Our Mission Statement

To provide the highest quality service, intellectual capital and solutions to clients of all sizes andsectors in helping them mitigate the potentially catastrophic and enterprise threatening financial risks and exposures they will face stemming from a terrorist event.

What We Do

SAFETY Act - We work closely with companies and entities in multiple industries including aerospace, energy, chemical, utilities, major real estate owners & developers, banks, credit card and other financial institutions, manufacturers, information technology, software, internet, hospitality and gaming, sports franchises and venues and a host of other businesses and industries in identifying terrorism related exposures, providing liability and financial impact advice, mitigation strategies, options and cost effective ERM advice, protection and solutions.

Other Core Competencies:

• DHS / Government Relations
• Homeland Security Technologies and/or Services Business Development
• Operational Risk Management Solutions
• Public Affairs & Media Relations
• US Homeland Defense & Security Policy and Procurement Process
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Transportation including Rail, Marine, Over- road, Aviation etc.
• Facility, Casino, Industrial, Entertainment, & Sport Venue Solutions
• Resilience and Continuity of Operations
• Business Development
• Business Risk Mitigation
• Customized Insurance Products including Terrorism & Captives

Why We are Successful

We formed SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS to help educate organizations and assist them successfully navigate through the DHS application process. We pride ourselves in offering a total SAFETY Act solution from start to finish and then some. We consult on the application and approval process, modifications needed in contracts, leases, and insurance policies as well as overall procedures. This assures the best possible cost savings, workload reduction, liability protection and compliance. We also work with clients on marketing and creating new business opportunities for their approved products, technologies, facilities and/or services.

We partner closely with clients and their representatives providing candid and professional advice. We help them save time and money, obtain swift approval, provide the broadest protection possible, stay compliant and improve their marketing efforts.

As an independent consulting firm, we can avoid the inherent conflicts many other types of organizations face. We are fee based, always work under written contract and fully transparent. Our compensation structure does not include income generated by selling other services, products or insurance that may be unnecessary.

How We Are Successful

We combine industry knowledge with highly specialized expertise in creative and innovative strategies and solutions to successfully manage the financial risk that can stem from a terrorism event. We consult organizations on integration of multiple strategies that can include traditional risk transfer, non-traditional risk transfer, captive and rent-a-captive utilization, accessing protection through existing statutory / legislative means including the Homeland Security Act, SAFETY Act and The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. We also consult on finding solutions for mitigating NBCR related financial risks. (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical and Radiological terrorism risks)

Potential liability, loss, cost or expense can arise directly from a terrorist event such as physical damage or destruction to a building. It can impact you indirectly such as a third party alleging a failure in your facility, product or service. It can involve a physical attack causing direct physical damage or result from a cyber attack causing financial harm but no other damage. The attack can be directed directly against you or directed against others. It could involve your facilities or your products, networks, services, advice, technologies, software or other intellectual capital you provide to others. It could involve your suppliers, vendors or customers causing you significant extra expenses, loss of revenue or even loss of opportunity.

We also provide solutions for entities that may have an exposure for responding to, mitigating or aiding in the recovery from a terrorist event.

The historical odds of any one person being killed in a terrorist attack are extremely low, about one in 9 million. This is a slightly greater risk than a person has of dying in an avalanche. However, if your organization is, as it should be, involved with homeland security protection, whether for itself or others, the odds of being impacted financially or involved in a suit resulting from a terrorist attack are significantly higher. We can help you demonstrate to key departments within your organization why SAFETY Act or other strategies may be needed and if so, why the organization has an obligation to address the issue. We will help you protect yourself financially.

From the 9/11 Commission's Final Report:

Private sector preparedness is not a luxury; it is a cost of doing business in the post-9/11 world. It is ignored at a tremendous potential cost in lives, money, and in national security.

You simply cannot ignore SAFETY Act -or take your chances because you believe the odds of a terrorist event involving you are still very small. If liability is imposed on you because of an allegation that you did not do enough to thwart or mitigate a terrorist event it is likely your organization will not survive the resulting financial impact.

