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Transportation System Security
In light of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, enhancing the security of our transportation system is expected to be one of the highest priorities of transportation agencies. TRB and The National Academies have generated extensive information on this issue in recent years. This website brings together much of this information. Also included are links to other related websites that contain discussions of issues, actions which can be taken, guidance and training opportunities. This website, which is being sponsored by the TRB Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Protection (ABE40), will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. TRB provides a powerpoint presentation, which is updated monthly, summarizing pre- and post-September 11 transportation security activities across all TRB divisions. If you have comments or recommendations on other items that should be included in this website, please contact Joedy Cambridge (jcambridge@nas.edu).
The Training, Education, and Technology Transfer Subcommittee of the TRB Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Protection maintains a website at: http://www.tettsubcommittee.org/ , which includes information and presentations from subcommittee activities and an emergency training and education database of websites and providers.
Recently released documents on Transportation Security are listed at http://www.TRB.org/SecurityPubs.
New Items:
DHS Risk-Based Grant Methodology Is Reasonable, But Current Version’s Measure of Vulnerability is Limited 6/30/08
Maritime Security: Coast Guard Inspections 3/7/08
GAO Secure Border Initiative 2/29/08
DHS News Release on NRF replacing NPP 1/29/08
GAO supply chain security report urges improved CSI evaluation 1/28/08
GAO Report on Energy Commodity Tankers 1/9/08
NGA: 2007 State Homeland Security Directors Survey 1/2/08
Fact Sheet: Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) 12/5/07
Efforts to Strengthen Aviation and Surface Transportation Security are Under Way, but Challenges Remain 10/18/07
National Strategy for Homeland Security 10/12/07
The SAFE Port Act and Efforts to Secure Our Nation’s Seaports 10/5/07
DHS and FEMA Efforts to Prepare for and Respond to Major and Catastrophic Disasters 8/2/07
DHS Issues Report on Strategy to Enhance International Supply Chain Security 7/20/07
GAO Questions Infrastructure Sector Plan Maturity 7/10/07
Information on Port Security in the Caribbean Basin 7/3/07
This website contains information arranged in the following categories:
General Transportation Security
Aviation Security
Surface Transportation Security
Seaport/Maritime Security
Other Security Websites
General Transportation Security
Transportation Security: A Summary of TRB Activities
Powerpoint presentation summarizing TRB's pre- and post-September 11 transportation security activities across all divisions. (Updated at the beginning of each month)
Cooperative Research Programs Security Research
Emergencies arising from terrorist threats highlight the need for transportation managers to minimize the vulnerability of people and assets through incident prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. (Updated at the beginning of each month)
DHS Risk-Based Grant Methodology Is Reasonable, But Current Version’s Measure of Vulnerability is Limited
For fiscal year 2008 HSGP grants, DHS is primarily following the same methodology it used in fiscal year 2007, but incorporated metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) within the model used to calculate risk. The methodology consists of a three-step process—a risk analysis of urban areas and states based on measures of threat, vulnerability and consequences, an effectiveness assessment of applicants’ investment justifications, and a final allocation decision. The principal change in the risk analysis model for 2008 is in the definition of the geographic boundaries of eligible urban areas… (6/30/08)
GAO Secure Border Initiative
Observations on the Importance of Applying Lessons Learned to Future Projects (2/29/08)
DHS News Release on NRF replacing NPP
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a news release stating that the National Response Framework (NRF), which replaces the National Response Plan, will come into effect 60 days after the official notice is published in the Federal Register. The NRF informs emergency management practitioners by explaining the operating structures and tools routinely used by first responders and emergency managers at all levels of government. It is designed to be scalable, flexible, and adaptable; always be in effect; and articulate clear roles and responsibilities among local, state, and federal officials. (1/29/08)
GAO supply chain security report urges improved CSI evaluation
Customs and Border Protection should improve the evaluation process it uses for its Container Security Initiative teams at foreign ports, according to the Government Accountability Office. (1/28/08)
NGA: 2007 State Homeland Security Directors Survey
The 2007 survey, conducted from August to
September 2007, retained many of the questions and metrics included in previous surveys in order to provide clear comparisons and opportunities to measure progress over the three years since the first survey. (1/2/08)
Fact Sheet: Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL)
DHS is pursuing development of alternative documents to meet Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) implementation requirements at land and sea ports of entry. (12/5/07)
National Strategy for Homeland Security
HOMELAND SECURITY COUNCIL: America is at war with terrorist enemies who are intent on attacking our Homeland and destroying our way of life. The purpose of our Strategy is to guide, organize, and unify our Nation’s homeland security efforts. It provides a common framework by which our entire Nation should focus its efforts on the following four goals: 1) Prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks; 2) Protect the American people, our critical infrastructure, and key resources; 3) Respond to and recover from incidents that do occur; and 4) Continue to strengthen the foundation to ensure our long-term success. (10/19/07)
DHS and FEMA Efforts to Prepare/Respond to Disasters
Observations on DHS and FEMA Efforts to Prepare for and Respond to Major and Catastrophic Disasters and Address Related Recommendations and Legislation. (8/2/07)
GAO Questions Infrastructure Sector Plan Maturity
A new report suggests sector-specific plans for the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure are not as complete as the Department of Homeland Security has claimed. (7/10/07)
Transportation Security: A Systems Approach
The purpose of this short article is to discuss how DHS, particularly TSA, can facilitate the management of security across the transportation network through a systems approach and a national concept of operations. We need to accept the notion that the security of the transportation network be managed from a system perspective and that the federal government, in close partnership with the private sector, is the only entity that can facilitate the management of its security. That requires that we view the transportation network as an integrated system that incorporates resources, use of technology, utility of people, and appropriate policies and procedures to manage risk. (4/19/07)
GAO Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness: Current Emergency Alert System Has Limitations, and Development of a New Integrated System Will Be Challenging. (3/30/07)
GAO Report: DHS Federal Investments Risk Management
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report on the application by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of risk management principles to guide federal investments. The report finds such application within DHS to be uneven. The Coast Guard was found to be the most advanced in this respect, but the Department lacks a comprehensive approach. (2/9/07)
GAO Report on DOHS Progress
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report stating that progress has been made by the Department of Homeland Security to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, but that continued action is needed to further mitigate security risks. (1/25/07)
GAO Report on Challenges Facing the US-VISIT Program
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report on strategic, operational, and technological challenges facing the US-VISIT program. It states that federal officials have concluded that, for various reasons, a biometric US-VISIT exit capability cannot now be implemented without incurring a major impact on land ports-of-entry facilities. The system recorded 61 million aliens entering the country and only 4 million departing. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are embedded on visitors’ departure forms, but in a recent test, monitoring devices correctly identified only 14% of exiting vehicles with such tags. Billions of dollars have been expended and more will be needed to make this work. Note: The government is learning, albeit belatedly, that technology is not free and is not a panacea. Similar problems exist with the TWIC program. Remember, Congress established both the goal and the means to be used in its accomplishment, as well as the budget.
OIG Audit Summary of CBP Program
The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an unclassified summary of its audit of the program utilized by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to target oceangoing cargo containers for inspection. It found, among other things, that the agency did not fully utilize all available information in making its targeting decisions. Interpretation of the targeting policy is uniform. Some containers targeted for inspection do not receive the timely and thorough inspection called for in the policy. OIG-07-09.
Transportation Sector Lags In Joining Infrastructure Protection Effort
The transportation industry is lagging behind others that have formed councils to better coordinate with the government on protection of national resources, auditors said in a recent report (11/27/06).
