The Internal Revenue Service has ordered 52 Cross Match digital fingerprinting systems from Cross Match Technologies, to use in conducting fingerprint-based background checks on employees and contractors.
The IRS ordered the Cross Match ID 500 "live scan" systems to capture and forward electronic fingerprint records to the Office of Personnel Management from multiple field offices. The order covers services for a four-year period and will allow images to be accepted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's integrated automated fingerprint identification system.
Features of the systems include an integrated LCD touch panel that guides the operator through the fingerprinting process; fingerprint quality checks; automatic capture of fingerprints; automated calibration; and the ability to capture fingerprints from individuals who are difficult to fingerprint, such as people with overly dry or moist fingers.
The Cross ID 500 system is upgradeable and should speed IRS compliance with Homeland Security requirements. The rules require vetting of federal employees and contractors, and the issuance of a standardized biometric-enabled employee ID card for uses such as fingerprint door access control and computer access control.
In the summer of 2003, Cross Match Technologies announced prices for the fingerprinting systems first dipped below the $10,000 mark, when it supplied units to the FBI.
