How Your Position Classification is Determined

All position classifications at NIH, along with examples, can be viewed by clicking on the following link: NIH Badging Authority by Classification Table (pdf)​. This table also identifies the corresponding Badging Authority (DPSAC or the NIH Police Department) for each classification. The Badging Authority is the organization responsible for coordinating the necessary background check and authorizing the issuance of an ID badge. Once authorized, the applicant will be instructed on where to pick up his or her ID badge.

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Determining the Status of Your ID Badge 

NIH personnel can access their NED record via the NED ‘Self Service’ page to view their badge status and to update personal information. First, log onto the NED Portal (NIH Login required). Click on ‘Track My Badge Status’ on the left navigation panel to view the status of your ID badge. This screen displays the history of your badge status. To update your own records, visit here.

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Introduction to Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Badges

The HHS ID Badge, or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, is credentialing that serves as the common government identification for all HHS agencies. Your PIV card is a United States federal smart card that contains the necessary data for the cardholder to be granted both physical and logical access to federal facilities, NIH network, and information systems. A standard background investigation process is required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) to assure appropriate levels of security for all applicable federal employees and contractors. The criteria for PIV cards was established by Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) publication 201, formally entitled Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors.​

The following information will be on your HHS ID badge:

• Your photograph
• Your full name
• Your Operating Division (NIH)
• Badge expiration date
• Badge serial number
• Federal agency smart credential number (which uniquely identifies your OPDIV and you)
• An authentication key
• Two electronic fingerprints
  

The following information will NOT be on your ID badge:

• Social Security Number
• Address
• Phone number
  

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Video Overview of the PIV Process - A Training Module

The HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Overview training module is designed to familiarize you with the common PIV identification standard for federal employees and contractors. The goal of this video is to increase your awareness of HSPD-12 and the corresponding technical standard FIPS 201. 

Click on the image below, then click on 'Begin Training' to start the PIV Overview Video: 
(Click here if Flash Player is disabled in your browser.)

 

A script of this PIV Overview presentation is also available in PDF format by clicking on the 'Print' button at the bottom right of the scre​en. 

Note: PDF documents on this page require the free Adobe Reader.
Note: Flash Multimedia on this page require the free Flash Player.

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Introduction to Restricted Local Access (RLA) Badges

The RLA serves the same purpose as the PIV Card, providing both physical and logical (NIH Network and IT systems) access. Individuals who are eligible for this badge include:

• Foreign nationals who have resided in the U.S. for less than (3) years. (Note: please visit the Division of International Services (DIS) website for information about the badging process for foreign nationals). 
• Summer Students 
• Short-term staff (at NIH for less than six months).
• Volunteers and Tenants
  
  

Foreign Nationals – Initial Request or Renewals

• PIV cards with a blue stripe are issued to all eligible foreign nationals (i.e., foreign nationals who have resided in the U.S. for more than three (3) years
  (Note: Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) are considered foreign nationals)
• Foreign nationals who have been in the U.S. three (3) years or more will receive an HHS ID Badge/PIV Card initially or when their RLA Badge expires
• Foreign nationals who have been in the U.S. less than three (3) years will be issued an RLA badge with a three-year expiration date. Beyond three years, if the individual is still at NIH, s/he will be issued a PIV card after undergoing the appropriate background investigation
  
  

Summer Students

Summer Students will undergo a fingerprint check administered by the Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPSAC) in order to receive an NIH Restricted Local Access (RLA) ID Badge. The RLA Badge will be valid for the duration of the Summer Student’s appointment, but will expire no later than September 30 of the year it is issued. The badge will provide perimeter physical areas to NIH as well as logical access to the NIH IT network.

Summer Students at Remote Satellite Locations

Summer Students who will be reporting to remote satellite locations (Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML), NIEHS-Research Triangle Park (RTP), etc.) will receive fingerprint checks administered by appropriate local security staff. DPSAC will review the results of the fingerprint check and notify the students when they have been authorized for an RLA Badge. These satellite locations will have local badging stations. Summer Students working at these locations should contact their local security office for information on where to obtain an RLA ID Badge and/or schedule an appointment. For contact information, click here.

Foreign Summer Students

Foreign Summer Students will be processed through the Division of International Services (DIS); however, they too will undergo a fingerprint check. For more information, please refer to the Division of International Services (DIS) website.