GAO Report on TSA and TWIC
The Transportation Security Administration should fix problems with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential before awarding the final contract to implement the program, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office
GAO Report on Unreliability of Radiation Monitors
Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS’s cost-benefit analysis to support the purchase of new radiation detection portal monitors was not based on available performance data and did not fully evaluate all the monitors’ costs and benefits.
Evaluation of DHS Information Security Program
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its evaluation of the DHS information security program. It found that progress has been made since the last evaluation, but that there is still room for improvement. (10/18/06)
Corps of Engineers – 12 Actions for Change
The US Army Corps of Engineers issued a news release stating that it adopted “12 Actions for Change” that the agency will focus on to transform its priorities, processes, and planning. The new approach incorporates many of the lessons learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (8/24/06).
RILA Supply Chain Chart
"From Factory to Shelf - Navigating the Global Supply Chain" - RILA's interactive flow chart and glossary explaining the step-by-step process of how the supply chain works, and the security reinforcements along the way.
DHS Fact Sheet
The Department of Homeland Security posted a Fact Sheet on significant action taken (or to be taken) to improve the nation's security since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
DHS OIG: TWIC has Significant Security Vulnerabilities
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a heavily redacted version of its report on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The report finds that significant security vulnerabilities existed relative to the TWIC prototype systems, documentation, and program management. Due to the number and significance of the weaknesses identified, TWIC prototype systems are vulnerable to various internal and external security threats. The security-related issues may threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive TWIC data. Until remedied, the significant security weaknesses jeopardize the certification and accreditation of the systems prior to full implementation of the TWIC program. OIG-06-47 (August 4, 2006).
CRS: Transportation Security Issues
The Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress issued a Report on transportation security issues for the current Congress. The report provides a good overview of current security efforts and some options on the table.
DHS SAFETY Act Implementation
The Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule implementing the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (the SAFETY Act). The purpose of the regulations is to facilitate and promote the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies that will save lives. This final rule amends the previous interim rule to incorporate changes resulting from comments submitted regarding the earlier rule. The changes come into effect on July 10. 71 Fed. Reg. 33147 (June 8, 2006).
Simplified Guide to the Incident Command System for Transportation Professionals
The purpose of this Guide is to introduce ICS to stakeholders who may be called upon to provide specific expertise, assistance, or material during highway incidents but who may be largely unfamiliar with ICS organization and operations. These stakeholders include professionals at transportation agencies, companies involved in towing and recovery, as well as elected officials and government agency managers at all levels.
Fact Sheets on Terrorist Attacks
The National Academy of Engineering, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, issued a series of Fact Sheets on Terrorist Attacks. The Fact Sheets are intended to provide reliable, objective information with regard to biological attack, chemical attack, nuclear attack, and radiological attack. Even though they are general in nature, they may prove useful for the maritime community with respect to its maritime security responsibilities. (3/3/06).
Homeland Security and Counter-Terrorism
CANADA: Transit / Terrorism Report
Canada's Victoria Transport Policy Institute has released Terrorism, Transit, and Public Safety: Evaluating the Risks. The report examines the overall safety of public transit, taking into account all risks, including terrorist attacks.
Homeland Security:
Key Cargo Security Programs Can Be Improved GAO-05-466T, May 26, 2005 Abstract, Highlights-PDF, PDF, Accessible Text
Cargo Security:
Partnership Program Grants Importers Reduced Scrutiny with Limited Assurance of Improved Security GAO-05-404, March 11, 2005 Abstract, Highlights-PDF, PDF, Accessible Text
Container Security:
A Flexible Staffing Model and Minimum Equipment Requirements Would Improve Overseas Targeting and Inspection Efforts GAO-05-557, April 26, 2005 Abstract, Highlights-PDF, PDF, Accessible Text
WCO Framework
The World Customs Organization (WCO) issued its draft Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade. The Framework is intended to provide a strategy to secure the movement of global trade in a way that facilitates such trade. The four core elements of the Framework are: (1) advance electronic cargo information; (2) a consistent risk management approach to address security threats; (3) reasonable non-intrusive inspection of outbound containers and cargo; and (4) benefits provided to businesses that meet minimal supply chain security standards and best practices. (5/16/05).
