Goal
To develop a risk-based algorithm for screening all applications for a USDOT number. The Utility for Risk-based Screening and Assessment (URSA) will provide a risk-based assessment to the Unified Registration System (URS-1) application process.
Background
In a study of the FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability Program, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO-14-114) recommended FMCSA implement a risk-based screening of all applicants for operating authority. The GAO set the goal for FMCSA to put in place a program that will screen all applicants in order to detect high-risk applicants that should be vetted to ensure they are qualified. FMCSA’s Vetting Program, managed and staffed by FMCSA’s Office of Registration and Safety Information, supports the GAO recommendation to assure that new passenger carrier and HHG applicants attempting to become a reincarnated version of a previous or existing high-risk operator are clearly identified and do not obtain operating authority.
Through a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project that concluded in August 2014, FMCSA studied various methodologies for identifying likely high-risk carriers, tools to assist FMCSA’s Vetting Team in examining the identified high-risk carriers, and subsequently identifying reincarnated carriers. This study included defining an automated prototype tool to support data analysis for identification. Additionally, the study investigated various approaches for creating such a proprietary risk-based screening processes based on available data from its safety management data sources.
Summary
In support of FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS) development, this sole source award to the SBIR Phase I vendor, includes the production of the URSA tool. The tool will include an algorithm and corresponding software for an automatic risk-based assessment that calculates a risk potential based on the likelihood that an applicant for operating authority is a chameleon carrier, is attempting to reincarnate, or otherwise receive authority illicitly. This project includes the development, testing and validation of the algorithm and software that will supply FMCSA’s URS with an assessment of risk potential.
Outcomes
Implementation of the URSA tool in the URS process.
Milestones
August 2014: Phase I final report recommending next steps
November 2014: Award of sole source contract
November 2014: Award of sole source contract
Funding
$1,137,045
Status
Base period is expected to be awarded in December 2014.
Contractor
Integrated Technology Solutions, Inc.
Updated: Thursday, March 10, 2016