Probaris Tech wins Social Security contract for HSPD-12 applications

Probaris Technologies Inc. of Philadelphia has won a contract from the Social Security Administration to support the agency's HSPD-12 implementation project. The software will help Social Security to comply with new identity vetting requirements before issuing new identification credentials to federal employees and contractors.

SSA licensed Probaris' Secure Process/Personal Identity Verification Web platform and will use the vendor's professional services to assist in installing the software and training agency staff. The contract, awarded earlier this month to Probaris through the GSA Federal Supply Schedule 70, is short-term and runs through May. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 requires that agencies issue a new standard identification credential to government employees and contractors for access to federal buildings and networks starting next year.

In appearance, the new standard credential is similar to current ID badges, but the new IDs use smart card technology and digital certificates, said Vincent DiFelice, Probaris' executive vice president and founder.

The Probaris software provides SSA with an HSPD-12 identity management system, enrollment process, and a central data repository. It also provides for automatic generation of unique identification numbers for identity verification credentials.

The software automates and manages personal identity verification from enrollment through card issuance. The software serves as an integration hub for third-party, legacy and additional components, such as card management and biometric systems, needed to produce a PIV II-compliant card.

Mary Mosquera is a staff writer for Washington Technology's sister publication, Government Computer News.