The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking to move its biometric identity management systems to a cloud-based architecture.
The DHS has published a 'request for information' (RFI) to SAM.gov, and is looking to move the current storage system for biometric information, the Automatic Biometric Identification System (IDENT), to the Home Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) system.
First reported by Fed Scoop, the database in question is one of the world's largest collections of biometric data including digital fingerprints, iris, and facial data collected from international travelers at US visa issuing posts and ports of entry. In total, the system has more than 260 million pieces of data logged.
The department seeks to move from the existing "hardware-based matching" system to a "cloud-based microservice architecture."
The posting adds that the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) aims to expand its biometric identity service to "incorporate additional modalities and stakeholders" as well as "active involvement in standards development organizations."
The department is seeking information from Academia, Scientific, Technical, Engineering, and Industry, and is interested in hearing from experienced and capable vendors.
Respondents are asked to provide their experience working with the HART system and biometric planning, approaches to research, and prior engineering and prototype development.
The deadline for responses is October 25, extended by a week from the original deadline.
Lisa MacDonald, director of the Identity Capabilities Management Division within OBIM is set to share insights into OBIM's biometrics priorities and plans during the 2024 Homeland Security Summit in November.
In September 2024, DHS awarded Equinix a contract for colocation services for its Homeland Security Enterprise Network. According to the notice of award, Equinix was the only provider capable of meeting DHS' requirements.
In an IT strategy published earlier this year by the US Customs and Border Protection, the CBP was reportedly looking at deploying more Edge computing solutions. The CBP is the largest IT organization within Homeland Security.
