DHS wants mobile biometrics in border agents’ hands

Border Patrol officials want the ability to collect biometric and biographical information on people that agents catch or encounter in the field. To make it a possibility, the Homeland Security Department Science and Technology Office is seeking industry input on available solutions.

DHS S&T issued a request for information on the current capabilities to develop and integrate a full enterprise-compliant prototype mobile solution for the Office of Border Patrol. In the system, collected data would be transmitted in formatted files to query authoritative biometric databases, such as the Customs and Border Protection’s Enforcement Integrated Database system and other federal databases within DHS and other departments.

Officials want the ability for border patrol agents to conduct assessments of people they encounter in the field, using objective data based on bio identification.

The solution would increase agents’ safety and their operational efficiency. It would provide them with better screening and situational awareness.

The RFI was issued March 6. The deadline for response is March 17.