#United States #Reston #Leidos #FBI #NGI System

FBI Teams Up with Leidos to Revamp Biometric Systems

In a significant move to enhance public safety and law enforcement capabilities, the FBI has awarded a $128 million task order to Leidos, a technology and engineering leader. This award is aimed at modernizing the Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, which serves as the bureau's biometric and criminal history repository. The NGI system is not just any database; it's the world's largest electronic repository of such sensitive information, making it critical for law enforcement agencies in their investigative efforts.

The Importance of the NGI System

The NGI system provides a multitude of data related to biometric and criminal histories, thereby facilitating advanced investigative capabilities for the FBI and other associated agencies. Managed by the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division within the FBI, this system empowers law enforcement to quickly and accurately identify individuals involved in criminal activities.

With Leidos' extensive history in developing mission-critical systems, their task involves implementing agile software development practices to modernize the existing NGI infrastructure. Leidos has previously collaborated with the FBI to enhance the system's accuracy to an impressive 99.6% for fingerprint identification—a remarkable feat that illustrates the importance of leveraging technology in law enforcement operations.

Innovative Features and Future Capabilities

The new modernization program under Leidos promises various innovative features that include mobile applications, biometric algorithms, automated testing, and the integration of emerging technologies. These advancements are set to double down on the efficiency and effectiveness of the NGI system, providing law enforcement agencies with necessary tools to combat crimes more effectively.

Roy Stevens, the president of Leidos' National Security Sector, noted the long-standing relationship between Leidos and the FBI, emphasizing that their collaborative efforts are geared towards delivering mission-critical biometric systems. According to Stevens, this modernized system will facilitate many more criminal identifications, thus playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of communities across America.

Long-Term Partnerships for National Safety

The awarded task order covers a one-year base period with four additional option years, indicating a commitment to ongoing improvements and partnerships focused on national security. This structured timeline also reassures the public and law enforcement bodies of the consistent enhancements being made to critical infrastructure.

Leidos has been recognized for its contribution to various sectors, especially in defense and information technology. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the company boasts a global workforce of approximately 47,000 employees and reported annual revenues nearing $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2025. This substantial backing allows Leidos to undertake transformative projects such as the NGI system modernization.

Conclusion

The partnership between the FBI and Leidos marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies through technology. As the world increasingly turns to technology to find solutions to age-old problems, initiatives like these highlight the importance of innovation in public safety. The successful implementation of this modernization will not only aid in criminal identification but also serve as a benchmark for future technology-oriented collaborations between government bodies and private enterprises.

For more insights and updates on this initiative, stay tuned as we follow the developments in this crucial effort to bolster crime prevention and public safety.