RFID Border Crossing

RFID Vicinity Read Process

The passport RFID vicinity read process is discussed in the Federal Register. ...

... "The vicinity RFID electronic chip contains only one item of information--a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure CBP computer system. No other form of personally identifiable information, such as name, date of birth, SSN, place of birth etc., will be electronically stored on the passport card or transmitted through RFID. All personal information will be contained in DHS systems and will only be accessible by authorized personnel through secure networks. Upon receipt of the passport card number, the border crosser's personal information will be downloaded from the CBP system and provided to the CBP officer. The CBP officer will then interview the individual, verify their identities, and determine the appropriate action to take. The WHTI passport card approach was not designed to be an automated system, and the use of vicinity RFID technology in this final rule reflects this reality. Rather, the RFID-based approach allows the CBP officers to do their jobs better and faster. " ...

Via Federal Register: Card Format Passport

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 identifier issued to pedestrians and visitors crossing in vehicles. The benefits of deploying RFID technology at the land border allows for the automatic recording of visitors arrival and departure. " ...

RFID ePassport Document Authentication ...

RFID ePassport Document Authentication: The Sultanate of Oman Selects Viisage for Border Management Solution; Viisage Document Authentication Solution to Validate Travelers Documents at Airports, Seaports, and Land Borders ...

... "Automated document authentication provides the broadest form of document validation for countries today. As countries move to develop their electronic passport programs, the Viisage iA-thenticate solution can support both radio frequency ID (RFID) read of the chip on an e-passport, as well as authentication of non e-passports. Such border management initiatives as the US VISIT, a US Department of Homeland Security program designed to enhance national security and promote legitimate travel, mandate the eventual adoption of biometrically enabled e-passports. " ...

Viisage (NASDAQ: VISGE) delivers advanced technology identity solutions for governments, law enforcement agencies and businesses concerned with enhancing security, reducing identity theft, and protecting personal privacy. Viisage solutions include secure credentials such as passports and drivers' licenses, biometric technologies for uniquely linking individuals to those credentials, and credential authentication technologies to ensure the documents are valid before individuals are allowed to cross borders, gain access to finances, or granted other privileges. With over 3,000 installations worldwide, Viisage's identity solutions stand out as a result of the Company's industry-leading technology and unique understanding of customer needs. Viisage's product suite includes FaceTOOLS SDK, Viisage PROOF, FaceEXPLORER, iA-thenticate, BorderGuard, FacePASS and FaceFINDER.

RFID Information Protection: Bill Analysis

SB 682 Senate Bill - Bill Analysis

... "Department of Homeland Security adopted the term contactless integrated circuit when it integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) tags into its own employee IDs. Contactless integrated circuits are described as having faster processors and more storage capacity than typical RFID tags, and are engineered to transmit data only when a reader is very close, three or four inches away. The circuits' faster processing makes functions like data encryption possible. " ...

RFID Devices For Trucking: National Security System

RFID Devices For Trucking: Georgia Southern professor proposes national truck tracking system

... "Every day, millions of commercial trucks travel the nation's highways. Homeland security officials are looking for a system to keep track of this massive volume of traffic. Cook is proposing a system that would incorporate cutting-edge radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, truck weigh-stations and law enforcement vehicles into a system to gather information for a proposed national truck tracking center. " ...

RFID Container Security ...

iControl Incorporated Awarded DHS Container Security Contract ...

... "Fred Tubb, iControl’s CEO, elaborated on the advantages of iControl’s approach. The MATTS program requirements represent a challenging, yet logical extension of our commercial product capabilities. During Phase II, iControl’s container tracking device will be deployed as a miniaturized System-On-Chip (SOC) design. It provides substantially superior processing, communication range, and worldwide tracking capability when compared to RFID technologies. Strategically, we have chosen international standards to improve overseas adoption, to speed deployment, and to minimize installation. " ...

iControl is a leader in remote monitoring and control via the Internet. Products include iDAC™ data acquisition and control units, iGATE™ wide-area network gateways, and iVIEW™ data fusion, display, and reporting suite of web-based tools. iControl is headquartered in San Jose, CA.

Radio Frequency Identification Technology: RF Emissions Safety ...

DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Fact Sheet: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

... "Radio frequencies emanating from RFID tags are far below the levels that could cause any harm to human health and below the typical ambient radio frequencies most people are exposed to in the United States on a daily basis from devices such as TVs and radios. Like these other devices, RFID tags and readers are regulated and their safety is certified by the Federal Communications Commission. " ...

RFID National ID Bill ...

