Homeland Security: DHS and TSA Continue to Face Challenges Developing and Acquiring Screening Technologies Page: 3 of 21
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A Ok U.S. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20548
Chairman Hudson, Ranking Member Richmond, and members of the
committee:
I am pleased to be here today to discuss our work examining the
Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to develop and
acquire new technologies to address homeland security needs. Within the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), TSA is responsible for securing
the nation's transportation systems. TSA's acquisition programs represent
billions of dollars in life cycle costs and support a wide range of aviation
security missions and investments, including technologies used to screen
passengers, checked baggage, and air cargo, among others. For
example, technologies used to screen passengers include advanced
imaging technology (AIT), commonly referred to as full-body scanners,
that screen passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats such as
weapons, explosives, and other objects concealed under layers of
clothing, and passenger screening canines trained to detect explosives
being carried or worn by passengers.1 In addition, technologies used to
screen checked baggage include explosives detection systems (EDS),
which use X-rays with computer-aided imaging to automatically measure
the physical characteristics of objects in baggage.2 Consistent with its
responsibility, TSA establishes requirements for testing and deploying
these technologies to, for example, screen airline passengers and their
property.
Since 2010, we have reported that DHS and TSA have experienced
challenges in managing their multibillion-dollar acquisition efforts,
including implementing technologies that did not meet intended
requirements and were not appropriately tested and evaluated, and not
consistently completing analyses of costs and benefits before
technologies were deployed for operational use. As requested, my
testimony provides an update on that work, including (1) the extent to
which TSA has addressed challenges relating to developing and meeting
program requirements, testing new screening technologies, and
1 Although canines are not considered a technology, they have been included in this
testimony as one of the layers TSA relies on to screen passengers, baggage, and air
cargo for explosives odor.
2An EDS automatically triggers an alarm when objects that exhibit the physical
characteristics of explosives are detected.GAO-13-469T
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United States. Government Accountability Office. Homeland Security: DHS and TSA Continue to Face Challenges Developing and Acquiring Screening Technologies, text, May 8, 2013; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc302906/m1/3/?q=technical+manual: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.