On July 14, the Security Manufacturers Coalition (SMC) released a new report that addresses the need for investments in next generation technologies as a key part of efforts to get our country flying again and accelerate the post COVID-19 economy. The report titled “Enhancing Security Effectiveness in A COVID-19 Contactless Environment” emphasizes the importance of the aviation sector to our way of life, facilitating commerce, and connecting American families, and presents recommendations for enhancing security operations and instituting measures to protect Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and the traveling public from COVID-19 exposure. 

Our airports are the gateway to the world and to increased economic progress. Prior to COVID-19, TSA screened nearly one billion passengers annually. TSA’s security mission has become more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. To respond effectively, Congress and the Administration must act with bold investments in enhanced screening technologies so we can preserve our way of life and protect the traveling public and our frontline TSA employees.  

The SMC’s report and recommendations address evolving threats to the aviation sector including health risks related to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the persistent threat of terrorism. These investments will provide TSA with the resources to develop security lanes that will reduce passenger “touch rates”, increase social distancing, and protect the women and men of the TSA. Further, investing in and deploying advanced security technologies will make passenger screening operations more effective against terrorist threats and more efficient by lowering false alarm rates and increasing passenger throughput.

“Security equipment plays a critical role in keeping our airports and the traveling public safe and secure. As we counter terrorist threats with cutting edge technology, now those same innovations can be used to protect the health and safety of TSA professionals and passengers.” said Kevin Schmidt, chairman of the SMC. 

The following are key recommendations and funding paths addressed in the report.

Recommended Funding Priorities  

·    Checkpoint Computed Tomography (CT)  

·    Remote Screening Technology

·    Passenger Screening Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)

·    Checked Baggage Explosive Detection Systems (EDS)

·    Investments in Virus Spread Prevention Measures 

·    Increased acquisition staffing and testing improvements 

Recommended Funding Sources 

·    Return to TSA the entire amount of Passenger Security Fee collections to support aviation security measures  

·    Stimulus funding to support the TSA industrial base and ensure security posture aligned with current threats 

·    Increase FY21 budget request