HANDOUT #4
AASHTO Transportation Security Task Force
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC
January 12, 2004
Meeting Summary
Participants: Henry Hungerbeeler, Missouri DOT; David Ekern, Idaho DOT; Tony Kane, AASHTO; Joe Crossett, TransTech Management, Inc.; Tom Hicks, Maryland State Highway Administration; Steve Mondul, Virginia DOT; John Contestabile, Maryland DOT; Michael Shamma, New York DOT; Paul Gavin, New York DOT; Frank Day, Florida DOT; Bob Franz, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command; Terry Simmonds, Washington DOT; Diane Liff, Federal Highway Administration; Vince Pearce, Federal Highway Administration; Stephan Parker, Transportation Research Board; John Gerner, Federal Highway Administration; Steve Ernst, Federal Highway Administration; Vince Rogers, TransTech Management, Inc.; Tamara Reid, AASHTO; Jeremy Eden, Fulcrum Corporation; Vijay Kohli, Fulcrum Corporation; Valerie Kalhammer, Booz Allen Hamilton; Steve Lockwood, Parsons Brinckerhoff; Sheila Duwadi, Federal Highway Administration; David Albright, New Mexico DOT; Mary Lou Ralls, Texas DOT; Harold Neil, New Jersey DOT, Steve Sprague, Transportation Security Administration; Keith Gates, Transportation Security Administration; Jeff Western, Wisconsin DOT; Lyn Rahilly, Transportation Security Administration; Shahed Rowshan, SAIC, Inc.; Gary Hoffman, PennDOT; Larry Orcutt, CalTrans.
1. Opening Statements – Henry Hungerbeeler, Missouri Department of Transportation (DOT), David Ekern, Idaho DOT
Henry Hungerbeeler opened the Task Force meeting noting that this will be the final meeting of the Task Force because AASHTO’s Board of Directors has approved a resolution to create a Special Committee on Transportation Security. He welcomed participants and thanked everyone for their participation on the Task Force over the last three years. Mr. Hungerbeeler noted that he will be leaving the Missouri DOT in June 2004 and will be stepping down from his Special Committee chair position. David Ekern also welcomed participants, thanked Mr. Hungerbeeler for his leadership.
2. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Operations’ Activity and Plans – Vince Pearce, FHWA
(Handout)
Vince Pearce briefly described FHWA’s Office of Operations security role and accomplishments, noting that the handout provides greater detail on these efforts. Mr. Pearce provided a brief summary of FHWA’s projects underway, several of which were initiated by the Task Force. According to Mr. Pearce, planned 2004 projects will address: 1) signal timing for evacuation, 2) transportation role in biohazard cleanup, and 3) ICS training for transportation course development. Mr. Pearce noted, however, that FHWA’s FY04 security budget is similar in size to the FY03 budget and that while FHWA has requested funding for seven more projects, approval is unlikely. Mr. Pearce described major operations-related research needs including transportation operations in biohazard conditions, transportation facility and vehicle decontamination, and evacuation modeling. Additionally, Mr. Pearce noted that a planned reorganization of the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) may adversely affect funding opportunities for security activities within FHWA’s Office of Operations.
3. Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Handbooks – Mary Lou Ralls, TxDOT; Stephan Parker, NCHRP
Mary Lou Ralls briefly updated the Task Force on the status of the AASHTO Vulnerability Assessment Handbook. An updated version of the handbook will be initiated in May 2004 through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 20-59 (17) Project, “AASHTO Guide to Risk Management of Multi-modal Transportation Infrastructure.” The panel for this project will include a representative from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Stephan Parker will also invite a representative from DHS’s Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP).
In response to Ms. Ralls’ update, Jeff Western (Wisconsin DOT) indicated his continued concern that Wisconsin’s vulnerability assessments for highways and other modes, which are underway using existing AASHTO guidance, may not meet future TSA standards. Terry Simmonds (WSDOT) noted that TSA has repeatedly stated it will honor AASHTO guidance. Keith Gates (TSA) assured the Task Force that TSA has discussed this issue internally and that he anticipates they will support AASHTO guidance as standard practice. He pointed out that TSA has allowed maritime agencies to rely on guidance from their own associations. Only for assets identified as “critical infrastructure” are different guidelines a possibility according to Mr. Gates.
