FAR 4.1300—Scope of subpart.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 4.1300 is a scope provision that tells readers what this subpart is about: the policy and procedures for Personal Identity Verification (PIV) in federal contracting. It ties the subpart directly to two external authorities—FIPS PUB 201, which sets the government-wide standard for PIV of federal employees and contractors, and OMB Memorandum M-05-24, which implements HSPD-12 and establishes the common identification standard for federal employees and contractors. In practical terms, this section signals that the subpart is not creating a standalone identity program; instead, it is the FAR’s procurement-side framework for applying the government’s PIV requirements. Contractors and contracting officers should read this as the gateway to rules governing identity proofing, credential issuance, and access-related procedures for contractor personnel who need to work in federal facilities or systems. The section matters because it anchors contractor onboarding, badge issuance, and access control requirements in government-wide policy, helping agencies protect facilities, information systems, and personnel while maintaining a consistent identification standard across the executive branch.
Key Rules
Subpart covers PIV policy
This subpart exists to provide the FAR policy and procedures for Personal Identity Verification. It is the contracting regulation’s entry point for identity-related requirements that apply to federal employees and contractors.
FIPS 201 is the standard
The subpart implements the requirements of FIPS PUB 201, which establishes the Personal Identity Verification standard. In practice, this means agencies and contractors must follow the government’s prescribed identity verification and credentialing framework.
OMB M-05-24 is incorporated
The subpart also implements OMB Guidance M-05-24, which carries out HSPD-12’s common identification standard. This ensures the FAR aligns with executive policy on secure, interoperable identity credentials.
Applies to contractors too
The scope expressly includes contractors, not just federal employees. Contractor personnel who need access to federal facilities or information systems may therefore be subject to PIV-related procedures and credentialing requirements.
Procedures follow external guidance
Because the section is a scope statement, it does not itself spell out every operational step. Instead, it points users to the underlying standards and guidance that govern how PIV is implemented in practice.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officers
Recognize when PIV requirements may apply to a procurement and ensure solicitations, contracts, and administration align with the applicable PIV policy and procedures referenced by this subpart.
Agencies
Implement the PIV policy and procedures consistent with FIPS PUB 201 and OMB M-05-24, including any agency-specific processes needed to issue and manage credentials for employees and contractors.
Contractors
Ensure covered personnel comply with PIV-related identity proofing, credentialing, and access procedures when required for performance, and coordinate with the agency on onboarding and access requirements.
Contractor Personnel
Provide the information and cooperation needed for identity verification and credential issuance, and use PIV credentials in accordance with agency rules for facility or system access.
Practical Implications
This section tells you where to look for the governing identity standard: the FAR subpart is tied to FIPS 201 and OMB M-05-24, so compliance depends on those external requirements as well as agency procedures.
For contractors, the practical effect is often onboarding delay if identity proofing, background checks, or badge issuance are not planned early enough.
A common pitfall is treating PIV as a purely administrative badge issue; in reality, it can affect physical access, logical access, and the timing of contract performance.
Contracting officers should make sure PIV-related requirements are addressed in acquisition planning and contract administration, especially when contractor personnel need access to federal facilities or systems.
Because this is a scope section, users should not expect detailed step-by-step procedures here; they must consult the implementing FAR provisions, agency supplements, and the referenced standards for operational requirements.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart provides policy and procedures associated with Personal Identity Verification as required by- (a) Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201, "Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors"; and (b) Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidance M-05-24, dated August 5, 2005, "Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12-Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors."