Crossmatch Introduces Solution to Combat Fraud in Disaster Operations
Crossmatch in January introduced its Foreign Assistance/Disaster Relief Solution that connects biometrics to the assistance delivery record to help combat fraud, waste and abuse in assistance and disaster relieve operations. The company says its solution provides the workflow and capability to drive accountability and traceability to assistance missions. “Biometrics, the use of physical characteristics to identify individuals, offer a powerful tool for accountability in assistance operations,” says Ben Ball, market director with Crossmatch. “Recognizing the advantages of this technology, international organizations such as the UNHCR and the WFP (World Food Program) have started to experiment with the use of biometrics as a tool for accountability in delivery of assistance.” Crossmatch says its solution provides an assured method of account for who has received benefits, allowing for real-time monitoring of impact in the field. Biometrics can also be used for internal controls such as warehouse access to tracing who is delivering assistance to the field, says Ball.
Huntington Ingalls Authenticates Keels for NSC Midgett
Huntington Ingalls Industries [HII] in late January authenticated the keel on the eighth National Security Cutter (NSC), the Midgett (WMSL 757). The keel laying signifies the formal start of a ship’s construction. HII’s Ingalls shipbuilding division has delivered six 418-foot NSCs to the Coast Guard and two more are under construction. The company has received a $486 million contract from the Coast Guard to construct a ninth NSC.
BlackBerry Expands Capabilities of AtHoc Crisis Communication Software
BlackBerry Limited [BBRY] has added eight additional languages to its AtHoc crisis communication software and updated it to include enhanced mobile alerting functionality, upgraded map-based experiences for emergency operators, and significant performance improvements. “A wide range of companies, from oil and gas manufacturers in the Middle East to large transportation hubs in Europe, are in need of platforms that will increase communication and efficiencies throughout global teams,” says Ly Tran, senior vice president of BlackBerry AtHoc Sales. “In addition to fining platforms that enable this level of productivity, customers are also demanding the most secure solutions on the market.”