Secure Identity Management Support

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the need for Subject Matter Expert (SME) support for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Enrollment Services and Vetting Programs (ESVP) office. The support is crucial for various TSA security programs, particularly those mandated by the FAA's Extension Safety and Security Act (FESSA), focusing on secure identity management operations and maintenance.

The contractor will provide technical expertise in biometric identification, authentication, validation, enrollment services, and identity verification. This includes supporting programs like TWIC®, FTSP, TSA PreCheck®, HTAP, General Aviation, Aviation Worker, Indirect Air Carrier, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Key areas include:

• Initial and Recurrent Biometric Vetting (CLIN 00001): Providing analysis, research, and reporting on biometric identification and authentication methods, technology, and tools. Supporting the implementation of FBI "Rap Back" services across ESVP vetting populations and integrating DHS IDENT data.
• Biometric Standards, Accreditation and Requirements Development (CLIN 00002): Offering expert guidance on technology integration, standards (NIST, ICAO, FIPS), and automated rap sheet parsing and scoring to enhance adjudication processes.
• Data Management System / Data Science Support (CLIN 00003): Providing expertise in data system management, data quality, and data science, including Machine Learning/AI methodologies, to ensure data integrity and leverage AI-driven tools.

Services will be monitored through a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), with deliverables including monthly status reports, annual summary reports, technical reports, and final reports. Performance will be evaluated based on acceptable quality levels and adherence to PWS requirements.

• Period of Performance: 12-month base period with four one-year option periods.

• Place of Performance: On-site services at TSA Headquarters, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 22150.

• Key Personnel: Requires Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with specific levels of experience in identity management, biometrics, and related technologies.

• Section 508 Compliance: All ICT deliverables must conform to applicable Section 508 standards.

• Deliverables: Includes various reports, plans, guides, and technical documentation as detailed in Section 13.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions posed by potential vendors regarding the Secure Identity Management Support opportunity, along with the government's responses. It serves to clarify requirements and provide additional information to assist bidders in preparing their responses.

• Experience in Secure Identity Management: Vendors are asked about their experience in providing technical and operational expertise for secure identity management operations, maintenance, and modernization in testing and operational environments.
• Biometric Methodologies: Questions cover experience with identification, authentication, and validation of biometric methodologies for government enrollment, vetting, and credentialing systems.
• Biometric Data Utilization: Vendors are queried on their experience with various biometric data types, including fingerprint, facial, iris, vascular, hand geometry, voice, and DNA.
• FBI NGI Rap Back Services: Specific experience with the FBI's Next Generation Identification (NGI) Rap Back services and related XML formatted rap sheets is requested.
• Federal Biometric Databases: Experience with federal biometric databases such as DHS's IDENT and HART, as well as international databases, is sought.
• Standards Organizations: Vendors are asked about their Subject Matter Expert (SME) experience with standards organizations impacting TSA Operations, including ANSI, NIST, INCITS, ISO (SC 37), and ICAO.
• Technical Skills: Experience with Microsoft Excel Programming (VBA, VBScript, SQL) and Machine Learning (AI, LLMs) related to vetting processes is also inquired about.

This document provides critical details that bidders should consider when assessing their qualifications and preparing their proposals. The questions highlight key areas of interest for the government and may influence how vendors structure their responses and demonstrate their capabilities.