Homeland Security: DHS and TSA Continue to Face Challenges Developing and Acquiring Screening Technologies Page: 6 of 21
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passenger aircraft.7 In response to the December 25, 2009, attempted
terrorist attack on Northwest Airlines Flight 253, TSA revised its
procurement and deployment strategy for AIT, commonly referred to as
full-body scanners, increasing the number of AIT units it planned to
procure and deploy. TSA stated that AIT provides enhanced security
benefits compared with walk-through metal detectors, such as enhanced
detection capabilities for identifying nonmetallic threat objects and liquids.
In July 2011, TSA began installing ATR software on deployed AIT
systems designed to address privacy concerns by eliminating passenger-
specific images. As of May 2013, TSA had deployed about 750 AIT
systems to more than 200 airports, most of which were equipped with
ATR software. In January 2012, we issued a classified report on TSA's
procurement and deployment of AIT that addressed the extent to which
(1) TSA followed DHS acquisition guidance when procuring AIT and (2)
deployed AIT units are effective at detecting threats. Pursuant to the FAA
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, TSA was mandated to ensure
that all AIT systems used to screen passengers are equipped with and
employ ATR software by June 1, 2012.8 Consistent with provisions of the
law, TSA subsequently extended this deadline to June 1, 2013.9
7See Pub. L. No. 107-71, 115 Stat. 597 (2001). For purposes of this testimony,
"commercial passenger aircraft" refers to a U.S.- or foreign-flagged air carrier operating
under TSA-approved security programs with regularly scheduled passenger operations to
or from a U.S. airport.
8See Pub. L. No. 112-95, 826, 126 Stat. 11, 132-33 (2012) (codified at 49 U.S.C.
44901(1)).
90n March 26, 2013, TSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal
Register soliciting public comment on the use of AIT as a primary means for screening
passengers. See 78 Fed. Reg. 18,287 (Mar. 26, 2013).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/m1/6/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.