Technology affects every aspect of business and this includes government agencies as well. Many governmental arms use technology extensively to protect the identity of their employees and their confidential data. Security and asset management are other areas where technology is used. One such government agency that uses technology for many of its operations is the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
To provide the highest degree of security, governmental agencies outsource their IT activities to private third-party companies. Currently, the EPA outsources many of its IT services to a consulting company called ICF International (News - Alert). Recently, EPA has extended the contract with ICF for another year. During this time, ICF will offer support to services such as Homeland Security Presidential Directive -12, Personal Identity Verification and Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM) support. Through this contract, EPA hopes to ensure greater operational efficiency and a higher degree of security for its employees and data.
The Homeland Security Presidential Directive -12 is a directive that streamlines security within governmental offices by eliminating identity threat and protecting personal privacy. This directive complies with the federal standard to secure the many forms of identification for the employees. Personal Identity Verification (PIV) is closely related to directive -12 as it is aimed to improve the identification and authentication of federal employees and contractors. The ICAM is another program that aims to improve digital identity and security as well as access management. This is also a part of the common framework established by the federal government to improve security in all government operations.
Each of these systems are critical for government agencies and this is why these operations are outsourced to companies that have the expertise to implement them.
The executives of ICF International are also pleased with the extension of this project. They are confident of providing superior quality of service for US EPA in all the different service areas.
Edited by Ryan Sartor