ICE plans to award a contract to Government Acquisition Inc. for NEC’s NeoScan 45 fingerprint biometric devices, valued at around $160,000. The NeoScan is the only device compatible with ICE’s IT infrastructure, enhancing identification capabilities during law enforcement operations. It enables quick verification of identities, crucial in cases where individuals lack identification. The continuation of ICE’s biometric operations depends on this procurement, as alternatives were found unsuitable.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to authorize a delivery order for the procurement of NEC Corporation of America’s NeoScan 45 FAP Multiple Fingerprint Reader devices through Government Acquisition Inc. for approximately $160,000. ICE emphasizes that NEC is the sole provider of this essential biometric device, which is fully compatible with its existing IT systems, thus avoiding the need for infrastructure modifications. The NeoScan 45 captures fingerprints efficiently and complies with FBI standards, enhancing the agency’s ability to identify individuals during investigations without requiring additional modifications to the IT systems.
The NeoScan device supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and is compatible with major mobile operating systems, enabling field agents to quickly verify identities during immigration and law enforcement operations. This capability is especially crucial given the frequency of encounters where individuals present no identification or false information.
This procurement is linked to the EAGLE initiative (Enforcement Integrated Database) aimed at integrating biometric operations within the DHS’s broader law enforcement framework. The EDDIE platform, implemented since 2014, enables ICE officers to use advanced technology for on-the-ground investigations, significantly reducing the time needed to confirm identities. ICE’s assessment revealed no suitable alternatives to the NEC product, and continuation of the program hinges on approval of this contract.
The ICE initiative to procure NEC NeoScan devices is part of a broader strategy to enhance identification capabilities during field operations. The NeoScan 45 is designed to meet the specific biometric needs of ICE, integrating seamlessly with existing technologies. EDDIE, the mobile application utilized by ICE, has improved agent efficiency in identifications, particularly in cases where individuals lack proper identification. The fingerprint biometric checks facilitate better outcomes in law enforcement operations, highlighting the importance of reliable and compatible identification technologies.
In summary, the approval of NEC’s NeoScan 45 devices is critical for the operational effectiveness of ICE, as it ensures that agents can promptly identify individuals during immigration enforcement activities. The specialized nature of the device, combined with its compatibility with ICE’s existing IT framework, justifies this sole-source procurement, which ICE views as essential for maintaining security and operational efficiency in law enforcement.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
