RFID Border Security Deployment

ODIN technologies named a deployment partner for the $62 million Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) contract awarded to Unisys. ...

... "The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract features radio frequency identification (RFID) combined with License Plate Recognition technology to secure our nation's borders and streamline the border crossing process. This program leverages RFID-enabled identification cards for faster border crossing identity verification. " ...

Via ODIN: Partner for Customs and Border Protection Deployment

Alien RFID Safety Act Designation

Alien Technology's products and services have been designated as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies under the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002 for airports baggage and cargo handling systems. ...

... "Baggage and cargo handling systems utilizing Alien products and services have been installed at airports around the world in order to help defend the global air transportation system against a wide range of terrorist threats. These implementations provide enhanced security to the handling and transportation of materials, baggage and other cargo. " ...

Via Alien Technology: RFID Implementations for Airline Industry Awarded Liability Protections from U.S. Department of Homeland Security

RFID eSeals Track Cargo Support ISO-18185

Savi Technology will license its intellectual property used in electronic cargo seals (e-Seals) to support global standard, ISO 18185. Active RFID technology is used for security and tracking of cargo that improves visibility and efficiency in the world trade supply chain. ...

... "E-Seals combine mechanical locks with wireless RFID communication systems to automatically notify users about security breaches and container locations. Program participants gain access to Savi's patent-protected, intellectual property on how these active, battery-powered RFID tags communicate with readers. Savi Technology launched the program May 1 with its QuickStart program, and continues licensing through its Basic program. The U.S. SAFE Port Act of 2006 calls for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) to define the voluntary use of container security devices in accordance with international standards. USDHS considers ISO 18185 (International Standardization Organization), which enables interoperability of products from multiple vendors, as an applicable container security standard. " ...

Via Savi Tech: RFID E-Seal Licensing Program

RFID EDL Enhanced Driver License System

Digimarc partners with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to implement the new Enhanced Driver License (EDL). The Enhanced Driver License has traditional security features and also features digital watermark, RFID identification chip, and a machine readable zone. The EDL supports the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes identity and nationality to enter or re‑enter the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. ...

... "Washington DOL and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have agreed to run an initiative that allows the EDL to be used as an alternative travel document to re-enter the United States through sea and land border crossings. Digimarc will supply Washington DOL with applicant enrollment and screening solutions as well as production of the RFID-enabled EDL. Washington's enhanced driver license system will utilize Digimarc applicant screening solutions to verify an applicant's identity documents; data such as name and address; and facial biometrics to ensure that only one license is issued to one legitimate card holder. Digimarc launched ExianSmart, its chip-enabled driver license solution last year in anticipation of States' needs for new applications of the driver license. The Digimarc ExianSmart driver license for Washington will include RFID technology that is compatible with the DHS Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative program. This will offer a convenient and cost-effective option for citizens to carry a single credential that meets their driving, identity, and land and sea border crossing needs. " ...

Via Digimarc: Digimarc will provide the Washington State Department of Licensing with applicant enrollment and screening solutions, and produce the state's RFID-enabled Enhanced Driver License

WA-State RFID License Border Pilot

Washington will pilot RFID-enabled driver's license for border crossings. ...

... "The alternative license will contain a Radio Frequency Identification chip, commonly known as RFID, which the guard booths will use to scan the license as a traveler or trucker pulls up to the booth. " ...

Via Seattle Post-Intelligencer: RFID Border Pilot

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Washington to launch a pilot program that will enhance the security of state driver's licenses and potentially serve as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States' land and sea borders. The Washington pilot program is one possible compliance alternative to Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements. As early as January 2008, U.S. citizens reentering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea, including ferries, may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

The enhanced driver's license will be slightly more expensive than a standard Washington state driver's license and will require proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, as well as contain security features similar to a U.S. passport. "

Active RFID Technology Secures Port of Oakland

WhereNet Corp. will assist the Port of Oakland in meeting security requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by implementing a truck RFID tagging system at one of its most active marine terminals. Drayage trucks at the Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT) will be equipped with WhereNet active RFID tags. ...

