June 30, 2014

Homeland Security Solutions Now Offering CIP-014-1 Physical Security Program

Homeland Security Solutions announced the rollout of its new CIP-014-1 Physical Security Program (PSP).

Responding to the pending approval of CIP-014-1, the PSP is designed to ensure that publicly and privately-owned electric transmission companies have the best physical security policies, plans, training and assets to address their expectations while meeting or exceeding the requirements proposed by the new standard.

To enhance our nation’s electric grid resiliency, on March 17, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to develop new standards requiring electric transmission owners and operators to demonstrate they have assessed and addressed their physical security risks and vulnerabilities. On May 23, 2014, NERC filed the proposed standard – known as CIP-014-1 – with FERC and its adoption is expected soon.

According to Homeland Security Solutions President Bradley C. Schreiber, “Helping protect our nation’s critical infrastructure is a primary focus of our firm and its services. Working closely with electric transmission company owners and operators, it is our goal to help them become more resilient to their threat vectors by meeting or exceeding the proposed standard.”

Part of Homeland Security Solutions’ Resiliency and Disaster Management Services’ Facility Security Review Program, the PSP uses a proprietary gap analysis tool, the PSP Matrix, which is applied by the firm’s team of experienced physical security, critical infrastructure, law enforcement and homeland security staff. During the evaluation, Homeland Security Solutions identifies and assesses critical sites; evaluates potential threats and vulnerabilities; reviews current processes, procedures, operational guidance and physical security plans; and interviews relevant staff to gain additional insights into a company’s physical security posture. Once the gap analysis has been completed, the firm then develops a physical security plan and, if requested, provides support in the plan’s implementation.

Schreiber, a former senior advisor with the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the program can be completed in approximately 30-days depending upon the scope of the service requested.

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