Parsons Corporation has secured a sole-source contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide two Javelin+ Mobile Biometric Collection Kits, enhancing AFOSI’s biometric capabilities for criminal and counterintelligence missions. The kits feature advanced biometric technologies and are designed for rugged conditions, ensuring rapid identity verification in the field.
Parsons Corporation has landed a sole-source contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide two Javelin+ Mobile Biometric Collection Kits. This move aims to bolster the Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ (AFOSI) capabilities in both criminal and counterintelligence operations. The announcement is a significant one, noting that Parsons is uniquely qualified to fulfill the Air Force’s specific requirements needed for integration within their existing biometric framework.
While this isn’t a conventional competitive bidding process, the Air Force is open to reviewing capability statements or quotes submitted by outside parties until May 22. This means there’s still a sliver of opportunity for interested vendors, but all indications suggest that Parsons will be the preferred supplier, given its established expertise.
The Javelin+ kits are part of a broader suite of mobile biometric products that Parsons offers. They are specifically designed for quick, field-based identity operations, featuring a range of biometric identification options—fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition—all packaged into a mobile, modular Android system. These features make the kits especially versatile for military use.
The AFOSI will receive models that include sophisticated equipment like a two-finger Sherlock fingerprint sensor, a dedicated iris capture module, and a facial capture capability utilizing the smartphone camera. What’s important here is that these kits are durable enough for harsh environments, stored in protective Pelican cases with foam cutouts.
A key highlight of the Javelin+ system is its integration with Parsons’ ARES Mobile Biometric Application (AMBA) and the Ares Gateway Transaction Manager (AGTM). With AMBA, operatives can capture, validate, and match biometric data right on the device without needing constant internet access—critical for many AFOSI operations that may occur in remote areas.
Should connectivity be lost in the field, AMBA allows for the seamless synchronization of collected data back to biometric repositories once the device is reconnected to a secured network. This offline capability is a game-changer for field operations.
On the backend, the AGTM manages how data is configured and exchanged, making it easier for agencies to transmit biometric records securely. It also ensures compliance with various data formats and helps in maintaining audit trails—all vital for operational integrity.
In addition, Parsons has embedded Samsung Knox for extra mobile security, which shields against unauthorized access, keeping sensitive biometrics safe. From a logistics perspective, the contract guarantees full warranty service and access to Parsons’ technical support throughout the lifecycle of each biometric kit.
Moreover, Parsons is tasked with training local OSI personnel, providing both in-person and virtual sessions on how to operate the Javelin+ systems effectively in the field. The hardware that comes with the kits includes a Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone along with various sensor modules for efficient biometric capture, case accessories, and chargers to support ease of use.
In essence, this system is ready to be deployed right out of the box—rugged, and operational to meet immediate demands. The kits also come with software licenses for AMBA and FABIS, which aid in mobile identification processes. With this technology, operatives can swiftly send and receive biometric records, even while working in the field.
Overall, the collaboration between Parsons and the U.S. Air Force represents not just an upgrade in equipment but a significant leap toward more efficient and secure biometric identification in military contexts.
In summary, Parsons Corporation’s contract with the U.S. Air Force marks a strategic enhancement for AFOSI’s biometric capabilities. The Javelin+ Mobile Biometric Collection Kits feature advanced biometric technology tailored for field operations, ensuring both ruggedness and efficiency. Integration with the ARES system provides crucial offline data handling capabilities, while comprehensive support and training add value to this partnership.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
