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Ames Lab Badges: Details and FAQs
Ames Lab Badges: Details and FAQs
Ames Lab Badges are required for temporary employees, contributors, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Foreign nationals who are not yet eligible for a PIV Badge receive an Ames Lab Badge.
What you can do now:
Come get your Ames Lab Badge (if you haven't already)! Stop by 105 TASF anytime, or email badgingoffice@ameslab.gov if you prefer to schedule an appointment.
The badge process only takes about 10 minutes.
Your Ames Lab Badge will immediately replace your ISUCard for door access to Ames Lab facilities.
Wear your Ames Lab Badge for identification in Ames Lab buildings.
Pick up (or trade for a new option) a lanyard, clip, or armband from the Badging Office in 105 TASF or obtain your own.
FAQs about Ames Lab Badges
FAQs about Ames Lab Badges
Click/tap each question to expand it and show the answer
More details about Ames Lab Badges
More details about Ames Lab Badges
Vertical, hard plastic card
Has the Ames Lab logo and an employee’s first and last name, picture, and Ames Lab ID number printed on the front
The Ames Lab Badge is also known as a “Local Site-Specific Only” badge, or LSSO.
These badges are printed on site in our Badging Office—and yes, you can smile for this photo.
Do you need both a PIV Badge and an Ames Lab Badge? If not, can I forgo getting the Ames Lab Badge and wait for the PIV?
Do you need both a PIV Badge and an Ames Lab Badge? If not, can I forgo getting the Ames Lab Badge and wait for the PIV?
You do not need both an Ames Lab Badge and a PIV Badge. If you are eligible for a PIV Badge, we recommend waiting until we notify you that it’s your turn to get one and continuing to use your ISUCard for identification and door access in the meantime. If you are eligible for a PIV Badge, you can get an Ames Lab Badge now if you want to, but you will still need to get a PIV Badge later.
I’m a foreign national who has lived in the U.S. for less than three years. What happens once I’ve lived in the U.S. for three years?
I’m a foreign national who has lived in the U.S. for less than three years. What happens once I’ve lived in the U.S. for three years?
If you are a foreign national who has lived in the U.S. less than three years, you will get an Ames Lab Badge for now. If you are also a permanent employee, joint employee, or postdoc, you will become eligible for a PIV Badge after you have lived in the U.S. for at least three years. At this time, the Badging Office will reach out to you to start the process to get your PIV Badge.
Will I have to get my picture taken?
Will I have to get my picture taken?
Yes, you will have your picture taken for both the PIV Badge and the Ames Lab Badge. You’ll get your picture taken in the Badging Office. You are allowed to smile (and show teeth if you prefer) for an Ames Lab Badge photo.
Is fingerprinting part of the badge process too?
Is fingerprinting part of the badge process too?
No, fingerprints are not required for an Ames Lab Badge.
Do I have to use a special badge holder?
Do I have to use a special badge holder?
Ames Lab Badges and ISUCards do not need to be kept in RFID-blocking badge holders (unlike PIV Badges). You'll receive a clear plastic holder for your Ames Lab Badge when you come to pick it up.
How will door access get switched to my new badge?
How will door access get switched to my new badge?
Once your new badge is ready, the Badging Office will use the number on the back of your badge to give it access to all the same places you have access on your ISUCard. Then they’ll remove access to Ames Lab facilities from your ISUCard. You’ll test the new badge to make sure it works, and then be on your way. The process takes a few minutes.
Do I still need my ISUCard?
Do I still need my ISUCard?
Yes, you’ll still need your ISUCard for ISU services like the library and accessing ISU buildings outside of working hours.
Why can’t we keep using our ISUCards for identification and door access?
Why can’t we keep using our ISUCards for identification and door access?
Unfortunately ISUCards don’t meet the federal standards for Local Site-Specific Only (LSSO) badges required by the DOE.
Ames Lab must be able to control its badges. Since ISU “owns” ISUCards, Ames Lab can’t be responsible for issuing, returning, and destroying them - which is required by the DOE order.
LSSO badges cannot have a dual purpose. Since ISUCards can be used at both Ames Lab and ISU, they violate this requirement.
Ames Lab has had an exemption in place to allow us to use ISUCards until we could get everyone new badges. We also got approval for employees to wear their current Ames Lab ID cards until they can receive their new Ames Lab Badge or PIV Badge.
Do I have to return my badge when I leave employment at the Laboratory? What's the process for that?
Do I have to return my badge when I leave employment at the Laboratory? What's the process for that?
Yes, per DOE Order 473.3 Chapter XI, all Ames Lab and PIV Badges must be returned to the Badging Office (TASF 105) during business hours at the end of an employee's last day of work. We are working with HR to build this step into the checkout process.
Can we use these badges when traveling to get government rates?
Can we use these badges when traveling to get government rates?
Yes, you can use your Ames Lab Badge when you travel to get government rates at hotels and other places.
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