Biometrics Enabling Capability Increment-1

The Biometrics Enabling Capability Increment-1 (BEC Inc 1) is a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) program designated as an Acquisition Category III defense program. This program appears to be focused on developing, implementing, and sustaining biometric identification capabilities for the Department of Defense, including the Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System (DoD ABIS). The program is managed by the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors, indicating its strategic importance to defense intelligence and security operations.

The contract awards associated with this program range from small purchases of biometric hardware ($12,435 for fingerprint systems) to large-scale systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) services exceeding $89 million. Major contractors include Leidos Innovations Corporation and QED Systems, with significant awards being made through the Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity vehicle. Contract durations typically span 2-5 years, with a mix of cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive, and firm-fixed-price contract types. While most contracts have no set-aside designation, the program has utilized 8(a) sole source and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) vehicles for smaller awards. Primary funding comes from the Department of the Army Acquisition Support Center, with work performed in various locations including Gaithersburg, Maryland, and El Segundo, California. Key services provided include systems engineering, technical assistance, software maintenance, and biometric system sustainment.