novinite.com (Sofia)
The reason is the fact the maker of the software, the German Siemens, had not delivered the needed forms, Dimitrov said, adding the company is not fulfilling most of their commitments.In a biometric passport deployment like this, software development and passport manufacturing are two very different functions. They have to meet somewhere, though, and Siemens is the prime contractor. Nevertheless, it's difficult to see how an original shortfall of only 7,000 passport covers explains the difficulties associated with the Bulgarian passport deployment.
According to the Deputy Minister, by May 30 Siemens had to deliver 400 000 covers for the new biometric data passports, but only 393 000 were received two and half months later, while nothing has yet arrived from the additional 300 000 covers, ordered by the Interior.
For background on Bulgaria's experience with its biometric passport rollout, see this article of April 23, 2010 from the Sofia Echo.
