DHS Needs to Update Its Strategy to Better Manage Its Biometric Capability Needs

Date Issued

Monday, September 25, 2023

Submitting OIG

Department of Homeland Security OIG

Other Participating OIGs

Department of Homeland Security OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Homeland Security

Report Number

OIG-23-58

Report Description

The Department of Homeland Security does not have an up-to-date strategic plan to manage biometric capabilities across the Department. DHS issued a biometrics strategic framework covering 2015–2025 to address biometric capability gaps and advance biometric use across DHS.

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Open Recommendations

This report has 4 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Under Secretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans update and finalize the DHS biometric strategic plan.
3	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Under Secretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans, in collaboration with key stakeholders, develop and implement a department-wide policy for the collection and use of all biometric modalities.
3	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Under Secretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans, in collaboration with key stakeholders, develop and implement a department-wide policy for the collection and use of all biometric modalities.
4	No	$0	$0
We recommend the Under Secretary for Management, as chair of the Biometric Capabilities Executive Steering Committee, ensure the committee coordinates efforts to develop a transition plan to integrate U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Biometric Entry-Exit system with the Office of Biometric Identity Management’s Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology system.