**GAO-12-163**                      Published: Oct 21, 2011. Publicly Released: Oct 31, 2011.                  

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## Highlights

International flights bound for the United States continue to be targets of terrorist activity, as demonstrated by the October 2010 discovery of explosive devices in air cargo packages bound for the United States from Yemen. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for securing the nation's civil aviation system, which includes ensuring the security of U.S.-bound flights. As requested, GAO evaluated (1) the steps TSA has taken to enhance its foreign airport assessment program since 2007, and any remaining program challenges; (2) TSA's assessment results, including how TSA uses the results to guide future efforts; and (3) what opportunities, if any, exist to enhance the program. To conduct this work, GAO reviewed foreign airport assessment procedures and results, interviewed TSA and foreign aviation security officials, and observed TSA conduct a foreign airport assessment. While these interviews and observations are not generalizable, they provided insights on TSA's program. This is the public version of a sensitive report GAO issued in September, 2011. Information that TSA deemed sensitive has been omitted.

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## Topics

Homeland Security

Access controlAirport securityAirportsAviationAviation securityBaggage screeningBest practicesCargo screeningDatabasesForeign governmentsHomeland securityInspectionInternational cooperationInternational relationsNoncompliancePassenger screeningPerformance measuresPrioritizingProgram evaluationProgram managementRisk managementSecurity assessmentsStandardsTechnical assistanceTerrorismForeign countriesAssessmentsSecurity operationsSecurity standards