TSA Begins Explosives Detection Screening Test for Break Bulk Cargo at Selected Airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a press release announcing that it began an Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of explosives detection devices at several commercial air cargo-handling facilities during the week of August 23, 2004, in an effort to enhance the inspection of break-bulk cargo.
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(Break-bulk cargo, so named for non-palletized items that could later be consolidated on a pallet or in a container, commonly consists of lightweight manufactured components, individual packages and small parcels.)
TSA states that during the two-month evaluation, it will analyze the use of Explosives Detection Systems (EDS), currently used in airports to screen checked bags, for screening break-bulk cargo.
According to a press release issued by L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc., the company whose EDS was selected by TSA for the test, the objective is to gather data on the use of EDS to inspect break-bulk air cargo to determine if it is feasible and practicable to clear cargo that is flown on commercial aircraft using automated explosives detection technology now used for screening checked passenger baggage.
Testing Began in Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami, to be Expanded to Anchorage, Los Angeles, and Chicago in Near Future
According to TSA, testing began this week at three airports including, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Miami International Airport (MIA).
TSA states that it will also expand the program to include air cargo facilities at Ted Steven Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in the near future.
TSA notes that it purchased the explosives screening equipment for use by Alaska, American, Delta and United Airlines.
Testing Takes TSA Closer to Goal of Screening 100% of Higher Risk Goods
TSA officials state that a key component of their risk-based threat-managed approach to air cargo security is the ability to utilize the latest technologies to screen higher risk cargo and this test further enhances TSA's security regime at crucial shipping hubs and takes TSA one step closer to its goal of screening 100 percent of higher risk goods.
According to TSA, this OT&E is one of many initiatives included in its Air Cargo Strategic Plan which outlines steps the agency will take to achieve its goal of screening 100 percent of higher-risk cargo.
TSA states that initiatives already in place include an enhanced Known-Shipper Database that allows TSA to determine risk, random inspections of foreign and domestic cargo, and an investment of $55 million in fiscal year 2004 to research new technologies.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 11/20/03 news, 03112005, for BP summary of TSA's Air Cargo Strategic Plan. See ITT's Online Archives or 04/22/04 news, 04042210, for BP summary on TSA's implementation of another element of the Air Cargo Strategic Plan in order to enhance its Known Shipper Database.)
TSA press release (dated 08/24/04) available at
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=44&content=09000519800c5ca4.