CBP Commissioner Says CEE, Account Executive Proposals Out Soon, Signal Big Change
On October 13, 2010, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Bersin addressed the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. on issues which included border security and trade facilitation.
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Highlights of the Commissioner’s remarks on these topics include:
Centers of Excellence, Expertise Preliminary Proposal Expected Soon
In October 2010, CBP will present the trade community with a preliminary proposal for creating industry-specific centers of excellence and expertise.
The Centers of Expertise (CEE1) initiative came from CBP’s work with COAC. CBP has previously stated that the CEE would be an industry or issue focused sub-organization that interweaves Management by Account throughout its operational and decision-making processes, resulting in collaboration and greater transparency.
Also Industry-Specific Account Executive Preliminary Proposal
CBP will also present a preliminary proposal for creating an industry-specific Account Executive who will have both facilitation and enforcement duties.
CBP has previously stated that under an Account Executive program, a CBP Account Executive would serve as a central point of contact for trusted partners within an industry sector. The Account Executive would work with that trusted partner to create an engagement plan to improve compliance while minimizing touch points.
CoE and Account Executive Initiatives Signal Fundamental Change for Private Sector
Whatever form these two initiatives ultimately take, they signal a fundamental transformation of CBP’s relationship with the private sector -- one that significantly enhances supply chain security, improves enforcement of trade laws, and expedites legitimate commerce.
Enhancing Ties with TSA, Others to ID Potentially Dangerous Cargo
Over the next few months, CBP will make a major effort to further enhance its ability to identify potentially dangerous shipments or individuals attempting to enter (or leave) the U.S. through the strengthening of existing partnerships.
For example, CBP is working to develop stronger partnership and coordination with the Transportation Security Administration on civil aviation, and creating new partnerships with several agencies, including with Drug Enforcement Administration on drug trafficking.
CBP and Canada Engage on Continental Perimeter Security, Etc.
In September 2010, CBP engaged with Canada’s Customs and Border Services Agency on the vision of “perimeter security” on the continental scale. CBP has also reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to discuss ways to deepen collaboration along the border between the ports of entry. These engagements have given rise to a series of specific bilateral initiatives, covering such disparate issues as watch listing, bi-national consultation on ports of entry, land cargo pre-clearance, and joint operations between the ports of entry.
Ensure Quality Trusted Trader, Traveler Program Vetting and Expansion
If CBP is able to identify low-risk cargo and travelers, it will be able to concentrate its resources on suspect goods and people. CBP must continue to expand participation in programs, such as SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST. CBP must also marry its various programs together and ensure that all participants are vetted to the same high standards.
CBP Will Work to Obtain Permanent Funding for SW Border Staff
Congress recently responded to the President’s call to bolster Southwest border security by passing supplemental funding allows CBP to increase and improve its efforts to secure the border. In signing that bill, the President added to the already unprecedented personnel, technology and air assets in the Tucson Sector of Arizona, and along the rest of the Southwest border. In the coming months, CBP will work to secure the necessary funding to permanently maintain the augmented staffing levels.
1Used to be abbreviated CoE
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 08/16/10 news, 10081612, for BP summary of the enactment of H.R. 6080, a FY 2010 supplemental appropriations bill for the southwest border.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 08/27/10 news, 10082714, for BP summary of the CoE and Account Executive discussions at CBP’s August 2010 management-by-account webinar.)