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Learn about the Biometrics Subcommittee

Biometric

Get Involved and Let's Work Together!

Join our vibrant community to contribute to the biometrics schema's evolution, engage in dynamic discussions, and stay updated. 

To engage with us, submit issues or feedback, or inquire about membership, reach out to us at: obimfuturesidentityniem@hq.dhs.gov

Contact Biometrics

 

Engage with Our Community: 

  • Join our Member List: Stay informed about the latest developments and opportunities.
  • Share Your Recommendations: Your insights are invaluable and help us address the evolving needs within the biometrics field.
  • Report Any Issues or Needs: We want to hear about any challenges or requirements you encounter so we can work together to find solutions.

Collaborate for Continuous Improvement:

  • Your engagement helps us improve and evolve the biometrics subcommittee. By working together, we can ensure that our efforts meet the highest standards and address the real-world needs of our community.

Stay Connected:

  • Contact Us: Reach out to us at OBIMFuturesIdentityNIEM@hq.dhs.gov  for any inquiries, issues, or contributions.
  • Visit the NIEMOpen Biometrics Page for Updates and Events!

Learn About the Biometrics Subcommittee

Mission

The NIEMOpen Biometrics Subcommittee is a key player in a US Federal initiative aimed at enhancing security, intelligence, law enforcement, international trade, and immigration through advanced identity management and assurance practices. Our focus is on providing technical support, which includes reviewing Information Exchange Package Documentation (IEPDs), aligning organizational systems and policies, and delivering specialized training in Biometrics at various organizations and conferences.

Governance

Established in July 2012, the Subcommittee operates under the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It functions under the guidance of an executive committee, with John Boyd (OBIM) as Chair, Mark Allen Department of Justice (DOJ)/ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Ryan Triplett Department of Defense (DoD)/ Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency (DFBA) as Co-Chairs, and Diane Stephens and Jennifer Stathakis National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as Ombudsman.

Our milestones include the introduction of the first comprehensive biometrics schema in NIEM 3.0 (2013) and further advancements to biometrics content with NIEM 4.1 (2018), NIEM 4.2 (2019), NIEM 5.1 (2021), NIEM 5.2 (2022) releases demonstrating significant strides in advancing and harmonizing biometric standards across NIEMOpen, NIST and International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

Active Participation

The Subcommittee maintains a member list which includes biometrics stakeholders across the federal and private organizations. Subcommittee stakeholders and members have the opportunity to actively participate in the development of the biometrics schema. The biometrics schema is closely aligned to existing and emerging biometrics standards as put forth by the NIST, including the ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011: Update 2015 that includes new biometric modalities.

The Biometrics subcommittee standard works from this base standard and harmonizes across member and stakeholder organizational biometric needs. Members can participate in the NIEMOpen Biometrics Subcommittee Working Group (NBSWG) led working sessions where schema and code list reviews occur, in addition to data quality and technical review.

Subcommittee in Action

We always want to maintain a dynamic engagement with our community. Throughout the year, the Biometrics Subcommittee updates its members and stakeholders via quarterly newsletters on subcommittee highlights and offers opportunities for contributions on emerging topics, sharing suggestions and ideas. Through its high level of engagement, the Biometrics Subcommittee captures and promotes operational best practices.

For instance, the Biometrics Subcommittee was awarded the Best of NIEM award for Exceptional Domain Stewardship in 2021, recognized in 2019 for outstanding UML achievement and awarded Honorable Mention in the Best of NIEM for 2013 for related success stories. Biometrics also participates in the NIEMOpen Business Architecture Committee (NBAC) and associated working groups.