| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC January 15, 2008 Department Announces Award of Passport Card ContractThe Department of State is pleased to announce the award of a five-year (base year plus four option years) contract (amount not to exceed $99,333,863.00) to General Dynamics Information Technology of Fairfax, Virginia to integrate the production of the new passport card into the Department’s existing passport book processes. The contract calls for the supply of card stock, electronic chips, printers, and software.
Beginning in the spring of 2008, the Department of State will begin issuing the passport card to meet the needs of American land border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards. U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning February 1, 2008, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. Uniform and standard documentation with facilitative technology will enhance our border security and help facilitate legitimate travel. The Department looks forward to working with General Dynamics Information Technology to provide the new passport card to the American public. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PASSPORT CARD PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: http://travel.state.gov 2008/030 |
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