TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Application for FY 2019-20 Transit Security Grant Program
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider authorizing the General Manager or his designee to file and execute applications and funding agreements with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the FY 2019-20 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) for two projects to improve the security of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Safe and Secure Operations
Initiative - Infrastructure Modernization
The District’s employees, riders, and overall operations will benefit from improved security in its infrastructure.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
The District plans to apply for up to $1.1 million in FY 2019-20 TSGP funds for two projects. No matching funds are required for these grant funds. If awarded, the funds will be added to the Capital Budget for the appropriate year.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide $88 million for FY 2019-20 to eligible public transportation systems for the protection of critical transportation infrastructure and the travelling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.
Staff is proposing to apply for two projects related to the security of BRT systems and infrastructure. The existing BRT project and systems were designed with security considerations, but District staff believes that critical improvements are needed to ensure full network security compliance and continuity of operations for this major corridor without any disruption in transit service. The first project proposes to perform a full internal and external security compliance assessment of all technology hardware infrastructure and software configurations. The planned cybersecurity measures will improve the security posture of the BRT project by centralizing the collection of data and aggregation and reducing the time to respond, contain and remediate potential threats.
The second project is to modify and convert existing bus entrances and exits at Division 4 (D4) by installing new security gates and a guard shack. The gates will include badge readers and the guard shack will have a security camera system, intercom system, fire alarm notification panel and additional security lighting. This will enhance security of D4 which houses the BRT buses and several other District assets.
The upgrade of the security gates and guard shack at D4 is part of the existing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), initially planned for FY 21-22. The enhanced security of the BRT systems infrastructure would coincide with the initial operations year of the BRT project and is a key factor in keeping District networks secure.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
The main advantage of both of these projects is to enhance the security of District facilities and assets. Funding of the D4 gates and guard shack with grant funds would also reduce the need for District Capital funds in future fiscal years. There are no known disadvantages to applying for these grant funds.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Staff considered other security projects, but enhancing the security of the BRT system and assets most closely met the criteria of the grant.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Prepared by:
Seema Prasad, Senior Capital Planning Specialist
In Collaboration with:
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Claudia L. Allen, Chief Financial Officer
Chris Andrichak, Director of Management and Budget
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
Ahsan Baig, Chief Information Officer