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The Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) Biometrics Coordination Group (BCG) serves as
a focal point to facilitate DHS intra-departmental planning and coordination
on biometrics research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E),
and deployment to DHS operational end-users.
The BCG has been
granted delegated authority by the DHS Chief Information Officer, and
the Under Secretary, Science and Technology to coordinate biometrics technology
policy, standards, and RDT&E requirements, and to establish a common
view of DHS equities on biometrics technology issues before national and
international groups.
A number of organizations within DHS have statutory and regulatory mandates
to incorporate biometrics into identity documents for the purpose of freezing
identity, searching watch lists, conducting criminal background checks,
reducing fraud, improving border and transportation security, and granting
benefits and credentialing. Other organizations are planning to utilize
biometrics for physical and logical access control to DHS facilities and
systems.
DHS directorates maintain their autonomy and responsibility for planning
and managing their biometrics research and testing, pilots, and deployment
projects. However, there is a need to provide Department-wide coordination
on biometrics issues and standards. To fulfill this need, the BCG:
- Serves as a discussion
forum for DHS organizations on biometrics needs and current projects;
- Facilitates information
sharing between DHS and interagency organizations and people responsible
for biometrics testing and evaluation, acquisition, and operations;
- Identifies common
operational requirements and research objectives for biometrics systems;
Leverages DHS resources and lessons learned; and,
- Supports DHS representatives
to national and international consensus organizations through discussion
and development of a unified DHS position on biometrics issues.
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