CBP Signs $225,000 Sole-Source Deal With Clearview AI for Facial Recognition

U.S. Customs and Border Protection signed a contract to access Clearview AI’s facial recognition software, marking a new procurement for law enforcement technology.

The agreement covers a 12-month period and grants CBP access to Clearview AI’s database, which contains over 60 billion publicly available images. The contract was issued as a sole-source award, with CBP stating that only Clearview AI could meet its operational needs under federal procurement guidelines.

According to the procurement notice, the software will be used by the Border Patrol’s Headquarters Intelligence Division and the National Targeting Center. These units will use the tool for tactical targeting and strategic counter-network analysis as part of their law enforcement activities.

The contract includes fifteen licenses for Clearview AI’s web-based portal. Contractors are required to provide immediate login credentials, ongoing technical support, and monthly license management reports. Employees involved must complete non-disclosure agreements and security training within thirty days of the contract award.

What the numbers show

• $225,000 awarded for one year of software access
• Fifteen licenses provided for CBP use
• Contract period runs from September 30, 2026 to September 29, 2027

The procurement notice specifies compliance with several federal security and privacy standards. These include DHS 4300A Policy Directive, FIPS 197 AES 256 encryption, NSA Type 2 standards, Authority to Operate certification, and HSPD-12 PIV credentialing.

Wired reported that the contract does not detail what types of images agents may upload, whether searches could include U.S. citizens, or the duration for which data will be retained. The news outlet also cited National Institute of Standards and Technology testing that found face-search systems like Clearview AI’s can have error rates above 20 percent in uncontrolled environments.

The contract is intended to support efforts by Border Patrol’s intelligence and targeting units to address perceived security threats. Wired stated that the software will be used as part of broader tactical and strategic operations conducted by these CBP divisions.

CBP’s procurement notice requires that contractors deliver product updates and technical support throughout the contract period. The notice also mandates that all personnel involved in the project complete privacy and security training to align with federal requirements.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.