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May 24, 2004 12:26 PM

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a request for proposals to begin the prototype phase of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. This is the third step in TSA's development of a uniform identification credential for all transportation workers who require unescorted access to secure areas at trucking and mass transit facilities, seaports, airports, rail, and pipelines. The phase will be conducted in Philadelphia PA and Wilmington DE; the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach CA; and 14 major port facilities in Florida. TSA anticipates that up to 200,000 workers may participate in the prototype.

The TWIC card is part of TSA's effort to secure all modes of the nation's transportation network to keep known terrorists away from vulnerable areas.

The proposal request will be open for 30 days and will be competed between companies selected through the General Services Administration (GSA) smart access common identification card contract. Federal agencies requesting smart card technologies are encouraged to solicit bids through these approved vendors. The prototype will examine a range of identity management processes, including the use of smart card technology with biometrics to positively link an individual to his or her credential for unescorted access to secure areas of the transportation system.

For more information, click here for the TSA web site at tsa.dhs.gov.