The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) TSA Systems Integration Facility (TSIF) recently hosted TSA Administrator David Pekoske, who met with the local TSA workforce and conducted a virtual town hall meeting.
The facility based in Arlington, Va., possesses a 128,000 square-foot laboratory environment in which TSA performs tests, vulnerability assessments, and risk analysis on emerging checkpoint technologies in a simulated environment – serving as a testing ground for state-of-the-art technologies to be implemented at airport checkpoints.
“TSA is fortunate to have a dedicated laboratory to test new and emerging technologies,” Pekoske said. “In short order, advanced screening technologies have become a top priority for us as a response to the pandemic. The TSIF laboratory has been instrumental in getting solutions tested, vetted, and deployed. It takes teams of TSA staff and industry partners alike working together to ensure the TSA checkpoints are healthy and secure for airline passengers as well as our mission-focused frontline workforce.”
Per the TSA, Pekoske has conducted 21 virtual town hall meetings since March, addressing the agency’s entire workforce via live webstream from airports, the agency’s headquarters, and the TSIF.
Authorities indicated the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated TSA efforts to implement technologies that aid in containing the virus and protecting the workforce and passengers – noting many of the technologies reduce physical contact while enhancing transportation security.