Today technology services provider Accenture Federal Services (AFS) was awarded a nine-month contract by the Department of Homeland Security for the amount of $30 million. The agreement will have AFS expanding services for the US Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM), specifically international data sharing capabilities and web security.
The OBIM, previously known as the US-VISIT program, is a federal level government office focused on biometrics powered border control, managing the systems and applications that verify traveler ID, authorizing a visitor’s stay in the United States. AFS’ job, working under the new contract, stands to greatly improve the efficiency of data sharing procedures, in terms of time and cost, between USA, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and Australia.
All stakeholders will also benefit from the contract with the expansion of secure web operations, decreasing access time and cost for new users via Accenture’s “reusable services” that will be developed.
All of this is in the name of border security. OBIM uses ten-print finger biometrics to prevent an approximate 50 wanted criminals from traveling in the United States every day and works for over 1,250, providing secure web services.
According to Rocky Thurston, leader of AFS’ Homeland Security initiatives, “OBIM enhances the security of U.S. citizens and visitors and facilitates legitimate travel and trade. This program has become a model of innovation, collaboration and high performance for DHS and the federal government.”
Follow Us