Hirsch to supply ID systems

SANTA ANA, Calif., July 29 (UPI) -- Hirsch Electronics will supply the U.S. Justice Department with identity security systems under a $4 million award, the company said.

The systems allow for reading of government-issued personal identity verification cards for access to sensitive areas.

Hirsch explained that when the government began issuing the PIV cards in 2008, the cards contained government-issued digital certificates to authenticate identification but higher-security features weren't utilized since government agencies lacked the technology. The PIVs, the company said, were thus used as a low-security photo ID.

Now, many agencies are beginning to upgrade security systems to be able to utilize the new cards for highly secure building access control and computer log-on.

Hirsch said it was one of the first companies to offer a wide range of solutions that help federal agencies move toward new identity verification standards.

"From credential management systems to readers and controllers capable of using PIV, CAC or TWIC cards, we've helped our government customers not only to solve their current security issues but also to put their smart cards into use as they were intended by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12," said Lars Suneborn, Hirsch's government program director.

CAC and TWIC stand for common access cards and transportation worker identity credential. HSPD 12 requires all federal executive branch departments and agencies to implement a government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for employees and contractors, for access to federal facilities and information systems and designates the major milestones for implementation.

The announcement Wednesday confirmed an earlier notice from the General Services Administration, issued in accordance with federal disclosure regulations.