Modernization of Biometric Capture

The Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) biometric data are underleveraged. While the DoD routinely collects fingerprint, facial scans, and limited-use iris scans for personnel security and vetting, these data sources have yet to reach their full potential for operational use. In the case of identity proofing, verification, and authentication, biometric data offers significant potential to enhance the Defense Manpower Data Center’s (DMDC’s) Identity Credential and Access Management (ICAM) services by offering atypical remote, online, and self-service credentialing alternatives. However, these data sources are scattered across multiple systems, and a system to aggregate these high-value assets has yet to be designed. A federated biometric system that can aggregate fingerprint, iris, and facial scans is needed. This, along with other relevant DoD personnel data (unit, strength, location, occupational information, training, etc.) stored in DMDC’s systems, would promote next generation identity proofing, improve effectiveness, and reduce operational costs for validating and authenticating “Blue Force” personnel. Team AO proposes to leverage our deep experience with DMDC systems and expertise in hardware and software development to apply advances in biometric data collection, use, processing, and implementation. This proposed effort focuses on the development of a central biometric capture and repository system, which aggregates DMDC’s data assets for verification and authentication services supporting numerous current and future technological needs. Team AO proposes research, analysis and design of a microservices architecture that would serve as a technical enabler for DMDC’s biometric services. Specifically, Team AO proposes during the initial six month Phase I period, to research and assess the feasibility and viability of additional service capabilities that may be offered following the biometric system’s development and implementation. Furthermore, Team AO proposes research and analysis regarding the viability of collecting other biometric modalities, particularly iris since its current collection is limited, at CAC/Rapids issuance sites, NTS exercises and operational deployments, and through SPOT, DS Logon, milConnect and other to-be-determined systems. Team AO believes there is great opportunity for applying multivariate biometric data in an Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) business model through microservice architectures. Specifically, the aggregation of these data types offers several modalities that have significant Department and societal benefits for future verification and authentication processes. These proposed services and applications have disruptive potential in achieving Identity 3.0 initiatives that relay only relevant attributes during transactions; thus, securely enhancing confidentiality, integrity, and availability across systems and common devices.