Member Pipeline - Member Services & Information - Update (MU 02-11)
| To: | Members & Affiliates |
| From: | National Office |
| Date: | July 24, 2002 |
| Subject: | VSAT™ RELEASE |
| Reference: | MU 02-11 |
Printer friendly versionAMSA is pleased to release the Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool (VSAT™) for wastewater utilities. The VSAT™ software tool received funding support by congressional directive through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It represents AMSA’s third offering in the security arena, and complements the Association’s Asset Based Vulnerability Checklist for Wastewater Utilities and its Legal Issues in a Time of Crisis Checklist.
VSAT™ provides a comprehensive, intuitive system for wastewater utilities seeking to analyze their vulnerability to both intentional threats and natural disasters. VSAT™ organizes data, supports vulnerability analyses, documents the analyses, and presents complex information in an easy-to-understand format for the full suite of potential utility assets including physical plant, employees, knowledge base, information technology, and customers. This invaluable software tool includes reference libraries of both potential threats and countermeasures, and provides an enduring method for managing the information generated by security vulnerability assessments.
AMSA members are urged to consult with their legal counsel prior to initiating their vulnerability assessments. Additional guidance on legal issues associated with vulnerability assessments can be found in Section 1 of AMSA’s Legal Issues in a Time of Crisis Checklist which addresses both deciding whether to undertake a vulnerability assessment and public/governmental access to assessments.
VSAT™ Online Training Offered for Public
Agencies
AMSA is pleased to offer two unique training opportunities to
familiarize you with key features and capabilities of VSAT™ on Wednesday, August
14, 2002 from 12:30 – 4:30 pm (Eastern Time) or Tuesday, August 20, 2002 from
9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Eastern Time). Each four-hour web conference training session
will include two hours of guided instruction online, one hour of off-line time
for you to work within VSAT™, and then a return to the online training
for further instruction and questions and answers. We invite you to select
the training opportunity that best fits your schedule, download VSAT™ on your
system and dial-in/log-on for training from the comfort of your office.
Space is Limited Register Today!
To ensure a quality learning experience, space is limited to 50
participants per workshop. Register today via the enclosed flyer or at
www.amsa-cleanwater.org. When
your paid registration is received you will be forwarded complete instructions
on how to access this unique training opportunity.
User Support Available via
VSATusers.net
AMSA has established a web site to provide information and
outreach on the new software, as well as user support. Members are encouraged to
visit www.vsatusers.net for
additional information and user support.
Efforts to Secure Federal Funding Underway
In parallel with the development of the VSAT™ software,
AMSA has been aggressively pursuing legislation to provide federal funding for
the costs associated with vulnerability assessments and implementing remedial
activities. It is anticipated that legislation will soon be introduced in both
the House and Senate providing an estimated $200 million in funds for wastewater
utilities. AMSA members will be kept apprised of legislative developments as
they occur.