TWIC Pilot Test
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC™)
- Click here for the current Broad Agency Announcement for TWIC Reader Pilot Test details.
- Click here for TWIC Technical Advisory TA-208-TWIC001-V1.0 pertaining to Reader Functionality Augmentation. (PDF, 43kb)
- Click here for the current Initial Capability Evaluation (ICE) List for TWIC Readers. This list is updated on a regular basis as further rounds of evaluations are conducted. (PDF, 108kb)
- Click here for the recently updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the TWIC Pilot Program.
- Click here to read the TWIC Pilot Test Reader Usage Scenarios. (PDF, 104kb)
- Click here for a TWIC Technical Advisory pertaining to additional error code descriptions for TWICs. (PDF, 29kb)
- Click here for a TWIC Technical Advisory pertaining to the format of a TWIC with no fingerprint biometric data. (PDF, 32kb)
TWIC Reader Specification and Testing:
The TWIC Reader Hardware and Card Application Specification describes the behavior of the TWIC card application at the card interface with the TWIC readers as well as the requirements for both fixed and portable TWIC readers used in conjunction with the TWIC pilot test. As required by the SAFE Port Act of 2006, DHS will implement final reader requirements through the rulemaking process. The data obtained during the pilot test will be taken into consideration in the TWIC reader regulation.
TWIC Pilot Test:
Once readers are available and independently tested for compliance with the TWIC specification, TSA will gather data from card readers installed at test sites by early calendar year 2009. The readers will be evaluated at approximately 23 maritime facilities, vessels, and vessel operation centers. Upon the completion of these testing efforts, a final report will be delivered to congress, as required by the SAFE Port Act.
The pilot test results will be used to support the second TWIC rulemaking which will establish requirements for TWIC readers. To accomplish this goal the TWIC pilot program is conducting tests of contactless biometric readers, including the credential authentication and validation process, to evaluate the reader specification. The pilot test is also evaluating the business processes, technology, and operational impacts of deploying TWIC readers at maritime facilities and vessels.
Pilot tests are being conducted at sites in seven geographic locations to meet the requirements of the SAFE Port Act. In most locations multiple facilities and/or vessels are participating in the pilot test. The involvement of both facilities and vessel operations in various locations is necessary to evaluate reader functions and impacts across the wide variety of environmental and operational conditions found in the maritime transportation system.
The pilot program is being conducted in three phases:
- Initial Technical Testing (ITT) Phase is focused on providing information, including the environmental information, regarding the technical capability of the card readers to ensure that they function in the operational field test in the next phase of testing—Early Operational Assessment.
- Early Operational Assessment (EOA) Phase is focused on obtaining essential data to support the rulemaking process, assess card reader suitability and effectiveness, and support refinement of the card reader specification.
- System Test and Evaluation (ST&E) Phase is focused on evaluating the card reader effectiveness, suitability and supportability; and to establish a test protocol that will be used by the sites/vessels to evaluate readers before they are acquired and used for broader TWIC implementation. ST&E will also evaluate the full impact of readers on facility and vessel operations and business process as operators conduct access control measures in accordance with various scenarios designed to provide data in crafting the final reader rule.
