Intent To Request Revision of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) Program, 77602-77603 [2023-24858]

Download as PDF 77602 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 217 / Monday, November 13, 2023 / Notices critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities and priorities for CISA. Government officials will share sensitive information with CSAC members on initiatives and future security requirements for assessing cyber risks to critical infrastructure. Basis for Closure: In accordance with section 10(d) of FACA and 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B), The Government in the Sunshine Act, it has been determined that certain agenda items require closure, as the premature disclosure of the information that will be discussed would be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of proposed agency actions. This agenda item addresses areas of CISA’s operations that include critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities and priorities for CISA. Government officials will share sensitive information with CSAC members on initiatives and future security requirements for assessing cyber risks to critical infrastructure. As the premature disclosure of the information that will be discussed would be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of proposed agency action, this portion of the meeting is required to be closed pursuant to section 10(d) of FACA and 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B). Megan M. Tsuyi, Designated Federal Officer, CISA Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2023–24929 Filed 11–9–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–9P–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Transportation Security Administration Intent To Request Revision of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) Program Transportation Security Administration, DHS. ACTION: 60-Day notice. AGENCY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652–0062 abstracted below that we will submit to OMB for a revision in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR covers the assessment of current security practices in public transportation passenger rail (PTPR) and highway and motor carrier (HWY) khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Nov 09, 2023 Jkt 262001 industries by way of the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) program, which encompasses site visits and interviews, and is part of the larger domain awareness, prevention, and protection program that supports the mission of TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This voluntary collection allows TSA to conduct transportation securityrelated assessments during site visits with security and operating officials of certain surface transportation modes. DATES: Send your comments by January 12, 2024. ADDRESSES: Comments may be emailed to TSAPRA@tsa.dhs.gov or delivered to the TSA PRA Officer, Information Technology, TSA 11, Transportation Security Administration, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598–6011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Raymond at the above address, or by telephone (571) 227–2526. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The ICR documentation will be available at https://www.reginfo.gov upon its submission to OMB. Therefore, in preparation for OMB review and approval of the following information collection, TSA is soliciting comments to— (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Information Collection Requirement OMB Control Number 1652–0062; Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) Program. Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act and delegated authority from the Secretary of Homeland Security, TSA has broad responsibility and authority for ‘‘security in all modes PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of transportation including security responsibilities over modes of transportation that are exercised by the Department of Transportation.’’ 1 TSA is also required to ‘‘assess the security of each surface transportation mode and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of current Federal Government surface transportation security initiatives.’’ 2 TSA developed the BASE program in 2007, in an effort to engage with surface transportation entities to establish a ‘‘baseline’’ of security and emergency response operations. This program was initially created for PTPR (including rail and bus operations). Based on the success of the program, TSA developed the HWY BASE program in 2012. The HWY BASE applies to trucking, school bus contractors, school districts, and over-the-road motor coaches. This voluntary program enables TSA to collect and evaluate physical and operational preparedness information and critical assets and key point-ofcontact lists. TSA also reviews emergency procedures and domain awareness training and provides an opportunity to share industry best practices. The BASE program provides TSA with current information on adopted security-practices within the PTPR and HWY modes of the surface transportation sector. The information collected also allows TSA to dynamically adapt programs to the changing threat with an understanding of the improvements surface transportation entities make in their security posture. Additionally, the relationships these face-to-face contacts foster are critical to TSA’s ability to reach out to the surface transportation entities participating in the BASE program. In carrying out the voluntary BASE program, TSA’s Transportation Security Inspectors-Surface (TSIs–S) conduct BASE reviews during site visits with security and operating officials of PTPR 1 See Public Law 107–71, (115 Stat. 597, Nov. 19, 2001), codified at 49 U.S.C. 114(d). The TSA Administrator’s current authorities under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act have been delegated to him by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Section 403(2) of the Homeland Security Act (HSA) of 2002, Public Law 107–296, (116 Stat. 2315, Nov. 25, 2002), transferred all functions of TSA, including those of the Secretary of Transportation and the Under Secretary of Transportation of Security related to TSA, to the Secretary of Homeland Security. Pursuant to DHS Delegation Number 7060.2, the