To get started in the USAccess Program, agencies must first complete the "onboarding" process. This page explains the basic onboarding steps before the agency can issue employees and contractors PIV credentials. Critical documentation must be submitted and approved. The documents include the Interagency Agreement, Credential Configuration Worksheet, and Personal Data Worksheet. If you have questions about this process or would like to get started in the program please contact us at (703) 605-3490 or write to hspd12@gsa.gov.
USAccess Onboarding Process
The steps to onboard may be most effectively performed in parallel resulting in an agency being able to quickly start issuing PIV credentials.
1. Agency submits InterAgency Agreement
To establish an account, agencies must fill out and submit an InterAgency Agreement form. (Please follow the Instructions for completing the InterAgency Agreement form). The InterAgency Agreement or funding document describes the terms and conditions, the funding amount the agency is committing initially to the program, initiates the transfer of funds, and contains the bona fide need for the service. To determine how much the agency needs to commit, please review the current USAccess Price List. Submit the signed and completed IA to the MSO at hspd12@gsa.gov or fax to (703)605-3500. Once received, the MSO will process and assign an IA number. A copy of the completed document will be returned to the agency customer. Once received, the MSO will process and assign an IA number. A copy of the completed document will be returned to the agency customer.
If you have previously submitted an Interagency Agreement form but just need to add funding please complete the follow the instructions for completing the Financial Addendum to Interagency Agreement form and follow the Instructions for completing the Financial Addendum to the Interagency Agreement form.
2. Agency provides Seal and Credential Configuration Worksheet
The agency must submit its agency seal and Credential Configuration Worksheet. To customize the front of the card, the agency will need to provide its seal in jpeg format 300 dpi. The MSO provides the seal to the card manufacturer and creates a card proof which is quality checked.
The Configuration Worksheet contains agency specific information for credential personalization including shipping instructions. This information is the foundation for the credential template. The agency will also need to finalize the configuration of the agency's credential template. This template will establish the elements that will be printed on the credential for each agency employee or contractor, such as the agency name and the agency logo. This template must be finalized before any Applicant data can be entered in the USAccess system.
3. Agency provides Personal Data Worksheet
The last document the agency needs to complete and provide to onboard is the Personal Data Sheet. The Agency Lead provides the names and contact information for the initial set of role holders identifying who will be the initial sponsor and adjudicators for its applicants. The MSO will then enter these role holders into the USAccess system and process their credentials to complete account set up for the agency.
As the Onboarding Process comes to completion, an MSO representative will work with the Agency to start its implementation of the USAcccess Service. Visit Getting Operational to learn how you purchase services and issue USAccess PIV Credentials.
Ongoing Support
Ordering Test Cards
As customers are planning their agency’s identity and access management strategy, they are considering how and when the PIV credential will be used, whether for logical access to an online application or physical access to a government facility. Effectively testing those systems or other software and hardware with a live credential not belonging to an actual user is a desirable approach. Customers may purchase test cards to help ensure the systems to which the credentials are being used can be securely and reliably accessed. To order test cards, carefully read and complete the Test Card Instructions and Order form. The Test Card form must be accompanied with a completed USAccess Service Order Form. For questions, contact Daryl Hendricks Daryl.Hendricks@gsa.gov or email hspd12@gsa.gov .