WASHINGTON, (May 31, 2004) — The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to begin the Prototype Phase of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program for transport workers, including truck drivers.

The Prototype Phase is the third step in TSA’s development of a uniform identification credential for all transportation workers who require unescorted access to secure areas at seaports, airports, rail, pipeline, trucking and mass transit facilities. It will be conducted in Philadelphia, Pa. and Wilmington, Del.; the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.; and the 14 major port facilities in the state of Florida.

TSA anticipates that up to 200,000 workers may participate in the prototype, which will also examine a range of identity management processes, including the use of smart card technology with biometrics to positively link an individual to his or her credential for unescorted access to secure areas of the transportation system.

One of the program’s goals is to boost commerce by increasing the speed and efficiency of identity verification at transportation facilities. It also saves truck drivers, dockworkers and others who require access to multiple facilities the time and expense of obtaining numerous redundant credentials.

For the last year, the Canadian Trucking Alliance has been pressing U.S. officials to accept the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card in place of the TWIC card as an all-purpose security I.D. for Canadian truckers. Such a plan would eliminate overlapping information gathering, says CTA. Presently, there is no mechanism for Canadian truck drivers to even apply for a TWIC card.

CTA announced recently that feedback from U.S. authorities over the FAST card proposal has been generally positive.

The third stage of the TWIC program is expected to last seven months. TSA will then perform a further review and prepare for Phase IV, the nationwide rollout of the TWIC card.