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,

Web: http://www.dhs.gov