According to a notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website last week, the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, on behalf the Transportation Security Administration has submitted a request for information regarding technology that can be used to screen cargo for human stowaways.
The RFI says that the government is looking for "commercial off-the-shelf technology" that is currently available for screening cargo containers that are large enough to conceal a human.
In addition to being able screen containers made out various types of materials (i.e. wood, plastic, metal, cardboard and fiberglass), the TSA is looking for technology that can be used to scan containers filled with a variety of items including; electronics, machine parts, fish and meats, fresh produce, fresh flowers, printed material, wearing material or miscellaneous durable goods.
Because private screening firms bear most of the cost of purchasing and maintaining this equipment, the RFI says that lifecycle costs of the technology must be minimized. The screening solutions put forth must also as be effective and efficient, with low false alarm rates and higher screening throughput capabilities.
Vendors that want their solutions to be considered are being asked to submit a white paper, consisting of a three to 10 page response that details the technology. For more information, click here to download the full RFI.