By addressing these issues up front, we also help firms reduce their directors and officers personal liability exposure. These could arise from a civil action following an event that alleges inaction or inadequate action in protecting the organizations facilities, people, liability and/or financial assets against what today can easily be deemed as a foreseeable event. This also helps avoid potential Sarbox related disclosure issues.

Some of the solutions we provide, especially SAFETY Act approval, greatly enhance our clients ability to market their Designated or Certified products, technologies, services and/or facilities. We continuously work with suppliers, industry, trade groups and other professional societies and organizations in trading information on, understanding and promoting the SAFETY Act and its benefits. We partner with clients, lawyers and the DHS on expanding SAFETY Acts potential application to a wider range of products, facilities, advice, procedures,services and technologies.

Our Client Engagement Philosophy

• We partner closely with you and your team. We listen and learn to help us fully understand your business challenges, goals, priorities, limitations and specific needs.
• Once we understand the above, we create and help you implement customized, practical and economically feasible solutions that match your needs and objectives.
• We operate fully transparent. We involve you in every key step and every decision that may impact you. All costs, fees and alternative options will always be explained and provided to you for specific approval.
• We provide you with as much information as possible so you can make informed decisions on strategies and then we deliver the results.
• We will quickly become one of your most trusted strategic partners.
• Provide strategic guidance for companies seeking new opportunities to grow and expand their reach
• We operate out of the box and continuously evaluate and even challenge conventional thinking.
• We maintain a new, creative and entrepreneurial new approach to each and every engagement we undertake.
• We help you market your products and services
• We continuously strive to improve our knowledge, strategies, products and services.

Our Business Partnerships

Depending on the complexity of a given client's exposures, geographic location, readiness for SAFETY Act application and the need for specific expertise, we may our utilize formal and informal business partnerships and relationships to provide the highest level of intellectual capital and the most cost effective services, advice, and best solutions possible.

Our partners bring impressive experience from high levels of the Federal government and the top tiers of corporate America. Our partners and partner firms include domain specific experts, law firms, public affairs and government relations firms, global insurance brokerages, business continuity professionals as well as a range of other experts from many industries and practice areas.

We will always inform you if, and who, we recommend for your specific needs and will only use them upon your specific advanced approval. Our contractual relationship with you, and the fees agreed upon for services at the time of engagement fully contemplate and incorporate any of these relationships. The use of a technical, legal, local or other partnership arrangements will not increase the cost to you, and in many scenarios, often reduces the overall cost to you.

If you and we deem that involving an additional expert and/or partner firm at a later date is beneficial, we will always look to you to agree to any additional costs and/or fees in advance and in writing. No surprises!

Key focus areas include:

• SAFETY Act Providing expert guidance on the SAFETY Acts often-arduous approval process.
• Government Relations Connecting with the people who matter, from the Administration to Capitol Hill.
• Homeland Security Technologies and/or Services Assessment and Business Development Developing strategies to bring innovative technologies into the public and private sectors.
• Operational Risk Management Solutions Business continuity, emergency management, compliance, crisis management and supply chain continuity
• Public Affairs Fine-tuning our clients public relations outreach with clear and effective messaging.
• Defense and Security Delivering expert knowledge of the policy, procurement and process of the homeland security and defense industry.
• Homeland Security and National Defense Defining and developing solutions for vulnerabilities in both the Public and Private sectors
• Critical Infrastructure Assessing security risks and planning for the continued safety of the nations most important assets.
• Transportation / Aviation Finding solutions amid rising energy costs, global competition and complex governmental regulations.
• Methodology Aid the client in developing strategies which support their business focus, needs and enhance core competency.
• Resilience and Continuity of Operations Reduce the frequency and severity of incidents, and the costs to an organization associated with response, recovery, lost productivity and liability.
• Business Development Provide strategic guidance for companies seeking new opportunities to grow and expand their reach.
• Business Risk Mitigation Evaluate readiness and ensuring resiliency as the range of man-made and natural threats expands.
• Maritime Security Ensure supply chain security and economic resilience.

