FR 2025-07321

The document from the Federal Register is a 30-day notice from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding the collection of information for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) Program. The TSA is seeking an extension from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to continue gathering biographic and biometric information under this program, intended primarily for individuals requiring unescorted access to secure areas in the transportation sector.

General Summary

The notice pertains to a request to extend the collection of information associated with the TWIC Program. The TWIC Program is vital for verifying the identity and conducting security threat assessments for workers in secure transportation locations. Commenters have a deadline until May 29, 2025, to provide input on the necessity, accuracy, and utility of the data collection process. Additionally, the TSA outlines the different fee structures for TWIC enrollment and renewals, highlighting eligibility for fee reductions based on prior security threat assessments.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One primary concern is the lack of clarity regarding the eligibility for discounted renewal fees. While the notice refers to reduced fees for individuals who previously completed comparable security threat assessments, details about determining such eligibility are limited. Similarly, the reasons for the cost differences between online and in-person TWIC renewals could benefit from further explanation, which would help applicants make informed decisions.

Another point of concern involves the optional customer satisfaction survey. While TSA gathers this feedback to improve the enrollment process, the document does not explicitly state how the feedback will be used to enact tangible improvements. Additionally, details about ensuring the privacy and protection of sensitive biometric and biographic information, which is crucial given the nature of the data collected, are sparse.

The mention of a reduction in the FBI Criminal History Records Check fee suggests potential savings, yet the document lacks context on the extent of these savings or implications for the overall enrollment cost.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this notice highlights the TSA's ongoing efforts to maintain security in transportation hubs by continuing to conduct thorough vetting processes for workers. It assures the public of the agency's commitment to security, albeit with an administrative burden on those required to undergo the TWIC application or renewal process.

For individuals, particularly transportation workers and mariners, this may mean bearing significant costs and time burdens. The program's structure affects those seeking access to secure zones, as they need to navigate enrollment, maintain credentials, and possibly renew them every five years. The costs associated with TWIC renewals, especially in-person, could prove burdensome for some.

Impact on Stakeholders

Stakeholders directly affected include transport sector employees, some of whom may benefit from fee reductions after having already completed similar background checks through other programs. Mariners, however, might face challenges if they lack reliable internet access, impacting their ability to utilize online renewal services effectively.

For policymakers and security agencies, the extension allows for continued assessment and potential refinement of the credentialing processes. It invites comments that could lead to constructive changes or improvements in securing transportation infrastructures.

Overall, while the program offers structured pathways for maintaining security, clarity on eligibility criteria, cost implications, and feedback utilization remains vital for greater transparency and effectiveness. Ensuring comprehensive and accessible communication around such processes can support both the administrative aims and the needs of the stakeholders involved.

The document outlines various financial aspects related to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) Program overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These financial references are primarily associated with the costs of enrollment, renewal, and replacement of TWIC cards, as well as estimated annual costs for the program.

Enrollment and Renewal Fees

The standard enrollment fee for the TWIC card is $124.00. This fee is required from applicants when they enroll to verify identity and conduct a Security Threat Assessment (STA). In situations where a card is lost, damaged, or stolen, TSA charges a replacement fee of $60.00. Additionally, the fee structure adjusts based on certain eligibility criteria:

• If an applicant has completed a comparable STA through other governmental agencies, such as the TSA Hazardous Materials Endorsement program or U.S. Customs and Border Protection Free and Secure Trade Program, a reduced fee of $93.00 is applied.
• Merchant Mariners who choose not to receive a TWIC card may see a fee reduction of $25.75, reflecting only the enrollment and vetting segments.
• Online renewals of TWIC cards come with a $116.00 fee, compared to $124.00 for in-person renewals.

Estimated Annual Costs

The document states the estimated annual cost of the TWIC program to be $78,706,109. This figure reflects the cumulative financial outlay associated with processing applications, conducting security assessments, and managing customer satisfaction efforts.

Financial References and Identified Issues

The document identifies several issues related to these financial figures. While it mentions a discounted renewal fee for online renewals, the criteria or specific process for determining eligibility for these discounts is not entirely clear. It mentions a renewal fee difference—$116.00 for online versus $124.00 for in-person—but lacks detail on why these cost differences exist and how they ultimately benefit the applicants or the administration process.

Additionally, there is a mention of a reduction in the Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Records Check fee. However, the document does not clarify how this reduction impacts the overall costs for applicants or potential savings for the program. Clarification on such matters would assist in understanding how these financial adjustments affect both applicants and TSA.

Lastly, the document speaks of gathering applicant feedback through an optional survey to assess customer satisfaction. It does not make explicit how such financial investment in surveys and reports will be used to enact meaningful adjustments to reduce costs or improve efficiencies in the TWIC program overall. There is also no discussion on potential financial barriers for individuals who may have limited access to the internet, which could hinder their ability to take advantage of online renewal discounts. These gaps highlight areas for potential improvement in transparency and accessibility within the program’s financial framework.