Threat Image Projection (TIP)

How to apply to become an Assessor of 3PI systems

In order to apply an entity must complete the following 2 stages:

Stage 1 – Eligibility check

To commence this stage entities should email TIP@caa.co.uk to express interest in becoming an assessor. Entities will then be asked to complete an application form to confirm the following:

• Confirmation whether they wish to be assessors for 3PI or TMS or both
• Confirmation that they meet the following requirements:
  • The entity, or at least the team assessing components, must be based in the UK, and the assessment process must be carried out in the UK.
  • They are not, and do not intend to become, a manufacturer/provider of TIP TMS/3PI products.
    • They must have access to appropriate levels and types of expertise and must confirm the named individuals that would provide this expertise. These individuals should have:
    • Experience in testing systems in a methodical way in the last 2 years (and provide specific examples);
    • A proven ability to test and evaluate integrated systems;
    • Experience in applying technical and/or regulatory standards;
    • A current and valid CTC clearance or willingness to obtain it – note this requires a minimum of three years of UK residency immediately prior to application.

The CAA, jointly with the Department for Transport (DfT) will then assess the application for eligibility. Entities are informed of this outcome and if successful, may proceed to stage 2.

The second stage is commenced once an entity has successfully completed stage 1.

This stage includes:

• The provision of existing CTCs for relevant staff or the application for CTCs through the CAA AvSec Vetting team.
• The provision of the relevant User Requirements Document (URD) to the entity by CAA to allow the creation of the operational protocol setting out how the entity would plan to assess an application for TMS or 3PI system approval and verify that the requirements set out in the relevant URD have been met.
• The proposed protocol to be submitted to CAA to allow for the assessment of its suitability.
• Once the operational protocol has been approved, the entity will be asked to sign a statement of commitments. This will include committing that they will inform CAA:
  • Of the dates and timings when TMS/3PI system assessments are being undertaken in advance;
  • Should there be any changes to the operating protocols as previously submitted;
  • Should there be any changes to the entity which impact their assessment activities, including:
  • Changes in the staff used for assessments;
  • Changes to the entity’s location and/or any changes of ownership which might impact its ability to remain independent;
  • Any other circumstances which might create a potential conflict of interests.
  • Entities must commit to providing the assessment report to CAA in a timely manner

Cost

There is no cost to application process to become a 3PI Assessor.

The completed application form and any evidence required support the statements made within the application. Where already in place, evidence of current and valid CTC clearance should also be submitted.

Full details of the requirements can be found in the 3PI Approval Guide.

The status of an Assessor is only valid in the UK. Airports/Manufacturers wishing to seek assessment of their 3PI systems must engage an Assessor directly and agree commercial terms of undertaking the assessment with the entity. 

Please note that an individual cannot sponsor his/her own CTC application so for smaller organisations of up to 5 people, the CAA is prepared to act as a sponsor. For further information, please contact Vetting@caa.co.uk

Any queries about existing application, new applications or the application process should be directed to the CAA at the following address: TIP@caa.co.uk

The processing time depends on the level of detailed provided and whether clarification is required, and whether CTC clearance is already in place for individuals or needs to be obtained.

For stage 1 we will aim to provide you with a decision within 2 weeks, providing all requested information has been provided. Where we require clarification this may extend this timeframe.

For stage 2, once CTCs have been successful completed and we have received the operational protocol, we will aim to provide you with a decision within 2 weeks. Where we require clarification this may extend the timeframe.

We will inform the entity of the outcome of the application. Where an application has been successful we then add the entity to this website, with the following details:

• Entity Name
• Contact details: email and/or phone
• Whether they can assess TMS and/or 3PI

The approval to assess 3PI is not time limited but may be revoked if an entity is no longer eligible to be an assessor or due to poor performance.