**GAO-10-484T**                      Published: Mar 17, 2010. Publicly Released: Mar 17, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

The attempted bombing of Northwest flight 253 highlighted the importance of detecting improvised explosive devices on passengers. This testimony focuses on (1) the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to procure and deploy advanced imaging technology (AIT), and related challenges; and (2) TSA's efforts to strengthen screening procedures and technology in other areas of aviation security, and related challenges. This testimony is based on related products GAO issued from March 2009 through January 2010, selected updates conducted from December 2009 through March 2010 on the AIT procurement, and ongoing work on air cargo security. For the ongoing work and updates, GAO obtained information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA and interviewed senior TSA officials regarding air cargo security and the procurement, deployment, operational testing, and assessment of costs and benefits of the AIT.

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## Topics

Transportation

Air transportationAirport securityAirportsAviation securityBaggage screeningCargo screeningComputer-assisted passenger screening systemCost effectiveness analysisExplosives detection systemsFederal procurementLife cycle costsOperational testingPassenger screeningPassenger screening systemsRisk assessmentStrategic planningTechnologyCost estimatesProgram implementation

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##### TSA's Aviation Security Efforts

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