Summary
The DHS is conducting market research to facilitate the transition from the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to the cloud-based Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) system. The agency manages biometric data for over 262 million individuals and seeks responses from the academic and industry sectors to enhance next-generation identity solutions. The deadline for submissions is October 18, 2023.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is initiating a market research endeavor aimed at enhancing its Biometric Identity Research and Development initiative. This research is outlined in a recent notice on SAM.gov, indicating that the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) is transitioning from the legacy Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which is hardware-based, to the more advanced Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) system that operates on a cloud infrastructure. OBIM plays a critical role in delivering biometric and biographic identification services to various government levels, supporting informed decision-making processes. The agency oversees biometric identity information for a significant population, encompassing over 262 million individuals.
The DHS’s transition from ABIS to HART represents a significant shift in how biometric data is managed and utilized across government sectors. The reliance on a cloud-based system promises improvements in accessibility, scalability, and integration with diverse biometric modalities. This transition is also reflective of a broader trend in the federal landscape towards adopting cloud technologies for data management and security, aiming to increase efficiency while enhancing capabilities in identity verification and management. Under the HART initiative, OBIM seeks to broaden its engagement by incorporating additional modalities—like face, fingerprint, and iris recognition—alongside collaborating with crucial entities such as the National Information Exchange Model and the International Organization for Standardization. This collaborative approach aims to establish and adhere to unified standards that will enhance security and interoperability across various jurisdictions and applications.
The DHS’s proactive market research signals a strategic shift toward modernizing its biometric identity systems via cloud technology integration. Seeking input from academia and industry professionals indicates an emphasis on collaboration to develop robust next-generation capabilities. As the deadline for submissions approaches, it is evident that the move to HART will not only streamline identity management processes but also expand the technological horizons of biometric applications in securing national interests.
Original Source: www.govconwire.com
