INDUSTRY FOCUS

Taking a Stand

The government, specifically with his signature, Pres. Joe Biden has thrown support to security manufacturers who play by an established set of rules in the best interest of the U.S. government.

Fiscal 2022 NDAA is an annual authorization for funding for Defense Department, and its military components. SIA officials have made it known that it is in full support of the passage of this legislation. SIA also recommended funding levels of military committees.

The letter, signed by Don Erickson, CEO at SIA, drilled down to specifics in military funding. It went something like this, though these are only a few examples.

SIA supports the authorized fiscal 2022 funding levels for critical biometric procurement and research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) programs noted in the House and Senate versions, including:

• Biometric Tactical Collection Devices, House and Senate Funding Requests, $11,097,000.
• Biometric Enabling Technology, House and Senate Funding Requests, $4,326,000.
• Biometrics Enabled Intelligence, House and Senate Funding Requests, $2,066,000.

Military installations continue to experience unpredictable threats from persons planning to cause physical damage to military facilities, harm military staff and strategic assets, and commit security breaches into classified areas.

To respond to these ongoing threats, DOD and each service branch created physical security procurement programs to improve the security posture of critical military facilities by overseeing the acquisition of closed-circuit television cameras, locking mechanisms at points of entry, counter UAS technology, and electronic physical access control systems, to name a few.

There is a little bit more here and there, but I got a kick out of the final paragraph from Erickson. He gets right the first time, and to the point of why there is an NDAA. Well done, Don.

“Therefore, we support the inclusion of the Senate’s report language on facial recognition technologies that prohibits federal agencies from awarding competition funds to facial recognition providers based in adversarial nations.”

This article originally appeared in the January / February 2022 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.