DHS Seeks Information on Chemical Security Assessment Tool to Update Burden Estimates

 

On Feb. 7, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Infrastructure Security Division (ISD) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published a notice and information request regarding the Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT) for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). CISA is seeking to update the burden estimates associated with collecting information in CSAT for CFATS.

The CSAT is an online tool that CISA uses to collect information from chemical facilities to oversee the CFATS program. CISA is accepting information and comments through April 8, 2019.

Under the 2006 law establishing the CFATS program, chemical facilities possessing more than a threshold amount of specific explosive, toxic, or other “chemicals of interest” have been required to complete a “top-screen,” notifying DHS that they possess such chemicals on site. Once a facility submits its top-screen, DHS can direct the facility to submit a Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA), and based on that document, then assign the facility to one of four tiers based on the potential security threat on site, an action that triggers a requirement to submit a Site Security Plan (SSP, or an Alternative Security Plan, or ASP) to DHS for authorization and approval.

In the Federal Register notice, CISA scoped the updated burden estimates submitted through CSAT on the CFATS requirements, as follows: (1) Top-Screen; (2) SVA and the ASP submitted in lieu of an SVA; (3) SSP and ASP submitted in lieu of an SSP; (4) CFATS Help Desk, (5) CSAT User Registration; and (6) Identification of Facilities and Assets at Risk.

Specifically, CISA is seeking comments that address the following:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information on CSAT is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agencies, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies’ estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology.

In September 2017, DHS launched “CSAT 2.0,” which it anticipated could result in companies spending 90 percent less time using DHS’ SVA and 70 percent less time operating the SSP application.

Contact ACA’s Rhett Cash for more information.

The post DHS Seeks Information on Chemical Security Assessment Tool to Update Burden Estimates appeared first on American Coatings Association.

from American Coatings Association https://www.paint.org/csats-scope/
via IFTTT