Mission Need
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) relies on rigorous, independent testing and evaluation to ensure its security systems perform as intended and are ready for operational use. The Acceptance Testing Support Services (ATSS) team conducts acceptance testing for checkpoint and baggage screening systems, maintains test articles and provides critical logistics support. The Operational Test Support Services (OTSS) team delivers operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for TSA and DHS programs agency wide.
To enable TSA’s Independent Test Agent mission, SAIC teams support TSA’s ability to plan, execute, analyze and report on key acquisitions. These services play a supporting but critical role in ensuring TSA’s systems are mission-ready and capable of safeguarding the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
Solution
To make sure security systems are ready for field deployment, TSA leverages SAIC’s comprehensive testing, evaluation and support services:
- TSA validates the readiness of checkpoint and baggage screening systems through comprehensive acceptance testing conducted by SAIC before deploying at the factory where the systems are built and at the airports where they are used.
- To maintain operational continuity, TSA relies on SAIC to manage and maintain test articles and deliver end-to-end logistics support along with Operational Readiness Testing support for the next phase of testing.
- For key acquisition programs, TSA executes OT&E with planning, analysis and reporting support from SAIC, covering transportation security equipment and enterprise IT systems.
- To strengthen cybersecurity at airports, TSA engages SAIC to conduct testing of checkpoint systems at multiple domestic locations, proactively identifying cyber risks.
- In collaboration with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partners, TSA initiates cybersecurity testing of cloud-based enterprise systems, supported by SAIC in coordination with the DHS Office of Chief Information Officer, Network Operations Security Center and Office of the Chief Financial Officer teams.
- To enhance detection dog training and evaluation, TSA deployed realistic canine decoys across 60 airports including CONUS, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska with logistics support from SAIC.
- By coordinating across TSA and DHS stakeholders, SAIC helps accelerate the fielding of innovative technologies and security enhancements aligned with TSA’s strategic priorities.
Mission Impact
With trusted support from SAIC, TSA improves the safety and reliability of the systems that protect the nation’s transportation infrastructure. Rigorous testing and evaluation help TSA to identify vulnerabilities early, validate performance under real-world conditions and ensure technologies are fully mission-ready before they are deployed at scale.
These efforts enable TSA to address emerging threats more quickly and deploy new capabilities with greater assurance. From advancing cybersecurity testing of airport and enterprise systems to supporting detection dog training at 60 airports, TSA has taken a deliberate, forward-looking approach to strengthening airport security nationwide.
SAIC’s independent testing, logistics and evaluation services help TSA uphold its critical mission: protecting the freedom of movement for people and commerce while maintaining a secure and resilient transportation system.
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