DHS CSAT FAQ Update 09-04-09

Last week DHS updated their CSAT FAQ webpage by adding two new questions (with answers) to the FAQ database. These questions were: 1638 What is the process of adding multiple SSP Preparers? 1639 I was told DHS is holding webinars for the SSP. How do I request to participate in the webinar? It seems strange that these two questions should show up now, so far into the SSP process. But, DHS does not post FAQ until they are actually asked, so I guess that the questions just came up. Both of these questions have been dealt with in some detail in earlier blogs. Multiple SSP Preparers The answer provides details on how add multiple preparers. Again these personnel will entering data into the SSP tool, but typically will not be the ones to actually submit the SSP to DHS. That will be done by the Submitter. As with all personnel making data changes in CSAT, the newly added preparers will have to be confirmed in writing by the Authorizer. The form for that submission will be made available as part of the on-line process of adding the Preparers. One interesting point that did not show up in my earlier blog on multiple preparers is made at the end of this answer. The FAQ answer stated that:

“In the instance when a user is both the Preparer and Submitter and wishes to add additional preparers to an SSP, the Preparer role for the Preparer/Submitter will be transferred to the SSP Preparer and the user will retain only the Submitter role.”

I cannot find any where in the CSAT Account Management manual or the SSP manual that states that if multiple preparers are used by a facility that the Submitter cannot still be a Preparer. That may be the rule, but I can find no reference to it in either of the manuals. This might cause problems for some smaller facilities that had earlier used a single person as Preparer and Submitter, but now wishes to add a consultant to handle just some portions of the SSP submission. SSP Webinar I’ve actually done a number of blogs on the Webinar that DHS is conducting to help educate facilities in how to complete their SSP submission. I certainly urge every facility that is going to complete an SSP to sign-up for the Webinar as soon as they receive their notification email. I also think that all personnel involved in the SSP preparation (not just Preparers and the Submitter) should participate in the Webinar as a group. As noted in this FAQ answer, that email will contain detailed information about the webinar. As I noted in my last blog on the subject you may be able to schedule participation in the webinar before you receive your notification, but priority for participation is given to those facilities that have received their SSP notification; after all, their time limit has been established.