TSA Awards $128 Million Contract To Improve Airport Security Checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is awarding an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued up to $128 million to Idemia Identity and Security USA, LLC for the second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) systems and support services at TSA security checkpoints, the agency announced on Tuesday.

“These systems substantially improve identity verification, validate the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credential, confirm pre-screening status and validate flight reservations,” TSA said in a release.

“The second-generation CAT-2 systems allow for automated identity verification with an integrated camera for biometric and self-service capabilities,” officials added. “This new contract with Idemia will enable TSA to test, manufacture, procure and deploy over 1,500 new CAT-2 systems to airport security checkpoints nationwide.”

The investment is another welcome one for travelers as the agency works to improve the screening process at airports across the country, enhancing safety as well as the passenger experience. Earlier this month, TSA announced it had ordered over $1 billion worth of Computed Tomography (CT) scanners for deployment across U.S. airport checkpoints.

“TSA continues to partner with industry, airlines and airports to raise the bar for airport security technology standards that significantly improve the airline traveler experience,” TSA concluded.