TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Application for FY 2022 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 Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) to upgrade security and badge systems throughout the District.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Financial Stability and Resiliency
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The TSGP funds will provide funding for the procurement and installation of security measures such as access badges, security card readers, and cameras for upgrading security across the District. The District’s overall operations will benefit from the improved security.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff plans to apply for approximately $5,000,000 for this project. No matching funds are required for this grant program.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide $93 million for the FY2022 funding cycle 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 to upgrade security across the District. The project will improve security measures, such as installation of cameras at facilities and upgrading badges and badge readers, to effectively manage access to the District’s properties. These measures are needed to protect and harden critical transportation infrastructure and assets from unlawful ingress and egress across all divisions and to protect employees. These security projects are listed in the current FY 2022-26 Capital Improvement Program.
The project will also implement proactive measures to prevent cyberterrorism attack against the District’s infrastructure and operations. In addition, this project will implement security controls based on the comprehensive risk register, which identifies key cybersecurity risks and weaknesses.
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 upgrade security across all divisions. The District needs to protect its employees, assets, and properties from potential security threats.
There are no disadvantages to approving this staff report.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Project eligibility for TSGP funds focuses on meeting the two national priorities of enhancing cybersecurity and enhancing protection of soft targets/crowded areas.
Staff considered other security projects such as active shooter training, but the proposed project closely meets the criteria of the grant and also represents the highest need of the District.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Board Policy 324 - Revenue and Grant Policies
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Prepared by:
Seema Prasad, Senior Capital Planning Specialist
In Collaboration with:
Tas Jalali, Information Technology Manager
Kerry Jackson, Protective Services Manager
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Richard Oslund, Director of Management & Budget
Ahsan Baig, Chief Information Officer
Salvador Llamas, Chief Operating Officer
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel