In compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), the Commonwealth of Virginia will be issuing first responder authentication credentials (FRACs) to more than 4,000 first responders.

Part of Virginia’s First Responder Partnership Initiative, FRACs will provide first responders aiding in emergency situations with quick, authorized access to secure facilities across multiple jurisdictions. The regional program was developed in response to HSPD-12, which aims to eliminate the security risk posed by the disparity in quality between forms of identification used by different jurisdictions. By establishing a government-wide standard for the production of forms of identification for federal employees and contractors, HSPD-12 aims to enhance security, increase government efficiency, reduce identity fraud and protect personal privacy.

“We need to know that emergency responders are who they say they are so they can be positioned for support quickly and with a high level of trust,” says Mike McAllister, deputy state director of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s security and emergency management division.

Virginia selected Johnson Controls, a provider of facility management products and services, to implement the FRAC program. Northrop Grumman Corporation, Electronic Data Systems Corporation and Rileen Innovative Technologies have also been selected to assist in the implementation.

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