Interoperability refers to the ability of identities to be recognized, accepted, and used seamlessly across different federal agencies, systems, or platforms, regardless of the underlying technology or infrastructure. It ensures that identity data, such as a person’s credentials, authentication methods, and access permissions, can be shared and utilized across various systems or agencies without compatibility issues. For example, an individual working for the U.S. federal government may use a PIV card to authenticate their identity for access to several different government services. The interoperability of the PIV system allows the individual to use the same credentials to access resources in various departments, such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Reserve, without having to go through separate identity verification processes for each one.

Key Aspects of Interoperability in Federal Identity Systems:

• Cross-Agency Recognition: Federal agencies need to be able to recognize and trust an individual's identity across different systems. For example, a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card issued by one agency should be accepted by another agency without requiring the individual to go through a separate identity verification process. This promotes efficiency and consistency in identity management across government operations.
• Standardized Protocols: Interoperability relies on the use of standardized protocols and frameworks that allow different systems to communicate and share identity information in a secure and consistent manner. Examples of these protocols include SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), OAuth, and OpenID Connect, which define how identity data is exchanged between systems.
• Shared Identity Data: Interoperability means that identity data, such as user credentials, roles, permissions, and biometric information, can be shared across federal agencies, ensuring that a person’s identity is verified and utilized correctly wherever it is needed. For example, an individual who has been verified and granted access to one agency’s system should be able to use the same credentials to access another agency’s resources without re-authenticating or creating new accounts.
• Security and Privacy Considerations: Ensuring interoperability also requires strict adherence to security standards and privacy regulations to protect identity data. Sensitive information must be exchanged securely to prevent unauthorized access or identity theft. This is typically achieved through encryption, authentication protocols, and robust access controls.
• Compliance with Federal Guidelines: Interoperability is often driven by federal guidelines and standards, such as FIPS 201 (Federal Information Processing Standards), which mandate secure and standardized methods for identity authentication across federal agencies. These standards ensure that agencies can securely manage and share identity data while maintaining consistency in how identity information is handled across the government.

Benefits of Interoperability

• Efficiency: Agencies can streamline their processes and reduce administrative overhead by using a single, interoperable identity system. Users can access multiple government systems or services without needing to re-verify their identity repeatedly.
• Cost Savings: By adopting interoperable identity systems, federal agencies can avoid duplicating efforts and resources needed to verify identities across multiple systems, saving time and money.
• Enhanced Security: Standardized security protocols and data sharing practices ensure that identity data is protected and that unauthorized access is minimized across all systems.
• Better User Experience: Users benefit from a seamless experience, as they only need to authenticate once, and their identity can be recognized and used across multiple federal agencies and services.

Interoperability in the context of federal identity management ensures that identities are consistently recognized and securely used across various agencies and systems. This promotes efficiency, security, and a better user experience by leveraging standardized protocols and data sharing practices.