Unisys starts work on SBInet

Unisys announced today that it has begun work on the first phase of the Homeland Security Department’s Secure Border Initiative, SBInet.

Unisys is on the Boeing-led team that won the SBInet contract Sept. 21, to be performed over three years with three one-year options. The estimated $2.5 billion contract aims to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection with advanced border protection tools, including an initial 800-mile system of observation technology to detect intruders.

Using its 3D Visible Enterprise approach – a comprehensive look into all layers and interdependencies of an operation – Unisys said it worked with CBP experts, former Border Patrol agents and engineers to create and test operations concepts for optimal border control.

The Boeing team used the tested concepts and converted DHS’ objectives into requirements that meet the contract proposal. In its statement, Unisys said it will continue to support Boeing’s modeling and simulations to create solutions for each border implementation.

Unisys’ real-time information sharing will also help the Border Patrol meet each situation with appropriate resources and determine how to legally handle each person apprehended.

Ultimately, Unisys will integrate biometric authentication into the system so agents will be able to capture the 10 fingerprints of people they apprehend and compare them instantly with prints stored in government databases.

“Unisys brought vision, expertise and solutions to the process that were invaluable in formulating our team’s proposal,” said Wayne Esser, Boeing’s director of Integrated Defense and Security, in the statement.

As SBInet gets under way, Unisys will integrate, deploy and maintain the information systems necessary for CBP to detect, identify, apprehend and process people who attempt to cross the border illegally. In partnership with CBP’s Office of Information Technology, Unisys will supply the systems and infrastructure that will give agents and field officers timely information and enable them to collaborate with other response and law enforcement agencies.

“Comprehensive information sharing and integration will give Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement authorities the ability to be proactive, rather than reactive, in their efforts to secure the U.S. borders and control illegal immigration,” Greg Baroni, president of Unisys Federal Systems, said in the statement.