[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55558-55559]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24218]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


Announcement of Approved Third-Party Canine-Cargo Certifiers, and 
Start of Certification Events

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has approved 
the following organizations to assess third-party explosives detection 
canine teams to determine whether they meet TSA's standards for 
screening air cargo. This notice announces the list of approved 
certifying organizations, and establishes a certification start date of 
November 1, 2018.
    TSA-approved 3PK9-C Certifiers may begin certifying canine teams to 
TSA standards effective November 1, 2018, and may continue to certify 
teams thereafter. All certification events must be conducted in 
accordance with the requirements of the 3PK9-C Order, by an Authorized 
Evaluator employed by a TSA-approved 3PK9-C Certifier.

DATES: The certification start date is effective November 1, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties can contact [email protected] to obtain 
information about the certification program.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Shelton, 3PK9-C Team, 
Canine Training Center, Training and Development, Transportation 
Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; email to 
[email protected]; telephone at (210) 396-4425 (desk); fax to (210) 
671-4911.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    TSA created the Third-Party Canine-Cargo (3PK9-C) Program, under 
TSA's regulations for Certified Cargo Screening Programs (CCSP), see 49 
CFR part 1549, to provide an efficient and effective method for 
screening air cargo to TSA's standards. Under this program, third-party 
canine teams trained in explosives detection can be certified by a non-
governmental entity, acting under the approval of TSA, as meeting TSA's 
certification standards. Certified 3PK9-C teams can be deployed to 
screen air cargo for aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and 
other TSA-regulated parties operating under a TSA-approved or accepted 
security program.
    On May 18, 2018, TSA published a notice in the Federal Register 
seeking applications from qualified persons interested in becoming an 
approved 3PK9-C Certifier under the 3PK9-C Program. See 83 FR 23287.
    The CCSP-K9 security program will define the requirements that TSA-
regulated canine explosives detection teams must meet when screening 
cargo for air carriers and screening facilities and will include 
eligibility requirements for canine explosives detection teams. These 
eligibility requirements for canine explosives detection teams include, 
but are not limited to, experience, education, vetting, and citizenship 
requirements for canine team handlers. These eligibility requirements 
for canine explosives detection teams are not contained in the 3PK9 
Certifier Order. The 3PK9 Security Program and Order

[[Page 55559]]

are not available to the public as they contain information that cannot 
be publicly disclosed under 49 CFR part 1520. Individuals that complete 
the required vetting processes and other agreements necessary for 
release of Sensitive Security Information (SSI), including documenting 
a ``need to know,'' will be provided a copy of the Order and Security 
Program.
    Canine explosives detection teams may seek certification as early 
as November 1, 2018, but all teams should understand that successful 
completion of a 3PK9-C certification event is only one of the 
requirements for explosives detection canine teams under the CCSP-K9 
security program. Among other requirements, the CCSP-K9 security 
program requires canine explosives detection teams to pass a background 
check before an air carrier may hire them to screen cargo.

3PK9 Certifiers

    The following individuals and organizations have been approved by 
TSA to serve as 3PK9 Certifiers:

BSA Security and Investigations, Inc., Point of Contact: Bruce 
Schofield, [email protected], Phone: (909) 350-2600.
Dogs for Defense Inc., Point of Contact: Kristin Hughes, 
[email protected], Phone: (320) 980-2235.
EPG LLC, Point of Contact: Brian C. Hayen, [email protected], Phone: (203) 
921-6021.
ExcetK9, Point of Contact: Dr. Jorge Maciel, [email protected], 
Phone: (410) 436-7271.
Hill Country Dog Center LLC, Point of Contact: Michael Clemenson, 
[email protected], Phone: (830) 510-4700.
International Canine College, Inc., Point of Contact: Bob Anderson, 
[email protected], Phone: (561) 722-3881.
K-9 Solutions International, Inc., Point of Contact: Jason Johnson, 
[email protected], Phone: (810) 844-6045.
K-9 Specialized Training and Consulting LLC, Point of Contact: David 
Dorn, [email protected], Phone: (925) 997-3122.
Renbar Kennels, LLC, Point of Contact: William Scribner, 
[email protected], Phone: (203) 546-0150.
Spectrum Canine Solutions, Point of Contact: Marilyn Rivera-Schembre, 
[email protected], Phone: (210) 772-2181.
The Parker K9 Group LLC, Point of Contact: William Parker, 
[email protected], Phone: (703) 431-6808.
Xtreme Concepts Inc., Point of Contact: Jason Johnson, 
[email protected], Phone: (810) 844-6045.

    TSA will continue to provide updates pending formal release of the 
CCSP-K9 security program. If you have questions, please feel free to 
email the TSA 3PK9-C Team at [email protected].

    Dated: October 31, 2018.
Ronald Gallihugh,
Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator, Enterprise Support.
[FR Doc. 2018-24218 Filed 11-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-05-P