The South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) signed a unique Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) to establish a test bed for emerging security technologies at Atlantic City International Airport.
The agreement will allow the Laboratory to work in partnership with the SJTA to evaluate and develop technology prototypes, procedures and processes in the developmental stage to ensure that they work in the hands of those who keep travelers safe.
"The Laboratory's participation in this collaborative effort also strengthens our ability to refine security solutions that can be placed in the hands of the people responsible for protecting our nation against threats of terrorism." - Dr. Susan Hallowell, Director, Transportation Security Laboratory
"Atlantic City International Airport will become a unique test bed for the DHS Science and Technology Directorate to garner feedback on security solutions early enough in the R&D cycle to allow us to provide guidance to our industry partners on how to package technology into a user-friendly, passenger-friendly system," said Dr. Susan Hallowell, director of the Transportation Security Laboratory.
New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, in acknowledging the importance of developing new technologies, stated, "The Agreement will also promote the SJTA's goal to provide safe and efficient transportation to the traveling public by making South Jersey a unique, invaluable resource for the testing of ways to keep travelers secure."
The first activity that will result from this agreement will be the field test of a prototype shoe screening device. Passengers going through the baggage claim at Atlantic City International Airport will be asked to walk through the machine to assess how it performs in an airport setting. "This agreement provides the Laboratory with a golden opportunity to gather 'real world' data and feedback to the technology developers," said Hallowell. "The Laboratory's participation in this collaborative effort also strengthens our ability to refine security solutions that can be placed in the hands of the people responsible for protecting our nation against threats of terrorism," she added.
Future activities resulting from this collaboration will involve other SJTA aviation and non-aviation venues, and will include passenger screening, biometrics, and cargo security technologies. "The close proximity to the TSL research and development operations at the FAA allows the SJTA to partner in the advancement and delivery of the latest technologies to enhance security operations for commerce and the traveling public," said SJTA Chairman Kris Kolluri.
The idea of bringing together the unique resources of the Transportation Security Laboratory with the excellent, user-friendly operation at Atlantic City International Airport (located adjacent to the Laboratory) was hatched by Hallowell and DHS Under Secretary for Science & Technology (S&T) Jay Cohen. "This agreement creates a natural partnership that allows S&T to work closely with South Jersey in an operational environment to develop technology and test next-generation equipment," said Cohen. "I want Atlantic City International Airport to become our next generation test bed for superior security solutions," he emphasized.
Hallowell also praised the Transportation Security Administration staff at Atlantic City International Airport for their enthusiastic reception of the partnership idea. "We are thrilled that the Transportation Security officers are willing to provide their valuable feedback for the development of user-friendly equipment," she said.
"The significance in signing this agreement today serves as a legacy for innovative aviation security solutions for years to come," said SJTA Executive Director Bart R. Mueller.
The Transportation Security Laboratory, part of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, is located at the Federal Aviation Administration's William J. Hughes Technical Center, adjacent to Atlantic City International Airport.
The laboratory was established in 1992 for the research, development, and evaluation of aviation security technologies, such as passenger and luggage screening equipment.
More info: Patricia W. Reichenbach, Patricia.Reichenbach@dhs.gov
