Pilot programs for an identity ecosystem as envisioned in the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (.pdf) will begin in 2012, according to a National Institute of Standards and Technology official. While NIST is currently planning to pilot implementations of NSTIC, much depends on the successful formation of an NSTIC governing body and sufficient funding, said the official; who spoke on background during an industry association meeting.  

NIST previously announced that it hopes to see a governing body in place by year end and it envisions a fully-functioning NSTIC environment by Jan. 1, 2016. Under the fiscal 2012 Commerce appropriations bill, which passed in the House July 13, the NIST would get $700 million, which is $49 million below current funding and $300 million below the president's request. 

That potential hit in appropriations--it still must be ratified by the Senate and signed by the president to become law--doesn't appear to have stopped NIST from going forward with a request for proposals for an NSTIC support contractor.

The agency released July 6 an labor hour RFP under full and open competition for contractor support in the performance of six tasks, including identity management technical expertise, policy analysis, standards development and harmonization, and review of technology and pilot requirements and proposals.

The contract will be for one base year with two year-long option periods; responses to the RFP are due by July 22 at 12 p.m., eastern daylight savings time. Responses must include a small business subcontracting plan that has a goal of 34.5 percent small business participation, sub-percentages dedicated to various socioeconomic groups such as women-owned small businesses.

NSTIC RFP reporting contributed by David Perera.

For more:
- go to the NSTIC RFP page on FBO.gov

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