Key Management Experience & Bios

Robert E.Karl, Managing Partner - SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS ("SAC")

Bob is the founder of SAFETY Act Consultants. He has extensive experience in aerospace, insurance, captives, terrorism financial impact mitigation, as well as being an advocate and expert on the SAFETY Act and its potential applications throughout all business sectors including cyber related risks.

Bob:

• Has over fifteen years experience with two top global insurance brokers specializing in aerospace, homeland security, terrorism liability mitigation and risk transfer. He has represented many Fortune 100 high profile clients as well as small entrepreneurial start-ups.
• Has an additional ten years holding leadership positions for various aerospace insurance companies including top management and key strategy, business and product development roles.
• Has astrong background in contracts, contractual language and enforceability as well as extensive experience authoring insurance policy coverages and wordings.
• Has astrong background in government contracts, legislative and legal issues including the FARS, PL 85-804, SAFETY Act and other related issues.
• Has testified as expert witness on insurance policy language, coverage interpretation and provided extensive coverage opinions.
• Has the honor of being a US Air Force veteran.
• Is a licensed FAA Commercial Pilot, Ground and Flight Instructor.
• Was a air ambulance pilot for Shands Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida.
• Was a first responder as a firefighter, EMT and MICU team member.

Bob earned his B.S. in Aeronautical Science and an A.S in Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL. He has taken many post-graduate and technical courses in anti-terrorism, security, insurance, law, entrepreneurship and management.

He is active in many technology and entrepreneurial organizations including the Rice [University] Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, University of Houstons Center for Entrepreneurship, The Houston Technology Center, Houston Interactive Marketing Association, The Houston Strategic Forum, MIT Enterprise Forum.

Bob is a member of ASIS International (f/k/a American Society for Industrial Security), Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals (IACSP), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the American Legion.

For a printable version, click here

Bob Karl in the Press:

• New York Times: "Threats and Responses" - March 20, 2003
• New York Times: "A Nation at War" - March 21, 2003
• Wall Street Journal: "Insurers Give Notice to Airlines That Rates Could Rise Rapidly" - March 27, 2003
• Security Management: "US Regulatory Issues: SAFETY Act"- Nov 1, 2003
• Risk Solutions International: Event Press Release - December 7,2007
• Security Director News: "NFL Finds Liability Protection" - April 1, 2009
• Public Entity Risk Institute's "PERIScope" quarterly newsletter:"Cyber Terrorism and the SAFETY Act" - January 14, 2011

• "NONPROFIT BUSINESS ADVISOR" - Business Strategies and Best Practices for Nonprofits - 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company -Issue 260:"Reduce risk: Consider SAFETY Act Designation" - May 2011

Kevin R. McCarthy, Founder / Principal - Moonraker Associates, LLC
Consulting Partner- SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS

Kevin McCarthy is a Homeland and National Security practitioner experienced in transportation security and operations, critical infrastructure protection and resiliency. Kevin has more than 33 years experience flying commercial and U.S. Air Force aircraft and was selected as one of Delta Airlines first captains of the new Boeing 777. During his tenure at Delta, he also served as an expert advisor on aviation and operations security to the U.S. Government and the airline industry. As a senior official in the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) he directed the industrys first Office of Intelligence & Emerging Threats. In this role he worked to enhance information sharing among ALPAs 65,000 members, U.S. Government agencies, and the Intelligence Community. In 2002, he founded and directed the National Center for Aviation Security, a non-profit center dedicated to scholarly research for the establishment of leading edge security solutions for the aviation industry. Since leaving the cockpit in 2004, Kevin has advised many clients and authored articles on aviation and maritime security operations and piracy prevention.

Kevin was recently appointed to the Security and Intelligence Advisory Board of Jefferson Waterman International, a Washington, DC firm exclusively focused on international business and government policy. In addition, he serves on the Federal Advisory Board of Air Patrol Corporation a provider of Wireless Threat Management Solutions and continues on the Board of Directors, TigerLight Inc, a non-lethal self-defense systems company.

