The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) will hosts a series of Biometric Technology Rallies to enhance industry innovation and advance technologies that support DHS and Homeland Security Enterprise operations. These rallies bring together subject matter experts, technology vendors and volunteers to test new and emerging biometric technology systems.
About the Rallies
Previous test results demonstrate that while some biometric technologies are improving, many tested technologies fall short in operational settings. Through S&T’s Biometric and Identity Technology Center, the rallies challenge industry to develop biometric systems to meet the requirements of high-throughput operations and employ controlled testing of candidate technologies in relevant scenarios.
The rallies are held at the Maryland Test Facility (MdTF), located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The MdTF is designed for large scale volunteer testing. For more information, visit the MdTF rally website.
2022 Rally
DHS S&T invites biometric technology developers to apply to participate in the 2022 Biometric Technology Rally.
The 2022 Rally will focus on the technical challenge of reliably identifying small, free-flowing groups of people opting-in to the process in crowded environments, like airports or ports of entry.
Organizations interested in participating should email peoplescreening@hq.dhs.gov to RSVP for the May 31 Rally Information Webinar. Detailed application instructions for both acquisition and matching system providers will be discussed during the information webinar.
2021 Rally Results
A recording and slides of the 2021 Biometric Technology Rally Results webinar are available. Visit the MdTF Biometric Technology 2021 Rally Results website for more information.
Recordings of the 2019 (Acquisition and Matching systems) and the 2020 biometric technology rally results webinars are also available.
Individuals interested in contacting one or more rally participants should send an e-mail to peoplescreening@hq.dhs.gov with a detailed description of their request.
Timeline/Submission Info
Industry with demonstrated expertise in biometrics as well as building intuitive and easy-to-use systems may participate in the Biometric Technology Rallies. Participants will need to submit an information packet describing the system, including a white paper and a video of the system in action. Successful submissions must demonstrate integrated biometric systems capable of meeting or exceeding rally performance metrics. Applications for the 2022 Rally are due no later than July 1, 2022.
Additional Info
Check the MdTF rally website for the most up-to-date information about upcoming events, or sign-up with Peoplescreening@hq.dhs.gov to be included in communication about future rallies.