Biometrics company to evaluate technologies for Homeland Security

By Gail Repsher Emery

| October 8, 2003

The Homeland Security Department awarded a three-year contract to International Biometric Group LLC for research into the effects of identity determination systems and processes on international travel, border management and homeland security.

The group is now assessing the performance of a dozen leading biometric solutions, officials said.

The Homeland Security Department awarded a three-year contract to International Biometric Group LLC for research into the effects of identity determination systems and processes on international travel, border management and homeland security.

The contract is initially valued at $2.2 million and could expand substantially if all options are exercised, according to officials of New York-based IBG.

"There is a clear need for objective evaluations to drive research into technologies that can help resolve homeland security challenges," said Gary Strong, director of the Behavioral Research and Biometrics Science and Technology Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security.

Under the contract, IBG will research technologies and processes that can improve homeland security while protecting travelers' privacy and travel conveniences. IBG will evaluate identity management information technologies and systems, with a focus on biometric solutions, IBG officials said.

IBG's work for the federal government includes:

A report on the use of biometric technologies to secure America's borders, which was prepared for the Office of Science and Technology Policy;

A report on the use of biometrics in large-scale, mission-critical air travel applications, which was prepared for the Transportation Security Administration.

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