The Department of Homeland Security is looking for validated biometric technologies to integrate into current port-of-entry infrastructure. The biometric collection would help identify travelers as they enter or leave the U.S.

The Problem

The DHS lacks effective and validated solutions at ports to improve identity verification at security screening or inspection checkpoints. As a result, the current systems has significant bottlenecks.

The Solution

The Department is looking for validated (note the emphasis) biometric technologies that can automatically detect and collect biometric information from all travelers subject to biometric identity verification. The system would have to run comparisons of collected biometrics against a list of known or trusted travelers, as well as watchlists of known or suspected terrorists, criminals, and immigration violators. Among the capabilities required:

• Integrate with current port of entry facilities and systems

• Easy to operate, with minimal supervision or training

• Positive confirmation of identity of an individual “standing, walking, or within a vehicle.”

• Alert if an individual is on watchlists or meets other criteria

• Capture and analysis in low light or extreme heat and cold

Awards

While no immediate financial incentive are provided, the DHS notes that selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the DHS assessment panel to pitch, demonstrate and discuss their solutions. Selected solutions could result in R&D awards, OTAs for research or prototype, CRADAs, prize competitions, and FAR-based contracts. If you need a primer on the types awards and contracts, rewatch our fireside chat with Justin Rubin and Aaron Ralph.

Submissions

Israeli startups with relevant capabilities can submit their capability for DHS review. The submission is a simple white paper and the DHS has provided a template you can use. Deadline is Sept. 21.

Next Steps

There is a Q&A session on Sept. 11 that you can attend to learn more. The assessment criteria that DHS will use is available, and you can use this form to submit your capabilities.

Difficulty

Simple white paper submission.

Questions

Questions should be addressed to John Clemmensen at the DHS, John.Clemmensen@hq.dhs.gov, or Bridget Bailey at HSWerx, bbailey@hswerx.org.