TSA is increasing procurement and deployment of the advanced imaging technology, but challenges to this effort and other areas of aviation security remain

654122094PDFTech ReportGAO-10-484TAir transportationAir transportation policyPassenger securitySecurityPassenger handlingBaggageBaggage screeningPassenger screeningAviation lawUnited StatesUnited States. Government Accountability OfficeLord, SteveUnited States. Government Accountability OfficeUnited States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security. Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure ProtectionNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Planning and PolicyNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Laws and RegulationsNTL-AVIATION-Airports and FacilitiesNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessUS Transportation CollectionThe attempted bombing of Northwest flight 253 highlighted the importance of detecting improvised explosive devices on passengers. This testimony focuses on (1) the Transportation Security Administration\u2019s (TSA) efforts to procure and deploy advanced imaging technology (AIT), and related challenges; and (2) TSA\u2019s efforts to strengthen screening procedures and technology in other areas of aviation security, and related challenges. This testimony is based on related products GAO issued from March 2009 through January 2010, selected updates conducted from December 2009 through March 2010 on the AIT procurement, and ongoing work on air cargo security. For the ongoing work and updates, GAO obtained information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA and interviewed senior TSA officials regarding air cargo security and the procurement, deployment, operational testing, and assessment of costs and benefits of the AIT