CFATS & MTSA Support
The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) play pivotal roles in safeguarding national security and protecting critical infrastructure. CFATS focuses on high-risk chemical facilities, identifying and regulating them to minimize potential terrorist threats. Meanwhile, MTSA addresses security in the maritime sector, securing ports, vessels, and facilities crucial for global trade. Organizations subject to CFATS and MTSA are deemed critical infrastructure integral to the country’s functioning. Safeguarding these facilities ensures operational continuity, preventing disruptions to the economy and bolstering public safety.
We remain at the forefront of industrial process safety and security, providing organizations with up-to-date insights on regulatory changes that may impact their operations. AcuTech provides CFATS and MTSA support, assisting companies in navigating the compliance process effectively.
Our security consultants offer critical support with a comprehensive understanding of the CFATS cycle. AcuTech services cover planning, top screening, security vulnerability assessment, and site security plan management. We assist companies in evaluating, creating, and sustaining facility site security plans, ensuring continuous compliance with evolving regulations.
The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) mandates stringent security measures for port and waterway safety. AcuTech, with its adept team, conducts thorough security risk assessments, offers cost-benefit analyses of proposed countermeasures, and aids in drafting site security plans. We streamline Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) requirements into existing security plans, ensuring compliance without compromising operational efficiency.
For port facilities that must meet International Port and Port Facility Security (ISPS) requirements, AcuTech can provide specialized services to ensure the organization is in compliance with the Standard.
Take the first step toward a more secure future – contact AcuTech today to inquire about our specialized consulting services tailored to your unique needs in CFATS, MTSA and ISPS support and compliance.
- CFATS training
- Security risks assessments
- Security planning
- TWIC compliance
- ISPS compliance
AcuTech’s consultants are well versed in codes and standards developed by industry bodies and will refer to these as well as each client’s local jurisdiction codes and standards. A sampling of the relevant codes and standards can be found below.
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS):
- Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS): CFATS uses RBPS to establish security standards for high-risk chemical facilities. These standards cover areas such as access control, perimeter security, cybersecurity, personnel security, and more. They are designed to address the unique risks posed by different chemical facilities.
- Site Security Plan (SSP): Facilities identified as high-risk under CFATS must develop a Site Security Plan. The plan outlines how the facility will implement RBPS and mitigate security risks. It is a comprehensive document that includes security measures, response procedures, and other relevant information.
- Chemical-terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI): CFATS includes provisions for protecting sensitive information related to facility vulnerabilities. This information, known as CVI, is shared between the government and the facility to enhance security without compromising sensitive details.
- Compliance Inspections: CFATS mandates inspections to ensure facilities are complying with the RBPS and implementing the measures outlined in their SSP. Inspections help verify that security measures are effective and that facilities are maintaining a high level of security.
Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA):
- Facility Security Plans (FSP): Under MTSA, maritime facilities and vessels must develop Facility Security Plans outlining security measures to be implemented. These plans include provisions for access control, surveillance, security training, and response procedures.
- Security Risk Assessment (SRA): Facilities and vessels subject to MTSA must conduct Security Risk Assessments to identify and assess security vulnerabilities. The assessment informs the development of the Facility Security Plan.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): MTSA incorporates the use of TWIC, a biometric identification card, to control access to secure areas within maritime facilities. This enhances personnel security and ensures that only authorized individuals can enter sensitive areas.
- Training and Drills: MTSA requires regular training for personnel involved in security-related duties and the conduct of security drills to test the effectiveness of the Facility Security Plan. This ensures that personnel are well-prepared to respond to security incidents.
Our consultants have contributed to the following standards, codes, and programs:
- AcuTech served as Prime Subject Matter Contractor experts to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the development of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) regulation, the suite of Chemical Security Assessment Tools (CSAT), and the Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS)