BigBear.ai has expanded its deployment of biometric technology to another major U.S. airport, integrating a generative AI platform aimed at government applications through a significant acquisition. The company’s face biometrics are now operational for Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Additionally, BigBear.ai has announced a $250 million deal to acquire the generative AI platform Ask Sage, which will enhance its chatbot and AI agent capabilities for applications within highly regulated sectors, including defense and national security agencies.
The acquisition is anticipated to close in late 2025 or early 2026. CBP intends to utilize BigBear.ai’s veriScan biometric identity platform to streamline the re-entry process for American travelers, as outlined in a recent company announcement. VeriScan has also been deployed for biometric boarding under the EPP program at over a dozen locations across North America, with the most recent deployment occurring at Nashville International Airport.
This technological expansion follows Pangiam‘s acquisition of the airport face biometrics platform veriScan from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority in 2021, prior to BigBear.ai’s merger with Pangiam, which was finalized in early 2024. Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai, emphasized the importance of trusted identity in border security. “By combining BigBear.ai’s advanced biometric technologies with CBP’s strong security framework, we are helping to ensure that identity verification at O’Hare remains both frictionless and fortified, delivering confidence at one of the nation’s busiest international gateways,” he stated.
McAleenan also noted that he expects an “accelerated” increase in federal government spending to yield contracts for BigBear.ai in critical areas such as border security and defense. The company has maintained its previous revenue projections, estimating revenues between $125 million and $140 million for fiscal 2025.
This latest move by BigBear.ai underscores a broader trend in the integration of AI technologies within public sector operations, particularly in areas where security and efficiency are paramount. The deployment of biometric systems at airports serves not only to enhance security but also to improve the passenger experience, aiming to reduce wait times and streamline processes. As the company continues to expand its service offerings, it positions itself strategically to capitalize on increasing government investments in technology and security infrastructure.
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