TSA Air Cargo Screening Qualification Test

I. INTRODUCTION The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to announce a redesigned Air Cargo Screening Qualification Test (ACSQT) process for qualifying air cargo screening devices and equipment for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who wish to qualify their screening technology for use by regulated parties prior to conveying cargo aboard commercial passenger aircraft. This RFI replaces and supersedes RFI # HSTS04-12-SSN-CT5513, including all its amendments. II. BACKGROUND As outlined in Public Law 110-53, Section 1609 [2] mandates that 100% of air cargo uploaded on passenger aircraft must be screened at a security level commensurate with passenger baggage. In response to this law, TSA manages a Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) that permits the screening of air cargo by regulated screening entities, including indirect air carriers, freight forwarders, shippers and independent facilities. To meet these regulatory responsibilities, the Capabilities Assessment and Qualification (CAQ) branch that resides within the Intermodal Division of the Office of Requirements and Capabilities Analysis (ORCA) evaluates screening equipment and publishes a list of qualified systems, known as the Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL). Regulated parties that choose to use technology-based screening systems must purchase and use only those systems listed on the ACSTL to screen air cargo. All systems listed on the ACSTL must comply with the minimum requirements as set forth by TSA screening technology performance specifications for the related technology type. Typically, TSA does not purchase screening equipment that is qualified on the ACSTL as the responsibility for air cargo screening is assigned to private entities. III. RFI OBJECTIVES The three key objectives of this RFI are: 1. Define candidate air cargo screening technology groups being considered by TSA for air cargo screening qualification; 2. Provide an administrative and technical overview of the ACSQT process; and 3. Establish requirements for submitting a white paper proposal under the ACSQT process. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to formally solicit industry participation in the ACSQT process in support of qualifying devices for air cargo screening. TSA encourages interested industry representatives to submit white papers in accordance with specifications listed in Appendix A (ACSQT RFI White Paper Requirements and Templates).