The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is turning towards the private sector for help in transforming all aspects of the air travel process, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for “turnkey solutions” at airport security checkpoints.
Companies and other respondents are encouraged to submit proposals by August 1 to be considered.
Following the end of the shoes-off policy, the TSA in the Trump Administration is reviewing all aspects of the security checkpoint process. Other changes are expected, and frequent travelers have a comprehensive list of changes they hope the TSA will implement, such as allowing laptops to remain in carry-ons during security screening.
Yet the TSA is no longer just changing the rules for how passengers go through security checkpoints before boarding their aircraft; it hopes to change how airport security functions entirely.
According to the release, the TSA hopes to implement private sector solutions to reduce operating costs and manual labor, “incorporate AI-driven threat detection and remote screening, optimize workforce capabilities through automation or robotics for passenger and baggage screening,” and more.
Detractors of the new RFI could argue that the Administration is seeking to privatize the TSA by replacing TSA security personnel and other airport employees with privately owned robots, automation, or AI that the TSA would then pay a company to provide and maintain.
They could also argue that the use of AI in the security process could put their personal information at risk, as current security checkpoint regulations require the verification of personal identification information.
“TSA is constantly looking for innovative private sector solutions to enhance security and improve the passenger experience at TSA checkpoints,” said TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill.
“Homeland Security Secretary Noem recently announced TSA’s elimination of the mandate for passengers to remove their shoes,” continued Acting Administrator Nguyen McNeill. “This effort will continue to drive a golden age of travel for future innovations by allowing private sector organizations to submit ideas or solutions that will help make airport screening faster, more secure, and easier on the traveling public.”
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