SCOTS Meeting Tues 9/19 & Weds 9/20
Orlando, Florida
Meeting Summary
John Contestible – Led introductions, and gave a review on highlights of the agenda.
FHWA, Emergency Transportation Operations Update – Kim Vasconez. This is
Kim’s first SCOTS meeting. Kim has replaced Vince Pearce, she was previously with
FEMA.
Kim provided a detailed handout (Emergency Transportation Operations – Program
Description & Strategic Direction) that offers lots of details on what FHWA is now doing
in her area – particularly post-Katrina. Kim’s remarks focused on how FHWA’s roles in
this area are changing in the post-Katrina world. FHWA is preparing a primer on
emergency management for both DOTs and emergency managers. One of its functions is
to list all the assets – ITS, message boards, etc. that are useful for evacuations. (Will be
out soon.) FHWA is also working on a gap analysis (contractor is Booz Allen) in the ITS
world for what is needed to support evacuations.
Kim notes that USDOT has now been given responsibility for evacuation and emergency
transportation in disasters IF states cannot provide such support and are able to identify
their shortfalls. FHWA has no new funds to support these responsibilities. So far,
Louisiana is the only state that has asked for FHWA’s assistance, they are looking at
evacuation issues such as contraflow systems, contracts with bus companies and/or
Amtrak, use of Reserve airfleet, and coordination with airlines. SCOTS members
encourage Kim to coordinate with them as FHWA prepares itself for its new role in
emergency management at state level; they must be sensitive to states’ concerns but can
also benefit from members networking and expertise capabilities.
Jeff Western notes that funding shortfalls are a problem at the state level too. In
Wisconsin, funding for transportation-related emergency planning is lacking. Frank Day
asked about how the decision-making authority would work for the proposed assistance.
He indicated in Florida that local emergency management people already lead the way.
Have an emergency management manager for the state. He will tell everyone what to do,
not Feds. Local responsibility is strong.
An emerging problem in the post-Katrina world is managing the logistics of handling
transportation of evacuees – knowing where will they be is difficult since management of
shelters is often a local function and there is a lack of coordination between local and
state/fed level. As a result, concerns include parking for evacuation vehicles, proximity to
evacuation routes, etc. FTA now has a contract with CoachUSA for bus evacuation and
FRA now has a contract with Amtrak for rail evacuation. Bottom line is that states must
figure out how to know when to ask for help (what are the parameters?) Some DHS
national planning exercise/review work on evacuation procedures should inform the
process by helping identify where the needs are.
SCOTS members agreed they (and local government) should be involved in working with
FHWA to design evacuation procedures with appropriate trigger points for transfer of
authority. These are politically sensitive and hard to determine in advance. As an
example, CalTrans is just starting to work with local jurisdictions on how to manage
evacuations, in particular they are trying to set trigger points that will be the hand off to
DOT.
FHWA, Bridge Update - Steve Ernst (Slides)
Steve reported that FHWA continues to do assessments and workshops around the
country at the request of state and local agencies and that this work will transition from
FHWA to NHI soon. Key activities include:
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First Responder Awareness for Terrorist Threats to Bridges and Tunnels
Workshop (half day).
Risk Management Model (1 and a half day workshop)
Blast Workshop (for engineers only)
FHWA is continuing to do research on bridge and tunnel security including:
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Creating an interagency agreement with DHS Science and Technology, which
allows FHWA to send research projects to DHS S&T, which has a large $100M+
research budget. There may be opportunities for AASHTO to help FHWA shape
research ideas.
Bridge Explosive Loading Program – Software product
Design curves research by FHWA and USACE tells bridge designers about standoffs required for building safe bridges, but will be classified and bridge designers
will need clearances to view it. A question should be included in AASHTO’s
survey to determine how many states have suitable security clearances. Problems
will be inevitable if designers cannot see this information.
Waldo Hancock Bridge – will be a test demolition of a suspension bridge in
Maine.
Tower Testing – Large cellular towers on suspension bridges need to be protected
better and a nearly complete pooled fund study has helped provide a lot of new
ideas.
