Biometrics Operations

Mission / Purpose

The Biometrics Operations Branch (BOB) is responsible for the technical operations, maintenance, and safeguarding of the ABIS, the DoD authoritative biometrics repository, which provides matching services to BIMA customers. Our customers include tactical and strategic DoD organizations and commands, other agencies within the U.S. government, and international partners. The Branch combines watch desk, systems management, and examination services activities.

BOB Section Overview

The Watch Desk prioritizes operational activities of the DoD ABIS to provide operational feedback to designated biometrics customers. Watch Branch staff observe and track requests for assistance from customers, assist with tracking BIMA action items, and monitor the DoD ABIS Operations Center 24 x 7 x 365.

The Systems Management Section provides 24 x 7 x 365 automated biometrics matching services and technical data sharing across the spectrum of DoD missions and functions.

The Examination Services Section provides 24 x 7 x 365 service in support of the exploitation of forensic evidence collected by the DoD and Coalition, interagency, and international partners.

Groups/Members Pertaining to this Section

The BOB works closely with other branches, user organizations, acquisition personnel, and internal and external communities of interest.

Accomplishments

The Watch Desk answers thousands of calls and e-mails annually providing battlefield commanders and the intelligence community with vital information necessary to make real-time decisions. The Systems Management Section maintains a 99.5% availability for DoD ABIS despite a 53% increase in total ten-print submissions a 108% increase in latent fingerprint submissions. The Examination Services Branch has seen a 271% increase in the number of latent fingerprint submissions to the DoD ABIS resulting in a 27% increase in the number of latent matches.