Airport Passenger Screening: Backscatter X-Ray Machines

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations intends to award a sole source contract to the National Academy of Sciences to assemble a committee tasked with reviewing existing studies and current procedures used by DHS and equipment manufacturers for estimating radiation exposure from backscatter x-ray advanced imaging technology systems employed in airport passenger screening. The committee will evaluate whether the radiation exposure levels adhere to applicable health and safety standards for both public and occupational settings. Additionally, the committee will assess the appropriateness of system design features, such as safety interlocks, as well as operating and maintenance procedures, to ensure they effectively prevent overexposure to ionizing radiation of both travelers and system operators. This contract, identified as RSEN-13-00004 and associated with NAICS code 541712, will not address legal, cultural, or privacy concerns related to the technology. The notice serves informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation; no competitive offers will be requested or considered. The Department of Homeland Security reserves the discretion to proceed without competition under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. The contract administration will be managed by the Contract Administration Services Division in Washington, DC, with designated points of contact provided for further inquiries.