The Players

These five companies are leading identity-solutions contractors for various programs by federal, state, and local governments.

Lockheed Martin

Business: Identity-solutions systems integration
Contracts: Justice Department next-generation identification systems; DHS Transportation Worker Identification Credential program; Registered Traveler
Power play: More than $10 million in lobbying activity in 2007

L-1 Identity Solutions

Business: Identity-solutions systems integration; multimodal biometrics
Contracts: Defense Department and intelligence biometrics; passports; secure documents
Power play: Board members include former CIA Director George Tenet and former DHS Deputy Secretary James Loy

Digimarc

Business: Driver's licenses; secure documents
Contracts: State enhanced driver's licenses; Real ID
Power play: Plans to merge with L-1 Identity Solutions

Cross Match Technologies

Business: Multimodal biometrics
Contracts: Defense Department biometrics
Power play: Hired James Ziglar, former INS commissioner, as president and CEO

Cogent Systems

Business: Fingerprint and palm biometrics
Contracts: US-VISIT; federal, state, and local law enforcement
Power play: Flies under the radar

Source: National Journal; Center for Responsive Politics