XTec participates in the Maritime Administration's Interoperability Demonstration at three major US Ports showcasing its approved PIV Technologies

Complete End-to-End Interoperability Showcased at the Maritime Administration's Demo; XTec, one of the first Government-approved Integration Service Providers, Helps Federal Agencies Meet the HSPD-12 Challenge

RESTON, VA, July 25 -- XTec Incorporated, participated in a major demonstration to validate and confirm the Maritime Administration's Seafarer's Identity Card in accordance with the requirements of Homeland Security Presidential Directive No.12 (HSPD-12) and the Personal Identification Verification II (PIV-II) standards. The Maritime Interoperability Demonstration was held at Port of Baltimore in Maryland, the Port of Norfolk in Virginia, and The Port of Jacksonville in Florida.

The purpose of the test was to demonstrate the ability to provide relying parties with the capability to electronically authenticate and bind smart credentials to the identity and attribute(s) of maritime personnel in an online / offline environment using FIPS 201 technology. The real-time tests were designed to highlight two access control points (one at facility/terminal access and one at the pier with shipboard access). In addition, all participants were required to possess a FIPS 201-compliant identity credential, which were issued by XTec, and had to validate their identities by following the electronic authentication (eAuthentication) process of inserting respective smart identity credential and personal identification number (PIN) into relying party mobile handheld unit for identity verification. Additionally, the card's Physical Access Control capabilities were demonstrated by using them in an XTec biometrically enabled PIV reader, which authenticates not only the credential, but also the holders' biometrics.

Officials from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), US DOT, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Department of Homeland Security, Maryland Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Port of Jacksonville, GM Ship Management, and Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (Seafarer's International Union rep) were present for the test.

Participating Organizations included the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Maritime Administration (MARAD), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), US Coast Guard (USCG), US Fire Academy (USFA), Sailors International Union, American Trucking Association (ATA), Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), Crowley Liner Services, Interocean American Shipping, Virginia National Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Port of Jacksonville, Florida, Port of Baltimore, Maryland, Port of Norfolk, Virginia, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

XTec Incorporated, one of the first three organizations to be approved by an agency of the Federal Government to be a PIV Integration Service Provider, designs and manufactures the AuthentX™ solution that provides PIV card and identity management compliance for federal agencies. An interoperable system, AuthentX™ supports a broad range of third-party HSPD-12 solutions, including PIV-II cards, biometrics technology and externally managed public key infrastructure (PKI) offered by approved Shared Service Providers (SSP).

AuthentX™ Card Management System software is designed to enable organizations to implement smart card-based identity management, provisioning, authentication devices and policy enforcement -- increasing overall security, improving the end user experience and addressing regulatory requirements. The solution serves the complete smart card credential lifecycle, including card and credential issuance, replacement and cancellation, as well as smart badging and applet management.

About XTec

XTec is a leader in secure, interoperable authentication and verification systems. XTec develops, produces, and licenses enterprise level security solutions for Credentialing, Access Control, Information Systems, and Electronic Commerce for a wide range of government and commercial uses. XTec's focus is on providing a secure foundation from which customers can build secure enterprise web-based applications and cryptographic systems. XTec has a long-standing relationship with the Department of Homeland Security (formerly the United States Secret Service or USSS) for document security using XTec equipment to assist in the forensic tracing of counterfeit cards. XTec is a recognized leader in both government and commercial circles for its expertise and products for credentialing, identity, secure payment, and access control.