A Credential Service Provider (CSP) is an entity that performs identity proofing, issues digital credentials, and authenticates users in federal IT systems. Within the U.S. government, CSPs are critical for enabling secure, compliant access to online services, applications, and sensitive data. Their role is foundational to federal identity, credential, and access management (ICAM) strategies, including Zero Trust architectures and digital transformation initiatives.
CSPs operate under guidance from GSA, the Federal CIO Council, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and are required to meet strict federal standards for identity assurance and security.
Role of a CSP in Federal Identity Systems
In the federal landscape, CSPs are responsible for verifying the identities of individuals—whether government employees, contractors, or members of the public—and issuing credentials that can be used to authenticate securely into government systems. These credentials may take the form of usernames and passwords, smart cards, cryptographic tokens, or biometric factors.
Credential Service Providers are essential for enforcing access controls, managing user identities across multiple systems, and supporting seamless, secure digital experiences for both internal users and the public.
Their functions typically include:
- Identity proofing — verifying that an individual is who they claim to be, using official documents, biometric data, or authoritative databases
- Credential issuance — generating and binding a digital credential (e.g., PIV card, mobile credential, or login token) to the verified identity
- Authentication — validating a user’s identity during login using one or more authentication factors
- Credential lifecycle management — managing renewals, revocation, and re-verification as needed
Standards and Compliance Requirements
CSPs serving the federal government must adhere to guidelines defined in NIST Special Publication 800-63, which outlines assurance levels for digital identity. These include:
- Identity Assurance Level (IAL) — defines the robustness of identity proofing (IAL1 to IAL3)
- Authenticator Assurance Level (AAL) — defines the strength of authentication mechanisms (AAL1 to AAL3)
- Federation Assurance Level (FAL) — defines how identity assertions are shared across domains
In addition to NIST compliance, CSPs must align with the Federal Identity, Credential, and Access Management (FICAM) architecture. This ensures consistency in how digital identities are managed across agencies and systems. For higher-security environments, CSPs may also participate in Federal Public Key Infrastructure (FPKI) or obtain trust framework approvals for services integrated with Login.gov or agency-specific identity platforms.
Government and Commercial CSP Examples
CSPs may be internal government-managed services or third-party commercial vendors authorized to provide identity services to federal agencies.
Government-operated CSPs:
- Login.gov — managed by GSA, it provides a shared authentication platform for public-facing federal services
- PIV/IAM systems — used by federal agencies to issue and manage credentials for employees and contractors
Commercial Credential Service Providers typically offer:
- Remote identity proofing tools (e.g., document verification, selfie matching)
- Multifactor authentication platforms (e.g., hardware tokens, mobile authenticators)
- Federation services for single sign-on and cross-agency identity integration
These providers must demonstrate technical capability, regulatory compliance, and security controls before offering services to federal customers through GSA contract vehicles.
Acquisition and Use in GSA Contracts
Credential Service Providers are often procured through GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) under IT categories, particularly Special Item Numbers (SINs) related to cybersecurity, identity and access management, or authentication solutions.
When evaluating CSPs, agencies typically assess:
- FedRAMP or FICAM authorization status
- Compliance with NIST 800-63 guidelines
- Integration capabilities with agency systems
- Support for multifactor authentication and Zero Trust models
Vendors offering CSP services must provide documentation, technical details, and assurances during the solicitation process. Many CSPs also participate in pilot programs and innovation initiatives run by GSA or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Conclusion
A Credential Service Provider (CSP) is a vital part of the federal identity and access management ecosystem. By issuing and managing digital credentials in accordance with federal security standards, CSPs support the secure delivery of digital services across civilian and defense agencies. As government IT continues to evolve toward identity-centric security models, the importance of certified, standards-compliant CSPs will only grow.
