Facial Recognition Program

Greenville County, South Carolina is seeking proposals for a web-based Facial Recognition Program to be utilized by the Sheriff's Office, with RFP #23122 issued on May 5, 2023, and proposals due by May 30, 2023, at 3:00 pm. The program must provide law enforcement capabilities to access and analyze images from diverse sources including social media, arrest websites, mugshot sites, and news media outlets, with specific requirements for building customized photo galleries and supporting investigations into human trafficking, narcotics, violent crimes, and crimes against children. Technical requirements mandate robust data storage and security provisions, including routine database scanning, system patching, encryption to current TLS specifications, and storage on multiple secure US servers located in the United States. Vendors must submit comprehensive documentation detailing company background, qualifications, references, evidence of prior law enforcement testing, and current database size, along with a detailed cost breakdown including per-license pricing. The evaluation process will be conducted in two phases, potentially involving interviews and product demonstrations, with assessment criteria focused on responsiveness, vendor experience, reference quality, and overall pricing structure. The county reserves the right to reject any proposal and will make the award based on the most advantageous offer.

While the RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, the documents suggest a competitive procurement process open to qualified vendors capable of meeting the technical and operational requirements. The Sample Services Agreement indicates potential for contract renewal, with the county able to extend the agreement for up to four annual renewals and maintain flexibility to terminate with 30 days' notice. Insurance requirements for the contractor include $1,000,000 in comprehensive general liability, $1,000,000 in automobile liability, and statutory worker's compensation insurance. The county will require the selected vendor to complete a Substitute W-9 form, which will capture critical vendor tax and contact information. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated in the provided documents, the comprehensive technical requirements and extensive evaluation process suggest the county is seeking a robust, high-quality facial recognition solution with significant investment potential. The contract will be governed by South Carolina law, with any disputes to be settled in Greenville County courts.