GSA approves SmartID readers

The US General Services Administration (GSA) has approved Integrated Engineering’s contactless SmartID readers as compliant with the Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201).

The company says its readers are the first GSA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) II certified smart card readers included on the GSA approved products list for FIPS 201 compliant projects.

FIPS 201 is a United States federal standard that specifies requirements for federal employees and contractors. The standard is mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which has the goal of establishing a single government-wide credential that federal employees and contractors can use for access to physical and IT systems.

All federal agencies must begin issuing FIPS 201 compliant PIV II cards by 27 October 2006.