The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday released its final request for proposal (RFP) for a new database and matching system that incorporates multiple biometric modalities, a key difference from the current fingerprint-based automated biometric identity system known as IDENT.
The Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) system will eventually feature storage and matching for fingerprint, 10-print and two-print subsystems, face and iris. The IDENT system does store facial and iris images for low volume matching, but the facial images have to be manually matched whereas HART is expected to take advantage of advanced algorithms to automate facial matching.
The fingerprint matching software for IDENT is supplied by 3M Corp.’s [MMM] Cogent business unit. Japan’s NEC Corp. supplies the low volume iris and face matching capabilities for IDENT.
Implementation of the HART system has congressional backing as Congress has already appropriated funding for the new system. The RFP, which was expected to be released last fall but was delayed for various reasons, was released through the DHS EAGLE II information technology procurement and is only open to prime contractors on that contract vehicle.
The IDENT system is running out of room, is expensive to operate and is difficult to maintain. HART is expected to be scalable and modular. As more DHS components experiment with biometrics, demands on HART are expected to grow over time and the system may eventually be called on to incorporate other biometric modalities beyond the current planned finger, face and iris.
The IDENT and HART systems are operated and maintained by the DHS Office of Biometric Identity Management, which is part of the National Protection and Programs Directorate.
Oral presentations from potential vendors replying to the RFP are expected to begin in two weeks with written proposals due in four weeks.