TSA needs additional information before procuring next-generation advanced imaging systems technology, GAO has said.
It said TSA does not collect or analyze available information that could be used to enhance the effectiveness of the advanced imaging technology (AIT)with automated target recognition (ATR) systems.
Specifically, TSA does not collect or analyze available data on drills using improvised explosive devices at the checkpoint that could provide insight into how well screening officers resolve anomalies because it does not enforce compliance with its operational directive, according to GAO-14-357.
It said personnel at about half of airports with AIT systems did not report any IED checkpoint drill results on those systems from March 2011 – February 2013. (TSA says it is unclear which office should oversee enforcing the directive.)
GAO also found that TSA completed the installation of ATR software upgrades intended to address privacy concerns for all deployed AIT systems, but it has not met proposed milestones for enhancing capabilities as documented in its AIT roadmap.
The agency agreed with recommendations to clarify which office should oversee its operational directive, better measure system effectiveness, and develop a realistic schedule before procuring future generations.
