CFATS

Background

In late 2006, Congress passed Section 550 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007. On April 9, 2007 DHS published the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) and will require "high risk" chemical facilities to enhance facility security and maintain security plans. The law gives DHS the authority to regulate the nation's highest risk chemical facilities and directs DHS to develop chemical facility security regulations. If your company currently possesses or plans to possess Chemical's of Interest (COI) found on DHS' Appendix A document, you are required to start the compliance process. Once you determine that you have chemicals of interest at or above the screening threshold quantity (STQ), you will need to register with DHS and file a Top Screen Questionnaire. Once this is complete, DHS will provide you with a "preliminary risk tier". If DHS finds your facility to be "high risk", your company must submit a Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) and Site Security Plan (SSP) to the department for review. Depending on your assigned tier (1-4), your Site Security Plan may be audited by Chemical Security Inspectors as early as next year. So far, DHS has classified 219 facilities as presumptive Tier 1, 756 facilities as presumptive Tier 2, 1712 facilities as presumptive Tier 3, and 4319 facilities as presumptive Tier 4. Tier 1s will have about 90 days to submit an SVA to DHS via the CSAT. Tier 2 facilities will have about 120 days and Tier 3 and Tier 4 facilities will have about 150 and 180 days, respectively.

Draco Group Services

The Draco Group provides expert analysis and assistance on CFATS regulatory compliance. Our cost sensitive services include:

Consultation with the Top Screen Questionnaire
Chemical-Terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI) management
Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) submittal
Preparation, writing, and submission of the Site Security Plan (SSP)
On site assessment and analysis of how to comply with the Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS)
Alternate Security Plans (ASP)
Preparation for DHS inspections
CFATS Focused Emergency Preparedness Planning & Exercise Consultation
Security force training
CFATS focused Records Management

Our dedicated team of security experts can guide your company through all stages of the compliance process. For more information, please contact us at The Draco Group or email directly our Vice President of Critical Infrastructure Protection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 732-730-5335