Considerations for ABIS Hardware Procurement

Strategic Implications of Procuring Hardware Before ABIS Vendor Selection

Context

• Government aims to procure ABIS hardware to support matching for the Indonesian population.
• Tender is hardware-only: excludes ABIS software and data migration.
• Scope is matching compute only, not database infrastructure.

Key Concern

Should hardware be procured before the ABIS vendor is selected?

➡️ Delaying procurement enables better alignment, lower risk, and cost efficiency.

Issue 1: Vendor-Specific Requirements

• ABIS architectures vary:
  • Some require GPU acceleration (e.g., NVIDIA CUDA).
  • Others are optimized for CPU-only.
• Early procurement risks hardware–software misalignment.

Issue 2: Sizing and Efficiency

• Using legacy (L1) sizing may over-provision:
  • Hardware has improved dramatically.
  • Modern ABIS systems are more efficient.
  • GPU-based ABIS may require fewer servers.

Issue 3: Risk of Wasted Investment

• Early hardware lock-in can:
  • Constrain vendor choice.
  • Lead to underutilized or incompatible infrastructure.
• Potential for wasted public funds.

Issue 4: Limited Repurposing Options

• High-spec biometric compute clusters are not easily reused:
  • Availability and isolation needs differ.
  • Risk of idle resources if misaligned.

Recommendation: Delay Procurement

✅ Benefits of delaying hardware procurement:

• Align specs to real vendor requirements
• Reduce overprovisioning and cost
• Enable GPU-accelerated or hybrid architecture
• Avoid unnecessary constraints and risk

If Delay Is Not Feasible

🛠 Mitigation strategies:

• Declare hardware general-purpose in tender
• Use modular, flexible specs
• Include hybrid CPU + limited GPU support
• Consult ABIS vendors informally on sizing assumptions

Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

• Aligning procurement with vendor selection is strategic and cost-effective.
• Delay if possible to ensure right-sizing and optimal performance.
• If not feasible, apply flexible and consultative procurement practices.