BIOMETRIC ENABLING CAPABILITY (BEC)

The Biometric Enabling Capability (BEC) is a critical line item within the Army's Other Procurement budget, specifically under the Communications and Electronics Equipment sub-activity. The primary goal of the BEC program is to provide continuous, 24/7 operational support for time-sensitive missions that require near real-time biometric identification of known or suspected threat actors. This capability is essential for supporting Joint-All-Domain-Operations (JADO) and is designed to enhance the Army's ability to accurately identify and detain individuals involved in espionage, sabotage, terrorist activities, and other hostile actions against U.S. forces and partner nations worldwide.

The Biometric Enabling Capability 1 (BEC 1) is the current focus of this line item. BEC 1 delivers both automated and manual biometric matching services, which are crucial for the Warfighter's ability to make rapid and informed decisions in operational environments. The system supports the collection, processing, and analysis of biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. This enables the Army to link individuals to criminal or terrorist activities with a high degree of certainty and is vital for maintaining force protection and supporting counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and law enforcement operations.

The program's objectives for FY 2026 include the procurement of necessary software licenses and the implementation of cybersecurity enhancements. Funding is allocated to ensure that the BEC system remains compliant with evolving cybersecurity requirements and that software components are kept up to date. These enhancements are necessary to protect sensitive biometric data from cyber threats and to maintain the integrity and reliability of the system.

The BEC program is managed by the U.S. Army and does not have related program elements or Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) or Major Automated Information System (MAIS) codes, indicating its focused and specialized nature. The program supports both deployed and garrisoned units, providing them with the tools needed to conduct biometric identification operations in a variety of environments. The system's ability to operate around the clock ensures that commanders and analysts have access to timely and actionable information, which is critical for mission success.

Justification for continued investment in the BEC program centers on the increasing need for advanced identification capabilities in modern military operations. As adversaries employ more sophisticated tactics and blend into civilian populations, the ability to quickly and accurately identify individuals becomes a force multiplier. The BEC system directly supports the Army's broader information security and force protection strategies by enabling the rapid vetting of individuals encountered during operations, thereby reducing the risk to U.S. personnel and allied forces.