Director's Message

In this issue of The Biometric Scan, I am pleased to announce to our readers an exciting change for the Biometrics Task Force (BTF). On 23 Mar 10, the Secretary of the Army signed the Department of the Army General Orders (DAGO) authorizing redesignation of the U.S. Army Biometrics Task Force (BTF) as the U.S. Army Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA).

This redesignation represents a pivotal milestone in our organization’s history. BIMA has now been established as a permanent, abiding organization, rather than a temporary task force. Permanent status ensures that biometrics endures as an enabling capability for DoD via the Department’s Identity Management (IdM) strategy. read more »

Biometrics Identity Management Agency Overview

Department of Defense (DoD) senior leadership has recognized the important role that biometrics play in prosecuting the global war on terrorism, protecting our troops, and securing national security interests. The Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA), as per DoD Directive 8521 01E, serves to:

• Act as the DoD proponent for biometrics
• Lead in the development and implementation of biometric technologies for Combatant Commands (COCOMS), Services, and Agencies
• Deliver capabilities in order to contribute to the enhancement of the biometric community
• Increase Joint Service interoperability
• Empower the warfighter by improving operational effectiveness on the battlefield

BIMA Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did BTF make its official transition as the Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA)?
2. What is the brief history behind BTF's transition to BIMA?
3. How is BIMA different from BTF?
4. Will the organization's structure change?
5. What is the significance of the name change?

Find out the answers to these questions on the BIMA FAQs page.