Department of State (DOS) Crash Test Certification

Prior to Department of State (DOS) certification, vehicle barriers must be tested by an independent crash test facility to meet DOS standards.

• Speed (K)
• Penetration

The test specifies perpendicular barrier impact by a 15,000 lb. (6810 kg.) vehicle.

To become certified with a Department of State "K" rating the 15,000 vehicle must achieve one of the K rating speeds (50 mph, 40 mph, or 30 mph) and the bed of the truck must not penetrate the barrier by more than 36 inches.

The DOS has awarded contracts subject to this qualification or earlier versions of this qualification requirement since fiscal year 2000.

When a product is submitted for department of State qualification testing, the product manufacturer must provide any information that may be requested of the manufacturer before testing will begin. The manufacturer must arrange, schedule, and pay for the independent testing. Independent testing facilities are approved by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Physical Security Programs, Physical Security Division (DS/PSP/PSD). Certification testing must be witnessed by a member of the DS/PSP/PSD.

The standards and requirements that a potential manufacturer (or its product) must satisfy in order to become qualified are found in the following documents:

• Department of State (DOS) standard
• SD-STD-02.01(latest revision)
• Specification for Vehicle Crash Test of Perimeter Barriers and Gates and 12 FAH 5, Foreign Affairs Handbook

Effective February 1, 2009, the United States Department of State (DOS) will no longer be certifying anti-ram barriers under it's current Anti-ram barrier standard, STD-02.01 Revision A dated March 2003. Beginning February 1, 2009, DOS will evaluate only new anti-ram barriers tested under ASTM F2656-07 Standard Test Method for Vehicle Crash Testing of Perimeter Barriers for the selection and approval for use at DOS facilities. The only barriers considered will be those with an ASTM F2656-07 rating of M30 P1, M40 P1, and M50 P1. Furthermore, DOS will only consider barriers in which the impact point has been chosen or agreed to by the DOS. As stated in ASTM F2656-07, failure to consult with DOS regarding the impact point may jeopardize the eligibility of the barrier to be installed at DOS facilities. DOS will no longer issue anti-ram barrier certification letters for tests performed after February 28, 2009. Any tests successfully performed on or before January 31, 2009 will be considered eligible for the issuance of a DOS certification letter. Upon issuance of the last certification letter, DOS will publish the last List of DOS Certified Anti-Ram barriers sometime in early 2009. DOS is currently transitioning to an internal approved barrier list. This list will be a subset of all current and future barriers that meet the ASTM F2656-07 and/or STD-02.01 Revision A dated March 2003 test criteria. Barriers placed on this new list will be selected specifically for DOS facilities based on newly developed in-house critieria. Barriers will be added and removed from this new internal approved list as facility needs warrant. DOS wishes to thank the testing facilities, barrier manufacturers, and members of ASTM in their successful efforts in transitioning the DOS anti-ram test procedure into a self-regulated International Standard.