Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission

Founded by the renowned aerospace designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites LLC (part of Northrop Grumman) is an aerospace company, located at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California.

Scaled Composites LLC is a contractor for the US Department of Defense (DoD) and specializes in the development of new technologies and innovations, particularly in the field of aviation. As a contractor, Scaled Composites is responsible for performing all the necessary steps involved in developing new technologies, from idea conception to final testing and evaluation.

Scaled Composites LLC focuses on pursuing cost-effective development projects delivered on a short schedule. Much of this work results in a new aircraft concept allowing them to fly an average of one new aircraft type per year.

This case study corresponds to Scaled Composites LLC and Bayometric’s deal to deploy the Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT Applicant) system in order to electronically process the Scaled Composites’ employee clearance for the DoD.

Industries that participate or are seeking to participate in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) are required to comply with a fingerprint background check mandate for all applicants. This mandate is in place to ensure industrial security by providing nominal access to classified data that is under government control, such as Personally Identifiable Information and biometric data.

The background check process is an important part of the security clearance process for accessing classified information, and it helps to ensure that only individuals who meet the necessary requirements are granted access.

By requiring fingerprint background checks, the government can confirm the identity of individuals and check for any criminal history or other factors that may disqualify them from accessing sensitive information. This is an essential step in maintaining the security of classified data and ensuring that it remains protected from unauthorized access.

Since Scaled Composites LLC is a DoD contractor, its employees need to go through DoJ and FBI background checks in order to access Department of Defence resources. Scaled Composites was looking for a seamless and hassle-free process to submit fingerprints for its personnel through SWFT.

Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT)

Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT) is a software system that allows for the electronic collection and secure transmission of fingerprint data. It is a web-enabled system that is maintained by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), which is an agency responsible for handling data generated from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) activities. DMDC is responsible for both funding and operations of the SWFT system. The SWFT system is designed to enhance security and efficiency in the collection and transmission of fingerprint data for a variety of applications, including personnel background checks, security clearances, and criminal investigations.

Scaled Composites LLC’s wanted a secure and hassle-free process to submit fingerprints for its personnel through SWFT. With this in mind, the company conducted market research, compare available solutions, and decided to get Bayometric’s SWFT Applicant System. Bayometric’s SWFT Applicant System is designed to capture fingerprint images electronically, upload them to the SWFT server, and send them to OPM/FBI.

Bayometric’s SWFT Applicant System can do all-electronic processing including electronic capture of fingerprints, electronic capture of demographic data, and signature capture. It supports both type 4 (standard) and type 14 (enhanced) fingerprint images.

The system complies with the image quality requirements for live scan specified by the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (IAFIS), as set out in the Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification (EBTS) 9.3 Appendix F.

It didn’t take Scaled Composites LLC too long to finalize the deal and we delivered our SWFT Applicant System as per the agreed terms and timeline. Our tech experts helped deploy the system and it was all set up and ready to make its first submission.

We wanted Scaled Composites to use the system over a period of time before we approached them for feedback. We spoke with Thomas Craven who is the Security Manager/Facility Security Officer (FSO) at Scaled Composites. He is responsible for Background checks of Employees at the company. We were keen to know how they were doing with our system.

According to Thomas the system was “Easy to use, and understand, the process was quick and straightforward.” When we asked how it compares with your previous system, he said – “Your system is much better, and more secure, with better security features and user experience.” Thomas also told us that they have not had an instance of fingerprint rejection.

In our further quest to get the overall picture, we figured that Scaled Composites LLC was able to achieve several business benefits from the new system. These benefits include:

Enhanced security

Bayometric’s SWFT Applicant System provides a secure way to collect and transmit sensitive fingerprint data, which is essential for ensuring the security of classified information. Completed Fingerprint files are uploaded to the SWFT system for validation and transmission to OPM.

Improved efficiency

By allowing for electronic fingerprint collection and submission, Bayometric’s SWFT Applicant System streamlines the security clearance process and reduces the time and resources required to conduct background checks. Users can collect, save and submit fingerprints to meet Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT), OPM, and FBI standards.

Standardization

The SWFT Applicant System provides a standardized process for conducting fingerprint background checks, which helps to ensure consistency and fairness in the security clearance process.

Simplified record keeping

Bayometric’s SWFT Applicant System maintains electronic records of fingerprint data, which makes it easier to manage and store this information in a secure and organized manner.

Cost savings

By reducing the need for paper-based fingerprint records and other manual processes, the SWFT system can help to reduce costs associated with the security clearance process.

Overall, Bayometric’s SWFT Applicant System helps DoD contractors to more efficiently and effectively manage the security clearance process, while also maintaining the highest standards of security and data protection.