Testing Technology
that fewer large devices are more effective
overall than more smaller devices. Without
the quantitative data provided by the MOEs
and MOSs, these types of cost-benefit
exercises could not be conducted.
These test activities are generally
conducted by independent third-party
contractors. Independence is a critical
factor as it ensures objectivity in the test
results. National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe
Skies) is one such organisation that
performs operational testing using Federal
Aviation Administration and TSA funds.
Being a non-profit organisation that does
not make, sell, or promote any product or
service, the TSA and the technology vendor
can trust that Safe Skies’ reports are not
biased toward either party’s interests.
Most aviation security testing activities
are funded by congressionally appropriated
funds specifically designated for
“Research, Development, Test &
Evaluation.” These funds are distributed
amongst the appropriate federal agencies
to provide for the programmes under their
mandate. In 2007, the TSA’s budget for
“providing civil aviation security services”
was in excess of $4.7 billion (though this
A Safe Skies test engineer collects data on the TSA's secondary screening covers various aspects, such as
pat-down process installations, personnel, etc.) DHS-S&T’s
budget for Research and Development was
question. “Will the system be safe to whether the device fits into the existing about $88.6 million.
operate in an airport environment?” checkpoint configuration without major T&E processes are event- rather than
Testing parameters and measures are then renovation), the TSA would probably find schedule-driven, which allows for realistic
defined to answer this specific question as
either an MOE or MOS.
An MOE, or Measure of Effectiveness, is
the degree to which a technology performs
its intended function when used in its
target environment by its representative
end users. An example of this may be a
device’s throughput, i.e., how many bags
an X-ray device can process per hour. An
MOS, or Measure of Suitability is the
degree to which a system can be deployed
satisfactorily in the field. Measures for this
might include a device’s failure rates and
any compatibility issues.
When all deployment parameters are
effectively weighted – the technical
operational factors as assessed by the
MOEs and MOSs, as well as administrative
and budgetary concerns – the TSA will be
more inclined to pursue a particular
technology for deployment. A well-balanced
system will be as cost-effective as it is
security effective. For example, the TSA
could purchase multiple inexpensive X-ray
systems that collectively achieve the same
throughput as one super-pricey device. If TSA personnel and Safe Skies pilot the concept of swabbing passengers' hands
integration issues are considered (i.e., and shoes for explosives residue
12 April 2008 Aviationsecurityinternational
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