Presented at the Workshop on Research for Aviation Security

• 11 pages
• For Official Use Only
• June 11, 2010

Homemade Explosives are a focal point of TSA security efforts

• TSA must maintain a robust and adaptable capability to detect a wide range of explosives materials specified by the Intelligence Community (IC) as potential terrorist-borne (suicide) or emplaced (leave-behind) threats to commercial aviation that can cause catastrophic damage
• Threat objects include a wide variety of military, commercial, and homemade explosives or explosives devices
• TSA is conducting research to fully characterize HMEs and how they work
• Screening procedures and systems must be effective in identifying threats while at the same time facilitating speedy passenger travel and movement of goods
• Screening cargo for threats is an increased focus – there is a 100% cargo screening mandate TSA must meet and publication of a QTL for cargo by August 2010

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Current technology procurement priorities for TSA

• Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) – TSA plans to use systems in the primary position, eventually replacing metal detectors
• TSA must balance security and privacy and be mindful of protecting our citizens’ civil rights in the security process
• Advanced Technology (AT) X-Ray – next generation of x-ray which provides a high-resolution, multi-dimension view of carry-on baggage
• TSA must work to increase security and reduce passenger wait times by allowing passengers to keep liquids and laptops in bags and increase overall efficiency
• Explosives Detection Systems (EDS) – TSA has over 1200 certified EDS systems in use nationwide
• TSA is working with a highly aggressive procurement schedule to deploy new EDS systems capable of detecting new and emerging threats

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