John Gerner (FHWA) explained that TSA is most likely to require states to develop security plans that include vulnerability assessments, but they will not dictate how the assessments are completed. Steve Ernst (FHWA) cautioned the Task Force that the Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) within DHS does have its own risk assessment model and requires use of this model by recipients of ODP funding. Most of ODP’s attention has focused on traditional first responders.
The Emergency Traffic Operations Guide (NCHRP) 20-59 (11) will be finalized in March ’04.
4. FHWA Security and Surveillance Project – Vijay Kohli, Fulcrum Corporation
(PowerPoint presentation)
Vijay Kohli presented on FHWA’s Bridge and Tunnel Security project. This project will include review of surveillance and monitoring technologies used by transportation agencies. Fulcrum has conducted a survey of 47 transportation organizations and will be producing a summary of state experiences as well as a technology database. The findings of the survey demonstrate what technologies states use to monitor bridges and tunnels. The next steps for this project are to conduct site visits with selected respondents, assess new technologies, and create an assessment tool and data matrix. The project will be completed in Summer 2004.
5. AASHTO Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) Feasibility Study – David Ekern, Idaho DOT
David Ekern summarized progress on the AASHTO-led ISAC feasibility study since September 2003. He briefly explained the ISAC concept - a central point for communication, information, and data analysis and then described next steps for the program, which include:
1. Potential participation in the TSA’s “Highway Watch” program. AASHTO has submitted an application to support their participation, but has not heard back yet.
2. A final ISAC white paper. Data from the ISAC study will be summarized in a white paper available in draft by February 2004 that will enable AASHTO to determine the feasibility of an ISAC program.
3. A secure website. A demonstration version of a secure website has been set up, and can be accessed through AASHTO’s website. It offers three password-protected levels of access to security information. Vince Pearce (FHWA) mentioned that FHWA would be interested in using the second level of the secure website to deposit “official use only” information.
Mr. Ekern will bring all of these components together and present them as an ISAC business plan at the AASHTO Spring Meeting.
6. System Security Awareness for Transportation Employees – Tom Hicks, Maryland State Highway Administration
(Handout)
Tom Hicks provided a status report on the system security awareness project, which is intended to provide training to field workers and supervisors in awareness, surveillance, response procedures, and self-protection. The National Transit Institute (NTI) developed a “train-the-trainer” type pilot program that has already been delivered to four states – Washington, New York, Florida, and Missouri. An associated handbook for this program has been developed by SAIC, Inc. and six additional training sessions are planned to help move the program beyond the pilot stage.
Harold Neil (New Jersey DOT) expressed New Jersey’s interest in expanding the course beyond transportation staff to include all State employees. Stephan Parker assured the Task Force that the intent of the program will be to allow states the ability to tailor the program to their specific needs.
Letters to be sent to CEO’s and appropriate AASHTO committees on training.
Tony Kane (AASHTO) stated that there needs to be a “home” for all Task Force products and asked TransTech to include this work as a Task Force action item. Stephan Parker mentioned that in addition to this project, NCHRP 20-59(16) will provide examples of terrorist protection activities from each state and asked that any Task Force members with examples to send them to either him or Joe Crossett (TransTech).
7. Blue Ribbon Panel TRB Workshop Outcomes – Steve Ernst, FHWA
(Powerpoint presentation)
Steve Ernst provided an overview of the outcomes from the Blue Ribbon Panel Workshop that was held at TRB on Sunday January 11, 2004. Mr. Ernst briefly described the panel presentations given at the workshop. He also noted that three hardness and blast workshops by US Army Corps of Engineers are planned for 2004. Key observations from the panel discussion at the workshop included:
· Concern that transportation security implementation is fragmented
· States are acting responsibly within constraints of available resources
· Securing information is a concern, particularly balance between:
o Don’t want to help terrorists
o There are costs to withholding information
· Need to publicize security efforts (including the panel report)
· Need for cooperation among all concerned: AASHTO, FHWA, States, TSA, DHS, Military, Law enforcement and emergency responders, others
· Need for design criteria and AASHTO standards (Some of which will be handled through AASHTO T-1 committee)
8. Update on NCHRP 20-59 Research Projects – Stephan Parker, NCHRP
(PowerPoint presentation and handouts)
Stephan Parker delivered a presentation for the Task Force that described ongoing NCHRP security research efforts. He gave a general overview of completed NCHRP and TCRP programs, NCHRP projects in progress, and multi-modal projects in development.