Secretary delegated to the Assistant Secretary (now referred to as the Administrator of TSA), subject to the Secretary’s guidance and control, the authority vested in the Secretary with respect to TSA, including that in sec. 403(2) of the HSA. 2 See Executive Order 13416 of Dec. 5, 2006 (Strengthening Surface Transportation Security) at sec. 3(a). E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 217 / Monday, November 13, 2023 / Notices and HWY systems, throughout the U.S. The TSIs-S receive and document relevant information using a standardized checklist. In April 2020 the Government Accountability Office, audit GA–20–404, recommended TSA update the BASE cybersecurity questions to ensure they reflect key practices. As a result, TSA revised the collection to reflect the five core functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework. These core functions, and a majority of the subcategories, were combined with industry best practices into a set of additional questions focused on cybersecurity to identify vulnerabilities and provide support for strengthening the cybersecurity baseline for the surface transportation sector. In May 2023, TSA formed a team of surface transportation subject matter experts to review the 222 questions on the PTPR BASE and 52 that were deemed no longer relevant or repetitive, were removed. Advance coordination and planning ensures the efficiency of the assessment process. The TSIs-S review and analyze the stakeholders’ security plan, if adopted, and determine if the mitigation measures included in the plan are being effectively implemented, while providing additional resources for further security enhancement. In addition to examining the security plan document, TSIs-S reviews one or more assets of the private and/or public owner/operator. During BASE site visits of PTPR and HWY entities, TSIs-S collect information and complete a BASE checklist from the review of each entity’s documents, plans, and procedures. They also interview appropriate entity personnel and conduct system observations prompted by questions raised during the document review and interview stages. TSA conducts the interviews to establish and clarify information on security measures implemented by the entity and to identify security gaps. The one-on-one interviews establish a relationship that fosters engagement on, and implementation of, effective and sustained security. Without this information, the ability for TSA to perform its security mission would be severely hindered. Absent this program, there would be no consistent data about these transportation security programs, nor a decentralized database TSA could use to benchmark the programs. While many PTPR and HWY entities have security and emergency response plans or protocols in place, the BASE provides a consistent approach to VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Nov 09, 2023 Jkt 262001 evaluate the extent to which security programs exist and the content of those programs. The participants in the BASE program receive the benefit of a no-cost, voluntary, risk-based assessment tailored to their operations and the size of their organization. These targeted assessments provide actionable options for consideration to strengthen an entities lowest-scoring items. Organizations that participate in the BASE may qualify to receive grant funding to address high-risk security areas and also receive additional guidance to strengthen their security. While TSA has not set a limit on the number of BASE program reviews to conduct, TSA estimates it will conduct approximately 70 PTPR BASE reviews and approximately 107 HWY BASE reviews on an annual basis. TSA does not intend to conduct more than one BASE review per public transportation passenger rail system in a single year. TSA estimates that the hour burden per PTPR entity to engage its security and/ or operating officials with inspectors in the interactive BASE program review process is approximately 9 hours. For HWY, TSA estimates approximately 1.8 hours per HWY entity to engage its security and/or operating officials with inspectors in the interactive BASE program review process. Those who choose to also participate in the new cyber BASE will spend 7.8 hours each, and TSA expects there will be eight reviews conducted per year. The total annual hour burden for the PTPR BASE program review is 630 hours, for HWY BASE 192.6 hours, and for Cybersecurity BASE 62.4 hours, for a total annual burden of 885 hours. Dated: November 6, 2023. Nicole Raymond, TSA Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Information Technology. [FR Doc. 2023–24858 Filed 11–9–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–05–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2023–0196; FXES11140400000–234–FF04EF4000] Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink; Lake County, FL; Categorical Exclusion Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77603 We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Enterprise Leasing Company of Orlando, LLC (Enterprise Car Rental and Sales Clermont, applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) incidental to the construction of a commercial development in Lake County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant’s proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service’s preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies. DATES: We must receive your written comments on or before December 13, 2023. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: You may obtain copies of the documents online in Docket No. FWS–R4–ES– 2023–0196 at https:// www.regulations.gov. Submitting Comments: If you wish to submit comments on any of the documents, you may do so in writing by one of the following methods: • Online: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2023–0196. • U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS–R4– ES–2023–0196; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Gawera, by U.S. mail (see ADDRESSES), by telephone at 904–731–3121, or via email at erin_gawera@fws.gov. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 217 (Monday, November 13, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77602-77603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24858]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