HR 418 A National ID Bill Masquerading as Immigration Reform

... "This legislation gives authority to the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand required information on driver's licenses, potentially including such biometric information as retina scans, finger prints, DNA information, and even Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) radio tracking technology. Including such technology as RFID would mean that the federal government, as well as the governments of Canada and Mexico, would know where Americans are at all time of the day and night. There are no limits on what happens to the database of sensitive information on Americans once it leaves the United States for Canada and Mexico - or perhaps other countries. Who is to stop a corrupt foreign government official from selling or giving this information to human traffickers or even terrorists? Will this uncertainty make us feel safer? What will all of this mean for us? When this new program is implemented, every time we are required to show our driver's license we will, in fact, be showing a national identification card. We will be handing over a card that includes our personal and likely biometric information, information which is connected to a national and international database. " ...

Passive RFID System Explained ...

DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Fact Sheet: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

... "In its simplest form in common use today, a passive RFID system works as follows: an RFID reader transmits via its antenna an electromagnetic radio frequency signal to a passive RFID tag. The reader receives information back from the tag and sends it to a computer that controls the reader and processes the information that has been retrieved from the tag. " ...

Innovative RFID Improves Border Security ...

SCHUMER: ALEXANDRIA BAY PORT CHOSEN TO TEST NEW INNOVATIVE RADIO ID SYSTEM TO IMPROVE BORDER SECURITY

... "Alexandria Bay chosen among handful of ports across the country for this pilot program. New radio frequency device will allow border security officials to process people traveling in vehicles more efficiently and accurately especially in times of traffic and weather related congestion. US Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Alexandria Bay will serve as one of the five ports across the country to test a new security device that could reduce traffic congestion and improve border security. The Department of Homeland Security will work with Alexandria Bay to plan tests of and possibly implement their Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as a part of their US-VISIT program to enhance border security. " ...

RFID Tags Ride Inspection

NEW TECHNOLOGY, NEW TAGS FOR AMUSEMENT RIDES ...

... "But behind them is the new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. The chip allows ride inspectors to keep an electronic record of inspections instead of being forced to rely on a paper trail. Using a hand held reader, inspectors can immediately see any corrections orders issued against the ride so they can be double-checked for compliance with the rules. The process also allows viewing of maintenance records, operator training and operator's manual. " ...

Tom Ridge Savi RFID Strengthens Board ...

TOM RIDGE - FIRST U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY - JOINS SAVI TECHNOLOGY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Brings Extensive Government Leadership Experience to Savi - a Provider of RFID-Based Solutions for Global Supply Chains

... "Savi Technology, Inc., a leading provider of active RFID solutions for supply chain management and security, announced today the appointment of Tom Ridge, the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and former Governor of Pennsylvania, to the company's Board of Directors. " ...

Following the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, U.S. President George W. Bush created the Department of Homeland Security within the executive branch, and named Ridge to head it. In January 2003, the Department of Homeland Security became a Cabinet department, and Ridge assumed the post of Homeland Security Secretary. As Secretary, he organized and oversaw a combined 22 federal agencies employing 180,000 staff. Prior to his resignation last November from the Homeland Security post, which followed 22 consecutive years of public service, Secretary Ridge was Governor of Pennsylvania between 1994 and his appointment to the Department of Homeland Security in 2001.

With over 15 years experience, Savi is a proven leader in RFID solutions for the management and security of supply chain assets, shipments and consignments. Savi's integrated RFID hardware and software solutions drive business value, such as reducing supply chain assets, inventory and operational costs. The company tailors its solutions to the defense, commercial supply chain asset management and global supply chain visibility and security markets. Savi's solutions meet the supply chain needs of defense and government organizations, global shippers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers as well as service providers such as terminal operators, asset owners and third-party logistics providers.

RFID Privacy Considerations ...

DHS | Department of Homeland Security

... "The RFID technology used by US-VISIT will safeguard sensitive information. The tags will not include visitors biographic or biometric information. Rather, they will contain only a serial code that links to a visitors information securely stored in databases used by US VISIT. It will also be tamper-proof and difficult to counterfeit." ...

Automated Entry Exit System ...

DHS | Department of Homeland Security

... "As US VISIT moves toward fulfilling its vision for an automated entry-exit system at the land border ports of entry into the United States, US VISIT is continuing to improve the border management system by planning tests of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at the U.S. land borders." ...

Radio Frequency Identification Technology ...

DHS | Department of Homeland Security

... "What is Radio Frequency Identification Technology? Radio frequency (RFID) identification technology refers to wireless systems that allow a device to read information contained in a wireless device or tag from a distance without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight between the two. It provides a method to transmit and receive data from one point to another. RFID technology has been commercially available in one form or another since the 1970s. It is now part of our daily lives and can be found in car keys, highway toll tags and security access cards, as well as in environments where bar code labeling, which requires physical contact or a line of sight, is impractical or less effective. RFID has established itself in a wide range of markets including automated vehicle identification systems because of its ability to track moving objects." ...

