The General Services Administration (GSA) has implemented its first cloud-based physical access system at the Neal Smith Federal Building in Des Moines, Iowa.

The GSA contracted with BridgePoint Systems to utilize its TrustAlert Physical Access Control Systems. BridgePoint partnered with EmbarkIT to install the system, which replaced the GSA’s 10-year-old legacy system. The system leverages the GSA’s Kansas City, Missouri-based WAN and remote IT infrastructure, which allows the building to shrink its carbon footprint.

BridgePoint used the existing infrastructure at the Neal Smith Federal Building for installing the TrustAlert PACS with a cloud-based protocol. The system meets federal standards and guidelines including HSPD-12 and FIPS 201-2.

It’s interoperable among the 40-plus agencies located in the building and works with the 500-plus employees who already have PIV credentials. An additional 300 employees who currently do not have PIV credentials will transition to the new system.

The PACS required the installation of 23 readers on parking gates, elevator controls and automated doors. The GSA and EmbarkIT enabled employee and contractor building access with the TrustAlert Enrollment system, which enabled them to set up different levels of security clearance and access permission.

The project came in ahead of schedule and on budget.