VEAT - Supply of consultancy services with regards to development and implementation of EU Smart Borders

The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police intends to award an extension of the existing contract for consultancy services relating to the implementation of the EU Smart Borders programme in Iceland. Following an open procurement procedure (Tender No. 21419, precious notice publication number: 316630-2021), the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police entered into a framework agreement with Deloitte in November 2021 for the provision of specialist consultancy services supporting the implementation of the EU Smart Borders initiative. Under this framework agreement, a number of task-specific contracts were awarded to support the implementation of the various systems and workstreams comprising the programme.

The implementation timetable for the EU Smart Borders programme has been subject to significant delays at both European and national level. As a consequence, certain consultancy services have remained necessary beyond the period initially envisaged when the framework agreement was established. On the basis of the framework agreement, a specific contract for Work Package 16 – EES Go-Live Support was awarded to Deloitte in July 2025 to support the final implementation and operational transition of the Entry/Exit System (EES).

During execution, the activities covered by Work Package 16 have proven to be more extensive and time-consuming than originally anticipated. In particular, additional effort has been required to complete the transfer of the EES solution from the supplier to the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and to ensure the successful transfer of operational and technical knowledge to the Authority The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police considers that the continuation of these services by the existing provider is strictly necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project, the continuity of critical support services, and the effective transfer of knowledge. Deloitte possesses unique project-specific knowledge, technical expertise, and familiarity with the EES implementation acquired through its continuous involvement in the programme since 2021.

A change of provider at this stage would create significant technical and operational risks, jeopardise the timely completion of the implementation activities, and result in substantial duplication of costs and effort. Accordingly, the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police intends to extend the existing contract for Work Package 16 until full acceptance of the EES solution for Iceland. The Contracting Authority considers that the conditions for a direct award are satisfied on the grounds that competition is absent for technical reasons and that only the existing provider can deliver the required services within the necessary timeframe without causing significant disruption to the project.

The proposed contract extension concerns the continuation of services already being provided under the existing contract and is considered necessary to safeguard the successful completion of the EES implementation and transition phase.