Ireland taps BearingPoint for passport modernization

BearingPoint Inc. has won a $23.9 million contract from the Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs to modernize the information technology systems in the nation's passport office, the company announced Feb. 11.

Under the contract, BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting Inc.) of McLean, Va., will design, install and test equipment for the new system as well as supply new passport booklets and application forms.

The passport modernization project involves upgrading business processes and technologies used for processing passport applications. The system is designed to enable citizens to apply for passports online via the Government of Ireland's "e-broker," a program designed to increase the range of public services available through the Internet.

When the project is completed in fall 2004, Ireland will have a more secure passport booklet, according to the company.

BearingPoint provides consulting, systems integration and managed services. The company has more than 9,300 employees and annual revenue of $2.3 billion, according to Hoover's Online of Austin, Texas.