Special Notice - Update to TSA Qualification Process for Explosive Detection Systems

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated its qualification process for Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), eliminating the previously required Certification Readiness Testing (CRT) to expedite the deployment of advanced security technology. Although CRT is no longer mandatory for qualification, it remains available for development purposes, and vendors are encouraged to collaborate closely with the Explosives Division of the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) to prepare their systems for certification testing. Should an EDS system fail certification, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) must submit a fully revised data package and will face a waiting period before being eligible to resubmit for certification. The contract notice, titled "Special Notice - Update to TSA Qualification Process for Explosive Detection Systems," was posted on October 25, 2013, by the Department of Homeland Security's Contracting and Procurement Office located in Springfield, VA, with performance in Arlington, VA. Points of contact include Contracting Officer Matthew C. Ashurst and Contract Specialist Kirsten M. O’Brien, both available for vendor inquiries. An updated presentation detailing the revised qualification process is available, and questions regarding the changes can be submitted to the Contracting Officer, with responses disseminated through a formal question tracker system.