Coordinating critical transportation infrastructure vulnerability

5.0 HYBRID SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL
This section will define the assessment tool that has been developed for critical infrastructure
assessments in the National Capital Region, as well as what factors guided in its development.
5.1 HYBRID TOOL GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Hybrid Tool was developed in the context of the principles of the FEMA disaster life-cycle
process. These four stages are defined in Section 1.2.1. As stated in Section 3.0, fifteen tools were
examined for applicability to the National Capital Region and it was decided that none of the tools
adequately addressed the needs according to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Therefore a
Hybrid Tool was formulated that is robust, comprehensive, and adequate to be applied to a regional
assessment of transportation infrastructure vulnerability to meet the requirements of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 for the National Capital Region.
For optimum effectiveness, the tool has been designed as a checklist for the transit agency
management to do a self-assessment. From this self-assessment, an organization can determine its
needs based on the shortcomings identified while conducting the self assessment. For example, the
way an organization answers the questions about its reliance on commercially-provided
communications or power will tell a lot about the need for redundant support. The way an
organization answers the questions in the “Asset Hardening” section will tell a lot about the need to
increase perimeter security. Knowing the answers to the Hybrid Tool questions will provide insight
into an organization’s needs. Section 6 presents methodologies with which to prioritize these needs.
The questions used to fashion the Hybrid Tool were formulated from:
1. Ohio Department of Transportation: Guide to Conducting Critical Asset Protection Self-
Assessments;
2. Emergency Preparedness for Transit Terrorism (TCRP Synthesis 27);
3. Navy Model (Self-Assessment Questionnaire for Infrastructure Independence + Inorganic
Infrastructure Self-Assessment; and
4. FTA Public Transportation System Security and Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide.
It is necessary to mention each category and its relevance to the assessment.
5.2 PLANNING AND PREVENTION
Proper preparation can facilitate coordinated action for improving response and recovery. Elements
of planning include communication, response training, resource assessment, multi-agency regional
exercises and table-top activities, and distribution of information to the media, schools, business’
and individuals on what to do in the event of a disaster.
PUBP 710/722 Page 23 of 60
WMATA Case Study June 5, 2003