TSA Requests Comments on Certified Cargo Screening Program Information Collection (CCSP Now a Permanent Program)
The Transportation Security Administration is requesting comments on the renewal of its information collection regarding the Certified Cargo Screening Program, which, effective November 16, 2009, moved from the pilot stage to a permanent program1 that allows shippers to screen their cargo before it is tendered to aircraft operators for transport on passenger aircraft.
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Comments on the information collection are due January 15, 2010.
(See today's ITT, 09111715, for BP summary of a COAC meeting which discussed redundancies in the approval process for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the CCSP.)
TSA Requests Comments on Application Process, Type of Info Collected, Etc.
TSA is soliciting comments on its information collection which includes:
applications from entities that wish to become Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSF) or operate as a TSA-approved validation firm;
personal information to allow TSA to conduct security threat assessments on key individuals employed by the CCSFs and validation firms;
implementation of a standard security program or submission of a proposed modified security program;
information on the amount of cargo screened;
recordkeeping requirements for CCSFs and validation firms; and
submission of validation reports to TSA.
(TSA states that the information collected helps it meet the 9/11 Commission Act2 requirement that 50% of cargo transported on passenger aircraft be screened by February 2009 and 100% of such cargo be screened by August 2010.)
Overview of Information Collection Aspects of CCSP
TSA will certify qualified facilities as CCSFs. Companies seeking to become CCSFs are required to submit an application to TSA at least 90 days before the intended date of operation. All CCSF applicants will submit applications and related information either electronically through e-mail or through the online Air Cargo Document Management System. TSA will also accept applications by postal mail.
Once TSA approves the application, it will allow the regulated entity to operate as a CCSF in accordance with a TSA-approved security program. Prior to certification, the CCSF must also submit to an assessment by a TSA-approved validator.
TSA will also require CCSFs and validation firms to accept and implement a standard security program provided by TSA or to submit a proposed modified security program to the designated TSA official for approval. TSA will require CCSF applicants to ensure that individuals performing screening and related functions under the IFR have successfully completed a security threat assessment (STA) conducted by TSA. In addition, Security Coordinators and their alternates for CCSFs must undergo STAs. CCSFs must submit personally identifiable information on these individuals to TSA so that TSA can conduct an STA.
CCSF facilities must provide information on the amount of cargo screened and other cargo screening metrics at an approved facility. CCSFs must also maintain screening, training, and other security-related records of compliance with the IFR and make them available for TSA inspection.
Validation firms. A firm interested in operating as a TSA-approved validation firm must also apply for TSA approval. Thus, this information collection also covers: (1) applications from entities seeking to become TSA-approved validation firms; (2) personal information so individuals performing, assisting or supervising validation assessments, and security coordinators can undergo STAs; (3) recordkeeping requirements; (4) etc.
1TSA officials confirm that its September 2009 interim final rule codifying and fully developing the CCSP took effect November 16, 2009. TSA developed this permanent CCSP based on lessons learned in the CCSP pilot program, which ended when the interim final rule took effect. Participants in the pilot will become CCSFs under the interim final rule. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/21/09 news, 09092115, for BP summary.)
2The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/30/09 news, 09043025, for BP summary of TSA's original information collection, which involved the CCSP pilots.)
TSA notice (D/N TSA-2009-0018, FR Pub 11/16/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27348.pdf