TSA seeks information on universal enrollment services

On March 31, the Transportation Safety Administration posted a request for information on universal enrollment services (Solicitation Number: HSTS02-16-RFI-TSM023). Written responses (capability statements) shall be submitted no later than 2:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 21, 2016.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (OIA) regarding enrollment services capabilities for DHS programs and initiatives. DHS programs requiring enrollment services include, but are not limited to the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) Threat Assessment Program (HTAP), the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) program, the TSA Pre✓® Application Program, and several aviation sector threat assessment programs, which may include Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP), Aviation Workers, General Aviation and Air Cargo.

The TSA OIA is requesting information and conducting market research to understand current enrollment services capabilities, both in the government and commercial spheres. TSA conducts security threat assessments (STAs) to determine whether an applicant seeking access to critical segments of the nation’s transportation system poses or is suspected of posing a threat to transportation or national security. An STA may differ depending on the population or program required to undergo a background check. Additionally, statutory and policy requirements may impact how a program is implemented. STAs typically include any combination of the following background checks: name-based checks for ties to terrorism, immigration/lawful presence checks, and/or a fingerprint and name based criminal history records check (CHRC). In order to conduct STAs, TSA must collect and protect applicant biographic and biometric data, identity/immigration documentation. A collection of payment is also required as most TSA programs are required to be fee-funded and self-sustaining.

The TSA is requesting information on technical and operational capabilities that provide for a full suite of enrollment services. Enrollment services include, but are not limited to, the full technical and operational infrastructure to support biographic and biometric data collection, protecting and safeguarding applicant data/confidentiality, identity/immigration document collection and authentication, identity assurance capabilities, fraudulent document identification, fee collection, credential management/distribution, online capabilities (e.g. website for pre-enrollment data collection, appointment scheduling, enrollment site location information, program requirements and customer service information), in-person enrollment facilities and staff, as a full suite of customer service and technical support capabilities. In-person enrollment facilities and staff are required throughout the United States and its territories.

TSA is interested in learning more about capabilities that allow for accurate data collection, identity assurance, fraudulent document detection, adherence to privacy and technical security requirements, innovative approaches to enrollment technology and operations, and a robust customer service solution, all while minimizing applicant burden (costs, overall time to enroll, etc.)

Full information is available here.

Source: FedBizOpps