RMS OF REFERENCE: COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF SOMALILAND'S BIOMETRIC VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM
Background
Somaliland began using a biometric voter registration system in 2008 to improve electoral credibility. Enhanced with iris recognition in 2016 and a real-time verification system in 2024, these efforts strengthened transparency. However, challenges persist, including data accuracy issues (duplicates, inconsistencies), outdated technology, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues is essential to restore public confidence and enhance the system's effectiveness.
This assessment aims to:
Assess the challenges of the Voter Registration System and procedures
Study the correctness and completeness of the current Final Voter Registration Data.
Study and analyse the BVVS system and 2024 election data.
Evaluate software, hardware, and operational procedures and processes. Study the feasibility of the two VRS options:
Updating the current system with internal corrections and modernizing or replacing the system to fresh and new voter registration system.
Propose a secure, cost-effective, and inclusive system VR systems based on the two above options.
Review and Propose a Structure that is fit the NEC VR needs
Propose a comprehensive capacity building plan to sustain improvements Review and propose areas that need to update on the NEC ICT PolicieS
Objectives
The assessment’s key objectives are to:
Identify weaknesses in the current voter registration system and procedures.
Determine the feasibility of implementing a new system or updating/upgrading the existing system.
Propose a modern system that aligns with best practices.
Provide a detailed cost-time analysis to support decision-making.
Scope of Work
The expert team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of Somaliland's voter registration system. The tasks are structured as follows:
Technical Audit: Perform an in-depth assessment of the system’s software, hardware, and operational processes; Focus on data flows, security protocols, and user experience; Understand the system’s capabilities and limitations.
Gap Analysis: Identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses, including security flaws, reliability issues, and inefficiencies; Assess accessibility for various population segments; Highlight areas where the system does not meet international standards.
Best Practices Review: Examine voter registration systems in other countries to gather relevant lessons; Focus on technological solutions and security measures that could benefit Somaliland.
Solution Design: prepare detailed designs for a modernized system addressing the identified weaknesses; Provide multiple technological options at different price points; Emphasize scalability, reliability, and security.
Cost-time Analysis: Conduct a thorough breakdown of timeline and costs, including hardware, software, training, and operational expenses; Ensure the analysis is clear and understandable for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Final Report: Produce a comprehensive report summarizing findings, recommendations, and proposed system designs; Include a detailed cost analysis and implementation guidelines; Ensure the report is accessible to various audiences, including policymakers and technical experts.
Methodology
The assessment will utilize a robust, mixed-methods approach to ensure comprehensive and insightful analysis. This approach includes four key components:
Deliverables:
The consultants are expected to produce the following deliverables:
The Inception Report will outline the methodology, work plan, and timeline. It will provide a rationale for the selected approach, justifying the methods in alignment with project objectives. Additionally, it will present a detailed task plan with clear responsibilities and timelines, such as a Gantt chart.
The Progress Reports will offer detailed updates on the project status and preliminary findings. These reports will include both quantitative and qualitative assessments, highlighting any challenges encountered and the strategies used to mitigate them. They will also ensure ongoing stakeholder engagement through reporting at pre-agreed frequencies.
The Draft Report will present key findings and provide a detailed analysis. It will outline multiple system design options, with clear rationales for each, including their advantages and disadvantages. This phase will also involve iterative feedback from stakeholders to refine and finalize the design.
The Final Report will deliver a comprehensive document that includes in-depth analysis, design specifications, and cost-benefit evaluations. It will present multiple design options with detailed cost estimates to support strategic decision-making. Recommendations for phased implementation will also be included to help minimize potential disruptions.
Finally, the Presentation of Findings and Recommendations will involve a structured session aimed at fostering productive discussions and obtaining stakeholder feedback. The presentation will use visual aids and clear language to illustrate key points and proposed solutions. It will also promote collaboration through interactive dialogue to ensure that stakeholders fully understand and support the recommendations.
Team Composition:
This consultancy requires a team with superior expertise in voter registration technology, biometrics, and cybersecurity. The key roles and qualifications include:
o Experience: At least 15 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing voter registration systems.
o Technical Skills: Proficient in software, hardware, database management, and system integration for voter registration.
o Architecture & Project Leadership: Skilled in scalable, secure system design and project management.
o Qualifications: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information
Systems, or a related field. Relevant certifications are highly desirable.
o Expertise: In-depth knowledge of biometric technologies (e.g., fingerprint, iris, facial recognition) and their applications.
o Data Security: Strong understanding of biometric data protection standards, encryption, and access control.
o Quality Assurance: Experience in biometric system testing and audits
o Qualifications: Master’s degree in Biometrics, Computer Science, or a related field, with a focus on security and data integrity.
o Cybersecurity Architecture: Extensive experience in secure system design to prevent unauthorized access or disruption.
o Vulnerability Assessment: Proven ability to conduct security assessments and penetration testing.
o Incident Response: Expertise in developing and implementing security incident response plans.
o Qualifications: Master’s degree in Cybersecurity or Information
Security, with certifications such as CISSP or CISM preferred.
Selection will be based on the team's qualifications, experience, and capacity to meet the project's requirements. The team will collaborate to deliver a comprehensive modernization plan for Somaliland’s voter registration system.
Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be assessed holistically to ensure selection of the most suitable firm.
Evaluation criteria include:
Team Expertise and Experience: Depth and Relevance: Consideration of both the extent and relevance of the team's experience to the specific challenges of voter registration systems in similar contexts.
Team Composition: Assessment of how well the skills and expertise of team members complement each other.
References and Case Studies: Verifiable references and case studies demonstrating successful completion of comparable projects
Methodology and Work Plan: Rigor and Appropriateness: Alignment of the proposed methodology with project challenges and best practices.
Clarity: Structure and transparency of the work plan, ensuring easy monitoring and evaluation.
Cost Analysis: Transparency: Clear identification and justification of cost items
Value for Money: Assessment of overall value relative to the proposed solution’s quality and feasibility
DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The assignment is 25 days , including traveling to Hargeisa to deliver the assignment.
International consulting firms interested in this opportunity are invited to submit technical proposals that outline their approach, methodology, relevant experience, team composition, reference contacts, and financial proposal. Proposals should be sent to hargeisa@nimd.org with the subject line "BVR system assessment" by February 27th 2025, at 18:00 EAT.
