by Allan Watkins
Today, it is critical to protect the security of personal identity data as well as to ensure secure access to government computers, information systems, and facilities. Thus, new federal employees and contractors typically obtain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card when onboarding. And they will interact with USAccess to secure their credentials.
If you ever wondered about PIV cards and what entity manages the issuing process for these essential identity and access management credentials, read on.
What are PIV cards and what are their advantages?
PIV cards, which control one’s logical and physical access, are also known as a credential, common access card, LincPass, smart card, or badge, depending on the agency. The cards rely on Public Key Infrastructure certificates and comply with both Federal Information Processing Standards and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12.
A PIV card may also be known as a credential, common access card, LincPass, smart card, or badge.
PIV cards are resistant to identity fraud, tampering, counterfeiting, and terrorist exploitation. In addition, they can be rapidly authenticated electronically.
What is USAccess?
USAccess is a shared service sponsored by the federal government and managed by GSA. It supports the issuing and updating of PIV credentials for more than 100 federal agencies. USAccess manages the process for employees and contractors to securely update PIV credentials at established locations throughout the country.
USAccess manages the process for employees and contractors to securely update PIV credentials at established locations throughout the country.
How does it work?
All federal employees and contractors first must be sponsored by their federal agency. Once sponsored, the person can schedule an appointment using the USAccess Assured Identity Portal.
USAccess prefers Credentialing Post Office Sites as the first option. Clicking on the link provided yields a list of these sites. If no Credentialing Post Office is nearby, the employee/contractor can input the appropriate city/state or zip location to identify a designated center.
Can any USAccess location be used?
USAccess supports more than 100 federal agencies, but not all credentialing centers are available to support all agencies.
USAccess supports more than 100 federal agencies, but not all credentialing centers are available to support all agencies.
For help finding a center, GSA offers an online form. Complete the form and press “Filter.” If the results yield centers that are identified as “only” or “dedicated,” you only make an appointment if your agency operates the center.
Everyone can make an appointment at centers marked “shared.” If your search yields no results, leave the agency field blank and find a shared center regardless of your employing agency.
REFERENCES
GSA | About USAccess
GSA | Find a Credentialing Center
GSA | USAccess Assured Identity Portal
https://portal.usaccess.gsa.gov/scheduler/select-agency?v=20803
Homeland Security | HSPD-12
https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-presidential-directive-12
NIST | Compliance FAQs: Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)
https://www.nist.gov/standardsgov/compliance-faqs-federal-information-processing-standards-fips#1