CBP Announces its Technical Requirements for Container Security Devices
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a Request for Information (RFI), technical requirements, and other documents for conveyance security devices (CSDs, commonly referred to as container security devices).
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The RFI closes on February 9, 2008.
Goal to Identify if Currently Available CSD Systems Can Meet CBP Requirements
According to CBP, the goal of the RFI is to identify whether currently available CSD Systems will meet CBP's requirements.
Such a system should include CSDs, CSD readers, network data interfaces, Department of Homeland Security-designated data consolidation points (DCPs), and secure handheld readers (SHHR). The CSD system would support shipping security from the point of arming (POA), through the DHS-designated intermediate transit point(s) (ITP), and to the trip termination point (TTP).
Technical Capabilities
CSD Systems should be able to monitor the door security status of cargo conveyances, which can be an ISO 668 container (dry freight), trailer, or other conveyance mechanism. According to CBP, a CSD System should support the following six technical capabilities:
be able to detect door openings (the definition of which includes door removals)
provide a non-proprietary, interoperable communications capability
communicate with and transfer CSD data through the following three required reader chokepoints: exit at the POA, the DHS-designated ITP (if applicable), and theTTP
provide a high probability of detection
provide a low probability of false alarm
provide a low rate of critical failures
Installation Requirements
According to the CSD installation requirements, the CSD should (partial list):
be physically mounted inside the trailer or ISO 668 container
not adversely affect shipping operations or cargo loading and unloading activities
not meaningfully decrease cargo capacity
not adversely affect the environmental seal of the trailer or ISO 668 container
System Performance Requirements
As for system performance requirements, CBP states that the CSD should (partial list):
provide no less than a 95% probability of detection, per door opening event
provide no more than a 4% combined probability of a false alarm and critical failure, per trip
provide certain minimum communications ranges
be able to initiate communications, request, and transfer the CSD status message over the range of conveyance speeds of 0 to at least 35 mph (CSD reader must meet this requirement also)
RFI is for Information/Planning Purposes Only, Does Not Constitute a RPF
CBP notes that its RFI notice has been issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future.
CBP further explains that it is interested in understanding and testing existing state of the art CSD Systems offered as commercial products. The intent is to obtain mature CSD Systems to be tested under laboratory, field and operational conditions in order to evaluate system readiness for operational deployment and whether currently available CSD Systems meet CBP's requirements.
(See requirements document posted with the RFI for CSD data elements and their requirements, CSD commands, CSD reader functional requirements, status sensing requirements, etc.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/12/07 news, 07121299 1, for BP summary of a CBP official stating that CBP is looking at limited use applications for CSDs.
See ITT's Online Archives or 07/17/07 news, 07071705, for BP summary of CBP Commissioner Basham stating that the use of CSDs may become a part of the C-TPAT program, etc.)
- RFI closes on February 9, 2008
CBP contact - Sonya Harmon (202) 344-3727
CSD documents (posted 12/12/07) available at http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DHS/USCS/PDDC20229/Reference-Number-RFICSD/listing.html