FHWA - John Gerner Update
John Gerner provided a big picture view of what FHWA is doing. Primary emphasis
areas continue to be:
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Research – Infrastructure protection, evacuation/emergency ops
Technical Assistance – Steve’s work, Kim’s resource center
Training – Professional Capacity Building program that takes the work from 2059 and FHWA efforts and turns it into a training program
TSA & Security Planning/Mitigation
DHS Update - Bill Arrington
[Notes missing from start of Bill’s remarks] DHS’s mission has seen an expanded focus
on natural disaster issues since Katrina. From a transportation perspective, this often
means figuring out how to move people and where to take them. DHS is partnering with
FEMA and DOT on this question. At a recent exercise done by DHS in Maryland, they
worked with MDOT on evacuation transportation. Tony Kane noted that AASHTO & its
member states are often multi-modal organizations and that DHS is welcome to
participate on the committees (Action Item)
DHS is interested in getting into tunnels under water.
DHS Update - Dan Schultz
Dan’s focus is specifically on the highways sector and he is an advocate for highways
and motor carriers. He provides a two way conduit for information on these topics. Two
major areas of focus include NIPP, and the Sector Specific Plan.
ITS America - Bill Anderson (slides)
ITS America’s focus is o+n preparedness, response & recovery. Key issues for ITSA
include:
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Developing a national transportation-specific security doctrine all modes
Accelerating deployment of security related ITS
Creating an integrated network of transportation information
Encouraging in-vehicle technologies
Supporting security-enhancing commercial vehicle technologies
Expanding security-related ITS R&D
Supporting regional cooperation to enhance security
Instilling a cooperative public-private relationship
ITSA staff roles include:
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Leveraging and building expertise
Participating in the discussion
Annual Meeting & ITS World Congress
ITSA’s Homeland Security Public Safety Forum is about:
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Building relationships and members
Collaborating and coordinating with other forums
Working on projects: HSPS linkages, recommended readings, ITSA Advisory
Team for TSSP development
ITSA has created a “recommended readings” from the literature list that includes the top
ten best publications. Bill concluded by saying that AASHTO and others must work
together to figure out where to go next with ITS and security.
TSA Update - Ely Kahn – TSA (Slides)
Ely Kahn provided an overview of TSA’s Transportation Sector Specific Plan (TSSP),
which is a strategic-level plan. It will cover all modes, but is flexible to the requirements
of each modes. The original requirement for TSSP stems from Homeland Security
Presidential Directive 7, which is implemented via DHS’s Implementation Plan for
HSPD-7, which resulted in the National Infrastructure Protection Plan and then 17
Sectoral Plans (including TSSP). The TSSP focuses on risk management and is closely
aligned with AASHTO’s guidance (i.e. relying on a consequence driven approach to risk
management, rather than an asset driven approach). Its goal is to provide a framework for
prioritizing systems and assets and deploying resources accordingly. A final TSSP is due
by Dec 31 2006 and TSA is looking for state input from state DOTs and AASHTO. Eli
noted that NSTS is a Congressional mandate that is similar to the TSSP. TSA hopes to
merge the two documents.
Ely also provided an update on the draft Presidential Executive Order on Surface
Transportation Security. It requires identification of high risk surface transportation
systems and assets, issuance of new guidelines if needed, transmission to OMB of any
new security requirements that are needed, and distribution of a list of technologies for
protecting transportation system to Fed, state, local, private sector stakeholders. EO has
now been signed. This means there will be considerable work to meet requirements.
SCOTS members asked questions about how thorough review of products added to list of
technologies and products will be achieved and how to avoid duplication of current lists
of high risk assets.
Ely also provided an update on the Transportation Sector Government Coordination
Council (TS-GCC). TS-GCC has met three times so far and also has modal sub-GCCs.
TS-GCC’s focus is on risk management and it is intended to help stakeholders in
transportation work together. Their first task is to comment on the draft TSSP. Each sub
GCC will also contribute a modal annex for their mode to the TSSP. GCCs are Federal
and private sector focused primarily. AASHTO is represented on the GCC, but there
needs to be better representation from state DOTs if possible – GCC meets monthly in
DC, which is a barrier. Gerner.
