XTec Incorporated tapped by U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide logical access solutions
XTec Enables DHS' Next Step Toward Full HSPD-12 Compliance
November 9, 2009
RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XTec Incorporated, the primary HSPD-12 solution provider for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been awarded DHS' Combined Infrastructure Support contract for Enterprise Identity Management and Logical Access Control under the department's HSPD-12 compliance program. This Task Order is designed to establish logical access control infrastructure for internal DHS networks.
"We look forward to working with DHS headquarters, its component agencies and Entrust to implement the department's strategic plans for HSPD-12 card issuance and usage," said Kevin Kozlowski, XTec's vice president of government initiatives.
Under the terms of the contract, XTec will provide three key components to support DHS' logical access control: an HSPD-12 compatible smartcard Minidriver; the AuthentX online certificate status protocol solution, or OCSP; and a PKI license.
The Minidriver is HSPD-12 compatible with the Microsoft Smart Card Base Cryptographic Service Provider or Crypto Next Generation Key Storage Provider and with the Smart Card Management Interface. Built on the Microsoft kernel, XTec's Minidriver solution makes logical access to DHS networks simple by eliminating the need for complex middleware, which can tie up a system and limit the Microsoft operating system.
To maximize the efficiency of smartcard use for logical access, XTec will provide its GSA APL-approved AuthentX OCSP Server solution. This solution incorporates both the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol and the Certificate Revocation List in a single-server environment.
The enterprise license for PKI, provided through partner Entrust, entails a digital signature -- as well as certificates for PIV authentication, key encryption and card authentication -- for each DHS identity.
"PKI technology remains such a valuable and versatile tool, regardless of the scope or type of environment it secures," said Entrust President and CEO Bill Conner. "The Department of Homeland Security should be lauded for not only unifying their security architecture, but for doing so in a manner that enhances cross-component efficiency and helps save money by reducing the number of solutions securing different offices and locations."
"XTec has years of proven experience as a security solutions integrator for the U.S. government, and opting for a strong, proven PKI will help DHS meet their immediate and long-term security needs," said XTec CEO Albert Fernandez. "We're looking forward to collaborating with Entrust on this critical government project, and our team innovation will serve as a strong security model for other U.S. agencies to follow."
In competing for this contract, XTec capitalized on its reputation for excellence throughout the federal government in achieving end-to-end, HSPD-12 compliant programs. XTec's AuthentX product line, a complete COTS solution, allows not only immediate issuance of PIV-II credentials, but also the capability to implement physical and logical access control by using PIV cards enabled with the NIST high-security profile. XTec's ability to rapidly deploy a proven COTS solution has contributed to the company's continued success in the HSPD-12 marketplace.
About Entrust
Entrust provides trusted solutions that secure digital identities and information for enterprises and governments in 2,000 organizations spanning 60 countries. Offering trusted security for less, Entrust solutions represent the right balance between affordability, expertise and service. These include SSL, strong authentication, fraud detection, digital certificates and PKI. For information, call 888-690-2424, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.entrust.com.
About XTec
XTec is a leader in secure, interoperable authentication and verification systems. XTec develops, produces and licenses enterprise-level security solutions for credentialing, access control, information systems and electronic commerce for a wide range of government and commercial uses. XTec's focus is providing a secure foundation from which customers can build secure enterprise Web-based applications and cryptographic systems. XTec is the leading systems integrator for HSPD-12 card issuance in the civilian federal government space and is recognized as a leader in both government and commercial circles for its expertise and products for credentialing, identity, secure payment and access control.
