Stimulus packageInitial $50 million of stimulus package for airport security awarded
DHS announced the award of the first $50 million out of a total of $1 billion made available by the stimulus package for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); money will fund explosive detection systems and advanced technology X-ray units that will streamline baggage screening at U.S. airports
DHS secretary Janet Napolitano announced Friday initial awards of $50 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for explosive detection systems and advanced technology X-ray units that will streamline baggage screening and enhance security capabilities at airports across the United States. These awards represent the first dollars spent out of a total of $1 billion made available by ARRA for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and reflect the President’s broader commitment to strengthening border and transportation security.
“Investing in these critical airport security technologies demonstrates the Department’s ongoing commitment to using its Recovery Act funds to create jobs while making Americans safer,” said Napolitano. “This Recovery Act funding has enabled the TSA to accelerate its efforts to deploy the latest and most effective technology to airports across the country while simultaneously helping to reinvigorate our economy.”
DHS will purchase 123 reduced-size explosives detection systems from Bedford, Massachusetts-based Reveal Imaging Technologies for approximately $47 million under an existing competitively awarded contract. This technology, which quickly scans bags and analyzes the contents for explosives, will be distributed nationwide and is currently in place at more than 200 airports.
Additionally, the department will purchase 44 advanced technology X-ray units from Torrance, California-based Rapiscan Systems for approximately $3 million under an existing competitively awarded contract. This technology provides a significant increase in detail and sophistication for passengers and carry-on bag screening over single-view X-ray units. The new units can be reprogrammed, allowing the machines to adapt to evolving threats. Approximately 770 units are currently deployed at airports across the nation.
Earlier this year, DHS announced $3.5 billion in DHS and General Services Administration (GSA) ARRA funds devoted to DHS programs. Out of the $1 billion to be spent on TSA aviation security projects, $700 million will be dedicated to checked baggage screening efforts and $300 million will be allocated for checkpoint explosives detection technology.
To learn more about DHS ARRA projects, visit www.dhs.gov/recovery.