Sandia Labs - Chad Davis (Slides)
Chad discussed Sandia Labs transportation-related security work, which focuses on
modeling and simulating interdependencies among critical infrastructure. (E.g. energy,
banking, telecommunications, transportation) Key initiatives include:
FortiusOne – are doing “failure simulation” for DHS. Doing a study of 40 cities
nationwide. Results are not currently being shared with states and cities. Models predict
impacts and can be run iteratively to determine how changes in security affect outcomes.
Highly visual depiction of high traffic, low versatility locations that is useful to planners
who are identifying mitigation strategy.
Fast Analysis Infrastructure Tool - Translates data into plain language. Identifies highrisk assets based on data and infrastructure experts opinions. Calculates economic
consequences of disruption. Tool is still a work in progress.
Railroad – Network Analysis System (RNAS) - Determines impact to nat rail network
given an asset disruption. Uses commodity flow data and economies. Enables prediction
of critical nodes. Allows for a flexible routing plan. (Class 1 railroads only – captures the
majority of freight movement?)
Air Transportation Optimization Model (ATOM) - Complements the rail model.
Examines the impact of an outage on the system. Allows identification of vulnerabilities
and mitigation strategies. (Not just the major carriers)
Transportation resource Integrated Planning System (TRIPS) – Examines the movement
of nuclear materials around the country. Used by Office of Secure Transportation in its
long-range planning for determining its long-term transportation needs.
NCHRP/TRB Update - Stephan Parker (See slideshow)
Stephan provided an overview of the TRB/Cooperative Research Programs etc. which
focuses on risk management and on emergency management. Key points mentioned in
discussion following Stephan’s presentation included: 1) the need to get FEMA more
involved in the TRB/NCHRP research work – come to the meetings, sit on the panels,
read the reports, etc, 2) The possibility of getting DHS to become a contributing member
to TRB, and 3) Continuing to identify gaps in the research – MTI study will help to do
this.
NCHRP Risk Management Guide - Steve Lockwood (Slides)
Contractors are about 2/3 thru the updated Risk Management Guide. The new guide has a
greater emphasis on risk management in a multimodal context and on using “all hazards”
solutions. Aim is to produce a program level, data-based tool that DOTs can use to
analyze threats and develop counter measures.
The new risk tool is a consequence driven system that asks what are the relevant threats
to critical infrastructure. It is intended to be a day-to-day resource for DOTs that
integrates security thinking with thinking on other threats, such as natural disasters,
traffic incidents, crime. These threats are already routinized within the DOT community.
Makes strong emphasis on maintaining mobility.
The innovative consequence based approach reduces the amount of analysis needed. This
takes the emphasis off predicting the type of threat and puts it on what to do in response
to incidents of different magnitudes. User has to pick the consequences they can/cannot
live with – i.e. what is acceptable? The model can be used to develop sensitivity analyses
in an afternoon. It is deliberately not just a “security” model. Many states do not need to
do complex analyses. Model also assesses countermeasure cost-effectiveness.
TSA Update, Keith Gates
Gates provided an update on the security reviews TSA is conducting. At present, TSA is
only doing reviews if requested.
TSA is currently focusing heavily on haz mat shipments. (Other hot issue is tunnels under
water.) They are developing plans to track all high level haz mat movements (by truck?).
A report will be completed by June of 2007. TSA is currently doing a pilot to
demonstrate the capability to track haz mat shipments. The haz mat initiative should be
integrated with “IRIS” system. Also a consortium of federal agencies is working to deal
with haz mat – need to link with these guys. Keith would like to develop a TSA exhibit in
conjunction with other stakeholders including trucking association and SCOTS. DHS is
very supportive of the idea.
Keith highlighted that TSA is working more with DHS’s chief technology office on new
research initiatives, which he will be able to discuss in more detail later. Keith believes
CTO can help the DOTs implement potential projects, but SCOTS should start talking
with Keith first. (Start thinking now about FY08 projects.) Need to tweak projects to fit
the security focus of CTO.
