A wonderful hi-tech dream that will fall apart if differing agencies do not share information.

WASHINGTON ([1] AFP) - The Department of Homeland Security is on the verge of awarding a 15-billion-dollar contract for creating an elaborate system of databases that would track visitors to the United States long before they arrive.

On Sunday, The New York Times said the contract, which will probably be awarded in coming days to one of three final bidders, is already generating considerable interest as federal officials try to improve their ability to monitor those who enter the United States at more than 300 border checkpoints.