CAC

The Common Access Card is the standard identification card issued to DoD military personnel, civilian employees, and eligible contractors. The CAC serves as the principal card for physical access to installations and buildings, and provides PKI certificates for computer network access and digital signatures.

Contractors working on DoD contracts requiring facility or system access must obtain CACs through the RAPIDS system. CAC issuance requires favorable background investigation, sponsorship by a government official, and enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. CAC requirements significantly impact contractor onboarding timelines and should be factored into transition planning.