DOD, Bob Franz Report (By John) – See handout
AASHTO asked SDDCTEA to undertake a study to determine current and future military
needs. This study is just beginning.
Pandemic Discussion, Jeff Western/Dan Ferezan
Emerging priority for FHWA/DOTs is consideration of pandemic issues – WisDOT is
starting to consider how it would operate during a pandemic. (e.g. 40% reduction in work
force). Jeff turned over the floor to Dan. Dan led a discussion on avian flu, which has not
jumped to human to human transmission yet. Therefore does not have a vaccine.
Scientific community says that overdue for a worldwide epidemic. About 40% of
workforce would likely be missing. Need to plan for how to deal with cut. Could last
several months, and would come in waves.
Dan described three key elements of the Presidential plan for dealing with avian flu –
keep it off shore, know when it arrives, do something when it arrives. A national action
plan has been developed, includes 70 actions for transportation. (e.g. quarantine planes,
etc.)
Dan and Jeff pointed out that if bird flu strikes, DOTs will need special continuity plans
that can address under-staffing for several months, but with infrastructure in place. Need
to figure out ways to work without gathering people together. Will be tough to sustain
over this timeframe. Without a vaccine, the only defenses are social distancing, clean
hands, etc. DOTs need to think now about what would transport’s role be in flu, what
should added dimensions to COOP be, these are the key questions.
Minnesota is very focused on planning for pandemics. Equipment and supplies etc for
internal folks; how MnDOT addresses external needs. Have identified critical services,
and what can be done without.
Notice of Proposed Rule-Making for quarantine facilities at airports, which must be set
up. All kinds of questions – sq ft per person, provisions needed, fixed costs, etc. May
involve 1000s of people. Talk to Bonnie Wilson. Work was done thru the Aviation
Security Committee.
TRB will have some sessions on this topic in January.
Infrastructure Security TRB Committee Update, Jeff Western
Committee’s role – trying to reach out to a broad group, identifying research needs. Joyce
has developed a list of research topics. Need to have as many eyes as possible in the
process to get ideas – not too worried about overlap. How can we enhance committee’s
activities. Anyone can be on distribution list.
Need to bring strategic plans together. Sign up as a friend of the committee to participate.
Resolutions & Strategic Plan
John Contestible led the group through a discussion of three proposed resolutions –
creation of an AASHTO award for security, reconstitution of SCOTS membership, and
creation of a joint SCOTS/SSOM Technical Services Program. (See final draft resolution
language for results)
As part of this discussion, SCOTS agreed that the strategic plan should be revisited.
There is a need to address all hazards planning, but ensure that we keep committee’s
focus on homeland security.
John Contestible walked the group through the current strategic plan and checked off all
items that are done or underway. (See attached document)
Approval of Resolution Language
On Weds morning, the members discussed, revised, and voted on the draft resolutions for
the award and for reconstitution of SCOTS membership. The group supported submittal
of the resolutions to AASHTO. (See attached document)
Volpe/PCB Program Update – John Boiney (handout)
Regional workshops
Pooled fund study supporting development of 4 training elements
PCB includes: workshops (5 regional locations from Oct on), pooled fund, web seminars,
database of training
Content of workshops – Can SCOTS participate in workshops? Yes AASHTO is a cosponsor of the workshops along with TSA and FHWA. Are the regional PSA supervisors
invited? TSA will forward the announcement. Get a database of all the people who
attended and make sure they are added to the emergency alert list. Get feedback to
SCOTS about the issues that came out of the workshops.
Discussion about content, guest list, etc. for workshop. Contraflow workshop is a good
model for this. Need to make sure there are proceedings. (A reporter will be at each
workshop – and will produce a summary of the workshops and a compendium of results)
Conference organizers will provide the report to SCOTS. This will feed SCOTS for a
while.
Course materials – all 4 training elements for $550,000
Source materials – Risk Mgmt & ETO Guides, Bridge & Tunnel Workshops