What is SWFT Fingerprinting? DCSA-SWFT and SWFT+ Explained

Federal contractors, defense organizations, government agencies and other organizations that handle personnel security requirements often need to submit fingerprints for background investigations. Mailing physical fingerprint cards can add time and manual work to the process. This is where SWFT fingerprinting provides a faster and more controlled electronic alternative.

SWFT stands for Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission. It allows authorized organizations to submit electronic fingerprint files for personnel security investigations. However, the terminology can become confusing because you may come across DCSA SWFT, SWFT+, eFP files and live scan fingerprinting while researching about the process.

These terms are related, but they do not all mean the same thing. For example, DCSA SWFT is used by cleared contractors, while defense organizations use SWFT+. The hardware and software requirements can also differ depending on which system an organization uses.

SWFT fingerprinting is the process of capturing an individual’s fingerprints electronically and preparing them for submission through the Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission system. It is mainly used for personnel security investigations and background checks connected with government and cleared contractor requirements.

Instead of mailing paper fingerprint cards, authorized organizations can capture fingerprints digitally and prepare an electronic fingerprint file for transmission. This can make the process faster, reduce manual handling and provide greater control over fingerprint quality.

The process starts by collecting the applicant’s demographic information and capturing fingerprints with a compatible live scan device. The fingerprint images are then reviewed for quality and packaged into an electronic file that meets the required specifications.

The resulting eFP file can then be transmitted through the appropriate SWFT system by an authorized organization. The exact workflow depends on whether the user is working with DCSA SWFT or SWFT+, as access, software and submission processes may differ.

Electronic fingerprint capture offers several advantages over traditional ink-and-roll cards. Operators can review each SWFT fingerprint immediately and recapture any poor-quality impressions before completing the process.

This reduces the risk of delays caused by smudged, incomplete or low-quality fingerprints. Electronic workflows also remove the need to mail physical cards, helping security and compliance teams manage personnel security processes more efficiently.

DCSA SWFT is the Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission service associated with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. It allows authorized cleared contractors to submit electronic fingerprints in support of personnel security investigations.

For companies working with classified information or supporting government contracts, DCSA SWFT can provide a secure and efficient way to transmit fingerprint data without relying entirely on physical fingerprint cards and postal delivery.

Cleared contractors need to process fingerprints for employees who require security clearances. Using DCSA SWFT, an authorized organization can electronically submit fingerprint files rather than mailing physical cards.

This helps shorten timelines and improve control over the submission process. Security officers and compliance teams can also address fingerprint quality issues during capture rather than realizing them after a physical card has already been mailed and processed.

Organizations generally need appropriate authorization, access to the required system, a compatible live scan fingerprint scanner and software capable of collecting demographic information and creating a compliant eFP file.

For DCSA SWFT users, Bayometric provides both live scan hardware and software. Bayometric SWFT Applicant helps capture fingerprints and demographic data and prepares electronic fingerprint files for SWFT transmission.

SWFT+ is a fingerprint submission system used by Department of Defense organizations. Although its purpose is related to electronic fingerprint transmission, it is different from the DCSA SWFT workflow used by cleared contractors.

This difference matters when choosing hardware and software. Defense organizations using SWFT+ receive the required software from the government, so they generally need compatible fingerprint capture hardware rather than third-party SWFT file creation software.

SWFT+ is intended for Department of Defense organizations that need to capture and submit fingerprints for personnel security and background investigation purposes.

Because the government provides the SWFT+ software, these organizations should focus on choosing a fingerprint scanner that is compatible with the process and meets applicable fingerprint image requirements. They do not generally need to purchase separate commercial software for creating the submission file.

For organizations using SWFT+, Bayometric provides compatible fingerprint scanner hardware. It does not provide the SWFT+ application itself because that software is supplied by the government.

This is an important difference for buyers. A cleared contractor using DCSA SWFT may need both hardware and software, while a defense organization using SWFT+ may only need a suitable scanner to work with its government-provided application.

SWFT is not a general-purpose public fingerprint submission system. Access depends on the organization’s role, eligibility and authorization. Cleared contractors, federal agencies, defense organizations and approved service providers may participate in different ways depending on the applicable system and personnel security requirements.

Understanding eligibility before buying equipment is important because the correct workflow depends on who is submitting fingerprints and through which government system.

Cleared contractors can use DCSA SWFT when properly authorized to support personnel security investigations. A facility security officer or another authorized security professional may manage fingerprint submissions for employees who need background investigations or security clearances.

Organizations should confirm their eligibility and account requirements before investing in a secure web fingerprint transmission workflow. Having a scanner and software does not automatically provide authorization to access or submit through SWFT.

Third-party fingerprint service providers can play an important role in helping organizations capture fingerprints and prepare electronic fingerprint files. However, their ability to transmit files depends on authorization and the specific SWFT workflow.

Some cleared contractors use approved third parties for fingerprint capture rather than purchasing their own equipment. Others prefer an in-house setup because it provides greater control over scheduling, quality and sensitive applicant information.

SWFT and SWFT+ both support electronic fingerprint processing, but they serve different users and have different software requirements. Not understanding the difference between the two can lead an organization to buy unnecessary software or select hardware that does not fit its actual environment.

The simplest distinction is that cleared contractors generally use DCSA SWFT, while Department of Defense organizations use SWFT+.

DCSA SWFT allows eligible cleared contractors to submit electronic fingerprints for personnel security investigations. These organizations may need a live scan scanner and approved software capable of capturing fingerprints, collecting demographic data and generating a compliant eFP file.

Bayometric provides both hardware and SWFT Applicant software for clients using this process. The system prepares fingerprint records for transmission, while actual SWFT access remains subject to government authorization.

