99 -- Shoe Screener System

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS/S&T) is interested in identifying potential vendors with prototype Shoe Screener systems for Government- conducted laboratory assessment. TSA is interested in establishing a Qualified Products Listing (QPL) as a method to regulate equipment used in Registered Traveler (RT) services provided by a commercial security provider to supplement and/or expedite passenger processing through airport checkpoints. S&T is conducting market research in support of this TSA future need and anticipates releasing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify sources for prototype systems that are sufficiently mature for laboratory assessment. System maturity should be Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or 7 defined as System/Subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. In other words, the system should be suitable for field testing by a typical Transportation Security Operator (TSO) at a commercial airport. The preliminary goals for a Shoe Screener have been coordinated with TSA/CTO and will be incorporated in a Technical Requirements Document (TRD) as part of the RFI to industry. TSA and S&T are interested in a system capable of detecting a wide variety of military, commercial and home made explosives that may be concealed in commercially available shoes (or any type of foot-wear). The system should be capable of detecting explosives, either concealed in shoes or traces of explosives on passenger shoes or legs to a height of 18 inches from the floor without the passenger having to remove their shoes. The Government anticipates establishing a Bailment agreement with each industry participant prior to delivery of any prototype system for lab assessment. A sample Bailment agreement will be included with the RFI. Companies will be provided access to testing data but not the Government assessment of their system. Testing data may be determined to be Sensitive Security Information (SSI) or may even be classified in accordance with appropriate Government Security Classification Guidance documents. US citizenship is a prerequisite to receiving SSI. Vendors that may be interested in responding to this RFI are requested to notify the S&T contracting officer, Ms. SusanKelly Haskett at202 254-6897.