FBI seeks vendor for nationwide access to license plate reader data

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking to acquire nationwide access to a commercial database of automated license plate reader data, a move that would enable agents to track vehicle movements across the United States and its territories without obtaining a warrant. The agency has issued a formal request for information to identify a vendor capable of providing this service.

According to procurement documents, the FBI’s Directorate of Intelligence wants the ability to query a database containing at least 30 billion historical records spanning up to five years. The system would also need to deliver near real-time alerts, notifying agents within minutes when a specific vehicle is detected by a connected camera anywhere in the country. Officials intend to search the data using license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, and location or time parameters.

The FBI has indicated a willingness to pay up to $36 million for comprehensive coverage, which would include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam. The agency prefers to award the contract to a single vendor but may split it between two if necessary. Only a handful of...