The American Committees on Foreign Relations are pleased to have Kevin on their distinguished speakers list, where he serves as a regular guest lecturer on global security operations issues. He serves as a consultant to the Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Institute; is a member of The World Bank, Aviation Safety & Security Working Group; and a founding member of the U.S. Department of defenses Directed Energy Task Force's Laser Eye Protection Group. Heritage Foundation lists him as a contributor to the report, Maritime Security: Fighting Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Beyond, June 2009.

During his airline career, Kevin was leader in creating the Federal Flight Deck Officer program for Department of Homeland Security and its Transportation Security Administration becoming one of the first sworn officers protecting U.S. airliners. At the request of the Iraq Coalition Provisional Authority in 2003, Kevin led a team of experts to develop operating procedures for reopening the Baghdad International Airport to civilian aircraft. He provided his expertise as an advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Homeland Security and to senior DHS officials on securing commercial aviation operations and airliner missile defense.

MoonRaker Associates, Kevins independent consulting firm focuses on national security operations, continuity, and resilience. As an affiliate of SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS, Chicago, ILand Catalyst Partners, Washington, DC he makes available to the firms his wide aviation and business experience. He leverages a vast network in applying his expertise to developing solutions, which enhance the protection and overall effectiveness and resilience of operations in both the public and private sector. Recognizing the importance of utilizing innovative technologies an effective use of human capital to enhance and secure operations throughout an enterprise. For the geospatial intelligence company SPADAC Inc, he was a founding member of the Board of Advisors and expert consultant for five years until acquisition transformed the company into GeoEye Analytics.

Kevin holds a B.S. degree in Earth and Space Science, from West Chester University, PA, received advanced intelligence officer training at The Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies, Arlington, VA, and graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA. Carrying a current US government security clearance, he resides Park City, Utah.

For a printable version, click here.

Dr. David McWhorter, Principal - Catalyst Partners, LLC, Washington DC
Consulting Partner - SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS

Dr.McWhorter is a Contract Consulting Partner of SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS and a Principal of Catalyst Partners inWashington, DC.

Dr. McWhorter spent over seven years at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). Most recently he served as the deputy project leader for IDA on the US Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) SAFETY Act (the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002). In this position he led the technical evaluations of anti-terrorism products and services across a broad spectrum of countermeasures for chemical, biological, explosive, nuclear, cyber and human threats, including services. He was also instrumental in the implementation of the SAFETY Act including orchestrating the creation of the evaluation process, the drafting of the application kits, and the coordination of several government procurements, and the identification of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

Dr. McWhorter received personal recognition from Admiral Jay M. Cohen, DHSs Under Secretary for Science and Technology, for outstandinghigh-quality technical support when IDA was awarded the Under Secretarys Award for Outstanding Contractor Support in November 2007, shortly before joining Catalyst Group.

Dr. McWhorter has also supported several Department of Defense programs for the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), including the Armys Chemical Demilitarization, the Air Forces Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles and the Navys Tomahawk. His work for the Armys Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) earned him several personal recognitions from the AMSAA Director (2005-7).

As a Consultant Partner of SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS and a Principal of Catalyst Partners, Washington, DC. Dr. McWhorter brings over 15 years of academic and business experience to one of D.C.s most respected Homeland Security government relations and business development firms. His work will focus on helping clients navigate DHS (especially the SAFETY Act) and helping DHS navigate his clients.

In 2007, Dr. McWhorter became a member of the US Chamber of Commerces SAFETY Act committee, and in 2008 he was appointed to the Executive Board of NDIAs Homeland Security Division.

Dr. McWhorter earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia and a B.S. in Chemistry from Washington and Lee University. He resides in Maryland with his wife and two children.

For a printable version, click here

Akmal Ali, Principal - Catalyst Partners, LLC, Washington DC
Consulting Partner -SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS

Mr. Ali is a Contract Consulting Partner of SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS and a Principal of Catalyst Partners inWashington, DC.

