BLC0288 Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Social Media Screening Capabilities Framework

Overview

BlueLight Commercial has established a multi-supplier Framework for the provision of open-source intelligence (OSINT) software for social media screening. The Framework Agreement will be available for use by all UK Police Forces and other agencies. BlueLight Commercial work in collaboration with blue light organisations to maximise commercial benefit to UK emergency services. Police vetting teams are responsible for ensuring that individuals applying for roles within policing, law enforcement partners, or other security-sensitive positions meet the highest standards of integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness. Vetting procedures routinely include examining an applicant’s digital footprint, social media activity, affiliations, and behavioural indicators that may reveal potential risks. The current vetting process is labour-intensive and reliant on manual searches carried out across disparate systems and online systems. The implementation of an OSINT solution aims to transform the police vetting process by addressing existing inefficiencies, enhancing the accuracy of intelligence gathering, and ensuring consistent application of vetting standards across all teams. Automated data collection, cross-referencing, and intelligent risk flagging will minimise the potential for human error, ensure that critical intelligence is not overlooked, and allow for faster, evidence-based decision-making. The Framework Term shall be for a period of 4 years with no option to extend.