New York State looking for new finger-imaging system
New York State issued an RFP for finger-imaging system which would allow government agencies ti identify and verify the identity of recipients of government services;
The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for vendors to deliver a comprehensive Automated Finger Imaging System (AFIS) for identity verification and records management purposes. OTDA is the office responsible for supervising programs that provide assistance and support to eligible families and individuals, like Medicaid, Social Services and welfare assistance. “The successful Offeror will replace, customize, implement, operate and maintain a system that will allow for the establishment and verification of a client’s identity through finger image, color photograph, digital signature and demographic information,” the announcement said.
The winning vendor could hold the contract to replace, customize, develop, operate, and implement the AFIS system for up to seven years, if all options and extensions are exercised.
Jeff Smith writes that AFIS has had a storied history under the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The AFIS policy directive for OTDA was first established in 1992. Originally, two counties participated in a demonstration project to implement the “finger imaging law.” In 1994 ten more counties were added to the demonstration project, before AFIS went state-wide in 1997. The document clarifying policy mandated “that any adult member or head of household applying for or receiving public assistance must be finger imaged.” But, that same document also made clear that it was the responsibility of individual county offices to monitor compliance.
In 2003 an audit found that the Nassau County’s Department of Social Services failed to take photographic “finger-images” of most applicants for public benefits as a condition of eligibility, as required under New York State law.
