D -- E-AUTHENTICATION SOLUTIONS

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION IS SEEKING A COMPANY WHO SPECIALIZES IN E-AUTHENTICATION SOLUTIONS The Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking to provide enhanced Internet services to the public. These services require high levels of assurance for our authentication protocols. We must know and trust the identity of individuals presenting themselves to us across the Internet. The main e-authentication challenge for SSA is that our dealings with individuals are infrequent and sometimes involve only one or two contacts during a lifetime (e.g., a request for a replacement Social Security Number card or application for retirement benefits.) The e-authentication solutions employed at SSA must comply with OMB Memorandum M-04-04 and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-63. While our e-authentication goal is to protect the data housed in our records, we note that there must be a balance between data protection and usability. SSA is seeking vendors qualified to develop and implement OMB level 3 assurance e-authentication solutions for customers who wish to use SSA online services. We are looking for a company with previous experience helping clients implement similar public-facing Internet e-authentication solutions. The solutions previously implemented should closely align with a level 3 assurance as per the Office of Management and Budget?s (OMB) Memorandum M-04-04. We are also requesting that interested vendors provide information on cost models (for example, will there be a flat fee, annual fee, or volume-based charges). If you believe that you have the capability to successfully develop and implement such a solution, you are asked to provide a capability statement and GSA schedule number (if applicable) to SSA. Please submit your response in writing directly to Kim Baldwin Sparks at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, March 12, 2008. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED.