TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Application for FY 2021 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 2021 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) to enhance cybersecurity throughout the District and for the construction of two guard shacks and gates at Division 4 (D4) in Oakland.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Safe and Secure Operations
Initiative - Infrastructure Modernization
The TSGP funds will provide funding for the procurement and installation of security measures across the District by enhancing cybersecurity and controlling access to Division 4 (D4). The District’s employees, riders and overall operations will benefit from the improved security.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff plans to apply for $750,000 for the District’s cybersecurity enhancement project and $750,000 for the D4 guard shacks and gates construction project for a total of $1,500,000 in FY 2021 TSGP funds for these two projects.
The cybersecurity project will have an annual operating cost of $250,000.
No matching funds are required for this grant program.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
DHS has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide $88 million for FY 2021 to provide funds 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 proposes applying for funding for two projects. The first project is for the installation of security measures and controls to effectively identify, respond and recover from cybersecurity threats. The proposed cybersecurity measures will improve the overall defense against cyber-attacks and reduce the time to respond, contain and remediate cyber threats. The security controls will reduce the cyber exposure and risk to the District’s resources and assets.
The second project is to improve the existing bus entrances and exits at D4 by installing new security gates and two guard shacks. There is an immediate need to secure the ingress and egress at D4 to prevent unlawful access to the yard. The new security gates will include badge readers and the guard shacks will have a security camera system, intercom system, fire alarm notification panel and additional security lighting. The upgrade of the security gates and guard shacks at D4 is listed in the existing Capital Improvement Plan. The upgrade of the gates and guard shacks do not conflict with future District plans for rehab and/or expansion of the maintenance facility and yard.
Overall, the main goal of both projects is to enhance the security of the District’s facilities and assets.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Staff cannot identify any disadvantages to applying for the funds. Not applying would cause the District to forgo the opportunity of competing for TSGP funds to enhance cybersecurity and to improve security access to D4.
There are no disadvantages to approving this staff report.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Project eligibility for TSGP funds focuses on meeting the three national priorities of enhancing cybersecurity, enhancing protection of soft targets/crowded areas and addressing emerging threats.
Staff considered other security projects, but the proposed projects closely meet the criteria of the grant and also represent the highest needs of the District.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Board Policy 324 - Revenue and Grant Policy
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Prepared by:
Seema Prasad, Senior Capital Planning Specialist
In Collaboration with:
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Tas Jalali, Information Technology Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Richard Oslund, Acting Director of Management & Budget
Joe Callaway, Director of Capital Projects
Ramakrishna Pochiraju, Executive Director of Planning & Engineering
Ahsan Baig, Chief Information Officer
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel