WASHINGTON, D.C. In an effort to enhance inspection ofbreak-bulk air cargo, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), thisweek began an Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of explosives detectiondevices at several commercial air cargo-handling facilities.
Testing began this week at three airports including, Atlanta Hartsfield-JacksonInternational Airport (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), andMiami International Airport (MIA). TSA will expand the program to includeair cargo facilities at Ted Steven Anchorage International Airport (ANC), LosAngeles International Airport (LAX), and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)in the near future.
"A key component of TSA's risk-based threat-managed approach to aircargo security is our ability to utilize the latest technologies to screenhigher risk cargo," stated Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN (Ret.), AssistantSecretary of Homeland Security for Transportation Security Administration. "This test further enhances our security regime at these crucialshipping hubs and takes us one step closer to our goal of screening 100 percentof higher risk goods."
During the two-month evaluation, TSA will analyze the use of ExplosivesDetection Systems, currently used in airports to screen checked bags, forscreening break-bulk cargo. Break-bulk cargo, so named for non-palletizeditems that could later be consolidated on a pallet or in a container, commonlyconsists of lightweight manufactured components, individual packages and smallparcels.
The OT&E is one of many initiatives included in TSA's Air Cargo StrategicPlan. The plan outlines steps the agency will take to achieve its goal ofscreening 100 percent of higher-risk cargo. Initiatives already in placeinclude an enhanced Known-Shipper Database that allows TSA to determine risk,random inspections of foreign and domestic cargo, and an investment of $55million in fiscal year 2004 to research new technologies.
TSA purchased the explosives screening equipment for use by Alaska, American,Delta and United Airlines.