Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors directs the implementation of a standardized badging process, which is designed to enhance security, reduce identity fraud, and protect the personal privacy of those issued government identification. 

Only those who have been officially appointed as Sponsors—and have completed the required training—can initiate this process. Within the Department of Commerce, Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card sponsors are comprised of HR personnel, Contracting Officers/Contracting Officer Representatives, and Foreign National Guest Sponsors for PIV-Interoperable (PIV-I) card issuance. 

• All staff members issued a PIV card must have a favorable background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint check; for most people, this will mean a Tier I investigation [formerly the National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI)].
• Personnel meeting the criteria for PIV-I card issuance must have a minimum of a Department of Commerce Special Agreement Check (SAC) background investigation and a favorable fingerprint check. Refer to DAO-207-12 for more information related to foreign visitors and guests.
• If an investigation does not meet the minimum requirements and/or employment is less than 180 days, the applicant is eligible for a local Facility Access Card (FAC) or PIV-I card if necessary.
• All personnel must be “identity-proofed” through authentication of two forms of government-issued identification.
• No one person can be the sole official that requests, authorizes, and issues a badge.