CBP Inspection and Surveillance Technologies
The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Fact Sheet outlining technologies that the agency utilizes to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. (5/5/05).
CRS - Border and Transportation Security
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued three reports relating to border and transportation security. The first report is (correctly) entitled "The Complexity of the Challenge". The second, "Selected Programs and Policies", discusses advance passenger and cargo manifests, the Container Security Initiative, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), and other current programs. The third report, "Possible New Directions and Policy Options", discusses biometric identification, maritime domain awareness, smart containers, and other developing programs. (3/29/05).
GAO Transportation Security Report (GAO-05-357T)
The General Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report describing DHS and TSA efforts in managing risks and allocating across aviation and surface transportation modes, and in integrating screening, credentialing, and R&D efforts to achieve efficiencies.
GAO Report: Homeland Security Strategy Implementation
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued its report on agency plans, implementation, and challenges regarding the national strategy for homeland security. The GAO found that, while the agencies have incorporated homeland security initiatives into their planning and implementation activity, significant challenges remain with regard to implementing the strategy in a coordinated and integrated manner. The challenge of balancing the need for border security and the economic imperative of moving cargo efficiently continues to daunt the involved agencies. GAO-05-33 (2/14/05).
European Security Research Program
The European Commission (EC) issued a Press Release reporting their wide-ranging European Security Research Program which deters and responds to incidents such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Among other things, the program will examine situation awareness, such as identification and assessment of threats to land, sea borders, and global assets, as well as protection of transport systems.
State Department Outlines PSI
The State Department issued a Notice outlining the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), which seeks to prevent the flow of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Among other things, participating nations undertake cooperative arrangements for interdictions at sea. (12/27/04).
National Cargo Security Strategy White Paper
A draft of the National Cargo Security Strategy White Paper has been posted on the Internet. The document, which was circulated at last week's Cargo Security Summit, lays out a strategy for enhancing cargo security. Plans call for instituting a requirement for use of high security mechanical seals on the doors of intermodal containers; however, containers themselves are insecure and can be entered without breaking the seal. (12/21/04).
DHS National Response Plan
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Press Release and Fact Sheet announcing release of the National Response Plan (NRP). The NRP is intended to provide a unified and standardized approach for managing homeland security incidents.
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004
President Bush signed into law the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (S. 2845). The major emphasis of the legislation is reform of the U.S. intelligence organization. Other measures, though, may impact the maritime community. Title IV of the act deals with transportation security. The Secretary of Homeland Security is directed to prepare a National Strategy for Transportation Security. This document is identify and evaluate transportation assets (including maritime) in the United States that must be protected from attack or disruption and develop a risk-based priority addressing those security needs.
AFTC and USDA Unveil Security Practices Guide and Resource Directory at Las Vegas Education Session
Introduction of the new USDA/AFTC "Guide for Security Practices in Transporting Agricultural and Food Commodities" and the accompanying "AFTC Resources Directory for Security Practices in the Transportation of Agricultural and Food Commodities" was the feature of the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference education session on Oct. 5, 2004 at the 2004 ATA Management Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada.
USDA/AFTC Security Guide (82KB)
AFTC Resources Directory (189 KB)
DHS Office of Interoperability and Compatibility
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge recently announced the October 1, 2004, launch of the Office of Interoperability and Compatibility along with the release of tools designed to help state and local public safety practitioners improve communications interoperability.