Mr. Ali has more than four years of SAFETY Act experience with the DHS. Most recently, he fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of Deputy Director at the Department of Homeland Security are Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, and offers extensive knowledge of public-private partnerships, private sector preparedness and resiliency and risk management.

During his time at the Department of Homeland Security, Ali was integral in both strengthening the offices private sector relationships and evaluating hundreds of successful SAFETY Act applications involving technologies ranging from biological and chemical detection equipment, venue security, aviation-related technologies and standards-based knowledge product applications.

As part of his private sector involvement, Ali represented the Department of Homeland Security at numerous speaking engagements before the homeland security industry across the United States. Through his work with the federal government, he has also collaborated with the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the DHS Private Sector Office, Transportation Security Administration, the Office of Infrastructure Protection, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Justice, Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others.

Ali previously worked with the research and development-focused Institute for Defense Analyses, where his guidance drastically improved the economic and insurance modeling used for determining insurance requirements for recipients of SAFETY Act protections.

Mr. Ali also supports domestic and international clients in working with the federal government and business development, with an emphasis on technology growth.

Mr. Ali earned a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, where he received distinguished honors as a member of the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism. He and his wife reside in Arlington, Virginia.

Lynne A, Schick, Partner - SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS

Ms. Schick has over twenty years experience in technical research, writing and library science. Experience includes supervising, training, curriculum development, project management, technical research, drafting, writing and budget setting. Excellent communication, analytical, problem solving, organizational, writing and management skills.

Works with small businesses through Fortune 100 type clients at C-suite, inside and outside counsel and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in applying SAFETY Act protections across multiple industries, products and services.

Core Competencies

Proven leadership, management, technical research and writing, team-building and project management

Professional Experience

SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS, Chicago, IL Partner 2010 Present

• Key member of the team that provides clients with a total SAFETY Act solution from start to finish including insurance, marketing strategies and follow-up.
• Responsible for SAFETY Act research, technical writing and application review.

ELGIN ACADEMY, Elgin, IL 2008 Present Director, Library/Media Center

• Provide reference assistance, library skills, technical writing and research techniques to students, faculty members, and parents
• Work with the Director of Technology to make recommendations to administration and faculty regarding effective use of technology
• Serve on school-wide curriculum committees
• Maintain All Audio-Visual materials and equipment for entire school

Prior Experience

FOLLETT SOFTWARE COMPANY, McHenry, IL - Senior Automation Instruction Specialist, Training Services

• Developed and maintained curriculum and materials for on-site training service delivery
• Edited and reviewed On-Demand e-Learning and printed documentation in the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) and editor
• Trained and supported the Professional Services Organization with the use of Microsoft Live Meeting web conferencing
• Developed instructor evaluation documents to receive feedback resulting in greater trainer success and proficiency
• Identified, trained, and certified adequate trainer resources to deliver on-site and instructor led web-based training
• Developed, implemented, and scheduled instructor led web-based training programs
• Maintained training Partner Portal in order to provide 24/7 access to training documentation
• Provided on-site training to Top 100 customers
• Provided product support to customers, contract trainers, and employees company-wide

Additional Experience & Accomplishments

• Ralph H. Parker Award, Most Outstanding Library Science Graduate Student, 1985
• Member of the Illinois Library Association
• Served on the Youth Library Association Board for North Suburban Library System
• Served on the Youth Services Section Board for the Illinois Library Association

Education

• B. A. Sociology, University of Missouri-Columbia,
• M. A. Library and Information Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia,
• Completed Management Development Program for Library Administrators through the School of Business Administration at Miami University, Oxford, OH [aka: Mini-MBA for Library Administrators]
• Completed Designing Instruction for Web-based Training, presented by Darryl L. Sink & Associates, Inc.

