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Credentialing

OSY makes policy recommendations and oversees the Department’s Credential Management Program. 


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 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 HSPD-12.

A PIV card is a U.S. credential that is designed to allow the cardholder access to federal facilities and information systems while ensuring appropriate levels of security for all applicable federal applications.

PIV-I is an alternate credential granting Department personnel or foreign national guests physical and/or logical access for less than 180 days. OSY has implemented a Special Agreement Check as an agency-specific background check for PIV-I issuance to personnel with less than three years of U.S. residency.

HSPD-12 services are managed via the General Service Administration's USAccess Program. Specialized exemptions of this service are held by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.


Facility Access Cards (FACs)

Operating units shall implement risk-based procedures addressing the local issuance, display, replacement, and final disposition of FACs for individuals who do not meet the physical and/or logical access requirements for PIV-I credential issuance.


Official Credential and Badge

Depart Administrative Order 207-11 prescribes a uniform Department credential for:

  • Units and offices authorized to conduct official law enforcement and non-law enforcement investigations.
  • Special agents, enforcement officers, and other personnel performing law enforcement and non-law enforcement duties.

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