DHS wants to extend Safety Act application process

The Homeland Security Department’s Science and Technology Directorate is seeking approval to continue using the existing set of up to 11 application forms for Safety Act designations beyond Jan. 31, 2010.

Congress passed the Safety Act (Support for Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act) in 2002 to protect designated technologies from broad liability in the event the technology fails during a terrorist attack. The goal was to foster the development of innovative technologies by reducing the risks of legal liability. DHS has certified or designated 300 technologies under the Safety Act as of July 30, 2009. The certifications offer the broadest liability protections, while the designations offer limited protections.

The Science and Technology Directorate collects information from applicants on up to 11 different forms to implement the program. DHS has issued a proposed rule to continue that activity.

“S&T currently has approval to collect information for the implementation of the Safety Act program until Jan. 31, 2010. With this notice, DHS S&T seeks approval to renew this information collection for continued use after this date,” a Federal Register notice stated Aug. 21.

Public comments are due by Oct. 20.

Currently, applicants for Safety Act designations and certifications must file up to 11 forms, including:

• Registration of a Seller of an Anti-Terrorism Technology (DHS Form 10010);
• Request for a Pre-Application Consultation (DHS Form 10009);
  
• Notice of License of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (DHS Form 10003);
• Application for Modification of Safety Act Benefits (DHS Form 10002);
• Request for Transfer of Safety Act Benefits (DHS Form 10001);
• Application for Safety Act Renewal (DHS FORM 10057);
• Application for Safety Act Developmental Testing and Evaluation Designation (DHS Form 10006);
• Application for Safety Act Designation (DHS Form 10008);
• Application for Safety Act Certification (DHS Form 10007);
• Application for Safety Act Block Designation (DHS Form 10005); and
  
• Application for Safety Act Block Certification (DHS Form 10004).

In 2008, the department approved 65 technologies for Safety Act designations and certifications.