Federal PACS Services

Supporting PACS testing for the FIPS 201 Evaluation Program

SynchroCyber supports federal agencies in modernizing, securing, and maintaining Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) across both on-premises and cloud environments. Our services ensure full alignment with FIPS 201-3, NIST SP 800-116, ICAM architecture, and GSA PACS Evaluation Program requirements.

We provide end-to-end PACS support—including architecture, testing, certificate validation, ICAM integration, Zero Trust alignment, acquisition guidance, and operational sustainment—to help agencies design and operate APL-listed components, integrate identity and credential data, and maintain compliance throughout the identity, credential, and access lifecycle.

What We Do

PACS Architecture & Modernization

PACS Architecture & Modernization (Federal Topology-Aligned)

We help agencies evaluate, plan, and modernize PACS environments using the GSA-defined PACS topologies:

13.01 (On-premises or Cloud) – Separate PACS Infrastructure + Validation System + PIV Reader
13.02 (On-premises or Cloud) – Combined Infrastructure & Validation System + PIV Reader

Our PACS modernization services integrate:

FIPS 201-aligned authentication modes (CAK, BIO, BIO-A, CHUID)
Integration with identity sources and authoritative systems (IDMS, HR, USAccess)
NIST SP 800-116 Rev 1 authentication factor mapping for Controlled, Limited, Exclusion zones
Support for cloud PACS considerations across public, private, hybrid, community, and multi-cloud deployment models

PACS IV&V (Independent Verification & Validation)

Aligned with FIPS 201 Evaluation Program Functional Requirements & Test Cases (FRTC).

We validate:

Authentication factor correctness (1FA, 2FA, 3FA)
Certificate path validation (OCSP, CRL, trust anchors)
Proper handling of revocation, expired certificates, and invalid chains
Reader compliance with NIST SP 800-116 authentication controls
Door, panel, and controller behavior under card failure conditions
Alignment of PACS Infrastructure, Validation System, and Reader APL certificate numbers
Assist agencies in completing the FICAM PACS Assessment Toolkit

This ensures agencies receive true FICAM-compliant installations, not “check-the-box” deployments.

Certificate Validation & Trust Chain Support

PACS cannot properly authenticate PIV credentials without correct certificate validation.

We support agencies with:

Identifying and correcting certificate validation gaps that break access control
Troubleshooting CAK, PAK, CHUID, and BIO authentication failures
Trust-path lifecycle updates for new CAs or certificate policies
Enterprise CRL/OCSP responder architectures (Entrust, FPKI, Bridge CA)
Secure controller validation behavior and fallback/caching logic
Testing with analytic credentials (test PIVs)

This service is essential because incorrect certificate validation is the #1 cause of PACS failure in federal environments.

PACS–ICAM Integration & Identity Lifecycle Alignment

Secure PACS operation depends on accurate, authoritative, and timely identity data.

SynchroCyber helps agencies integrate PACS with their ICAM architecture to ensure physical access decisions reflect the current identity and credential state.

We support:

Synchronizing identity and credential attributes into PACS
Integrating HR systems, Active Directory, IDMS/ICAM platforms, and credentialing systems
Mapping PACS identity data to authoritative sources
Ensuring PIV lifecycle changes propagate to PACS in near-real time
Automating deprovisioning and enforcing lifecycle controls
Supporting CDM MUR reporting for identity, credential, and access events
Enabling USAccess interconnection (via agency tools such as SynchroSIP)
Aligning PACS operations with ICAM FIBF service measures

This ensures your PACS always reflects the true, authoritative identity state across the enterprise.

Zero Trust & PACS Convergence

Reflecting current OMB and NIST guidance that physical access must support Zero Trust.

We support agencies in:

Assessing PACS against Zero Trust ICAM pillars and OMB M-22-09
Integrating physical access events into enterprise audit, visibility, and analytics
Enforcing authentication assurance (IAL/AAL alignment)
Treating door access as a policy enforcement point
Aligning PIV authentication modes with identity assurance levels

We help agencies treat physical access as a dynamic, identity-driven security boundary.

PACS Operations, Troubleshooting, & Sustainment

We provide hands-on technical support and operational guidance, including:

Reader configuration and testing
Authentication mode troubleshooting
Trust-store updates and certificate lifecycle maintenance
Validation of new PIV cards, derived credentials, and mobile credentials
Resolving authentication inconsistencies across facilities
Ensuring FISMA/ATO-aligned operation per agency security policies

We help ensure your PACS operates reliably, day to day, across all facilities.

Why PACS Vendors Choose SynchroCyber

Deep FIPS 201 & FRTC Expertise
Hands-on experience executing and interpreting PACS Functional Requirements and Test Cases.
Federal PKI Specialists
Experts in trust chains, OCSP, CRLs, card path validation, and certificate lifecycle behaviors.
Credential Interoperability Experience
Support for PIV, PIV-I, CAC, Derived, and Analytic credentials.
GSA APL Knowledge
We help vendors avoid common APL submission errors and misinterpretations.
Engineering-Level Troubleshooting
Direct support for developers, firmware engineers, and product architects.
Real-World Federal PACS Integration Insight
We understand both ICAM identity flows and the design of physical access systems.
HUBZone Certified
Eligible for federal subcontracting incentives and set-aside partnerships.We help vendors reduce evaluation risk, accelerate time-to-listing, and deliver PACS products that federal agencies can trust.

Federal Acquisition Support

Helps agencies understand how to properly acquire PACS, in accordance with GSA and FAR 8.4.
We now include federally accurate acquisition guidance based on:

GSA PACS Ordering Guide
GSA Security & Protection Category guidance
IDManagement.gov PACS procurement recommendations
We help agencies:
Determine whether the requirement falls under FIPS 201–compliant or legacy PACS
Prepare PACS Statements of Work (SOW) aligned with GSA examples
Prepare RFQs in accordance with
FAR Subpart 8.4
Select correct GSA MAS SINs:
334290PACS – FIPS 201 APL Compliant PACS
541330SEC – Security System Integration & Life Cycle Support (CSEIP required)
Ensure procurement includes CSEIP-certified labor (a GSA requirement)
Verify APL certificate numbers for:Infrastructure
Validation System
PIV Readers

Who We Serve

We offer comprehensive support across architecture, lifecycle management, credentialing, authentication, governance, and Zero Trust alignment.

Federal civilian agencies

Defense organizations

Shared service providers

ICAM and facility security offices

Program management and engineering teams

Facilities implementing PIV/CAC authentication

Our Goal

To help PACS vendors build, validate, and confidently deliver secure, standards-based solutions for federal customers—without crossing into the evaluation activities or decision-making that belong solely to GSA.

Why Agencies Choose SynchroCyber ICAM

Deep expertise across identity, credential, and access management

Extensive experience supporting federal PIV, PIV-I, CAC, and Derived programs

Alignment with FIPS 201-3, NIST SP 800-63, ICAM FIBF, and Zero Trust reqs

Strong integration capability across PACS, LACS, and enterprise IAM systems

Credential lifecycle and authoritative source specialists

Trusted advisor for ICAM modernization and identity governance

HUBZone Certified Small Business

17959 Dumfries Shopping Plaza, Suite 2B, Dumfries, VA 22026

Phone: 703.862.5500 | Email: contact@synchrocyber.com