Intent To Request Revision of Agency Information Collection 
Activity Under OMB Review: Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement 
(BASE) Program

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: 60-Day notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites 
public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request 
(ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0062 
abstracted below that we will submit to OMB for a revision in 
compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR covers the 
assessment of current security practices in public transportation 
passenger rail (PTPR) and highway and motor carrier (HWY) industries by 
way of the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) program, 
which encompasses site visits and interviews, and is part of the larger 
domain awareness, prevention, and protection program that supports the 
mission of TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This 
voluntary collection allows TSA to conduct transportation security-
related assessments during site visits with security and operating 
officials of certain surface transportation modes.

DATES: Send your comments by January 12, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be emailed to [email protected] or delivered 
to the TSA PRA Officer, Information Technology, TSA 11, Transportation 
Security Administration, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 
20598-6011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Raymond at the above address, 
or by telephone (571) 227-2526.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is 
not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it 
displays a valid OMB control number. The ICR documentation will be 
available at https://www.reginfo.gov upon its submission to OMB. 
Therefore, in preparation for OMB review and approval of the following 
information collection, TSA is soliciting comments to--
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology.

Information Collection Requirement

    OMB Control Number 1652-0062; Baseline Assessment for Security 
Enhancement (BASE) Program. Under the Aviation and Transportation 
Security Act and delegated authority from the Secretary of Homeland 
Security, TSA has broad responsibility and authority for ``security in 
all modes of transportation including security responsibilities over 
modes of transportation that are exercised by the Department of 
Transportation.'' \1\ TSA is also required to ``assess the security of 
each surface transportation mode and evaluate the effectiveness and 
efficiency of current Federal Government surface transportation 
security initiatives.'' \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Public Law 107-71, (115 Stat. 597, Nov. 19, 2001), 
codified at 49 U.S.C. 114(d). The TSA Administrator's current 
authorities under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act have 
been delegated to him by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Section 
403(2) of the Homeland Security Act (HSA) of 2002, Public Law 107-
296, (116 Stat. 2315, Nov. 25, 2002), transferred all functions of 
TSA, including those of the Secretary of Transportation and the 
Under Secretary of Transportation of Security related to TSA, to the 
Secretary of Homeland Security. Pursuant to DHS Delegation Number 
7060.2, the Secretary delegated to the Assistant Secretary (now 
referred to as the Administrator of TSA), subject to the Secretary's 
guidance and control, the authority vested in the Secretary with 
respect to TSA, including that in sec. 403(2) of the HSA.
    \2\ See Executive Order 13416 of Dec. 5, 2006 (Strengthening 
Surface Transportation Security) at sec. 3(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    TSA developed the BASE program in 2007, in an effort to engage with 
surface transportation entities to establish a ``baseline'' of security 
and emergency response operations. This program was initially created 
for PTPR (including rail and bus operations). Based on the success of 
the program, TSA developed the HWY BASE program in 2012. The HWY BASE 
applies to trucking, school bus contractors, school districts, and 
over-the-road motor coaches. This voluntary program enables TSA to 
collect and evaluate physical and operational preparedness information 
and critical assets and key point-of-contact lists. TSA also reviews 
emergency procedures and domain awareness training and provides an 
opportunity to share industry best practices.
    The BASE program provides TSA with current information on adopted 
security-practices within the PTPR and HWY modes of the surface 
transportation sector. The information collected also allows TSA to 
dynamically adapt programs to the changing threat with an understanding 
of the improvements surface transportation entities make in their 
security posture. Additionally, the relationships these face-to-face 
contacts foster are critical to TSA's ability to reach out to the 
surface transportation entities participating in the BASE program.
    In carrying out the voluntary BASE program, TSA's Transportation 
Security Inspectors-Surface (TSIs-S) conduct BASE reviews during site 
visits with security and operating officials of PTPR

[[Page 77603]]

and HWY systems, throughout the U.S. The TSIs-S receive and document 
relevant information using a standardized checklist. In April 2020 the 
Government Accountability Office, audit GA-20-404, recommended TSA 
update the BASE cybersecurity questions to ensure they reflect key 
practices. As a result, TSA revised the collection to reflect the five 
core functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
(NIST) cybersecurity framework. These core functions, and a majority of 
the subcategories, were combined with industry best practices into a 
set of additional questions focused on cybersecurity to identify 
vulnerabilities and provide support for strengthening the cybersecurity 
baseline for the surface transportation sector. In May 2023, TSA formed 
a team of surface transportation subject matter experts to review the 
222 questions on the PTPR BASE and 52 that were deemed no longer 
relevant or repetitive, were removed.
    Advance coordination and planning ensures the efficiency of the 
assessment process. The TSIs-S review and analyze the stakeholders' 
security plan, if adopted, and determine if the mitigation measures 
included in the plan are being effectively implemented, while providing 
additional resources for further security enhancement. In addition to 
examining the security plan document, TSIs-S reviews one or more assets 
of the private and/or public owner/operator.
    During BASE site visits of PTPR and HWY entities, TSIs-S collect 
information and complete a BASE checklist from the review of each 
entity's documents, plans, and procedures. They also interview 
appropriate entity personnel and conduct system observations prompted 
by questions raised during the document review and interview stages. 
TSA conducts the interviews to establish and clarify information on 
security measures implemented by the entity and to identify security 
gaps. The one-on-one interviews establish a relationship that fosters 
engagement on, and implementation of, effective and sustained security.
    Without this information, the ability for TSA to perform its 
security mission would be severely hindered. Absent this program, there 
would be no consistent data about these transportation security 
programs, nor a decentralized database TSA could use to benchmark the 
programs. While many PTPR and HWY entities have security and emergency 
response plans or protocols in place, the BASE provides a consistent 
approach to evaluate the extent to which security programs exist and 
the content of those programs.
    The participants in the BASE program receive the benefit of a no-
cost, voluntary, risk-based assessment tailored to their operations and 
the size of their organization. These targeted assessments provide 
actionable options for consideration to strengthen an entities lowest-
scoring items. Organizations that participate in the BASE may qualify 
to receive grant funding to address high-risk security areas and also 
receive additional guidance to strengthen their security.
    While TSA has not set a limit on the number of BASE program reviews 
to conduct, TSA estimates it will conduct approximately 70 PTPR BASE 
reviews and approximately 107 HWY BASE reviews on an annual basis. TSA 
does not intend to conduct more than one BASE review per public 
transportation passenger rail system in a single year. TSA estimates 
that the hour burden per PTPR entity to engage its security and/or 
operating officials with inspectors in the interactive BASE program 
review process is approximately 9 hours. For HWY, TSA estimates 
approximately 1.8 hours per HWY entity to engage its security and/or 
operating officials with inspectors in the interactive BASE program 
review process. Those who choose to also participate in the new cyber 
BASE will spend 7.8 hours each, and TSA expects there will be eight 
reviews conducted per year. The total annual hour burden for the PTPR 
BASE program review is 630 hours, for HWY BASE 192.6 hours, and for 
Cybersecurity BASE 62.4 hours, for a total annual burden of 885 hours.

    Dated: November 6, 2023.
Nicole Raymond,
TSA Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Information Technology.
[FR Doc. 2023-24858 Filed 11-9-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-05-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.