83 FR 23287 - Opening of Application Period for Third-Party Canine-Cargo Certifiers

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 97 (May 18, 2018)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is opening a 90-day window for applications to be a third-party canine-cargo certifying organization. Successful applicants will be required to sign and comply with an Order issued by TSA. Approved certifying organizations will assess third-party explosives detection canine teams to determine whether they meet TSA's standards for screening air cargo. This notice provides information necessary for qualified, interested persons to obtain the application.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 97 (Friday, May 18, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23287-23288]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10636]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


Opening of Application Period for Third-Party Canine-Cargo 
Certifiers

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is opening a 
90-day window for applications to be a third-party canine-cargo 
certifying organization. Successful applicants will be required to sign 
and comply with an Order issued by TSA. Approved certifying 
organizations will assess third-party explosives detection canine teams 
to determine whether they meet TSA's standards for screening air cargo. 
This notice provides information necessary for qualified, interested 
persons to obtain the application.

DATES: 
    Opening Date: Applications will be accepted beginning 12:01 a.m. 
(EDT) on May 21, 2018.
    Closing Date: Applications under this notice must be received no 
later than 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on August 19, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties can contact [email protected] to obtain 
a copy of the application package.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Noah Burnett, 3PK9-C Team, Canine 
Training Center, Office of Training and Development, Transportation 
Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; email to 
[email protected]; telephone at (210) 396-4425 (desk); fax to (210) 
671-4911.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    TSA created the Third-Party Canine-Cargo (3PK9-C) Program, under 
TSA's regulations for Certified Cargo Screening Programs (CSSP), see 49 
CFR part 1549, to provide an efficient and effective method for 
screening air cargo to TSA's standards. Under this program, third-party 
canine teams trained in explosives detection can be certified by a non-
governmental entity, acting under the approval of TSA, as meeting TSA's 
certification standards. Certified 3PK9-C teams can be deployed to 
screen air cargo for aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and 
other TSA-regulated parties operating under a TSA-approved or accepted 
security program.
    TSA is seeking applications from qualified persons interested in 
becoming an approved 3PK9-C Certifier under the 3PK9-C Program. All 
applicants must meet the minimal qualifications before their 
application will be evaluated to determine whether the applicant meets 
TSA's requirements.
    The evaluation process will assess whether the applicant meets 
TSA's requirements. Applications received between 12:01 a.m. (EDT) on 
May 21, 2018 and 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on August 19, 2018, will be reviewed 
on a rolling basis. If the agency determines that an applicant meets 
TSA's requirements, TSA will provide the applicant with a copy of a 
binding Order \1\ that must be signed before the applicant becomes a 
participant in the program as a 3PK9-C Certifier. Failure to comply 
with the 3PK9-C Certifier Order may result in removal from the program 
and/or enforcement action against the 3PK9-C Certifier. TSA may require 
the 3PK9-C Certifier to submit additional information under the Order 
and complete orientation before being approved by TSA to commence 
operations.
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    \1\ The Order for 3PK9-C Certifiers will not be available to the 
public as it contains information that cannot be publicly disclosed 
under 49 CFR part 1520. Applicants that complete the required 
vetting processes and other agreements necessary for release of 
Sensitive Security Information (SSI), including documenting a ``need 
to know,'' will be provided a copy of the Order as part of the 
application process.
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    Under this program, 3PK9-C Certifiers are authorized to conduct 
certifications and make determinations as to whether canine teams meet 
TSA's standards as specified in the Order. Selection as a 3PK9-C 
Certifier does not indicate any of the following:
     An award of a government-issued contract or financial 
support from TSA (no Federal funding will be expended for certification 
of canine teams under the 3PK9-C program).
     A guarantee of any minimum work or funding.
    TSA must ensure the certification of canine teams under the 3PK9-C 
Program will be conducted in an appropriate, consistent and verifiable 
manner. In general, TSA will review applications to determine whether:
     The applicant demonstrates expert knowledge of critical 
test and evaluation concepts to certify canine teams for the detection 
of explosives (for example, management of certification data, 
explosives training aids, use and safety, etc.).
     The applicant demonstrates sufficient past performance and 
expertise in performing explosive detection canine team certifications.
    TSA will make its determinations based on the information submitted 
by the applicant in its application. Therefore, applicants are 
encouraged to ensure they provide complete information related to all 
requirements. TSA may contact the applicant with questions and/or 
requests for clarification during the review of submitted materials.
    Applicants will be required to attest that they meet or will be 
able to meet the minimal qualification standards identified below. 
These minimum requirements must be sustained throughout the applicant's 
participation in the 3PK9-C Program.
    1. Has or can obtain permission from TSA to receive, store, and 
protect SSI in accordance with TSA regulations and policies (see 
footnote 1).
    2. All proprietors, general partners, officers, directors, or 
owners of the applicant, as well as all employees who will perform 
activities pursuant to this application or the 3PK9-C Certifier Order, 
have successfully completed or are able to successfully complete a 
security threat assessment (STA) identified in 49 CFR part 1540, 
subpart C.
    3. Has necessary resources and personnel to implement and sustain 
the certification plan submitted with the application.
    4. Can comply with applicable Federal, state and local regulations 
regarding the safe handling and storage of explosives.
    5. For each 3PK9-C Certifier employee who will be conducting 
certification activities, ensure the individual has a minimum of five 
years of explosives and/or narcotics detection experience in conducting 
certifications with one or more of the following organizations:

[[Page 23288]]

    a. United States Police Canine Association (USPCA),
    b. North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA),
    c. International Police Working Dog Association (IPWDA),
    d. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), 
Department of Defense (DoD), or other Federal government agencies,
    e. TSA, or
    f. Similar organization that TSA approves as having a commensurate 
level of certifications for the purpose of the 3PK9-CP.
    6. Can provide 3PK9-C certifications at air cargo/shipping 
locations throughout the United States as defined in 49 CFR part 
1500.3.
    7. Must have capability to video record certification events and 
maintain recordings in digital format for a minimum of two years.
    8. Must ensure the applicant will not conduct assessments for which 
there exists a conflict of interest as defined in the 3PK9-C Certifier 
Order.
    Interested persons can obtain a copy of the application 
instructions by submitting a request for information to the email 
address noted under ADDRESSES.

    Dated: May 14, 2018.
Kimberly Walton,
Chief of Mission Support.
[FR Doc. 2018-10636 Filed 5-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-05-P