McLean, VA, August 26, 2003–BearingPoint, Inc., (NYSE:BE), one of the world’s largest business consulting and systems integration firms, announced today that it has been selected to update the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Smart Card Policy and Guidelines Handbook. The handbook is a very important resource that serves as a point of reference for any federal government agency planning to implement or in the process of implementing a smart card project.

“There have been significant advancements in smart card and related technologies since the handbook’s initial release, which was almost three years ago,” said Michael Palmer, managing director and head of BearingPoint’s secure access and identity management team. “We are looking forward to working with GSA on this strategic effort and feel that our selection speaks to the core competency BearingPoint has established in helping government agencies leverage new technologies more effectively.”

BearingPoint is working with the Smart Card Alliance, a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to accelerate the widespread acceptance of smart card technology. Smart cards are credit card-sized, tamper-resistant security devices that rely on microchip technology for information storage and information processing. The Alliance will contribute expert input and reviews provided by its members who represent a cross-section of users and technology providers.

“We are pleased to be teaming with the Alliance on this project. Its members include many of the most knowledgeable and respected individuals in the smart card field today and its involvement will bring an added level of assurance to the updated guidelines,” said Palmer.

“The Alliance is in a unique situation to provide high quality input that is balanced from an industry perspective. This is because our members are both the leading public and private sector users of smart cards, and the manufacturers and system integrators who provide the technology. With this makeup, we all work together to find the best way to move forward while maintaining a competitive industry,” said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director, Smart Card Alliance.

As a key component of this project, BearingPoint will conduct interviews with representative users of smart card technologies at various government agencies, industry organizations, and academic institutions. BearingPoint will use the interviews to better understand how agencies are currently leveraging smart card technologies and identify common challenges.

BearingPoint is a leading systems integrator in the area of smart card technologies. As previously announced, the company is a GSA Smart Access Common ID GWAC prime contractor.

About BearingPoint, Inc.

BearingPoint, Inc. (NYSE:BE), formerly KPMG Consulting, Inc., is one of the world’s largest business consulting, systems integration and managed services firms serving Global 2000 companies, medium-sized businesses, government agencies and other organizations. We provide business and technology strategy, systems design, architecture, applications implementation, network, systems integration and managed services. Our service offerings are designed to help our clients generate revenue, reduce costs and access the information necessary to operate their business on a timely basis. Based in McLean, Va., BearingPoint has been named by Fortune as one of America’s Most Admired Companies in the computer and data services sector. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.BearingPoint.com. Contact BearingPoint by phone (703) 747-7436 or by email at angeliquerewers@bearingpoint.net.

About the Smart Card Alliance

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to accelerate the acceptance of smart card technology. Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. For more information please visit https://www.securetechalliance.org.