Accenture wins U.S. biometrics contract

RESTON, Va., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. biometric technology in support of immigration and border management will be enhanced through an award to Virginia's Accenture Federal Services.

Under a $71 million contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Accenture will increase the number and types of biometric technologies used in the US-VISIT program that help determine the status of visitors entering the United States.

At present, biometrics used in the program are digital fingerprints and photographs. Under the contract to Accenture, the use of facial and iris identification will be explored in a voluntary enrollment program.

"Border management, immigration and customs organizations are challenged with facilitating the movement of people and cargo across borders while enhancing the security of citizens and visitors," said Tom Greiner, who leads Accenture's work on the US-VISIT program.

"We are working with Homeland Security to create border management solutions that deliver results."

Biometric data are used U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration.

A system of sharing of biometric information in real time with U.S. Justice and Defense departments is included in Accenture's contract.

The contract period is 13 months.