Land Border Radio Frequency Technology ...

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

... "The optimal technology will allow for a unique and automatic identifier issued to pedestrians and visitors crossing in vehicles. The benefits of deploying RF technology at the land border allows for the automatic recording of visitors arrival and departure. The test of this technology is designed to occur in multiple ports that illustrate various weather and traffic conditions. " ...

Radio Frequency Level: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Fact Sheet: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

... "Radio frequencies emanating from RFID tags are far below the levels that could cause any harm to human health and below the typical ambient radio frequencies most people are exposed to in the United States on a daily basis from devices such as TVs and radios. Like these other devices, RFID tags and readers are regulated and their safety is certified by the Federal Communications Commission." ...

RFID Reader: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

DHS | Department of Homeland Security | Fact Sheet: Radio Frequency Identification Technology

... "In its simplest form in common use today, a passive RFID system works as follows: an RFID reader transmits via its antenna an electromagnetic radio frequency signal to a passive RFID tag. The reader receives information back from the tag and sends it to a computer that controls the reader and processes the information that has been retrieved from the tag. Passive tags do not have batteries and operate using the energy they receive from signals sent by a reader. " ...

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet ...

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet on Radio Frequency Identification Technology

Homeland Security develops fact-sheet, or position paper, on the role of RFID in the US VISIT program ...

From Department of Homeland Security (press release) ... Radio frequency (RFID) identification technology refers to wireless systems that allow a device to read information contained in a wireless device or “tag ...

... US VISIT is exploring the use of RFID technology as a tool that will better enable the program to fulfill its goals, which are to enhance the security of our citizens and visitors, facilitate legitimate travel and trade to and from the United States, ensure the integrity of our immigration system and protect the privacy of our visitors. RFID technology can improve the ability to match entries to exits without impacting processing time at the land borders and record arrivals and departures of a visitor in pedestrian and vehicle lanes – rapidly, accurately and reliably. It will also allow US VISIT to detect a visitor’s tag and provide the primary inspection process with information and a mechanism for establishing an accurate and timely record of exits without slowing a traveler through the process. Finally, RFID can also provide solutions that are not invasive and that protect the privacy of visitors.

Overview: As US VISIT moves toward improving the automated entry-exit system at the nation’s land border ports of entry, RFID technology offers a potential solution for an entry-exit operation that better facilitates legitimate travel and trade. Radio frequencies emanating from RFID tags are far below the levels that could cause any harm to human health and below the typical ambient radio frequencies most people are exposed to in the United States on a daily basis from devices such as TVs and radios. Like these other devices, RFID tags and readers are regulated and their safety is certified by the Federal Communications Commission. ...

US-VISIT continues to test technologies that will help it better achieve its mission to enhance security of our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders.

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet ...

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet on Radio Frequency Identification Technology

Homeland Security develops fact-sheet, or position paper, on the role of RFID in the US VISIT program ...

From Department of Homeland Security (press release) ... Radio frequency (RFID) identification technology refers to wireless systems that allow a device to read information contained in a wireless device or “tag ...

... US VISIT is exploring the use of RFID technology as a tool that will better enable the program to fulfill its goals, which are to enhance the security of our citizens and visitors, facilitate legitimate travel and trade to and from the United States, ensure the integrity of our immigration system and protect the privacy of our visitors. RFID technology can improve the ability to match entries to exits without impacting processing time at the land borders and record arrivals and departures of a visitor in pedestrian and vehicle lanes – rapidly, accurately and reliably. It will also allow US VISIT to detect a visitor’s tag and provide the primary inspection process with information and a mechanism for establishing an accurate and timely record of exits without slowing a traveler through the process. Finally, RFID can also provide solutions that are not invasive and that protect the privacy of visitors.

Overview: As US VISIT moves toward improving the automated entry-exit system at the nation’s land border ports of entry, RFID technology offers a potential solution for an entry-exit operation that better facilitates legitimate travel and trade. Radio frequencies emanating from RFID tags are far below the levels that could cause any harm to human health and below the typical ambient radio frequencies most people are exposed to in the United States on a daily basis from devices such as TVs and radios. Like these other devices, RFID tags and readers are regulated and their safety is certified by the Federal Communications Commission. ...

US-VISIT continues to test technologies that will help it better achieve its mission to enhance security of our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders.

Homeland Security Drives RFID Technology for Border Management ...

