DHS · DHS-315 · record R1902

ERNIE

Department of Homeland Security · CBP

Overview

Development stage: DeployedSource: c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
High-impact designation: High-impactSource: a) High-impact
Impact justification: Not reported
Start date: 2017-10-01 (day precision)Source: 2017-10-01T00:00:00
Withheld from public reporting: Not reported

Mission

Topic area: Law Enforcement
Operational functions: No function tag matched Derived by keyword rules; see methodology

Problem the AI is intended to solve

ERNIE is used to analyze Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) data to enhance the detection of radioactive materials. It provides a more efficient review of stream of commerce radiation portal monitor data and provides real-time risk assessments and alerts for potential threats

Expected benefits

The model enhances threat detection and prioritizes high-risk targets, improving operational efficiency and national security.

System outputs

The model provides real-time risk assessments and alerts for potential threats detected by the Radiation Portal Monitors. It also provides prioritized recommendations for further screening based on the analysis of radiation data.

Technology

AI classification: Classical / predictive MLSource: Classical/Predictive Machine Learning: Models trained on data to make predictions or classifications based on identified patterns or relatio…
System name(s): Automated Radiological Data Integration System - Cloud (ARDIS-C)
Custom-developed code: Yes
Public source code: Not reported

Sourcing

How it was built: Contract and in-houseSource: c) Developed with both contracting and in-house resources
Vendor (as reported): Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, Department of Homeand Security
Vendors (standardized): None on the standard list

A vendor is the supplier named by the agency. It does not identify the underlying model or AI technology.

Data and privacy

Involves PII: No
Privacy Impact Assessment: Not reported
Authorization to Operate: Yes
Demographic features: Not reported
Training and evaluation data: Numerical data from RPM radiation detectors and ERNIE assessments.
Federal Data Catalog: Not reported

Governance

8 of 8 minimum-practice questions answered. A blank answer means the agency reported nothing; it does not mean the practice is absent.

Pre-deployment testingReported in placeSource: a) Yes

AI impact assessmentReported in placeSource: a) Yes

Independent reviewReported in placeSource: c) Yes – by the CAIO

Ongoing monitoringReported in placeSource: a) Yes, sufficient monitoring protocols have been established

Operator trainingReported in placeSource: a) Yes, sufficient and periodic training has been established

Fail-safeReported in placeSource: a) Yes

Appeal processNot applicableSource: b) Not applicable

User and public consultationOther or ambiguous answerSource: d) Other

Potential impacts and how they were identified

Safety risk is when ERNIE would not identify a radiation threat. In case ERNIE cannot take decision the system falls back to the default deterministic algorithm. Were there to be a pervasive failure of the system such that no indication was provided at all, the procedure is in place for the officer to perform a manual scan.