The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is soliciting bids to develop a biometric ID system that will identify people by scars, tattoos and palm prints. The system, known as the Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology System (HART) will replace the existing Automated Biometric Identification System (also known as IDENT).

IDENT which has over 250 million biometric records was launched in 1994. It collects facial, fingerprint and iris data. Patrick Nemeth, director of identity operations within the DHS Office of Biometric Identity Management explained that HART is envisaged as a more efficient and resilient system that will facilitate the department to respond to modern challenges in identity authentication. The system will be hosted on Amazon Web Services' GoveCloud.