General Questions
Click on the questions below to see the answers to the FAQs.
What is the value of the PIV Process?
Has the PIV Process started at NIH?
Why do I need a new ID badge to access NIH facilities and systems?
What is stored on the PIV Card?
How do I replace my ID badge if something happens to it?
What if I'm an NIH visitor or vendor?
What happens when I use my ID badge?
I already have a badge. Why must I apply for a new ID badge?
How do I apply for the new ID badge?
Where can I go for help in completing my application?
What if an employee is located in an area without an ID card facility nearby?
How will all these HSPD-12 officials be trained?
What should I do if I forget my ID badge?
Can I be processed for an ID Badge before I report for my first day of work?
Answers -
What is HSPD-12?
In August of 2004, the President issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). This Directive called for a government-wide identification standard for people gaining physical access to federal buildings and information systems. The HSPD-12 Directive also set out to establish a uniform Personal Identity Verification Card (PIV Card) that would operate across federal agencies. NIH compliance with this directive is mandatory.
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What is the PIV Process?
The PIV Process requires two steps. In Phase I, all employees and contractors gaining access to federal facilities and information systems must have a background investigation based on their position. In Phase II, these individuals will be issued a PIV Card that will operate across federal agencies. The PIV Card will replace all current NIH ID badges.
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What is the value of the PIV Process?
The program ensures that individuals with access to federal facilities and information systems are who they claim to be. The background investigations also verify that individuals are suitable for federal employment.
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Has the PIV Process started at NIH?
The Phase I background investigation process has begun for employees and contractors applying for new badges and for those renewing expiring badges.
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When will I get my PIV Card?
Phase II of the PIV Process will involve the issuing of new PIV Cards to personnel who have successfully completed the Phase I background investigation process. PIV Card technology is being tested by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Until PIV Card approval, the existing NIH ID badges will be used.
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Why do I need a new ID badge to access NIH facilities and systems?
In August 2004, the President issued the Homeland Security Presidential Initiative (HSPD-12) Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, requiring all federal employees and contractors to replace their current ID badges with a more secure ID badge—the PIV card.
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What is a PIV Card?
The PIV Card (also referred to as the HHS ID Badge) is the ID card that grants access to federal facilities. It is part of a personal identify verification (PIV) system for protecting federal buildings, building occupants, computers, applications, and data. It is secure and reliable because it is based on your verified identity and it is extremely hard to fake, change, or duplicate. . If you previously had a government ID badge, your PIV Card will replace it.
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What is stored on the PIV Card?
The PIV Card displays your printed picture, your full name, agency, organization, card expiration date, card serial number, and a federal agency smart credential number that uniquely identifies your agency and you. The card also stores a personal identification number (PIN), a unique identifier, an authentication key, and two electronic fingerprints.
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What if I lose my badge?
If you have not completed the first phase of the PIV Process (the background investigation), you will be asked to complete this process before you are given a new badge. It generally takes three to five days for fingerprint results. Until then, you will be asked to enter the campus as a visitor.
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How do I replace my ID badge if something happens to it?
If your ID badge pass is lost, stolen, damaged, or compromised, or your name has changed due to marriage or divorce, it is your responsibility to contact the Personnel Security office as soon as possible. A staff member will complete the necessary form for a new badge.
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What if I'm an NIH visitor or vendor?
If you are an extended visitor, service provider or vendor you will continue to receive your access approval through the NIH police. See Table (link) describing the 12 current position categories and corresponding badging authority (DPSAC or NIH Police Department).
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What happens when I use my ID badge?
When you show your ID badge to an authorized person, or swipe or insert your badge into a reader, your identity will be verified. A person will look at the picture on your ID badge and compare it to your face. The reader also will compare the data stored on the ID badge to the database of cardholders. (The machine may compare the fingerprint stored on the ID badge to your actual fingerprint.) When you gain access to HHS facilities or systems, your information is validated (non-intrusively) to ensure you have proper authorization.
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I already have a badge. Why must I apply for a new ID badge?
In August 2004, the President issued the Homeland Security Presidential Initiative (HSPD-12) Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, requiring all federal employees and contractors to replace their current identity badges with the more secure ID badge—the PIV card.
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How do I apply for the new ID badge?
You will be notified when you should apply for your new ID badge and you will be given directions as to which forms you will need to fill out to complete your application.
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Where can I go for help in completing my application?
Your personnel security representative (for current employees), human resources representative (for new employees), or Project Officer (for contractors) will serve as your primary point of contact and help guide you through the process. Also, each ID badge (PIV card) issuing facility is required to name an Applicant R?? ………..(can I list the POCs?)
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What if an employee is located in an area without an ID card facility nearby?
- Federal employees (e.g., current points-of-contact for ID card issues) will be trained and designated as Enrollment Officials. They will conduct the identity proofing required by HSPD-12 and facilitate the issuance of the new PIV cards.
