Access Control
& Security Systems

The Federal Aviation Administration will run a trial program this summer issuing smart cards to its employees and selected contract workers. The FAA will put out a request for proposal in the next week or two and hopes to begin issuing cards later this summer, spokeswoman Tammy Jones told CNet.

The cards will eventually include biometric data, and could be used to control access to locations and computers.

The FAA is part of a team working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a standard for smart cards that could eventually be applied throughout the Department of Transportation (DOT). The Aviation and Transportation Security Act requires the DOT to "work with airport operators to strengthen access control points in secured areas" and to consider using biometric data.

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