GAO: Better Planning Needed on ID Card Program

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a Report stating that better planning is needed to develop and operate the maritime worker identification card program. The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue a worker ID card that uses biometrics to control access to secure areas in ports and on ships. The program is delayed, in large part because (1) officials had difficulty obtaining timely approval to proceed with the prototype test; (2) extra time was required to identify data to be collected for a cost-benefit analysis; and (3) additional work was required to assess card technologies. The agency still lacks an approved comprehensive project plan and has yet to identify eligibility requirements for the ID card. GAO-05-106 (HK Law).