- When other Departments have certified procedures, we expect to arrange to use those approved facilities nearest to the employee.
How will all these HSPD-12 officials be trained?
- Web-based training is available on the ORS web page www.idbadge.nih.gov for all personnel in the process (Enrollment Official, Registrar, Applicant, etc).
- Training will take less than 10 minutes.
What should I do if I forget my ID badge?
If you forget your ID badge, you will have to go to the NIH Gateway Center to obtain a visitor pass. You will need to show identification before being issued your visitor pass that permits you onto the NIH campus. The pass is good only for that day. Remember to bring your permanent badge with you when you return to NIH.
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I missed my opportunity to take advantage of expedited fingerprinting on my Entry On Duty (EOD) day. What should I do now?
DPSAC offers new employees expedited fingerprinting on their EOD day to simplify
and expedite fingerprinting and the ID Badge issuance process. Since you missed your opportunity to get fingerprinted during your EOD, you will need to choose from one of the following three options to schedule your fingerprinting appointment:
I. Make an appointment
- Contact your Administrative Officer to schedule your appointment online
- Stop by the DPSAC Office (Bldg. 31, Rm. 1B03)
- Call the appointment line: 301-496-0051 (Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
II. Same day service
- Sign up starts at 7 a.m. in Bldg 31, Rm 1B03
- Registration will be limited to the first 14 people who sign up
- Service is available Monday through Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This service is not available on EOD days (the first Monday of every pay period)
III. Wednesday Evening walk-in hours
- Evening hours are from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Bldg 31, Room 1B03
- No sign up is necessary
- Everyone who comes before 8:00 p.m. will be processed
Please remember to bring two forms of identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) and your completed HHS/NIH ID Badge Request Form when you are fingerprinted. Also, please verify that your AO has sponsored you for an ID badge and provided a Common Account Number (CAN) in NED.
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Can I be processed for an ID Badge before I report for my first day of work?
Yes, in fact, DPSAC encourages AOs to work with applicants in advance of their first work day to get a head start on the fingerprinting and ID Badge issuance process. These processes can begin as soon as you are entered into NED and authorized for an ID badge. After you are sponsored by your AO you should schedule a fingerprinting appointment (see above).
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When individuals end their employment at NIH, where should they go to turn in their badge and parking hanger?
NIH Badge Holders who are terminating their relationship with NIH should turn in their badge and parking hanger to their AO or supervisor.
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I left my form at DPSAC but I missed my appointment. When I returned I had to complete the form again. What happened to my original form?
Due to the large volume of cases, DPSAC does not maintain paperwork for 'no show' cases. If you miss your appointment, all forms are shredded and you must complete them again when you next appear at DPSAC.
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From time to time I attend meetings requiring verification that I have a security clearance on file. What do I need to do to verify that I have a security clearance?
Your security clearance can be confirmed by an authorized DPSAC staff member.
In order to verify your security clearance, the security officer from the requesting organization (e.g., the sponsor of a meeting you have been asked to attend) will need to e-mail DPSAC requesting the clearance information. The requesting officer needs to specify in the e-mail:
- why the clearance information is needed;
- the date this information will be used;
- where to fax or mail the information;
- the Point Of Contact (POC).
I recently retired from NIH after 30 years of federal service at the National Library of Medicine. From time to time there are functions at NLM and NIH that I’d like to attend. Is there some way I can enter the campus without having to always go to the Gateway Center for daily visitors?
As an NIH retiree who visits campus, you can receive an “Extended Visitor” ID badge. An “Extended Visitor” badge remains valid for one year and allows you to access campus without having to go through the Gateway Center. Once you receive your badge you can enter the campus at any of the perimeter gates.
To apply for an “Extended Visitor” ID badge, contact the NIH Police Department (301-496-2387, Building 31, Room B3B17). They will process your request and will perform a minimal security check before issuing your “Extended Visitor” badge.
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My badge hasn’t expired, but when I swiped it at the gate this morning, the arm didn’t go up. Do I need a new badge?
If the arm doesn’t rise, your ID badge may be damaged or broken. If this happens, please contact the Access Control Help Desk at (301) 451-4766 and our staff will troubleshoot the problem. Please do not contact your AO for a new badge unless instructed to by the Help Desk.
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I’m a member of the Commissioned Corps working at NIH and my badge will be expiring in a couple of months. Who do I talk to about renewing my badge?
There are nearly 400 Commissioned Corps Officers working at NIH. As with the civilian workforce at NIH, your AO will enter your personal information into NED to begin the badge renewal process. Once your information is entered into NED, however, your background investigation will be conducted by the Surgeon General’s office. You will receive instructions via e-mail to complete the SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions using the e-QIP System (see the related discussion about reinvestigation of Commissioned Corps Officers).