... "The Port of Oakland has purchased 1,700 WhereTag active RFID transmitters and is contracting with WhereNet and eModal to distribute the tags to drayage companies that serve the OICT, which is operated by Stevedoring Services of America Terminals (SSAT). WhereNet has completed installation of RFID readers at OICT and drivers using that terminal are already voluntarily installing the tags on their truck cabs. When a driver arrives at the terminal and approaches security, a transmission from the WhereTag is picked up by the WhereNet Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) infrastructure of antennas installed at each marine terminal and automatically cross-references with the information available through the eModal trucking database, ensuring that only authorized vehicles are granted entry. The Port of Oakland's security initiative should be bolstered by the recent DHS decision, announced on January 9, 2007, to award increased grant funding to help secure California ports this year. " ...

Active RFID Technology Improves Security at Port of Oakland

RFID Passport: Vicinity Read Technology Not Recommended

Smart Card Alliance responds to the State Department's October 17th Federal Register notice, recommending that the U.S. government reconsider using vicinity read RFID technology for its passport card implementation program. The Alliance sees advantages in leveraging contactless smartcard technology for the ePassport. ...

... "In its response to the State Department's notice, the Alliance provides details of its concerns with the passport card decision to use vicinity read RFID technology, and gives recommendations for measures that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State could implement to improve the passport card program.

The Alliance states many advantages to using contactless smart card technology for the passport card program, including the ability to support electronic verification of authenticity to prevent counterfeiting and to use secure, encrypted communications to thwart eavesdropping and replay attacks, and ensure privacy protection for cardholders. A passport card based on contactless smart card technology can also leverage the infrastructure that is being put in place by DHS and the Department of State to support the new ePassport. " ...

Via Smart Card Alliance: Smart Card Alliance Urges U.S. Government to Reconsider Proposed Passport Card With Long Range RFID Technology

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to stimulate the understanding, adoption, use and widespread application of smart card technology.

RFID ePassport: Security Lacking Per Alliance ...

Smart Card Alliance comes out against the RFID-enabled ePassport, citing security concerns. ...

... "Using the long read range radio frequency identification (RFID) technology the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and State Department are proposing for passport cards will do little to increase the security of the nation's borders, and opens up possibilities that U.S. citizens could be tracked, the Smart Card Alliance said today. The Alliance contends that a more privacy sensitive and secure passport card solution using the same contactless smart card technology found in the new electronic passports (ePassports) can improve border security without causing delays at crossings ... " ...

Via Smart Card Alliance: Proposed Passport Card with RFID Technology Bad News for Privacy and Security, Says Smart Card Alliance ...

RFID Human Identification: Appropriate Uses ...

Broad use of RFID technology for human identification is not supported at this time by the DHS Emerging Applications and Technology Subcommittee, due to the increase in privacy and abuse risks. ...

... "There appear to be specific, narrowly defined situations in which RFID is appropriate for human identification. Miners or firefighters might be appropriately identified using RFID because speed of identification is at a premium in dangerous situations and the need to verify the connection between a card and bearer is low. But for other applications related to human beings, RFID appears to offer little benefit when compared to the consequences it brings for privacy and data integrity. Instead, it increases risks to personal privacy and security, with no commensurate benefit for performance or national security. Most difficult and troubling is the situation in which RFID is ostensibly used for tracking objects (medicine containers, for example), but can be in fact used for monitoring human behavior. These types of uses are still being explored and remain difficult to predict. " ...

Via The DHS Emerging Applications and Technology Subcommittee: The Use of RFID for Human Identification: A DRAFT REPORT (PDF) ...

RFID e-Passports Speed Travelers ...

Transition to e-passports will be implemented quickly. ...

... "Through the planned technology enhancements at our ports of entry, we'll be able to recognize and expedite the movement of low-risk or trusted travelers by linking cardholders to secure databases that will allow us to quickly verify identity and citizenship. We can also leverage these advancements in technology to increase aviation security. We've already found, for example, that our machine-readable passports have helped to speed travelers through our airport controls while adding an additional layer of necessary security. By 2007, the United States will transition exclusively to e-passports that will contain biometric information. Through this kind of electronic passport, we can verify a traveler's identity, protect against identity theft and make it very difficult for forgers or imposters. " ...

RFID e-Passports Speed Travelers: Via DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age, at an Event at the Department of State ...

RFID Passport Test by DHS at SF Airport

DHS will test RFID passports at SF airport ...

... "The Department of Homeland Security will begin testing passports embedded with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at the San Francisco International Airport mid-January, a spokesperson for the agency said Friday. " ...

RFID Passport Test by DHS at SF Airport: Via InformationWeek | Homeland Security Technology | RFID Passport Tests To Begin At San Francisco Airport ...

RFID Stocks: Unova Wild Ride ...

Scott Banerjee explores the growth of technology companies. ...

... "And it's not just about retail. RFID also is an important tool for government agencies including the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. Although Unova's sales were inconsistent in 2005, analysts expect Unova to boost its profit by 41% next year as revenue grows 11% to $973 million. " ...

RFID Stocks: Unova Wild Ride: Via Investor's Business Daily: Breaking News: A new wave of small tech stars seen on the horizon ...

RFID Policy Guide: Real ID Options ...

RFID Policy Guide: Real ID Options: Via Telematics Journal: CAGW Vice President to Address NCSL on License Technology ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): A Policymaker's Guide, sponsored by the ID Systems Partners Project and the NCSL Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee, focuses on wireless tracking technology, which is being considered by the Department of Homeland Security as a possible option for implementing the Real ID Act. " ...

RFID Tags: Entry Lanes ...

RFID Tags: Entry Lanes: Via UnitedStatesVisas.gov -- Related Information

... "US-VISIT entry had little impact on wait times. Will this new technology impact wait times? There will be no effect on travelers exiting the United States. As visitors leave the United States they will exit at current speeds with no additional stops. Through our public education program, we suggest that the visitor keep the RFID enabled Form I 94A VISIBLE, so that it is in the best position to be read properly by readers located at entry and exit points at the port. Will there be RFID-enabled gantries at every vehicle lane at these test port locations? Yes, every lane will be able to read the RFID tag embedded inn the Form I-94A. " ...

RFID Pilot Experiences Update ...

RFID Pilot Experiences Update: Via GCN: Special Report: DHS' Double Duty

Wilson P. Dizard III, GCN Staff, writes about the U.S. Visit program’s RFID pilot ...

... "Program officials also are seeking advice from vendors about how to take border transit RFID technology to higher levels. Among the ideas they are exploring: developing methods by which RFID units would be able to provide information about as many as 55 travelers on a bus passing a border point at about 50 mph, according to a recently released request for information. " ...

RFID Technology Entry Exit Land Border Pilots ...

RFID Technology Entry Exit Land Border Pilots: Via DHS | Department of Homeland Security | US-VISIT Begins Testing Radio Frequency Identification Technology to Improve Border Security and Travel

... "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun testing the US-VISIT Program's next phase of implementation, which uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to more efficiently record the entries and exits of visitors who are currently issued an I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) at our land borders. Five U.S. land border ports will test the RFID technology from August 4, 2005, through early summer of 2006. The ports are Nogales East (Deconcini) and Nogales West (Mariposa) in Arizona; Alexandria Bay (Thousand Islands) in New York; and Pacific Highway and Peace Arch in Washington state. US VISIT is a continuum of security measures that collect biometric and biographic information from visitors at U.S. visa-issuing posts around the world, and upon their arrival in and departure from U.S. air, sea and land border ports. Experience has shown that the US-VISIT enrollment process is fast, easy to understand and simple for visitors. " ...

DHS USVISIT RFID Pilot at POEs

DHS USVISIT RFID Pilot at POEs: Testing of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology at Land Borders Questions and Answers ...

DHS makes Q+A's available for their RFID pilot at border points of entry, POEs, under the USVisit program ...

... "US-VISIT entry had little impact on wait times. Will this new technology impact wait times? There will be no effect on travelers exiting the United States. As visitors leave the United States they will exit at current speeds with no additional stops. Through our public education program, we suggest that the visitor keep the RFID enabled Form I 94A VISIBLE, so that it is in the best position to be read properly by readers located at entry and exit points at the port. Will there be RFID-enabled gantries at every vehicle lane at these test port locations? Yes, every lane will be able to read the RFID tag embedded inn the Form I-94A. " ...

DHS AIDMS RFID POE ...

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT), an integrated, automated entry-exit system that records the arrival and departure of covered individuals ...

... "The primary AIDMS records database is located at the DHS Data Center in Ashburn, Virginia. AIDMS interfaces, RFID tag readers, and other supporting components are located at U.S. land border Ports of Entry (POE). " ...

DHS USVisit RFID Implementation ...

DHS USVisit RFID Implementation: The Department of Homeland Security is creating a new system of records for the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program ...

... "US-VISIT has been implemented in increments. As part of Increment 2, US-VISIT will test the use of passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to automatically, passively, and remotely record the entry and exit of covered individuals. These RFID tags will be embedded in the Form I-94 or I-94W, which is an Arrival-Departure Record issued to a traveler. " ...

RFID POE Pilot Point of Entry

United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) is the program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement an integrated entry and exit data system to record the entry into and exit out of the United States of covered individuals; verify identity; and confirm compliance with the terms of admission to the United States.

... "The proof of concept for technology and processes for automatically recording the entry and exit of covered individuals at U.S. land border POEs using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled I-94 Arrival/Departure Forms. The proof of concept of the capability will begin in August 2005 and, if successful, will be deployed to the 50 busiest land ports by December 31, 2007. " ...

RFID Department Homeland Security

RFID Department Homeland Security: GAO: Abstract

... "The main technology components of an RFID system are a tag, reader, and database. A reader scans the tag for data and sends the information to a database, which stores the data contained on the tag. The major initiatives at federal agencies that use or propose to use the technology include physical access control and tracking assets, documents, or materials. For example, the Department of Homeland Security is using it to track and identify assets, weapons, and baggage on flights. RFID standards define a set of rules, conditions, or requirements that the components of the system must meet in order to operate effectively. " ...

DHS DCRSC RFID Rail Security Project ...

DHS DCRSC RFID Rail Security Project: Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. Awarded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Washington D.C. Rail Security Corridor (DCRSC) Contract: Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.

... "The DCRSC contract awarded by DHS has a value of $9.8 million and includes integration of several surveillance technologies, including intelligent video and radio frequency identification (RFID). Epsilon's Marine, Industrial and Security Technology Sector has supported DHS since early 2004 with installation of buffer zone surveillance systems at chemical plants throughout the country. The Epsilon team for the DCRSC Project includes Duos Technologies, Inc. (Duos), headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. " ...

Epsilon is a diversified contracting services firm providing innovative technical and operational solutions to its government, commercial and non-profit clients. The company has a national presence, supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and prime contractors nationwide. Epsilon’s Nuclear Operations and Environmental Services Division, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico provides services to customers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. Epsilon offers Marine & Security Services in Portsmouth, VA, San Diego, CA and Pearl Harbor, HI. Its offices in the field of Information Technology and Communications include San Diego, CA and Arlington, VA.

Since 1990, Duos Technologies, Inc. has provided quality intelligent video, automation, information technology, and engineering services to a broad range of clientele. Duos specializes in providing automated systems with an emphasis on process controls, homeland security solutions, including intelligent digital video, instrumentation, and information technology services.

RFID Radio Frequency Technology: Land Borders

RFID Radio Frequency Technology: Land Borders: DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Homeland Security Announces Plans to Test Radio Frequency Technology at Land Borders

... "By July 31, 2005, the testing will begin at the ports of Nogales East and Nogales West in Arizona; Alexandria Bay in New York; and, Pacific Highway and Peace Arch in Washington. The testing or proof of concept phase is expected to continue through the spring of 2006. The optimal technology will allow for a unique and automatic identifi