Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Biometrics Coordination Group (BCG) provides for the successful coordination of DHS’s research agenda, and policy and standards development for the determination and use of all biometrics technologies to ensure and maintain a consistent and efficient approach to and investments in biometric-based applications. The BCG develops and deploys approaches to leverage international, national, and department-wide standards and policy for biometrics.

In conjunction with the Under Secretary of the Science and Technology Directorate, this group is the Executive Agent with respect to Research and Development (R&D) associated with biometrics.

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 components 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:

• Serve as the Department’s advisory board on biometric technology and set the Department's strategic biometric direction
• Promulgate, maintain, and update guidance documents that specify Best Practices for the use of biometrics
• Review the processes and procedures used within the Department to formulate decisions that involve the use of biometric technology; and
• Supports DHS representatives to national and international consensus organizations through discussion and development of a unified DHS position on biometrics issues

Web: http://www.dhs.gov