virginia. All submissions must be uploaded electronically via the designated portal, and while no formal pricing, contract clauses, or evaluation factors are being solicited at this stage, the information gathered will inform future procurement decisions and potential requirements gathering for a follow-on solicitation.