Cost of twic program

Coast Guard to develop an evaluation plan to guide the remainder of the pilot and identify how it would compensate for areas where the TWIC reader pilot would not provide the information needed, adding that DHS agreed and took initial steps but did not develop an evaluation plan. And the GAO report also cited TSA officials as saying challenges like readers being incapable of recording needed data prevented TSA from collecting complete and consistent pilot data, leading to TSA not being able to collect complete or consistent pilot data and subsequently not be able to determine if operational problems at the pilot sites were due to TWIC cards, readers, or users.

Another challenge TWIC has experienced over the years is making sure the card conforms to federal guidelines for secure identification cards and the testing of the card to make sure that it works with other Homeland Security Department screening programs.

The TWIC program is expected to cover approximately 1. This development was unsurprising in the sense that TWIC has been plagued by delays, cost overruns and missteps. Toggle navigation. Electronic biometric card readers would probably cost industry more than benefit it under the pending rule Readers are ultimately costly and mitigate only certain types of threats, forcing facilities to prioritize a source of vulnerability that might not be the most jeopardizing in their specific circumstances.

Electronic biometric card readers can mitigate some kinds of risk TWIC is stronger against attacks requiring persistent insider access than against those requiring one-time or no access. People more often gain unauthorized access to facilities via other means than by using invalid TWICs. Further enhancing TWIC requirements would come at significant costs, which are likely to exceed the commensurate benefit There are likely more cost-effective methods of reducing the risk that maritime facilities face.

There might be lower-cost options to bring greater security value from the TWIC program as currently implemented, such as a mobile application to allow facilities to check the Canceled Card List at essentially zero cost. Recommendations Take a system approach to maritime security rather than focusing on one program.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for improving security at maritime facilities, given their broad differences in risk and operations. It also established protocol for these workers to have unescorted access to those vessels and ports.

The TWIC card is one of the ways this access can be granted, while maintaining the security integrity of U. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential TWIC card gives important personnel the clearance to move around without wasting valuable time and without needing extra security. Some of the many who need the card include truckers, contractors, maintenance personnel and anyone else requiring unescorted access to vessels and ports regulated by the MTSA.

The card is nearly impossible to forge, and there are many steps which those applying for one must complete before being granted one. You must also need access to MTSA regulated facilities. One can complete the application process online or in person at an application center , and there are numerous TWIC office locations throughout the country, as long as you bring all of the necessary documents.

Upon filling out all the paperwork, one of the first things an applicant must do is complete a security threat assessment STA. Here is the entire process :. But the TSA takes security very seriously in this regard. Once completed, the card itself will have your full name and photo, expiration date, and two fingerprints. In order to keep this from happening, the TSA recommends you care for it like you would any of your credit cards, but with a little extra delicacy.

The appeals process is lengthy, and depending on what grounds the TSA denied your application, there may be even more that you have to do.