# DHS S&T Expands Identity Verification Program

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) is expanding its Remote Identity Validation Rally (RIVR) program in 2026 to broaden testing of advanced identity verification technologies. This expansion targets capabilities such as document validation, selfie matching, biometric spoofing detection, and defenses against AI-generated deepfake attacks. DHS S&T is actively soliciting industry participation and data contributions, with application windows opening in October and December 2026. Concurrently, government agencies face increasing challenges from AI-enabled identity fraud, prompting a push for modernization of identity verification infrastructure through continuous, risk-based systems leveraging advanced fraud intelligence. Congressional funding and legislative support remain critical to enable these modernization efforts.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the growing demand for innovative identity verification and biometric security solutions driven by AI fraud threats.
- DHS S&T’s RIVR program expansion offers concrete contracting and collaboration opportunities for technology providers specializing in identity validation and anti-spoofing.
- Agencies are prioritizing adaptive, AI-resilient identity verification systems, indicating a strategic shift toward continuous and risk-based authentication models.
- Contractors should prepare to engage with federal programs emphasizing data sharing and technology evaluation to support evolving identity security requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Public Safety
**Topics:** Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T)
- Congress
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- White House

### Vendors
- Socure (identity verification technology provider)

### Sources
- [DHS S&T Expands RIVR Program for Identity Verification Tech](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/dhs-rivr-identity-verification-technology) - ExecutiveGov
- [
        Artificial intelligence is making it easier to create fake identities and harder for agencies to tell who’s real | Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/podcast/federal-drive-with-terry-gerton-podcast/artificial-intelligence-is-making-it-easier-to-create-fake-identities-and-harder-for-agencies-to-tell-whos-real) - federalnewsnetwork.com
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        Artificial intelligence is making it easier to create fake identities and harder for agencies to tell who’s real | Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/09/artificial-intelligence-is-making-it-easier-to-create-fake-identities-and-harder-for-agencies-to-tell-whos-real) - federalnewsnetwork.com