Request for Information (RFI) – TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP) - Creating the TSA Checkpoint of the Future Integrated Turnkey Solutions

Description

Request for Information (RFI) – TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP)

Title: Creating the TSA Checkpoint of the Future Integrated Turnkey Solutions

RFI: Technology-Integrated Turnkey Screening Solutions for TSA’s Screening Partnership Program (SPP)

Issued by:
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Contracting and Procurement
United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Date Issued:
July 16, 2025

1. Purpose of the RFI

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking information from private-sector entities on the development and deployment of turnkey Screening Partnership Program (SPP) solutions. These solutions should leverage innovative technology, modern operational models, and process design to:

• Enhance aviation security effectiveness
• Reduce total operating costs and workforce requirements
• Improve passenger experience and throughput
• Maintain full compliance with TSA’s performance standards and regulatory oversight

This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). TSA may use the results of this RFI to inform future acquisition strategies and potential pilot programs at select airports.

2. Background

TSA’s Screening Partnership Program (SPP) allows TSA to contract with private screening companies at the request of the airport to provide screening services under TSA’s direction and oversight. While SPP has demonstrated operational flexibility and performance parity, TSA is exploring opportunities to modernize the program by incorporating integrated, technology-forward solutions that:

• Reduce reliance on manual labor
• Incorporate AI-driven threat detection and remote screening
• Improve passenger satisfaction
• Increase adaptability during surge events or staffing constraints

TSA is particularly interested in modular, scalable offerings that can be deployed across a range of airport sizes and layouts.

3. Objectives

TSA seeks industry input on turnkey SPP solutions that include:

A. Technology Integration

• AI/ML-driven threat detection for carry-on and checked baggage
• Advanced accessible property, body scanning, alarm resolution, and biometric ID verification tools
• On and office premise remote screening and centralized image review centers
• Integration with TSA PreCheck®, mobile apps, and digital ID platforms
• Integration with existing screening equipment as necessary to facility safe and secure screening operations
• Alignment with, or recommended revisions to, existing TSA guideline documents pertaining to checked baggage and checkpoint designs
• Cloud-based command and control dashboards with real-time analytics, predictive analytics, and business intelligence data

B. Workforce Optimization

• Innovative staffing models that reduce headcount while maintaining performance standards
• Use of automation and robotics to assist with passenger and baggage handling
• Cross-training strategies to enhance flexibility and reduce redundancies

C. Passenger Experience

• Queuing and flow management solutions that reduce wait times
• Integration with Airport/Airline applications and/or airport displays to have real-time wait-time information
• Predictive analytics to allocate resources based on passenger volume
• Contactless screening and check-in or bag drop technologies
• Transparent privacy and opt-in features for biometric technologies

D. Contracting and Operational Models

• Turnkey delivery of SPP services: technology, personnel, and operations
• Proposed contracting structures (e.g., fixed-price, performance-based, concession models, or equipment lease structure)
• Recommendations for data ownership, security, and compliance protocols
• Recommendations for technology ownership, life-cycle systems engineering responsibilities, and life-cycle logistics and sustainment concepts.
• Concepts for cost-sharing or innovation financing with airport authorities

4. Requested Information

Respondents are encouraged to provide the following:

• Company Information: Name, contact, size, country of origin, and relevant experience with airport screening or security technology.
   
• Solution Overview: Describe your integrated screening concept. Include high-level architecture and unique differentiators. Solutions may include entire checkpoints and/or fully set up/staffed lanes within the checkpoint(s).
   
• Technology Components: Please provide detailed information about the hardware and software included in your solution. Specify if any components are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or proprietary systems. Indicate whether any of your solutions are TSA certified or TSA Qualified. Additionally, mention if any of your solutions have been piloted, demonstrated, or assessed by TSA in the past.

• For a list of TSA-approved technologies for purchase or donation, visit the TSA Equipment Donation website and review the Capability Acceptance Process Acceptable Capability List.

• Workforce Model: Outline your proposed staffing approach, automation strategy, and efficiency gains.
• Security & Compliance: Describe how your solution meets TSA performance standards (throughput & wait times), security requirements, SSI & cybersecurity controls, passenger experience metrics, and equipment certifications.

• Deployment Model: Provide a sample rollout plan, scalability strategy, and any past deployment case studies.

• Logistics Support Model: Provide a sample Integrated Logistics Support Plan (ILSP) that addresses key ILS elements include design interface, supply support, maintenance planning and management, packaging, handling, storage, and transportation (PHS&T), technical data, support equipment, technician staffing, and sustaining engineering to ensure equipment is maintained and technology is upgraded to address obsolescence, address emerging threats.  Provide projected equipment Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RMA) metrics resulting from the ILSP and describe how projected RMA levels support the ability to meet performance standards (throughput / wait time), security requirements, and automated equipment status reporting. 

• Cost Considerations: Share notional cost comparisons across small, medium, and large-sized airports. Costs must include maintenance at the frequency required to meet TSA's requirements for system reliability, availability, and repair time vs. current TSA screening models (if available).
   
• Implementation Barriers: Highlight any regulatory, legal, or policy challenges TSA should address.
   
• Feedback to TSA: Provide recommendations on how TSA can better support industry innovation through SPP.

5. Submission Instructions

Responses must be submitted via email to Phillip Smith (phillip.smith1@tsa.dhs.gov) and Daniel Adams (daniel.adams1@tsa.dhs.gov) no later than August 1, 2025. Attach all documents in PDF or Word format, limited to 20 pages.

Questions should be submitted by July 25, 2025.

6. Disclaimer

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. TSA is under no obligation to award a contract or issue a subsequent solicitation. Respondents will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response to this RFI.

7. Table of Resources

Checkpoint Requirements and Planning Guide (CRPG)

• Purpose: Communicates current checkpoint design standards for qualified technologies.
• Content: Information and planning considerations for emerging technologies anticipated to be qualified soon. Guidelines for locating equipment within the checkpoint to ensure the highest level of security screening and efficiency from the queue through the composure area.
• Access: Visit the TSA website or contact TSA for more information.

Planning Guidelines and Design Standards (PGDS)

• Purpose: Presents TSA’s requirements and best practices for implementing a high-performance and cost-effective Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS).
• Content: Requirements for a CBIS project from the initial design stages through the commissioning of the system.
• Access: Visit Checked Baggage Planning Guidelines and Design Standards for more information.

Acceptable Capability List (ACL)

• Purpose: Serves as TSA’s official list of Capabilities or Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) that TSA can accept from donors for operational use.
• Content: A living document that includes all Capabilities currently able to be donated to TSA based on the approval of applicable phases of the DHS Acquisition Lifecycle Framework.
• ·Access: Visit  Acceptable Capability List for more information

8. TSA Point of Contact

Phillip Smith

Contracting Officer

Contracting and Procurement

phillip.smith1@tsa.dhs.gov