National Science and Technology Council

The National Biometrics Challenge National Science and Technology Council

The NSTC Subcommittee on Biometrics prepared and published the original National Biometrics Challenge in August 2006. That report identified key challenges in advancing biometrics development. It was based upon analysis of the unique attributes of biometrics, the market forces and societal issues driving implementation of biometrics and the advances required for next-generation capabilities. A further prioritization was done within the Subcommittee, and the top third of priorities received about 83 percent of Federal funding. During the last five years, evolving mission needs, coupled with advances in technology, have necessitated a new look at research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) priorities. This 2011 update to the Challenge examines the many advances made as government, academia and the private sector responded to the - challenge issued in 2006. It further delineates some of the complex issues that, five years later, have yet to be fully addressed. It acknowledges that the understanding of requirements has increased with experience while the advance of technology raises capabilities and expectations. Government and industry have a common challenge to provide robust identity management tools and to deploy those tools intelligently to meet national and international needs. Collaboration among the biometrics community - government, industry and academia - on these common challenges remains essential.