Certification Cost for IAP Service Provider Applicants

Effective for  all applicants lodging applications after 1 July 2009

CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The stages involved in obtaining certification, endorsement to use a specific type of in-vehicle unit (IVU), and assessment of a self declaration input device (SDID) and/or alternative to the SDID[1] are:

• The applicant lodges a completed application with TCA;
• The applicant completes the prescribed certification checklist – a detailed questionnaire relating to the IAP Service Provider’s system(s), IVU(s), and SDID and/or alternative to the SDID;
• TCA undertakes testing and a risk focused review – this may be undertaken in parallel on both the IAP Service Provider’s system(s), IVU(s), and its SDID and/or alternative to the SDID, and
• Certification – finalising and signing of the Certification Agreement between the applicant and TCA.

As the applicant successfully completes one stage, it will progress to the next until the process is complete and certification is achieved. TCA will determine, in an exhaustive evaluation, whether the applicant has successfully completed the stages.

Flexibility may be applied in the progressing of applicants through the stages, to minimise the time taken by the process. In certain circumstances, an applicant may be able to progress through some stages simultaneously. The final decision on whether an applicant shall be certified or not, rests with TCA’s Board of Directors.

COST OF CERTIFICATION

It is expected that the costs to TCA for the certification of one IAP Service Provider system, the associated endorsement to use a specific type of IVU and the assessment of a SDID or alternative to the SDID will be $221,500 (including GST). This is for the current IAP parameter set of spatial, temporal and speed compliance and the self-declaration function which allows for vehicle configuration, total combination mass and a comments field. Costs, or components of costs, are payable at each stage, these are detailed in Table 1.

Until 30 June 2009, TCA Members have agreed to continue to fund a rebate for applicants to foster participation in the IAP in the initial years of its operation. To be eligible to receive the rebated fees, an applicant must have lodged its completed application along with all associated materials with TCA by 30 May 2008. (See further rebate details.)

If it is necessary for an applicant to repeat any of the stages of the certification process, TCA reserves the right to charge an additional cost. The cost for each repeat of a stage will depend on the level of remedial action required but will not exceed the cost normally charged for that stage.

An applicant can withdraw from the certification process at any time with no further cost liability beyond that which has already been accrued.

Table 1: Certification of an IAP Service Provider System with one IVU Endorsement and one SDID assessment - Break Down by Stages*

Stage	Cost component ($)			Payable
	Certification of an IAP Service Provider System	Endorsement of an IVU▲	Assessment of a SDID or alternative
Application	30,000			On submission of completed application
Checklist	10,000	7,500	2,500	On submission of completed certification checklist
Testing	57,500	47,500	15,000	On commencement of the testing stage
Risk focused review	37,500	11,500	2,500	On commencement of the risk focused review
Certification[2]	0
TOTAL	135,000	66,500	20,000

* Figures include GST

^▲ For cost of a previously type approved IVU, refer note 3.

Certification of an IAP Service Provider system
The certification process assesses the capability of an applicant’s system (i.e. back office) to meet the IAP Functional and Technical Specification, and the applicant’s suitability from a financial, legal and prudential perspective.

Certification applies to one IAP Service Provider system (i.e. back office). If an applicant or existing IAP Service Provider wishes to operate additional IAP Service Provider systems, each system will require separate certification.

Endorsement of a specific IVU
Each applicant will require endorsement of at least one specific type of IVU before it can commence operation as an IAP Service Provider. Endorsement of one type of IVU is part of the overall certification process for a new applicant.

If existing IAP Service Providers wish to utilise an additional IVU type, then they will need to seek endorsement for it. This will test the IVU against the IAP Functional and Technical Specification and the ability of the IAP Service Provider to integrate the IVU into its IAP Service Provider system, including the testing stage[3].

If the proposed additional IVU type has been previously type approved for use by another IAP Service Provider, TCA may recognise aspects of that prior approval and reduce the cost accordingly. Depending on the commercial arrangements applying to that IVU type, this may require the agreement of the IAP Service Provider that previously gained approval for the unit.

Table 2 sets out the actual cost to TCA of providing endorsement.

Assessment of a specific SDID
Each applicant will require assessment of a SDID and/or alternative to the SDID before it can commence operations as an IAP Service Provider. Assessment of one SDID or alternative to the SDID is part of the overall certification process for a new applicant.

The SDID is used by the transport operator and/or its nominated representative to self declare data into the IVU.

Table 2 sets out the actual cost to TCA of assessing one SDID or alternative to the SDID.

Endorsement of a specific Trailer Identification Device
Because of the variability of Trailer Identification Devices (TIDs), it is difficult to estimate the cost of endorsement.
If an applicant wishes to submit a TID for endorsement, TCA will provide the applicant with a non-binding, indicative quote for the endorsement process.

Certification of additional IAP Service Provider systems
If an applicant or existing IAP Service Provider seeks certification for an additional IAP Service Provider system with or without an associated endorsement of a specific type of IVU, the actual cost for certification of an additional IAP Service Provider system will apply. Endorsement to use additional specific types of IVUs and the assessment of SDIDs or alternatives are dealt with separately.
Table 2 sets out the actual cost of providing certification of an additional IAP Service Provider system. 

Changes to an already-certified IAP Service Provider system or an endorsed specific IVU
The hardware or software of an IAP Service Provider system cannot be changed without the prior written approval of TCA. Similarly, changes to a type-approved IVU or an assessed SDID or alternative to the SDID also require the prior written approval of TCA. The cost for issuing an updated endorsement of a specific type of IVU, or the re-assessment of a SDID or alternative, if any, will depend on the extent of evaluation and retesting involved. If requested TCA will provide a non-binding indicative quote.

Certification for additional IAP parameters
It is possible that further IAP applications will be added in the future. These may involve monitoring of additional parameters (e.g. n-board mass) or self-declaration functions beyond the current IAP set. IAP Service Providers will require certification for each additional IAP parameter or self-declaration function.

The cost for certification of additional IAP parameters, self-declaration functions or other functionality (e.g. interoperable trailer identification) will be determined by TCA as and when TCA instigates any such additions. TCA will consult with IAP Service Providers concerning the impact of any additional IAP parameters, self-declaration functions and charges, before the cost is established.

 Table 2 — Price Schedule for Certifications, Endorsements and Assessments*

Item	Cost ($)
Certification of an IAP Service Provider system and assessment of SDID or alternative (Total from Table 1)	155,000
Endorsement of a specific type of IVU (Total from Table 1)	66,500
Endorsement of an additional specific type of IVU	Case-by-case to a maximum amount of of 66,500
Certification of an additional IAP Service Provider system	135,000
Assessment of an additional SDID or alternative to the SDID	20,000
Re-certification of an IAP Service Provider system Issuing an updated endorsement of a specific type of IVU (i.e. re-certification)	Case-by-case
Certification of additional IAP parameters,  self-declaration function or other functionality	Subject to consultation

* Figures include GST and are rounded to the nearest $10.

Summary