The Office of Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC), part of the Science & Technology directorate, will oversee the wide range of public safety interoperability programs and efforts currently spread across Homeland Security. These programs address critical interoperability issues relating to public safety and emergency response, including communications, equipment, training, and other areas as needs are identified. (9/30/04)
GAO Report - Status of Recommendations re DHS
The General Accounting Office (GAO) issued its report on the status of key recommendations that it has made to the Department of Homeland Security and its legacy agencies. Most of the recommendations relate to Border and Transportation Security (BTS) or its legacy agencies. Of these 60 recommendations, 27 have been fully implemented, while the remaining 33 are being addressed by BTS. Two of the unresolved recommendations relate to deployment of radiation detection devices at U.S. ports of entry and to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) project. GAO-04-865R (7/2/04).
General Accounting Office Report
The General Accounting Office has issued a report to Congress criticizing the government's efforts to target import containers for security inspection. The GAO report says that Customs' current strategy fails to incorporate all elements of a risk management framework and the agency's maintenance of records is inadequate to demonstrate that the program is properly executed. The full report can be accessed at: www.gao.gov/new.items/d04557t.pdf (7/1/04)
Transportation Security Education and Training
Summaries of Presentations at TRB's 83rd Annual Meeting
Summary Proceedings
Balancing Security and Mobility: A Symposium on Innovative Approaches to Transportation Security (5/6/04)
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operation: Cross Cutting Study
Link to report from the Federal Transit Administration: HTML Version / Adobe PDF Version
UNCTAD Report on Container Security
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) issued a report entitled "Container Security: Major Initiatives and Related International Developments." The report analyzes the various maritime security initiatives that impact intermodal containers, including C-TPAT, CSI, the 24-Hour Rule, and the ISPS Code. The report concludes that, while these and other measures have enhanced security, unresolved issues include: costs and expenses; delays and disruptions; difficulty in implementation of diverse and detailed requirements; and competitive imbalances and marginalization. (2/26/04).
Approval of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a Press Release on approval of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which Secretary Tom Ridge calls "the nation's first standardized management plan that creates a unified structure for federal, state, and local lines of government for incident response". (3/1/04)
DHS Adopts Standards for Radiation and Nuclear Detection Equipment
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Press Release stating that it has adopted standards for radiation and nuclear detection equipment for its personnel and other first responders. The standards, which address, among other things, pocket-sized instruments to be carried on the body and instruments for detection of photon-emitting radioactive substances, were developed in cooperation with the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy's National Laboratories, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). (2/27/04).
Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Program
The Department of Homeland Security has launched the Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Program, intended to protect information about terrorism and infrastructure concerns that the agency receives from private industry. About 85 percent of critical infrastructure, those assets and systems that would threaten national security if disrupted, fall within the private sector. Under the Critical Infrastructure Information Act, private organizations that voluntarily provide infrastructure information will have their information protected against public disclosure. The department released proposed rules for safeguarding the information in April, and announced it has implemented interim rules effective immediately. A comment period on the interim rules is open through May 20.
The interim rules for safeguarding the information appeared in the February 20 edition of the Federal Register.
HazMat Transportation Security Requirements
The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) issued its final rule relating to hazardous materials (HazMat) transportation security. The interim rule has been amended to provide that certain applicants for exemption from the requirements must certify compliance with the Safe Explosives Act. Further, vessel operators must comply with applicable licensing requirements for crewmembers. The applicable licensing requirements are those mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The final rule comes into effect on March 11, 2004. 69 Fed. Reg. 6195 (2/10/04).
ITE Urban Transportation Security Website
Transportation professionals are faced with an increased emphasis on and responsibility for transportation security since the events of September 11, 2001. These events have changed the role of the transportation professional with regard to security. The Institute of Transportation Engineers has compiled a list of resources currently available on-line to support the needs of urban transportation professionals in planning for and responding to transportation security emergencies.
The Volpe Transportation Systems Center
The Volpe Transportation Systems Center recently released an issue of the Volpe Journal focused on Transportation and Security. Articles focus on identifying vulnerabilities and risks in the transportation system; developing preventive measures and protecting targets; and managing the consequences of disaster or attack.
General Security - Prior to 2004
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