The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to transition its biometric identity management systems from a hardware-based system to a cloud-based architecture, moving from IDENT to HART. This initiative involves a request for information to gather industry insights and expand biometric capabilities. A deadline for vendor responses is set for October 25, 2024, and insights will be shared by OBIM’s director at an upcoming summit.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to transition its biometric identity management systems to a cloud-based framework. Through a recently published request for information (RFI) on SAM.gov, DHS aims to replace its current biometric storage system, known as the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT), with the Home Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) system. Currently, IDENT is one of the largest databases globally, housing over 260 million biometric records that include digital fingerprints, facial recognition data, and iris scans collected from international travelers at U.S. visa offices and entry points. The DHS is shifting from a hardware-dependent biometric matching system to a modern, cloud-based microservices architecture to enhance its operational capabilities. The DHS’s Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) intends to broaden its biometric identity services by integrating additional biometric modalities and engaging more stakeholders while actively participating in standards-setting organizations. DHS is soliciting insights from various sectors, including academic institutions, technical experts, and industry professionals, specifically looking for information on previous experience with the HART system and biometric processes, including research methodologies and engineering design. Responses are due by October 25, extended from the initial deadline of October 18. Lisa MacDonald, the director of the Identity Capabilities Management Division at OBIM, will provide a detailed overview of OBIM’s strategic priorities regarding biometrics at the forthcoming 2024 Homeland Security Summit in November. Furthermore, in September 2024, DHS awarded a contract to Equinix for colocation services necessary for its Homeland Security Enterprise Network, citing Equinix as the only provider meeting the required specifications. Additionally, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is under DHS and represents the largest IT organization within the department, has expressed intentions to incorporate more Edge computing solutions as part of its IT strategy update earlier this year.
The DHS’s efforts to migrate biometric identity systems to the cloud represent a significant shift in how the department manages and utilizes biometric data. The current IDENT system plays a critical role in national security by providing a repository for identifying persons of interest and supporting immigration processes through facial recognition and fingerprint analysis. Transitioning to a cloud-based architecture not only enhances storage capabilities but also facilitates scalability and the integration of advanced technologies in biometric identification, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to optimize DHS operations while ensuring compliance with evolving standards within biometric technologies.
DHS’s move to cloud-based biometric identity management promises to modernize and improve the efficiency of their data handling capabilities. By transitioning from a traditional hardware-based system to a cloud platform, they aim to better serve their identity verification needs while ensuring enhanced collaboration with various stakeholders in the biometric field. This initiative represents a proactive approach to meeting evolving technological requirements and operational needs within national security frameworks.
Original Source: www.datacenterdynamics.com
