Washington, D.C. 27September, 2005 — The National Biometric Security Project today announced it has been awarded a five-year Professional Engineering Services (PES) schedule contract (#GS-23F-0259R) by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). As a result, NBSP’s services are now included among the range of professional services related to identification and authorization technology offerings provided by GSA to federal agencies to enhance identity assurance.

A non-profit organization established after the events of 9/11 with the support of the Congress, NBSP’s mission is to help government and private sector organizations deter attacks on the civil infrastructure through the timely deployment of biometric technologies. NBSP widely supports government and private sector efforts to standardize, test, acquire, and deploy biometric technology; and to do so in an environment compatible with rational social objectives in preserving individual privacy and civil liberties.

"As biometrics grow in favor as a preferred identity assurance technology our addition to the GSA Schedule will facilitate government organizations’ ability to access a robust range of capabilities that include: Test & Evaluation; Training & Education; Data Services and Research & Acquisition Support Services, said John E. Siedlarz, Chairman and CEO of NBSP.

To deliver these services NBSP has established its Test, Research and Data Center (TRDC) in Morgantown, West Virginia to organize, host, and deliver NBSP services. Early in its formation, the TRDC was the site for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) e-passport interoperability testing session. In addition to laboratories segmented for special client and work efforts (with application for ISO certification in progress), a separate facility for human test participation is in development under TRDC management.

About the GSA Schedule

Under the Schedules program, GSA establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide supplies and services at favorable prices for given periods of time. Customers enjoy shorter acquisition lead-times, lower administrative costs, and reduced inventories. Additionally, GSA Schedule ordering activities have the opportunity to meet small business goals, while promoting compliance with industry regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

About NBSP

NBSP is a not-for-profit research, test, and analysis organization focused entirely on the application of biometrics to improve the security of the U.S. civil infrastructure. NBSP services are available to government agencies at the federal, state, and local level and private sector agencies responsible for maintaining key components of the national infrastructure. The organization can also support non-U.S. nations and organizations involved in the international anti-terrorist coalition when sanctioned by the U.S. government. Established as a non-profit agency to assure its objectivity and user-oriented approach, NBSP client services range from operational/functional requirements definition to standards development, technology/product test and evaluation, research, and data services.

For more information please visit us at
www.nationalbiometric.org