FR 2025-00366

The document recently issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the Department of Homeland Security details an information collection request concerning the Office for Bombing Prevention's (OBP) efforts. Specifically, the notice pertains to the TRIPwire system, an online network aimed at bolstering the skills and knowledge of bomb technicians, first responders, and other security professionals by providing insights on improvised explosive device (IED) threats. Comments from the public on this initiative are open until March 11, 2025, highlighting the agency’s intention to boost security through both engagement and information verification of those accessing this system.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Upon review, several concerns related to this document emerge. Firstly, the document does not clarify how the cost estimates for the total burden and the annualized government cost were derived, which might lead to questions regarding efficient use of resources. There is an absence of detailed explanations or itemizations, which could undermine public confidence in the agency's fiscal responsibility.

Secondly, the TRIPwire system, as described, involves specific information dissemination categories like "For Official Use Only" and "Law Enforcement Sensitive." The lack of clear definitions or examples for these terms might render the content less accessible to the uninitiated, potentially reducing the broader understanding and engagement that the notice seeks to encourage.

Additionally, the document emphasizes that information collection is voluntary but does not specify any potential consequences for those who choose not to participate. This could create ambiguity for entities weighing the potential risks and benefits of participation.

The use of specialized governmental terminology such as "Controlled Unclassified Information" without simplification or additional context might create barriers to understanding for those outside governmental frameworks.

Lastly, the range of affected entities mentioned is extensive, covering federal, state, local, and tribal government entities, as well as for-profit businesses. However, the document does not delineate whether certain entities might be more affected than others or require distinct approaches, leading to potential uncertainty about responsibilities and implications among these groups.

Broader Public Impact

This notice may influence the general public by enhancing overall security and awareness regarding bomb threats and preparedness. By promoting the dissemination and shared resources of TRIPwire, the intended effect of increased incident prevention is likely beneficial on a societal scale. However, there could be concerns over privacy and data security, particularly given that personal information will be collected to verify eligibility for access to TRIPwire.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved, such as government entities and private sector security professionals, this notice may provide significant value by improving access to specialized knowledge and training resources. Nevertheless, these groups might bear additional administrative or operational burden due to compliance and data-sharing requirements, particularly if they lack clarity on what participation entails.

Overall, while the proposed information collection initiative has the potential to substantially enhance security measures and preventive efforts, the document would benefit from additional clarity and transparency in several areas to mitigate potential concerns and improve comprehension among all stakeholders involved.

The document addresses financial aspects related to the information collection activities undertaken by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Here, we focus on the financial implications detailed in the notice.

Summary of Financial References

The document specifies two primary financial figures related to the information collection process: the Total Burden Cost and the Total Annualized Government Cost. The Total Burden Cost is stated as $13,736, while the Total Annualized Government Cost is $7,447. These figures represent the estimated costs associated with the reinstatement and modification of an existing collection of information related to the Technical Resource for Incident Prevention (TRIPwire) system.

Relation to Identified Issues

One issue identified in the document is the lack of transparency around how these financial estimates were calculated. The document does not provide details on the methodology or breakdown of the costs, which makes it difficult to assess the accuracy or reasonableness of these figures. Such an absence of detailed information could potentially lead to concerns about whether these allocations represent efficient or wasteful spending. Transparency is crucial to understand how taxpayer money is being utilized and to ensure that the operations are cost-effective.

Moreover, clarity on financial references is essential, especially when considering the broad range of entities involved, including federal, state, local, tribal government entities, and the private sector. Each of these entities may have differing levels of engagement with the TRIPwire system, yet the document does not specify how costs might vary between them or if certain groups are expected to bear more financial responsibility than others.

To address these concerns, it would be beneficial for the document to include a detailed explanation of how the costs were estimated, perhaps providing examples or scenarios that depict how these figures apply across different sectors. This added transparency could help stakeholders better understand their financial responsibilities and the allocation of resources within this initiative.