9. Proposed New 2004 Activities for the Research Working Group – David Albright, New Mexico DOT
(Handout)
David Albright presented three proposed research concepts developed by the Task Force Research Working Group for consideration by the Task Force in 2004:
Transportation Agency Security Principles. Mr. Albright discussed the need for a set of security principles that promote appropriate, sustainable, and cooperative collaboration among agencies on transportation security efforts. He handed out a draft document developed by New Mexico DOT that he asked for Task Force support in using as a starting point for further discussion on the principles of a security commitment among local, state, and federal transportation agencies. Tony Kane suggested that the document needed to be reviewed further by USDOT, FHWA, TSA, and other agencies before being accepted and asked the Task Force for input. Several Task Force members, including Mary Lou Ralls and Terry Simmonds indicated that the document gives the transportation community a vision for security and would be a good starting point for further discussion. Henry Hungerbeeler indicated that the Task Force should move forward with refining the principles through further dialogue and that Mr. Albright will coordinate this effort. Mr. Kane suggested that John Gerner and Steve Ernst should be included as members of this dialogue. David Albright will follow-up.
White Paper on Security Roles. Mr. Albright discussed the Research Working Group’s desire to develop a white paper that clarifies transportation security research roles and responsibilities among AASHTO, FHWA, DHS, and other agencies. Mr. Gerner mentioned that FHWA has a similar initiative underway and that he will coordinate with the Working Group. Based on Mr. Gerner’s comments, the Task Force members agreed that AASHTO should participate with FHWA to address this issue rather than develop an independent White Paper.
Human Factors Research. Mr. Albright indicated that the Research Working Group supports development of a project to investigate human factors in security research needs, in particular the lack of terrorism training among the country’s transportation workers. Vince Pearce (FHWA) agreed with this concept, stating that FHWA staff are trained for a “traditional” role and need to retool their skills to better incorporate security needs. Maryland DOT’s John Contestible also supported the concept. The Task Force agreed that this topic should be considered as a part of the NCHRP research program in FY05.
10. Second AASHTO/TRB Security Survey Results – Joedy Cambridge, TRB
(Powerpoint presentation and handouts)
Joedy Cambridge presented preliminary results for the follow-up to the December 2001 AASHTO/TRB Security Survey. The follow-up survey was initiated in Fall 2003 to update the list of security contacts from all 52 AASHTO members, as well as determine states’ most critical security needs in comparison to three years ago. Ms. Cambridge reported that states could either submit their responses online or by mail and that the researchers received responses from all 52 states. The Task Force Research Working Group placed phone calls to help the States complete the surveys. The Research Working Group will review the survey responses and determine if there is a need to conduct phone interviews and clarify unclear responses.
The results of the survey yielded a number of important results (listed in order of importance):
DOTs’ Biggest Security Concerns
1. Bridges and tunnels2. Training
3. Ports and waterways
DOTs’ Priority Security Research Needs
1. Communication2. Funding
3. Evacuation and response
DOTs’ Priority Technical Assistance Needs
1. Training2. Communications and interoperability
3. Surveillance
4. Vulnerability assessments
A comprehensive report of the findings will be prepared and distributed to all states, comparing the results of this study to the one in 2001. Tony Kane suggested that a shorter version should also be produced for distribution to all state DOT CEOs.
11. Understanding SSI Needs in DOTs – John Gerner, FHWA
(Powerpoint presentation)
John Gerner presented an overview on Security Sensitive Information (SSI). He is concerned that some of the recommendations in a draft AASHTO guide on SSI may not be in the best interests of the public and that DOTs should not automatically withhold information if it does not pose a threat to safety. As Mr. Gerner noted, sometimes sharing information is important. Lawyers from FHWA and TSA supported MR. Gerner in his presentation.
His presentation described how DOTs can determine what information may be SSI and therefore worthy of protection, and the degree of federal protection available for different types of information. He explained that federal agencies are able to protect some information that is submitted to them, but this information must be accompanied by a written letter with an explanation of the request. He also noted that federal agencies cannot protect large amounts of data. FHWA will provide a sample letter for states to use when submitting SSI.
Lyn Rahilly (TSA) added that TSA can protect vulnerability assessments and other related documents if they are funded or reviewed by TSA. States can then rely on federal SSI laws to protect that information from release. In response to a Task Force question about the need to provide some sensitive information to contractors, Ms. Rahilly recommended that states use non-disclosure agreements to protect this information.