Glossary

The Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) badge consists of an Ames Lab logo, employee name, Ames Lab employee ID number, and an employee photograph. Ames Lab’s LSSO will be called the Ames Lab Badge. Ames Lab Badges will be used for physical access to Ames Lab buildings and rooms.

An old card that is no longer in use. The card cannot grant physical access to the building. 

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) is a policy that requires federal agencies to use a standardized identification system for employees and contractors. The goal is to improve security, reduce identity fraud, and protect personal privacy.

The ISU ID card is issued to all ISU employees and is used for physical access. This card will be used for access until all Ames Lab personnel receive an Ames Lab Badge or PIV Badge. ISU ID cards are also used by DPS and ISU Senior Leadership to access Ames Lab spaces. 

Local Site-Specific Only (LSSO) badges can address a variety of local issues and unique local badging requirements, such as facility access cards for short-term individuals (employees with forgotten/misplaced Personal Identity Verification (PIV), summer interns, vendors). LSSO badges must not resemble the design or color of the DOE PIV credential. Examples of Ames National Lab LSSO would be Ames Lab Badge, Visitor Badges and Subcontractor Badges.

The National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is a federal IT system that manages background checks for government employees, contractors, and military members.

It is a system that meets the control and security objectives of Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 and is based on secure and reliable forms of identity credentials issued by the Federal Government to its employees and contractors

PIV Badges are used government-wide to control access to Federally Controlled Facilities and information systems at the appropriate security level.

Public key infrastructure (PKI) is a set of tools and procedures that help secure electronic communications and transactions. PKI uses encryption to verify the identity of users and devices, and to protect sensitive data. 

USAccess is a service that helps federal agencies manage and issue Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards. PIV cards are used by federal employees and contractors to access computers, facilities, and other secure areas.