[Federal Register: July 14, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 134)] [Notices] [Page 37631] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr14jy97-128] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE Specifications for Information Based Indicia Program ``Key Management Plan'' AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Notice of proposed specifications with request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Historically, postage meters have been mechanical and electromechanical devices that (1) maintain through mechanical or electronic ``registers'' (postal security devices) an account of all postage printed and the remaining balance of prepaid postage, and (2) print postage postmarks (indicia) that are accepted by the Postal Service as evidence of the prepayment of postage. A proposed specification has been developed on these subjects, and is entitled ``Information Based Indicia Program (IBIP) Key Management Plan (Draft).'' The IBIP Key Management Plan is a document intended to provide information pertaining to the life cycle of the cryptographic keys used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) Information Based Indicia Program (IBIP). The U.S. Postal Service is seeking comments on this specification. The Postal Service also seeks comments on intellectual property issues raised by the Key Management Plan if adopted in present form. If an intellectual property issue includes patents or patent applications covering any implementations of the specifications, the comment should include a listing of such patents and applications and the license terms available for such patents and applications. DATES: Comments on the Key Management Plan must be received on or before October 14, 1997. Comments addressing intellectual property issues must be received on or before August 28, 1997. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Key Management Plan may be obtained from: Terry Goss, United States Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 8430, Washington DC 20260-6807. Mail or deliver written comments to: Manager, Metering Technology Management, United States Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 8430, Washington DC 20260-6807. Copies of all written comments may be inspected and photocopied between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Goss, (202) 268-3757. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Information Based Indicia Program (IBIP) is a Postal Service initiative supporting the development and implementation of a new form of postage indicia. An ``IBIP Postal Security Device'' provides cryptographic signature, financial accounting, indicium creation, device authorization, and audit functions. The goal for IBIP is to provide an environment in which customers can apply postage through new technologies that improve postal revenue security. This requires a new form of postage indicia and the adoption of standards to facilitate industry investment and product development. The Key Management Plan is used to define the generation, distribution, use, and replacement of the cryptographic keys used by the USPS, Product/Service Providers, and Postal Security Devices (see 61 FR 34460, July 2, 1996). The management of cryptographic keys is the most critical function associated with cryptographic security. Security afforded by the cryptographic algorithms in use cannot be guaranteed if the cryptographic keys are not generated, disseminated, stored, used, and ultimately destroyed in a secure manner. The intent of this Key Management Plan is to address all of these issues with respect to IBIP. It is emphasized that this proposed draft standard is being published for comment and is subject to final definition. Although exempt from the notice and comments requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553 (b),) regarding proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites public comments on the proposed specification. Stanley F. Mires, Chief Counsel, Legislative. [FR Doc. 97-18415 Filed 7-11-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P