For a prinable version, click here

DOWNLOADABLE NFORMATION

SAC's: Tri-fold Brochure

or click on the picture
below to download:

DHS's:SAFETY Act Brochure

or click on the picture
below to download:

Our Core Services:

• Free Initial Consultation

• Help Reduce Your Costs

• Detailed SAFETY Act Applicability Evaluation

• Evaluate Your Exposures

• Review Your Overall Terrorism Financial Protection Strategies

• Provide Cost Effective Solutions

• Provide Reports as Requested

• SAFETY Act Application Support

• Provide Updates & DHS Feedback

• Negotiate with DHS, Lawyers, Brokers and/or Insurers as Needed

• Evaluate Existing Approvals for Issues & Conflicts

• Review Insurance Program for Conflicts, Compliance, Adequacy and Any Potential Savings

• Review Contracts & Agreements for Conflicts, Issues, Compliance and Modifications Needed

• Assist in Upgrading Existing SAFETY Act Approvals

• Help You Use SAFETY Act to Better Market Approved Products or Services

• Help Create an Overall SAFETY Act Strategy Plan for You, Your Customers, Suppliers or Subcontractors

• Provide Expert Consultation and Access to Key Business Partners as Needed

• Consult on Other Terrorism Related Financial Protection Strategies & Solutions 

  

Contact Us

 

By e-Mail:       e-Mail

INFO [at] SAFETYACTCONSULTANTS [dot] com

 

Online:            Web-form

 

Phone:       (202) 640-4000

 

Toll-free:      (877) S ACT HELP 
                           (877)     722  -  8435

Fax:             (202) 407-7054

 

Mailing Address:

SAFETY ACT CONSULTANTS
P.O. Box 4028
Barrington, IL 60011-4028

 

 

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We look forward to assisting you in creating customized solutions critical to your organization and key in helping protect the public.

We will help you:

Protect Your Organization from enterprise threatening liability that will follow a terrorist event alleged to involve your organization's facilities or products in any way

Protect your bottom line from suits stemming from the use, manufacture, distribution, provision or deployment of anti-terrorism or terrorism response or mitigation related products, advice, aid, procedures, technologies or other services

Save Money on both new and existing insurance programs, the ongoing cost of risk as well as the overall SAFETY Act process

Increase Your Revenue by using SAFETY Act approval to help market your products, advice, facilities, technologies or services including cyber or network related

Thoroughly understand the SAFETY Act as well as the regulations that implement it

Thoroughly understand the SAFETY Act application process

Evaluate the Act's benefit to your organization, insurance,  products, suppliers, vendors and customers

Determine if SAFETY Act
protection can apply to a given product, facility, technology, procedure and/or service

Describe and review the Act with your risk management, legal, upper management, finance, engineering, and marketing groups as needed 

Evaluate the time demands, costs and difficulty of the application process for your unique exposures

Manage the entire application process through completion

Evaluate insurance programs for adequacy in coverage, limits, protecting your liability cap savings, insurer and SAFETY Act compliance

Evaluate contracts and other agreements for conflicts, issues adequacy as well as insurer and SAFETY Act compliance

Provide options for minimizing cost of insurance and risk while maximizing coverages

Arrange for outside experts as appropriate for your specific needs including experts in technical, legal, insurance and political affairs as well as physical and financial asset, business income and supply chain protection

Monitor the SAFETY Act status of your suppliers, vendors, subcontractors and customers

Negotiate with the DHS, insurance brokers, insurers and/or lawyers if potential problems, conflicts, limitations, potential savings or enhancement possibilities exist

Create a standardized process to coordinate and manage all SAFETY Act related activities for existing, planned or future exposures as well as third party approvals (i.e. your vendors)

Post approval support including any changes in your insurance, the insurance market, insurance costs; changes in your approved products or services; periodic review of compliance and other services you deem necessary

Advise on other terrorism related financial protection strategies including contractual protection review, FARs, Public Law 85-804, Government Contractor Defense - "Boyle", captive utilization and/or formation, conventional and non-conventional terrorism insurance coverages, TRIA applicability and access, etc.