The Transportation Security Administration’s Innovation Task Force (ITF), the agency’s arm that evaluates systems and technologies that may or not be ready for prime time, is installing a “Future Checkpoint” in a TSA testing facility to do technology integration, rapid prototyping and evaluation of new capabilities that could eventually be evaluated at airport checkpoints.
The ITF also said that in addition to the opening of the Future Checkpoint in the near future at the TSA Systems Integration Facility (TSIF), it will soon release a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for technologies at lower readiness levels—four and above—that can be demonstrated at the Future Checkpoint space.
Typically, the ITF evaluates technologies and capabilities at higher technology readiness levels so that they can more easily integrate with existing operations in a live airport environment.
“By allowing vendors the freedom to demonstrate their solutions without the typical constraints of the existing security structure and operations, this solicitation expands the opportunity for solutions with the potential to transform TSA’s security capabilities and enhance the Transportation Security Officer and passenger experience,” the ITF says in a quarterly update.
The ITF also says that this summer it will reopen its ACE Innovation Checkpoint that it developed with McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The checkpoint has gone through some remodeling during the pandemic and upon reopening TSA and the airport will showcase various innovative technologies, including computed tomography-based carry-on baggage scanners integrated with Automated Security Lanes, digital signage totems, customer movement analytics, and enhanced advanced imaging technology body scanners.
The ITF in March at Reagan Washington National Airport also began assessing testing of technology that uses ultraviolet (UV-C) light to disinfect airport checkpoint bins. The ITF is assessing two different models at two checkpoints at the airport and expects the equipment won’t impact screening times or checkpoint screening processes.
The UV-C system expose the bins to the light as rollers advance them through the standalone conveyor belt system.
TSA last year expressed its interest in UV-C technology to disinfect bins amid the surging COVID-19 pandemic.
TSA has done laboratory testing of UV-C light to evaluate the dosage, safety, and processing times and plans further assessments to determine if the systems can attain the required dosage and reduce the pathogens on the bins.