SWFT+ is designed for defense organizations and its software is provided by the government. Therefore, an organization using SWFT+ typically does not need to purchase separate software component for file generation.

Bayometric supports these clients by providing compatible live scan fingerprint scanners. This distinction helps organizations avoid unnecessary purchases and focus only on the hardware required for their government provided SWFT+ environment.

An eFP file is an electronic fingerprint file used to package fingerprint images and related demographic information for electronic transmission. It plays a vital role in the SWFT fingerprinting process because it carries the applicant’s biometric and identifying data in a digital format.

Creating the file correctly is important. Incorrect demographic information, missing data or poor fingerprint images can result in processing problems and delays.

An eFP file typically includes fingerprint images and demographic information, which is required to identify the applicant and support the relevant background investigation. Depending on the application, this can include details such as the applicant’s name, date of birth, physical characteristics and other required data.

The software should guide the operator through data collection and help ensure that required fields are completed before the electronic fingerprint record is finalized.

A technically accurate electronic file is not enough if the fingerprints inside it are of poor quality. Smudged, incomplete, distorted or weak ridge detail can make fingerprint images difficult to process.

Live scan software allows operators to review fingerprint quality during capture. If a SWFT fingerprint is unacceptable, it can be recaptured immediately, which reduces the risk of discovering a quality problem after submission.

Organizations planning to capture fingerprints in-house generally need a compatible live scan fingerprint scanner. The scanner replaces traditional ink-and-roll fingerprint capture by collecting rolled and flat fingerprint impressions electronically.

However, the right device depends on whether the organization uses DCSA SWFT, SWFT+ or any other fingerprint submission application. Compatibility should always be confirmed before purchasing hardware.

For a DCSA SWFT workflow, the scanner should work with the software used to capture fingerprints and create the required electronic file. Organizations should look for reliable ten-print devices capable of capturing high-quality rolled and flat fingerprint images.

The scanner, software and operating environment should be evaluated as a complete system. Buying a scanner without first confirming software compatibility can lead to unnecessary operational problems.

Defense organizations using SWFT+ should choose hardware that works with the government provided software. Since these organizations already receive the application from the government, the main requirement is a compatible fingerprint capture device.

Bayometric can provide fingerprint scanners for SWFT+ clients, helping organizations choose a device suitable for their existing environment without selling them unnecessary commercial SWFT software.

For cleared contractors that regularly process employees for personnel security investigations, bringing fingerprint capture in-house can offer greater control and convenience. However, it is not always the right choice for every organization.

The decision depends on fingerprinting volume, staff availability, security policies, location and the cost of relying on third-party providers.

An in-house SWFT fingerprinting setup gives organizations more control over appointment scheduling and fingerprint quality. Employees do not need to travel to an outside provider and poor prints can be recaptured immediately.

Organizations also gain more direct control over applicant data and file preparation. For companies that process fingerprints regularly, these operational benefits can make an in-house system more practical than repeatedly outsourcing fingerprint capture.

Organizations with very low fingerprinting volume may find it more economical to use a third-party fingerprint provider. This avoids the initial investment in scanners, software, training and workstation setup.

However, businesses should consider more than the upfront cost. Employee travel time, appointment delays, provider availability and data handling practices can all affect the true cost and convenience of outsourcing.

The terminology surrounding SWFT fingerprinting can be confusing, especially for organizations setting up electronic fingerprint capture for the first time. The following answers covers some of the most common questions from cleared contractors, federal agencies, security officers, HR teams and fingerprint providers.

SWFT is the general abbreviation for Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission, while DCSA SWFT refers specifically to the service associated with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. In everyday use, people may use the terms interchangeably, but it is useful to understand the specific system and user group involved when selecting fingerprint equipment or software.

Not exactly. Live scan is the technology used to capture fingerprints electronically. SWFT is a system specifically used to securely transmit electronic fingerprint files for eligible personnel security investigations. A live scan scanner may be used to capture fingerprints for a SWFT submission, but live scan technology also supports many other applications other than SWFT.

If your organization intends to submit fingerprints directly through DCSA SWFT, it generally needs the appropriate authorization and account access. Simply purchasing a scanner or software does not automatically provide SWFT access. Organizations should confirm current eligibility, account registration and submission requirements through official DCSA guidance before setting up an in-house workflow.

SWFT uses electronic fingerprint files commonly referred to as eFP files. These files contain fingerprint images and required demographic information in a digital format suitable for electronic transmission.

Third-party fingerprint providers can help capture fingerprints and prepare electronic files, but the exact submission arrangement depends on authorization and the applicable SWFT requirements. Some organizations outsource the complete process, while others may use a provider only for fingerprint capture and manage transmission internally. Always verify the provider’s capabilities and current government requirements.

The main difference is the intended user and software arrangement. DCSA SWFT is commonly used by cleared contractors, which may need commercial software and compatible fingerprint hardware. SWFT+ is used by Department of Defense organizations and the government provides the software. Bayometric therefore provides hardware and software for DCSA SWFT clients, but only compatible scanner hardware for SWFT+ clients.

Understanding what is SWFT becomes easier once the different parts of the process are separated. Live scan technology captures fingerprints electronically, an eFP file packages fingerprint and demographic information and DCSA SWFT provides the secure transmission environment for authorized users. SWFT+ serves defense organizations through a different government provided software workflow.

For cleared contractors, bringing fingerprint capture in-house can eliminate employee travel, improve scheduling and provide greater control over fingerprint quality. For defense organizations using SWFT+, choosing compatible scanner hardware is the main consideration because the software is supplied by the government.