The homeland security industry is pioneering the development of technologies, as firms see deploying blockchain and DLTs as a vital competitive advantage.
FREMONT, CA: The Department of Homeland Security’s research team needs to widen its present testing of blockchain technology to avoid forgery and counterfeiting licenses and certificates. The Science and Technology Directorate issued transaction solicitation (OTS) through its Silicon Valley Innovation Program for proposals from blockchain startups, but agencies have since found five additional applications.
The Privacy department needs to widen the reduction initiative for Social Security numbers, which will leverage blockchain technology to find employees and contractors. Such technology could ensure that the identifier is meaningless alone but unique, protective of sensitive or personally identifiable data, shareable across agencies, and interoperable with future commercial off-the-shelf products. CBP offered three potential blockchain applications, including assisting the agency in validating the information from food importer documentation to ensure that illegal or harmful effects don’t enter the country. Blockchain could make the operation paperless, accelerating inspections, so food doesn’t spoil while still applying appropriate responsibilities.
The CBP scenario would see blockchain optimize the complex process of tracking and tracing natural gas purchases by enabling for paperless identification of industry and government transactors, connecting import and export documents including purchase orders and bills of lading, simplifying in-bond processing, and standardizing port reporting. The final CBP use case proposes leveraging blockchain to help the agency process massive express consignment and international mail shipments a day. Increasing low-value shipments need innovation to catch illicit items like drugs and unprotected beauty products entering the U.S., so CBP requires access to supply chain information earlier in the process while automating duty payments.
A blockchain scenario to assist vital workers self-identify while performing emergency response or supply chain responsibilities remotely during the pandemic. The application could extend to applicants for citizenship, asylum, or immigration advantages who require access to DHS offices. Blockchain can digitize vaccination records or validate travel eligibility. The private sector’s essential investments and the potential to adopt technologies and operations faster than the public sector has presented the government with a vital decision to best participate in this evolving field.
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