New Access Control Procedure for Vendors, Suppliers, Service Providers and Contractors

06:51 GMT, August 5, 2010 PENSACOLA, Fla. | Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS Pensacola) is participating in the Navy initiative to increase security and streamline installation access by implementing the RAPIDGate Program. The patented program, offered by Eid Passport, Inc., will manage installation access for vendors, suppliers, service providers and contractors. The program is offered as a solution to mitigate the delays expected as a result of recent changes in Department of Defense (DoD) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) security directives requiring tighter security requirements to access Navy installations.

RAPIDGate Program participants receive a year-long access credential after they pass a background screening process and are approved by the installation. Credentials are electronically scanned and verified by security personnel in a matter of a few seconds. The program includes company enrollment, employee registration, employment status validation, identity authentication, background screening, biometric verification and entry authorization.

“We are proud to be a part of further securing NAS Pensacola, the launching point for the flight training of every Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer and Enlisted Aircrewman,” said Eid Passport CEO Steve Larson. "In addition to increasing security, the RAPIDGate Program will increase the efficiency of security measures resulting in time and money savings for companies that access the air station.”

Company enrollment for the RAPIDGate Program began July 21, 2010 and employee registration began July 22, 2010. Companies are being encouraged to enroll their company and register their employees as soon as possible. Long-term contractor badges will no longer be issued as of September 13, 2010. Companies who do not enroll in the RAPIDGate Program will be required to obtain a day pass and will be subject to mandatory vehicle inspections.


The RAPIDGate Program

The RAPIDGate Program (www.RAPIDGate.com) provides a voluntary identity and access management solution for vendor, supplier, contractor and subcontractor personnel who enter secure facilities. It provides multiple layers of physical security checks including: validation of employment status, identity authentication, background screening, biometric verification and entry authorization verification. Access control personnel can process RAPIDGate credential-holders in seconds, which improves gate efficiency, saves companies time and money, and improves customer satisfaction. One RAPIDGate credential may be used to request access to multiple participating installations for even greater convenience, efficiency and return on investment. The RAPIDGate Program already serves thousands of companies and tens of thousands of RAPIDGate credential-holders who enjoy streamlined access into Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and National Aeronautics and Space Administration facilities across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. The RAPIDGate Program contains products and services subject to U.S. Patent No. 6,779,721 and 7,631,805.