Common use of Systems compatibility and biometric requirements Clause in Contracts

Systems compatibility and biometric requirements. (1) The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State recognize that each has statutory authorities related to the maintenance of electronic databases and use of biometrics for border security purposes and that they must exercise these joint and separate authorities in full coordination to ensure interoperability and effectiveness. Each agrees to coordinate closely with the other and to work together toward the maximum possible compatibility of the DHS and DOS information technology systems and data related to the issuance of visas to and the entry to and exit from the U.S. of aliens. (2) In particular, each Secretary agrees to keep the other fully informed in a timely fashion about decisions and actions that his Department is contemplating with respect to such database systems related to the issuance of visas to, and the entry to and exit from the U.S. of, aliens, including the use of biometrics, legal interpretations and policy implementation decisions and datasharing (the sharing of information electronically). Toward this end, each Secretary will designate an employee of his Department to serve as a liaison on such systems development, interoperability and datasharing with the other Department. These systems liaison persons shall keep each other fully informed of applicable systems initiatives being taken within each home agency and will serve as the point of contact for reception and transmission of such information between the two Departments.