CEAS

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Q: What are the costs associated with the CEAS Card? A: Rather than charge a yearly fee to the participating companies, all costs associated with the program (cost of producing the cards, training, website, administration, IT development, etc.) are built into the cost of the cards. By allocating all program costs on a per-card basis, costs are distributed equitably, with small businesses paying a relatively small fee for their few employees and large organizations paying more, commensurate with their number of critical employees. CEAS is administered by BNet, which is a Type C Corporation under Section 501 of the NYS Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. Q: Does the government profit from the CEAS program? A: No. The City does not receive any profit from the CEAS program. Businesses are crucial to the City's and the nation's economic well-being. The City is providing this tool for businesses to gain quicker access to their facilities to mitigate potential long-term damage and financial loss from a disaster. Q: Why has it taken so long to put the CEAS system in place? A: CEAS was first developed for Buffalo, New York. The City of New York started discussions with BNet in 1999. The events of 9/11/01 delayed efforts to implement the system. Since that time, the CEAS program has been updated and improved. The CEAS pilot at the end of 2003 tested the technology and production of the credential cards. The actual program begins with downtown Manhattan, expanding to midtown Manhattan, and then to surrounding areas. This is to insure that the program is implemented correctly. Q: How do you insure that terrorists don't get the cards? A: The card would not be of practical use to anyone with ill intent as it does not allow any form of restricted access until after an event occurs. BNet does confirm the legitimacy of the company; however, the onus is on the business to vet its employees' backgrounds and to insure that they are appropriate holders of the CEAS credential. Q: Will the police recognize my CEAS card when I present it? A: Yes, the NYPD has developed written procedures to implement CEAS and to train officers to recognize the card. Q: What happens if I present my card but the police officer denies me access? A: CEAS cardholders will always comply with a police officer's decision to deny access, whatever the reason given. Keep in mind that access may be limited or denied at any time during activation due to changing conditions. If during an official CEAS activation there appears to be confusion regarding enforcement of the system, comply with the police request and call BNet at 212-599-1599 or, outside of New York City, 888-353-BNet (2638). Q: Will CEAS provide access to the bridges and tunnels? A: The MTA, Port Authority, and NYPD are partners in the CEAS program. Assuming that the bridges and tunnels are secured and deemed safe, access may be granted. Q: How will we know when restricted areas become open to CEAS cardholders? A: The Mayor will authorize activating CEAS. Public media announcements will be made of the activation, so please tune in to your local news outlets.

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