The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has jump-started an aggressive biometrics deployment program to help fill gaps in U.S. border security procedures. The DHS last week announced that it reached a $3.5 million agreement to buy 1,000 optical-stripe read/write drives and biometric verification systems from Information Spectrum Inc. (ISI), an Annandale, Va.-based subsidiary of Anteon Corp. The equipment will be used in the U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indication Technology program. The contract comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this month that the department had signed one of the largest contracts in history for biometric fingerprint-scanning technologies—worth up to $27 million—with Minnetonka, Minn.-based Identix Corp. Mark Heilman, executive vice president of corporate development at Anteon, said that although biometric technology has progressed substantially over the past several years, “the jury is still out” in terms of its ability to handle a challenge as large and complex as homeland security. “There are a number of technologies out there, and I think DHS is still looking for the right mix,” Heilman said. “I think there will be some choices made during the next year or so that will shake out the industry.” Heilman said the contract gives the DHS the flexibility to use a number of biometric systems, including the Identix fingerprint system or an iris scan. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.