GSA considers new credentialing business model

The General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service wants information from industry on a possible a new federal digital identity credentialling services model, according to a request for information released April 16.

Officials in FAS’ Cloud Computing Services program management office want to know what industry is capable of providing to the government regarding the Federal Cloud Credential Exchange, or Connect.Gov. In addition, officials want to know if they are taking the best approaches in terms of viability, cost-effectiveness, and pricing methods. They also want to explore innovations so they can better understand Connect.Gov’s full operational capabilities.

Connect.Gov connects the public and the government through accredited third-parties with the intent of providing greater security, privacy and efficiency.

The information that GSA receives could impact a future federated digital identity credentialing services business model, solution, or possibly a procurement vehicle.

In 2012 the White House released its National Strategies for Trusted identities in Cyberspace report, which initiated the Federal Cloud Credential Exchange, now Connect.Gov. Agencies have been investigating a common solution for federated identity and credential exchange across agencies.

GSA released the request for information April 16. Responses are due by June 19.