The Nepalese Cabinet has authorized the direct procurement of an automated biometric identification system (ABIS) from a French firm, bypassing a competitive bidding process. This decision allows the government to acquire licenses for the system without opening the contract to other potential vendors. Details regarding the specific French company and the contract’s value were not immediately released. Critics raise concerns about transparency and potential lack of cost-effectiveness due to the absence of competitive bidding. Government officials have not yet publicly addressed these concerns, but state the system is crucial for national security and efficient citizen identification. This move marks a return to the French firm, implying a pre-existing relationship or specific technical expertise they offer. The ABIS is intended to modernize Nepal’s identification infrastructure.