A Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) provides drug and alcohol testing program management services for DOT-regulated employers. Services typically include: maintaining the random testing pool, performing random selections using scientifically valid methods, scheduling collections, coordinating with MROs and SAPs, managing Clearinghouse queries and reporting, maintaining records, and ensuring regulatory compliance. C/TPAs are especially important for small employers and owner-operators who cannot economically maintain their own testing programs. Under 49 CFR Part 40, the employer remains ultimately responsible for compliance even when using a C/TPA.