Which FIPS outlines the architecture and technical requirements for a common identification standard for U.S. government employees?

FIPS 201, also known as "Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors," is the standard that outlines the architecture and technical requirements for a common identification standard for U.S. government employees. This standard was established to enhance security and streamline the process of access control, ensuring that government personnel have a reliable means of identification.

FIPS 201 specifies the credentials that must be used, detailing the requirements for the physical components of identification cards, as well as the processes for issuing and managing these IDs. This standard plays a crucial role in improving security measures within federal agencies, thereby ensuring a higher level of trust in the identification of employees and contractors.

In contrast, FIPS 200 focuses on minimum security requirements for federal information and information systems, while FIPS 140-2 deals with the security of cryptographic modules, and FIPS 199 pertains to the standards for security categorization of federal information and information systems. Each of these standards addresses different aspects of federal security requirements, but FIPS 201 specifically targets the common identification of government personnel, making it the correct choice.