Evaluation of the FAA's security equipment integration program

Abstract

In response to recommendations put forth by Vice President Gore's Committee on Aviation Security, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began the acquisition, deployment, and integration of high technology explosive detection equipment into all Category X and Category I airport facilities during the period 1996 to the present. This on-going effort is designed to counter the terrorist threat to aviation security with technologies and procedures designed to prevent, deter, or render ineffective any attempt to sabotage civil aviation. To manage the acquisition and implementation efforts, the FAA formed a unique "partnership-with-industry" resulting in the establishment of the Security Equipment Integrated Product Team (SEIPT). The SEIPT is made up of stakeholder members from many facets of the aviation industry: the major airlines, airport authorities, law enforcement and security personnel, and many functions within the FAA itself. In conjunction with the equipment procurement, installation, and integration, an aggressive evaluation effort has been implemented to verify the operational effectiveness and suitability of COTS/NDI explosives detection equipment when employed in the actual airport environment. This effort has and continues to provide the decision-makers and program stakeholders with information concerning the cost and performance of security equipment items. The security equipment, procedures, and personnel were the factors found to directly affect operational task accomplishment. This paper discusses the development of the dendritic methodology and approach that was formulated for the evaluation effort.