The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has awarded task orders to Smiths Detection, OSI Systems‘ [OSIS] Rapiscan Systems division, and L-3 Communications [LLL] for the second generation of Advanced Technology (AT) X-Ray systems to screen carry-on bags at the nation’s airports.
Smiths Detection’s initial task order is for $43.4 million, Rapiscan’s for $25.4 million, and L-3’s $8.3 million. The new indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity has a ceiling value of $325 million. All three firms also received an initial guaranteed task order for one system each.
The AT2 systems, as the next-generation of AT X-Ray systems are called, represent a leap forward in capability for TSA at the passenger checkpoint.
According to a TSA notice in the Sept. 14 FebBizOpps.Gov, the AT2 systems provide “new technical capabilities, such as automated detection algorithms, threat image projection, alternate viewing station, bulk explosive algorithms, and expanded threat lists that incorporates emerging threats to aviation security.”
The initial orders are being funded using Recovery Act monies. No deployment schedule has been announced.
Rapiscan and Smiths Detection currently supply TSA with the first generation AT systems under contracts that were first awarded in October 2007. The Rapiscan machine is called the 620DV and the Smith machine the HI-SCAN 6040 aTiX, both of which provide an operator with multiple views of a bag’s contents as it is screened.
TSA also tested L-3’s ACX 6.4 system in 2007 but never awarded the company a production contract for its machine, which at the time only offered a single image view at the time. L-3 has since upgraded the ACX 6.4 to a multi-view configuration, a key feature enabling the development of automatic threat detection algorithms.
TSA had expected by late 2008 to roll out some type of automatic detection capability–possibly just detecting liquids in carry-on bags–in the initial AT X-Ray systems, although developing that capability has proven to be difficult.
For security reasons, TSA would not specify the exact detection capabilities that the AT2 systems will have, other than to say it will provide security officers “with increased capabilities to screen carry-on baggage for potential prohibited or threat items.” An agency spokeswoman adds that the systems will be equipped with a second viewing station, which will streamline the bag check process for officers.
The new awards were expected earlier this year, but were delayed as the companies had to meet new detection standards.
As with the original AT machines, the AT2 machines are touted as providing a pathway for future upgrades in threat detection using sophisticated software algorithms.