SOUTH PASADENA, Calif.----Cogent Systems Nasdaq: COGT today announced that the Texas Health &
Human Services Commission HHSC has selected its Automated Fingerprint
Identification System AFIS to replace their existing Lone Star Imaging
System LSIS. The LSIS is an AFIS responsible for obtaining,
transmitting, and matching finger images for applicants and recipients
of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF and Food Stamp
benefits in the state of Texas. The contract award for this project is
valued at approximately $8 million.
The purpose of the LSIS is to assist in the detection and deterrence of
fraud during the HHSC food stamp and TANF eligibility determination
process. Through finger image matching the LSIS ensures applicants for
public assistance programs receive benefits under only one claim. The
HHSC selected Cogent to replace the incumbent provider’s
legacy system based on its proven technology, merit and value
proposition. Cogent’s new AFIS was fully
implemented and operational by May 4, 2007.
Cogent is serving as prime contractor for this project and will be
providing a comprehensive solution including customized software and
configured hardware, as well as installation and maintenance services
and ongoing support over the life of the contract. Cogent’s
Livescan devices will be rolled out to the approximately 340 HHSC
offices around the state of Texas and the system will also feature
mobile capability in selected locations. The new system will include
significant enhancements to the legacy system and will be web-enabled
based on Cogent’s innovative WebCheck
technology. WebCheck is a web-enabled application developed by Cogent
that provides the capability for name and finger image based searches
through an easy to use web-browser interface.
“The HHSC is excited to implement Cogent’s
new technology which will modernize and enhance our Lone Star Imaging
System," said Noel Villarreal, HHSC’s
Director of Lone Star Business Services. "Cogent was selected through a
competitive procurement process that considered a number of factors
including the AFIS technology, ease of use, customer service, costs, and
overall best-value for the state. The new LSIS powered by Cogent will
help to ensure that the assistance provided to needy families is
delivered to the right people, avoiding multiple claims and other
fraudulent activity.”
“We are very pleased to receive this civil
AFIS award from the Texas HHSC," commented Ming Hsieh, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Cogent. “Cogent’s
ability to deliver a complete web-based system in less than 3 months
that features fast and accurate response time and mobile capability were
key factors in our success. This contract award is another example of
the use of our technology for civil applications which continues to be a
strong opportunity for growth.”
About Cogent Systems
Cogent is a global biometric identification solutions provider to
governments, law enforcement agencies, and commercial enterprises.
Cogent provides the highest quality identification systems, products and
services with leading technology, accuracy and speed. Cogent's Automated
Fingerprint/Palmprint Identification Systems, or AFIS, enable customers
to capture fingerprint and palm print images electronically, encode
prints into searchable files, and accurately compare a set of
fingerprints/palm prints to a database containing potentially millions
of prints in seconds. For more information, please visit www.cogentsystems.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains, in addition to historical information,
forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's
current estimates and expectations and are subject to a number of
uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. Cogent is providing this information as of the date of this
press release, and expressly disclaims any duty to update information
contained in this press release.
Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without
limitation, express and implied statements regarding Cogent's
opportunities in the civil market. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied here.
Readers are referred to Cogent's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006 filed by Cogent with the Securities and
Exchange Commission which identifies important risk factors that could
cause actual results to differ from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: changes in
government policies; deriving a significant portion of revenues from a
limited number of customers; deriving a significant portion of revenues
from the sale of solutions pursuant to government contracts; failure of
the biometrics market to experience significant growth; failure of Cogent’s
products to achieve broad acceptance; failure to successfully compete;
failure to comply with government regulations; negative publicity and/or
loss of clients due to security breaches resulting in the disclosure of
confidential information; loss of export licenses or changes in export
laws; failure to manage projects; rapid technology change in the
biometrics market; loss of a key member of management team; termination
of backlog orders; loss of limited source suppliers; negative audits by
government agencies; failure to protect intellectual property; and
exposure to intellectual property and product liability claims. The
information contained in this press release is a statement of Cogent's
present intention, belief or expectation and is based upon, among other
things, existing industry conditions, market conditions, the economy in
general and Cogent's assumptions. Cogent may change its intention,
belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any
changes in such factors, in its assumptions or otherwise. Cogent
undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or
estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or
to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
