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Mission & Goals

Layers of Security - PortSTEP

PortSTEP | Mission & Goals | Useful Links | Contact Info

Mission

PortSTEP will develop and implement a port security intermodal transportation security exercise program for use by the national port community. This program will align with the nation's infrastructure protection policies and programs. Through the Area Maritime Security Committees, we will engage all modes of the transportation community to continuously improve readiness. Our innovative system of tools and services will provide a foundation for stakeholders to strengthen their port security postures as they consider the economic impacts of a transportation security incident.

Goals & Strategies

By actively promoting PortSTEP we have established an active multi-level communication channel and feedback with our partners, built domain awareness with a consistent and positive message while maximizing port-level acceptance through outreach, training and education.

Through the involvement with our Area Maritime Security Committees and other port stakeholders, PortSTEP has tailored specific exercises and objectives, developed measurement criteria, leveraged lessons learned from other security programs and developed a set of innovative mechanisms for stakeholders to promote exercise participation and involvement.

To ensure alignment with existing national standards and capabilities we have validated Area Maritime Security Committees plans, assumptions with other government agencies.

We have delivered conduct exercises that are scaled and tailored to each specific port's needs. These provided exercise tools and recommendations will enable stakeholders to strengthen their organizations' port security. PortSTEP will promote sound principles and performance-based standards, providing guidance documents, lessons learned and best practices.

For continuous program involvement we have implemented oversight, enforcement and corrective action monitoring through a comprehensive exercise evaluation methodology that supports all program stakeholders. The ability of local stakeholders to manage transportation security incidents has been enhanced with the use of the National Incident Management System. This system provides our stakeholders the option to generate forms and tools for delivering exercises and sponsoring workshops.