Homeland Security Drives RFID Technology for Border Management: Homeland Security Announces Plans to Test Radio Frequency ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... announced today that US-VISIT is continuing to improve the border management system by planning tests of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at ...

... Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security for the United States Department of Homeland Security, announced today that US-VISIT is continuing to improve the border management system by planning tests of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at the U.S. land border. ...

The goals of US-VISIT are to enhance the security of our citizens and visitors; facilitate legitimate travel and trade; ensure the integrity of our immigration system; and protect the privacy of our visitors. US-VISIT is a continuum of security measures that begins overseas and continues through entry and exit. Experience has shown that the US-VISIT enrollment process is fast, easy to understand and simple for visitors.

Technology for Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Credential TWIC Prototype ...

Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Credential TWIC Prototype: SAFLINK Announces Subcontract for US Dept. of Homeland Security ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SAFLINK(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: SFLK), the leading provider of biometric and smart card security solutions, today announced its ...

... SAFLINK(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: SFLK), the leading provider of biometric and smart card security solutions, today announced its selection as a key technology provider to BearingPoint, Inc. for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) prototype phase contract awarded to BearingPoint on August 10th. This is the third phase in a massive initiative designed to improve security at seaports, airports, rail, pipeline, trucking, and mass transit facilities by creating a nationwide credential to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to secure areas. ...

SAFLINK Corporation offers biometric security and smart card solutions that protect intellectual property, secure information assets, and eliminate passwords. SAFLINK's software provides Identity Assurance Management(TM), allowing administrators to verify the identity of users and control their access to: computer networks; physical facilities; applications; manufacturing process control systems; and time and attendance systems. We also offer protection for popular applications such as e-mail, instant messaging, web transactions, and individual files.

Additional resources on the Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Credential TWIC prototype ...

Department of Homeland Security | Department of Homeland: Fact Sheet: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Prototype. The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA ...

Transportation Security Administration | TSA TWIC Program: consisted of a broad array of transportation workers. ... stakeholder working groups to identify and resolve ... Department of Homeland Security; National Institute of ...

BearingPoint Awarded $12 Million TWIC Prototype Contract: "The TWIC program is a win-win for transportation workers and for the security of our homeland," said Rear Adm. ...

TWIC Phase III Project Goes Live at Four Sites, BearingPoint: Homeland Security - Transportation Security Administration has launched its prototype Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program at four ...

RFID Asset Tracking: Multispectral Solutions to Deliver UWB Precision Asset Location ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA  ... The company's PAL650 Precision Asset Location system is the world's first FCC-certified, UWB-based, active RFID and tracking system for personnel and high ...

... Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) has received an order from Parco Merged Media Corporation, its healthcare licensee, for the delivery of its ultra wideband (UWB) PAL650(TM) Precision Asset Location system hardware for use in Washington Hospital Center's (WHC) ER1 project. The WHC ER1 Mass Casualty Response project is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative to prepare the U.S. for large-scale emergencies, including terrorist attacks. WHC received casualties from the Pentagon on September 11th. The "All Risks Ready" ER1 is a prototype crisis center being developed to deal with national emergencies including nuclear, biological and chemical attack. ...

Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI), established in 1989 in Germantown, MD, is a pioneer and established industry leader in the development of ultra wideband (UWB) systems for communications, radar and precision positioning applications. The company's PAL650 Precision Asset Location system is the world's first FCC-certified, UWB-based, active RFID and tracking system for personnel and high valued assets.

RFID Smart Cards: US May Use New ID Cards At Borders

From Washington Post ... One key ingredient is a rapidly emerging but controversial technology known as RFID, or radio frequency identification, which companies are increasingly using ...

The Accenture-led Smart Border Alliance has been selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to design and implement the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program. Under the contract, which includes five base years plus five option years, the Smart Border Alliance will help develop and implement a new entry/exit system to be deployed at the nation’s more than 400 air, land and sea ports of entry. Smart cards - Multi-purpose cards used as a portable database and more versatile than RFID. Never big in the United States, but have widespread use in the rest of the world.

Accenture Transport Security Services incorporates enabling technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and sensors, to make products and their transport environments intelligent and interactive. The prototype also builds on a system using embedded computers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), as well as fingerprint and iris recognition biometric technologies. Innovative companies in a variety of industries are beginning to use Telematics as an essential tool for enhancing their business performance. Beyond driver services, Telematics opens up new possibilities for process optimization, cost cutting and cross-selling based on a better understanding of equipment usage and customer behavior.

Accenture LLP is the U.S.-based business of Accenture, the global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilize the right people, skills, and technologies to help clients improve their performance. With approximately 90,000 people in 48 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$11.8 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2003. Its home page is www.accenture.com.