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Credentialing

The Office of Security, (OSY) makes policy recommendations and oversees the Department’s Credential Management Program, including:

HSPD-12 Credentialing

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors directs the implementation of a standardized badging process, which is designed to enhance security, reduce identity fraud, and protect the personal privacy of those issued government identification. 

Personal Identity Verification (PIV) is a common credentialing and standard background investigation process required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12).

A PIV card is a United States federal smart card that contains the necessary data for the cardholder to be granted access to federal facilities and information systems and assure appropriate levels of security for all applicable federal applications.

PIV-I is an alternate credential in which the Department has opted to issue to personnel requiring physical and/or logical access for a period of under 180 days, and to Foreign National Guests. OSY has implemented as Special Agreement Check (SAC) (with C, I) as an agency specific background check for PIV-I issuance for personnel with under 3 years of U.S. residency.

The Department of Commerce has opted to obtain HSPD-12 credentialing services via the USAccess Program managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) HSPD-12 Managed Service Office (MSO). Specialized exemptions of this service are the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO),and Common Access Card (CAC) issuance at NOAA.

Facility Access Card (FAC)

Operating units shall implement risk-based procedures addressing local issuance, display, replacement, and final disposition of Facility Access Cards (FAC) for individuals not meeting the physical and/or logical access requirements for PIV-I credential issuance.

Official Badges and Credentials

DAO 207-11 prescribes a uniform Official Credential for the Department of Commerce for:

  • Law and regulatory enforcement units and offices authorized to conduct official law enforcement and non-law enforcement investigations;
  • Official badges used by special agents, enforcement officers, and other personnel performing law enforcement and non-law enforcement duties;
  • The standardization of policies and procedures for the issuance and use of official credentials and badges.

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