Core software for a British Home Office forensic and biometic system is to be enhanced and maintained by Northrop Grumman.

The system is known as FABrIC, or Forensic and Biometric Interim Capability, which uses the fingerprint IDENT1 system for identity management and crime scene forensic systems. It is a custom-made service that is a critical part of the national infrastructure for policing.

Under the two-year FABrIC contract, a recompete of IDENT1, Northrop Grumman will lead a team to maintain and enhance the IDENT1 core software, with work being performed in Britain as well as in the United States.

The team is composed of Morpho, Crossmatch Technologies and Phoenix IT Services.

The value of the contract is more than $44.5 million.

"This award demonstrates our continued collaborative partnership and strong program performance of more than 20 years with the UK Home Office," said Ed Sturms, vice president and general manager, civil division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "We look forward to continuing to work closely with our customer to provide the best service and expertise in support of their identity management mission."