Determining Position Classification:
The First Step in the Badge Issuance Process
NIH utilizes several position classifications to determine the type of badge it issues to an individual requiring access to NIH facilities. Depending on the classification, an individual will be eligible for one of three ID badges: a Personal Identity Verification card (PIV Card), a Restricted Local Access (RLA) badge or an NIH Legacy ID badge. [Note: certain visitors to NIH who are not eligible for one of these credentials may require a special visitor pass).
Determining an individual's correct classification is an important first step in the badge issuance process since it helps ensure that each person requiring access to NIH facilities and IT resources is vetted appropriately and qualifies for one of the three badge types.
Each classification also governs whether the individual will be entered into the NIH Enterprise Directory (NED), the type of background check to be administered, who will conduct the background check (DPSAC or the NIH Police) and the life cycle of the badge (i.e., less than six months, up to a year, up to 3 years or up to 5 years).
You can find the complete list of spotlights regarding the sixteen position classifications that will help you determine the correct classification for an individual here.
Links to Each Spotlight Regarding the Position Classifications
DPSAC News is reprising its 'Spotlight' series in a format that lets readers quickly scan the position classifications and link to in-depth articles about each one. Each article begins by identifying who qualifies for a particular position classification and the type of badge that will be issued for that person.
Readers will also find information about whether the position classification is entered into NED, who processes the badge requests (DPSAC or the NIH Police), the type of background investigation required, how long the badge is good for, and NIH requirements for the disposition of the ID badge.
NIH Badging Authority by Classification Chart:
The 'NIH Badging Authority by Classification Table' containing brief descriptions of all position classifications can be viewed on the DPSAC website. This chart summarizes the key elements of each position classification at NIH. (Note: users must be connected to the NIH IT network to view the table.) This useful reference organizes classifications according to badge type -- descending in order from the HHS ID Badge (PIV card) to Restricted Local Access Badge to Legacy Badge, and finally to miscellaneous visitor passes -- and identifies the corresponding Badging Authority for each classification.
The Badging Authority [DPSAC or the NIH Police Department] is the organization responsible for coordinating the necessary background check and for authorizing the issuance of an ID badge. Should you have questions about a classification, please call the DPSAC Helpdesk at 301-402-9755 or e-mail them at: orspersonnelsecurity@mail.nih.gov.
