CFATS Update – CSAT 2.0

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently begun emailing facilities that previously submitted a Top-Screen for the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). We’ve summarized the CFATS regulation in a previous blog post, but wanted to provide background information on why DHS may be contacting you.

Background
Over the past few years, DHS has been working to improve the CFATS risk-assessment methodology in order to ensure chemical risks are being assessed as accurately as possible in regards to terrorist threats, security vulnerabilities, and the consequences of a chemical attack. As a result, DHS has developed a new online tool for submitting Top-Screens named “Chemical Security Assessment Tool 2.0” or “CSAT 2.0”.

Implications
If you received an email from DHS regarding the CFATS update, you can expect to be contacted by DHS in the coming months requesting that you comply with CFATS by submitting a new Top-Screen through CSAT 2.0.

If you did not receive an email from DHS regarding the CFATS Update that does not necessarily mean you are in the clear. The CFATS Update email from DHS was sent to the person listed as the Authorizer or Submitter for your facility at the time of your last Top-Screen submission. If that person is no longer with your company or their email address has changed, DHS may take longer to come in contact with you as they navigate alternate means to contact your facility regarding the new requirements.

For now, DHS recommends you to log into your CSAT account and ensure the most up-to-date contact information is available for your account. Then you can sit tight and wait to be contacted by DHS. In October 2016, DHS will begin to individually notify chemical facilities (including facilities previously determined not to be high-risk) to resubmit a Top-Screen using CSAT 2.0.

Training & Resources
Training on CSAT 2.0 – DHS will be hosting a two-part webinar held the first week of September:
Part 1: CSAT Portal User Interface and Top-Screen – September 7, 2016
Part 2: Security Vulnerability Assessment and Site Security Plan

CFATS Help Desk – Contact the CFATS Help Desk with any questions regarding assistance with the new requirements or assistance with accessing your CSAT account.
Phone: (866) 323-2957
Email: CFATS@hq.dhs.gov

Resource Compliance – Contact Resource Compliance if you need assistance in preparing and submitting your updated Top Screen to DHS or with general questions about CFATS.
Phone: (559) 591-8898
Email: ntorres@resourcecompliance.com