The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a Virginia-based start-up, Digital Bazaar $199,984 for developing a blockchain-based credential management solution.

During the announcement on November 14, DHS <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2019/11/14/news-release-dhs-awards-199k-blockchain-tech">noted</a> the current processes of issuing, validating and verifying several licenses and certifications are often paper-based. They do not facilitate data exchange between systems, and could be susceptible to lose, forgery, and counterfeiting. Hence, turning these processes digital using blockchain tech could help enhance security, ensure interoperability and prevent forgery and counterfeiting, it added. 

Moreover, the Department’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&amp;T) made the Phase 1 award; as it explores blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) solutions to solve common challenges across DHS objectives.

Moving forward, through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; the DHS issues, validates and verifies licenses and certifications for travel, citizenship, immigration and employment eligibility.

Per DHS, Most of these processes are paper-based; do not allow for data exchange between systems and are subject to lose, forgery, and even destruction. Hence, S&amp;T is testing whether blockchain and DLT can be used to digitize and replace the paper-based system and help prevent the aforementioned challenges.
<h2>Interoperable Enterprise Identity and Credential Life-cycle Management</h2>
Furthermore, Digital Bazaar will use the award to work on a project called “Interoperable Enterprise Identity and Credential Life-cycle Management,” to help DHS improve its processes.

The objective is to develop on the company’s existing technology; which supports emerging web standards such as Decentralized Identifiers and Verifiable Credentials. Additionally, enterprise workforce and credential lifecycle management features will complement the existing technology. The ultimate goal is to bring this customized solution to market. Moreover, S&amp;T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program Technical Director, Anil John, said:
<blockquote>“Deploying innovative credential issuance technologies within mature organizations requires integration with existing technology and processes to manage the lifecycle of digital credentials.”</blockquote>
In conclusion last week, Homeland <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/crypto/fbi-fears-crypto-is-a-security-threat-that-will-get-bigger-and-bigger/">Security</a> awarded $182,700 to Canadian blockchain startup; Mavennet Systems for developing a solution for its Customs and Border Protection unit; to help it track oil and natural gas imports from Canada in “real-time.”

Homeland Security Gives $200k to Startup for Creating a Blockchain Solution

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a Virginia-based start-up, Digital Bazaar $199,984 for developing a blockchain.. %

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Homeland Security Gives $200k to Startup for Creating a Blockchain Solution

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