TSA - CheckPoint Property Screening System (CPSS)

An Alternatives Analysis (AA) was conducted on June 14, 2019 to evaluate CPSS technology alternatives that can be implemented in the checkpoint environment against the current baseline AT-2 carry-on screening lane operations. The scenario-based study focused on multiple approved CPSS designs and demonstration pilots to conduct cost effectiveness and sensitivity analyses. In addition, the AA provided and understanding of operational scenarios and feasible threshold requirements. The analysis concluded that since AT/ASL (Advanced Technology/Automated Screening Lanes) has not been able to meet critical effectiveness criteria, the preferred alternative must be CT technology (using factors of effectiveness, suitability and feasibility). The TSA mission capability will be significantly marginalized without this investment. Specifically, potential for mission failure arises from the following key concerns: 1) Risk to passenger safety and commercial aircraft with current existing AT-2 x-ray screening technology limitations 2) Capability gaps will continue to persist 3) Core technology underpinning currently-deployed equipment offering limited opportunities for enhancement, will remain in operation beyond the planned service life 4) Longer-term strategic efforts to optimize carry-on baggage technologies and processes will not be pursued, resulting in barriers to risk-based screening and cybersecurity implementation 5) Ability to automate detection of all threats, both explosives and prohibited items, to maximize security effectiveness and operational efficiencies will not be achieved and 6) Economic harm to the airline industry and diminished passenger satisfaction may arise should excessive wait times be experienced by passengers during seasonal or other rush periods. CPSS, as a follow on to the AT Program and derived from the PSP capstone program does not have a standalone ROI derived from any alternatives analysis studies. The program was established to meet an urgent TSAneed for CT technology in airport checkpoints, with the goal of a one-for-one replacement of the two-dimensional (2D) AT systems with 3D computed tomography (CT) systems to detect a broader range of explosives and improve the passenger experience. The program leveraged a previous ROI analysis conducted under the Passenger Screening Program, where the ROI was calculated as -35%. The CPSS Program does not intend on revisiting ROI at this stage of its Acquisition Lifecycle and will continue to leverage the PSP ROI. Therefore, the ROI of -35% would indicate that Operations and Maintenance (O&M) will likely decrease and external benefits increase, such that 65% of the initial acquisition costs will be recovered and 35% of the initial acquisition cost will not be recovered. The program will not generate any additional return or cost savings, this is due to the fact that investment is in public security, which typically has negative ROI, since the upfront costs are very high and security benefits are hard to monetize. However, the CT investment allows TSA to take advantage of cost savings associated with shipping, installation and maintenance costs, as these are included in the scope of any awarded contract and priced in a competitive environment.

• Total
• Cost Pools