DoD Biometrics outlines standards development approach
23 September, 2004
category: Biometrics, Government
The U.S. Department of Defense has released more intel–what it calls a “roadmap”–on its quest for biometric technology standards. The new document, available at DoD’s website, identifies the key factors that drive the need for DoD biometric standards, outlines current efforts in this arena, and charts a path for DoD’s recommended role in advancing standards development.
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 20, 2004 – Department of Defense (DoD)
Biometrics today released its roadmap for developing standards to support biometric technologies across the Department. The publicly-available DoD Biometric Standards Development Recommended Approach document presents findings and recommendations based on extensive input from numerous DoD stakeholders.
“Biometric technology is an important component of the identity protection and management vision for the Department of Defense,” said David M. Wennergren, Chair, DoD Identity Protection and Management Senior Coordinating Group. “As such, the development of biometric standards is critical to the Department’s successful use of biometric technologies.”
“There is an urgent need for the Department of Defense to leverage information technology to the greatest extent possible, particularly with respect to U.S. efforts in the Global War on Terrorism,” said John D. Woodward, Jr., Director, DoD Biometrics Management Office. “Working closely with our partners, DoD Biometrics is committed to achieving greater interoperability by developing national and international biometric standards to maximize the technology’s use “
A recent workshop – co-sponsored by DoD Biometrics, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) -gathered representatives from 28 different U.S. Government agencies to exchange ideas on the current and future state of biometric standards. The workshop’s proceedings and the DoD Biometric Standard Development Recommended Approach are now available at www.biometrics.dod.mil.
The DoD Biometric Standards Development Recommended Approach identifies the key factors that drive the need for DoD biometric standards, outlines current efforts in this arena, and charts a path for DoD’s recommended role in advancing standards development. The workshop proceedings include a keynote address from Ms. Priscilla Guthrie, DoD Deputy Chief Information Officer; presentations from NIST, DHS, and DoD Biometrics; and two moderated discussions with U.S. Government participants.
“Our vision for all components of identity management stresses interoperability, both across the Department of Defense and the entire government,” Wennergren added.
The Department of Defense (DoD) Biometrics Management Office (BMO) is responsible for leading, consolidating, and coordinating the development, adoption, and use of biometric technologies for the Combatant Commands, Services, and Agencies, to support the warfighter and enhance Joint Service interoperability. The BMO reports to the Army Chief Information Officer who acts on behalf of the DoD Executive Agent for Biometrics, the Secretary of the Army. The recently formed Identity Protection & Management Senior Coordinating Group provides senior-level, DoD-wide strategic guidance to the BMO, given its mission to oversee efforts in the areas of Biometrics, Public Key Infrastructure, and Smart Cards.
